Ireland is brimming with scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and historic landmarks. If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime! From the wildly beautiful landscapes and charming gardens to the rich history, this land will surely captivate your heart and imagination.

With all of this in mind, we’ve compiled a guide to help you plan the perfect trip to the Emerald Isle.

Must Visit Locations in Ireland

Although everyone has their own personal preferences, there are a few spots in Ireland that you certainly don’t want to miss! Each of these is steeped in history, natural beauty, and cultural significance that helps to paint a picture of this beautiful country’s rich heritage.

Trinity College & The Book of Kells

Trinity College in the heart of Dublin is a prestigious educational institution dating back to the 16th century. With notable alumni including Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and ‘Game of Thrones’ directors David Benioff and D.B Weiss, this university is responsible for educating some of Ireland’s best and brightest.

It’s not just the grand architecture that will captivate you; within its historic walls lies the Old Library, home to the famed Book of Kells. This intricately illustrated manuscript, created by Celtic monks over 1200 years ago, is considered the pinnacle of Western illuminated calligraphy. A guided tour of the college and the Book of Kells exhibition is a must.

Did you know? Trinity College is home to the Trinity College Botanic Garden, which was originally planted over 330 years ago as a physic (medicinal) garden for the medical department. It now houses over 4000 species of rare, endangered and unusual plants for research and conservation.

Blarney Castle

Next on your itinerary should be the historic Blarney Castle, a mediaeval stronghold near Cork. The castle’s ruins and massive ancient trees make for a stunning sight, but it’s the legendary Blarney Stone that draws visitors from across the globe. Tradition has it that kissing the stone bestows the gift of eloquence, or as the Irish call it, ‘the gift of the gab’. So, go ahead, lean back and plant a kiss, and see if the legend holds true for you.

Did you know? Blarney is also the home of the infamous ‘Poison Garden,’ which aims to educate visitors about common poisonous plants, as well as the positive uses they can have.

Giant’s Causeway

Situated at the top edge of Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. This UNESCO World Heritage site, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, is made up of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, creating a surreal landscape that looks straight out of a fantasy novel. While exploring the Causeway, don’t miss the chance to learn about the myth of the Irish giant Finn McCool, which adds a touch of mystery to this geological marvel.

Did you know? Most of the basalt columns are hexagonal, but some have four, five, seven or even eight sides. The tallest columns are 12 metres tall!

Cliffs of Moher

Finally, prepare to be mesmerised by the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, where land and sea collide in a breathtaking spectacle. Perched on the West Coast, rising 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs offer a panoramic view of the Irish countryside, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates scenic beauty, the Cliffs of Moher are not to be missed.

Did you know? These cliffs provide an essential nesting ground for over 20 species of cliff-nesting seabirds. Keep an eye out for puffins, razorbills, guillemot and even peregrine falcons!

Ireland’s Best Gardens

If you’re a horticulture enthusiast, Ireland certainly doesn’t disappoint. The rolling green fields host an array of gardens that stand out for their age and unique layouts. Below, you will find three of our favourites!

Kylemore Abbey

The Victorian Walled Garden at Kylemore Abbey, nestled amidst the Connemara mountains, is unmissable. This six-acre garden is divided into many sections: the Kitchen Garden, the Flower Garden, The Herb Garden and the Pleasure Grounds are just some of the highlights. 

The restored Head Gardener’s House and greenhouses take visitors back to the 1800s, giving an insight into the gardens’ original glory. The greenhouses were once filled with exotic fruits and hot-weather plants, a truly remarkable feat given Ireland’s notoriously cold weather. 

Did you know? Kylemore Abbey is home to one of the longest herbaceous borders in Ireland, planted with hundreds of Victorian flower varieties, some of which are no longer available commercially.

Caher Bridge Garden

Next up is the Caher Bridge Garden. Located in the Burren, a notoriously harsh region of the West Coast, it has been transformed into a spectacle of natural beauty. This space is a testament to incorporating existing landscapes into garden design. Its creator, Carl Wright, has beautifully incorporated the nearby Caher River into the garden, with a pond fed by it now hosting native water plants. The stone brick Moongate adds an element of tranquillity and fairytale charm. The restored cottage provides a friendly backdrop to the front and back gardens.

Did you know? The Burren’s name comes from Boirinn, which means ‘rocky district.’ It is an area of around 530 kilometres covered in a succession of limescale plates (called clints), between which there are cracks (called grikes) in which small plants grow.

Ballymaloe Cookery School Garden

Lastly, the Ballymaloe Cookery School Garden will tantalise your taste buds. This 100-acre estate offers more than your average garden stroll. Here, you’ll find over 70 varieties of herbs in their own dedicated space and a Soft Fruit Garden providing locally grown blackcurrants, loganberries, autumn raspberries, and blueberries. The Kitchen Potager is the highlight, with the seasonal produce used directly in the cookery school. This garden is a living, breathing testament to the farm-to-fork philosophy and well worth a visit!

Did you know? These gardens are only a small part of the larger 100-acre organic farm run by Ballymaloe Cookery School. They even raise their own pigs, beef, dairy cows and hens!

Join a Garden Tour of Ireland

The allure of Ireland is undeniable. Its enchanting beauty, steeped in history, and the warm welcome of its people make for a remarkable travel experience. At the same time, it’s essential to remember that every journey requires guidance and planning.

If you’re interested in visiting Ireland but don’t want the hassle of bookings and research, consider taking a garden tour of Ireland with Ross Tours. Our in-depth knowledge and tailored approach make us an exceptional choice for nature and garden enthusiasts.

We offer all-inclusive, guided tours. This means you won’t have to worry about logistics, transportation, accommodation or missing out on hidden gems. Each tour is carefully curated to ensure you experience the best that Ireland has to offer, including access to several private gardens that are not open to the public.

Join our over 25,000 satisfied travellers, and book your garden tour of Ireland with Ross Tours today. If you’d like to learn more about what a garden tour is like, click here to read our blog on the topic. For any other questions, call our friendly team on 1300 233 200. We look forward to taking you to the most beautiful places in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are Ireland’s visa requirements?
A: For non-EU nationals, requirements can vary, so it’s crucial to check the latest information from the Irish Immigration Service. Typically, visitors from Australia don’t need a visa for short stays. However, if you’re planning to stay longer, a visa could be required.

Q: When is the best time to visit Ireland?
A: Ireland’s allure is year-round. If you’re aiming to enjoy the famed Irish landscapes at their greenest, consider visiting between June and August. This period also aligns with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.

Q: What is the currency in Ireland, and where can I exchange my money?
A: The official currency in Ireland is the Euro (€). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, having some cash is always handy for smaller businesses or rural areas. Currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, or dedicated currency exchange offices. However, withdrawing from ATMs could provide better rates. Check with your bank about transaction fees and other details. You should always inform your bank when travelling overseas.

Q: Will I face any language barriers in Ireland?
A: English is widely spoken throughout Ireland, so communication should not pose a problem. However, you might encounter Gaelic Irish, particularly in the Gaeltacht regions. Learning a few phrases can enhance your cultural experience, but it is not essential for navigating the country.