Exploring Ireland for First-Time Traveler

By Sofa Ibrahim
Have you ever been to Ireland? If you've never been to Ireland, you are not alone. I haven't been there myself, but I'm starting to research it as a way to take a break from the medieval scene in France.

And here is what I found

Where is Ireland?

Ireland is an island in northwestern Europe, located to the west of Great Britain. It’s surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and separated from the UK by the Irish Sea.

The island is divided into two parts:

  1. The Republic of Ireland — a sovereign nation, often simply called “Ireland”
  2. Northern Ireland — part of the United Kingdom





The sovereignty of Ireland can get a little complex, especially if you’re a traveler or digital nomad planning to use Ireland as a base to navigate the 90-day Schengen rule. So, it’s worth understanding this clearly.
 
What’s the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and Ireland?

United Kingdom (UK)
Is short for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 

It includes four countries:
England, Scotland, Wales (all three on the island of Great Britain), and Northern Ireland (on the island of Ireland)




Great Britain
 The name of the large island that includes:
  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
It does not include Northern Ireland.

Great Britain ≠ United Kingdom
Great Britain = Britain  

Note: The terms Great Britain and Britain are often used interchangeably, but Britain is less formal.

Ireland
The island to the west of Great Britain, made up of:
  • The Republic of Ireland — an independent country, not part of the UK
  • Northern Ireland — part of the UK
Summary 

United Kingdom (UK) - England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Great Britain or Britain - England, Scotland, Wales (no Northern Ireland)
Ireland - Republic of Ireland + Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland - Independent country (not in the UK or part of the UK)
Northern Ireland - Part of the UK but located in NorthEast part of Ireland Island

Why does this matter?

Knowing the difference is essential for travelers and digital nomads because of the following reasons:

Entry Requirements & Visas
The Republic of Ireland and the UK have separate visa policies. Having a UK visa does not allow entry into the Republic of Ireland, and vice versa.

Geography & Travel Planning
Traveling between Dublin (Republic of Ireland) and Belfast (Northern Ireland) means crossing an international border — though there are currently no physical border controls.

Currency Differences
The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€).
The UK (including Northern Ireland) uses the British Pound (£).
You may need both currencies when traveling between them.


 

Mobile Roaming & SIM Cards
 EU roaming rules apply in the Republic of Ireland but not in the UK or Northern Ireland. This affects phone charges and connectivity.

Laws, Work Permits & Taxes
For digital nomads, working in the Republic of Ireland versus Northern Ireland means different tax rules, healthcare systems, and legal rights.
Bottom line for travelers & nomads:

Understanding these differences helps you:
  • Avoid visa and entry problems
  • Budget and plan travel routes better
  • Comply with local laws
  • Stay connected affordably

Now that we’ve cleared up the sovereignty and political complexities, let’s talk about Ireland (excluding Northern Ireland) — the beautiful independent country known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture.

35 Things to Do and See in Ireland

From everything I’ve discovered so far, Ireland truly feels like the perfect destination if you love:
  • Solitude among wide-open spaces
  • Coastal magic with cliffs, coves, and sea breezes
  • A soul-soothing blend of history, heritage, and quiet charm
If that sounds like you, then Ireland is absolutely the place to be.

Imagine misty mornings, windswept walks, and ancient ruins with barely a soul around. It’s a land that whispers to you rather than shouts—whether you’re hiking rugged trails, road-tripping along dramatic coasts, or simply wandering through peaceful villages, Ireland feeds your spirit in ways few places can.

Of course, there are bustling cities and lively pubs where you’ll reconnect with civilization. But if you’re craving a true escape from the madness of everyday life, the Irish coast and its historic sites offer the perfect sanctuary.

Ready to explore? 

Here are 35 unforgettable experiences that capture the heart and soul of Ireland. I got them from the Discover Ireland website. Here is the recap. 



  1. Hike Carrauntoohil – Summit Ireland’s highest peak (1,038 m) in Kerry for epic views and bragging rights.
  2. Cycle the Ring of Kerry – 175 km of mountains, lakes, and sea views for a pure Kingdom adventure.
  3. Surf the Wild Atlantic Way – Catch surf breaks from Lahinch to Mullaghmore for waves at every level.
  4. Walk the Wicklow Way – A 132 km trail through monastic ruins, waterfalls, and “Guinness Lake.”
  5. Swim the Forty Foot – Historic Dublin dip spot, perfect to follow up with an ice cream.
  6. Cycle the Great Western Greenway – A 49 km scenic route in Mayo along the old railway with breathtaking Clew Bay views.
  7. Mountain-bike Ballyhoura – Trails for all levels across Limerick, Cork, and Tipperary.
  8. Try a seaweed bath – Soothe your senses at Connemara or Sligo’s famous coastal spas.
  9. Visit a sheep farm – Watch dogs work, feed lambs, and experience true pastoral Ireland.
  10. Experience Halloween in Ireland – Celebrate Samhain’s roots at festivals like Púca.
  11. Attend a live gig at Slane Castle or Sea Sessions – Music in iconic settings from castle grounds to beach stages.
  12. Swim in Lough Hyne – Europe’s only inland salt-water lake with bioluminescence tours at night.
  13. Ride Dursey Island cable car – Ireland’s only cable car crossing the Atlantic in 10 breathtaking minutes.
  14. Visit Skelligs Chocolate Factory – Tour chocolatiers in action and taste delicious samples.
  15. Explore dinosaur footprints on Valentia Island – 350 million-year-old tracks make a Jurassic memory.
  16. Board the Boeing 314 replica at Foynes – Sip Irish coffee and step into golden-age aviation.
  17. Kayak Killary Harbour fjord – Paddle along Ireland’s only fjord amid wild Connemara peaks.
  18. Dive into Galway Atlantaquaria – Meet starfish, conger eels, and see a giant fin-whale skeleton.
  19. Walk Céide Fields – Wander through 6,000-year-old stone walls beneath North Mayo’s boglands.
  20. Climb Croagh Patrick – Walk Saint Patrick’s sacred path, once traveled barefoot by pilgrims.
  21. Tour Hook Lighthouse – One of the world’s oldest working lighthouses with 800 years of history.
  22. Explore Downpatrick Head & Dún Briste – Dramatic Mayo cliffs, holy wells, and sea stacks.
  23. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way – A 2,750 km coastal masterpiece with legendary stops from Malin Head to Kinsale.
  24. Go whale-watching in Cork – Spot minke, fin, and humpback whales on daily boat tours.
  25. Spend a night in a castle – Stay at Dromoland, Kilkea, or hidden gems and live your regality.
  26. Kiss the Blarney Stone – Lean back and gain the gift of gab at the medieval Cork castle.
  27. Visit the Book of Kells – Marvel at Trinity College’s illuminated manuscript masterpiece.
  28. Explore Dublin’s Collins Barracks & Kilmainham Gaol – Dive into Ireland’s 1916 rebellion stories.
  29. Tour the Guinness Storehouse – Pour your own pint and enjoy Dublin views from the Gravity Bar.
  30. Wander Glendalough – Ancient monastic ruins beside twin lakes in Wicklow’s peaceful valley.
  31. Slea Head Drive (Dingle Peninsula) – Cliff-edge roads, beehive huts, and stunning western panoramas.
  32. Visit W.B. Yeats’ grave (Sligo) – Pay homage to Ireland’s poetic soul under Ben Bulben.
  33. Slide at Beyond the Trees (Avondale) – Forest boardwalks and a 38-meter spiral slide for pure joy.
  34. See sheepdog demos & hold lambs – Charming farm shows across rural Ireland; you might even shear one!
  35. Attend a GAA match – Feel the passion of hurling or Gaelic football, where community spirit shines brightest.

Whew! That was a lot, right?

But don’t worry—over the next few days, I’ll be breaking down all the best things to do, see, and experience in Ireland so you can actually start planning that dream trip.

Whether you’re craving cliffs, castles, or cozy coastal towns—there’s something magical here for everyone.

And if you're looking for exclusive perks, discounts, or travel tips, I’ve got some great offers coming your way. So stay tuned—you won’t want to miss this!


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