Fancy a summer vacation in Ireland? We don’t blame you! There are so many exciting things to get up to on an Irish summer vacation.
From the bright lights of Dublin to the wild landscapes of Connemara, so many wonderful corners of the country come alive during this season. If you’re looking for holiday ideas, we’ve rounded up the best places for a vacation in Ireland this summer.
10. The Burren, Co. Clare
County Clare is known for its stunning landscapes, but Burren National Park stands out for having some of the area’s most beautiful natural scenery. Its name, “The Burren”, comes from the Irish word Boíreann, meaning “great rock,” and once you set foot on this rugged limestone landscape, you’ll soon see why.
The park is a large area of Carboniferous limestone, with slabs separated by channels formed by water over the years. If you’re wondering where to vacation in Ireland, the Burren is unlike anywhere else. Its vast rocky landscape has an almost otherworldly feel to it.
One of the most unique places to visit in Ireland, the 350-million-year-old limestone once lay beneath tropical seas, and the area is peppered with ancient tombs like the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen, which is one of the top must-see sights in Ireland.
These fascinating standing stones have watched over this rocky wilderness for thousands of years. In the summer, you’ll see delicate wildflowers springing up from the tiniest of crevices between the rocks, creating the most beautiful setting.
To top it off, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark is close, where you will find another of the top things to see in Ireland in summer: The Cliffs of Moher.
9. Dublin City, Co. Dublin
If you’re looking for a bit of city buzz during your Ireland vacation, look no further than Dublin City. Here you’ll find a healthy dose of cultural spots, historical sites, fantastic food and a thriving nightlife scene.
Any vacation to Ireland wouldn’t be complete without wandering through Dublin’s cobblestone streets and discovering its fascinating literary heritage. From the old haunts of James Joyce to traditional music sessions reverberating from the Temple Bar pubs after dark
You can also visit Trinity College’s ancient library and pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, which puts on live music and Irish dance performances during the summer months. Don’t forget: Dublin is a coastal city. Its proximity to the great outdoors and charming towns such as Howth and Malahide gives you the best of both worlds. With so much to discover in the capital, be sure to add Dublin to your Ireland bucket list this summer.
8. Bundoran, Co. Donegal
The sleepy town of Bundoran in Donegal comes alive in summer as throngs of tourists from all over the world line up on its golden shores in hopes of catching the perfect wave.
It’s a very beautiful place to be, with the local harbor bobbing with local fishing boats and seabirds overhead. Popular with youth travelers, this town is home to a wealth of bars, restaurants, hostels, and surf schools.
With a laid-back vibe and multicultural community, a trip here is perfect for younger travelers looking to connect with like-minded souls. However, when planning your vacation in Ireland, don’t forget to set aside time to discover Bundoran beyond its amazing surf scene.
In July, the annual Sea Festival transforms the waterfront into a vibrant celebration of local culture. Street performers, craft stalls, and live bands ensure the festivities continue long into the night.For those seeking fun places to visit in Ireland that offer both adventure and relaxation, Bundoran delivers on both fronts. During the day, you can hike the coastal trails or try your hand at sea angling, while the evenings are made for pub crawls through the town’s lively music venues.
7. Connemara, Co. Galway
If the sound of silence and beauty beyond your wildest dreams is the type of summer holiday in Ireland you crave, we suggest heading to Connemara. Lined by the Atlantic in a gorgeous part of County Galway, it is a stunning corner of the country.
While visiting Connemara on holiday in Ireland in the Summer, you can discover its fascinating rust-colored bogs, which lie fringed with deep blue lakes, as well as coral beaches and tranquil harbors.
With vibrant colors and dramatic landscapes, you’re bound to fall in love with Ireland here. An easy-going e-bike tour of Connemara is one of the most magical (and eco-friendly) ways to explore this ancient land. Perfect for nature enthusiasts. The district is also the largest Gaeltacht (Irish language speaking region) in the country and offers an authentic taste of Irish culture. It is famous for folklore, legends and its traditional music scene, which you can experience through the live musicians in all of the local pubs.
6. Causeway Coast, Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland’s coastline is one of the most magnificent on the island. It is home to phenomenal coastal scenery featuring towering cliffs, flawless golden-sand beaches, and even ancient castle ruins
For those keen to explore one of Ireland’s lesser-sung road routes, this is it. Game of Thrones fans can experience first-hand many of the filming locations used in the series.
Even if you’re not a TV buff, prepare to be blown away by the beauty of the Causeway Coast. One of the most famous sections of this scenic shoreline is, of course, the Giant’s Causeway.
Here you’ll find a breathtaking shoreline lined by hexagonal rocks and spectacular coastal cliffs, all said to be formed by giants. The scenery is incredible and a must-visit on a summer vacation in Ireland.
Other highlights of the Causeway Coast include the magical medieval castle ruins of Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a 250-year-old rope bridge that suspends 100 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Kinsale, Co. Cork
Foodies will rejoice in Kinsale, one of Ireland’s most dynamic destinations for a summer holiday in Ireland. This medieval port and fishing town can be found in the southwest of the country in County Cork, and is renowned for its brilliant culinary scene and rich historical and cultural significance.
Kinsale offers the best seafood that can be found in Cork. So, if you’re looking for the perfect catch, this could be the holiday for you. In fact, it’s often hailed as ‘the Gourmet Capital of Ireland’.
From the Irish, ‘Ceann tSaile’, meaning ‘Head of the Sea’, Kinsale has a beautiful coastal setting. Here you are greeted with vibrant, colourful buildings by the charming harbour, with its gentle tides and bobbing yachts.
If you’re into pretty seaside scenery and sensational food, then this is one of the best places to vacation in Ireland for you. It’s also a great spot for culture vultures to visit.
One of the best things to do in Ireland in summer is to explore Kinsale’s historic fortresses. Check out Charles Fort and James Fort, then onto Desmond Castle and the Kinsale Museum to dig further into the local heritage.
With so much to see and do in Kinsale, it is definitely one of the best holiday destinations in Ireland in the summer.
4. Aran Islands, Co. Galway
If an epic island getaway sounds idyllic, one of the best places for a vacation in Ireland this summer has to be the Aran Islands, off the coast of Galway. Lesser-known than some of the other places to visit on the list, this is one of the country’s most beautiful hidden gems.
The Aran Islands are a portal into Ireland’s ancient past. They are made up of three remote, separate landmasses, Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer, all of which have remained largely unaffected by modern life. Perfect for low-key, laid-back travelers.
One of the best ways to discover the Aran Islands while on a summer vacation in Ireland is to hire a bike and cycle around them. Or if you’d prefer to take it easy, you can sit back and enjoy a bus tour around them.
Either way, you’ll discover unspoilt landscapes and stunning beaches with powder-white sand. You can also go scuba diving, hiking, or take a pony and trap tour while exploring this interesting corner of the country. Visiting the Aran Islands on an Ireland summer vacation means you’ll be in with a chance of seeing lots of exciting wildlife on the islands, including otters, rabbits and an exciting array of seabirds, including kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills.
3. Wicklow National Park, Co. Wicklow
Natural beauty can be found in abundance in Wicklow National Park. The area, commonly referred to as the ‘Garden of Ireland’, lives up to its reputation of stunning landscapes and is perfect for hillwalkers and hikers.
It is also home to scenic drives, Ireland’s tallest waterfall, and a preserved ancient Christian monastery and medieval city, perfect for outdoor activities.
Wicklow National Park is also known for its exciting wildlife, which includes Irish hares, red deer and sika deer. You can keep your eyes peeled for the park’s creatures while exploring the scenic hiking trails.
If you’re visiting Ireland in the summer and keen to get active and explore stunning landscapes, Wicklow National Park is the place to go.
2. Achill Island, Co. Mayo
When considering the best places for a vacation in Ireland this summer, no list would be complete without Achill Island. Covering an area of 57 square miles, it is the largest island off the Irish coast and boasts epic natural scenery. In fact, it’s easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland.
It is home to soaring sea cliffs, golden-sand Blue Flag beaches and sensational hillside and coastal views. Achill is also easily accessible and connected to the mainland, making it a super place to check out while vacationing in Ireland.
It could rival any traditional summer holiday destination when the sun shines, with crystal waters and calm shores ideal for diving. Perfect for water enthusiasts! Land-based adventures are also not in short supply on this landmass.
You can hike to the top of Slievemore, the island’s second-highest peak, which stands at 671 metres high. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with phenomenal views over the whole of the island. You can also visit the Deserted Villas at the foot of the peak, where you will find one hundred stone cottages and megalithic tombs dating back 5,000 years.
1. Wild Atlantic Way, West Coast
For those who want it all, look no further than a trip along Ireland’s most epic road trip route: the Wild Atlantic Way. Deemed as the longest defined coastal route in the world (2,500 kilometres), this is bound to be one of the most memorable trips you’ll have on the Emerald Isle.
Encompassing the country’s entire west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way guides you to many of the most famous attractions in Ireland, including everything from the incredible Cliffs of Moher to the quaint Dingle Peninsula.
The adventure begins in Malin Head, County Donegal, then leads you through Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Claire, Limerick and Kerry before finishing in Kinsale, County Cork.
You’ll get to discover breathtaking coastal cliffs, wild islands and stunning castles, all the while getting a taste of authentic Ireland by stopping at quaint coastal villages and towns along the way.
With such extraordinary natural beauty to be seen along this route, the Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip has to be the top thing to do on an Irish summer vacation.
Get Ready for Summer in Ireland
Wanting to plan the best Ireland vacation this summer? There are so many incredible places to visit at this time of year. From fascinating limestone landscapes, to the waterfalls of Wicklow, and the Giant’s Causeway to Dublin city, prepare to be left in awe of the beauty of the Emerald Isle in summer.
Looking for vacation ideas in Ireland? Take a look at our small group tours and private experiences that lead you through many of the most beautiful corners of the country. Contact us now to talk to one of our friendly team members who will help you plan your dream trip to Ireland in summer.
