5 Reasons Why Ireland Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Some people travel to see majestic natural landscapes, others to try shocking flavours, some to learn about the art, history, and architecture of a country. As for me, I travel for the people. I could spend hours people-watching!

Nothing gives me more joy than being invited for tea in an Arab country or to drink a cold pint with some random people I just met at an Irish pub. 

This is why Ireland is one of my favourite countries. But there are many other reasons why I think everyone should visit this place at least once. Here are five reasons why Ireland should be on your bucket list.

1. The People 

Of course, we need to start with the people. When I say the Irish are welcoming here, I truly mean it. On my first day in Ireland, I managed to get a free lift from a complete stranger to my Airbnb and a free bike from one of my host’s friends that I used for the entire school year. 

It may be because most of the country is made up of small towns where everyone knows each other, but the Irish will definitely make you feel welcome. What I particularly like about this culture is the ‘banter’. People here interact by constantly making fun of and teasing each other. If you’re easily offended, this is not the place for you! Go to a town pub, and chances are you will have plenty of friends by the end of the night. But there’s a ‘but’.

If you truly want to connect with the locals, go to a small town and avoid cities like Dublin or Belfast.

2. The Nature

Let’s be honest. Ireland is neither Iceland nor Norway. If you’re expecting to find the majestic landscapes typical of Scandinavian countries, you’ll be disappointed. The country is mostly made of gentle hills and large meadows (and looooooots of moss). Yet, I find so much beauty in its simplicity.

A car trip in Ireland can make you feel like a hobbit wandering through the shire. But there are a few majestic exceptions to Ireland’s otherwise docile nature.

First and foremost, the famous Cliffs of Moher. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, these massive cliffs are quite impressive. A ticket to this natural area will allow you to walk incredibly close to their edge (too close if you ask me). 

Another natural site worth checking out is the Giant Causeway. Located in Northern Ireland, these interlocking basalt columns overlooking the sea are shaped like hexagons. These were formed around 50 to 60 million years ago and are the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. You probably never saw anything quite like it.

A LITTLE TIP: Beware! Irish people are very proud of their mountains. Yet if you’ve seen the Alps or other REAL mountains, these will look like tall hills. Don’t point it out to them!

3. The Music

All music lovers MUST go to Ireland at least once. Why? Because this is by far the most musical place I have ever visited. Everyone seems to know how to play at least one instrument, and the opportunities to perform are never lacking. 

Unlike most other parts of the world, you don’t need a proper concert for people to play here. Get in a pub, and chances are someone will suddenly enter with a guitar, violin, or thin whistle and start a tune as other people join in. 

In this regard, trad sessions in Ireland are unique in their genre. In the six months I spent studying there, I had the pleasure of witnessing one, and it was a memorable experience. Thanks to word-of-mouth – mostly done online today – musicians meet in a random town (most of the time with a few hundred inhabitants) and start playing Irish music in all pubs all night long. 

I saw people carrying Celtic harps across the streets, musicians exchanging instruments and playing whatever was handed to them, and way too many drunken folks improvising for hours and enjoying their time. Beware, if you’re a musician heading to Ireland, you will leave wanting to learn Irish music.

4. Cottage Core Vibes

The shire from the Lord of the Ring, the hexagon-pillars of the Giant Causeway, looking like a dragon’s cave… It’s no surprise that this country is home to so many legends and tales. 

We all know about the mischievous leprechauns hiding their golden coins in the pot at the end of the rainbow, yet there are many others. From Fionn McCool and his proposed fist-fight with a Scottish Giant leading to the creation of the Giant Causeway to the tragic love story of Diarmuid and Grainne. There is no better place than Ireland to feel inside a fairy tale or ancient mythological story. 

If you love cottage core vibes, you will love the thousands of ruins, castles, and churches scattered in every corner of the country, adding a magical and enchanted vibe to every place.

5. Ancient And Modern History

Did you know that Ireland is home to a site older than the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge in England?

People have been living on this island for millennia, and although their construction is not as popular as the two examples above, I think they are way better. Unlike the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge, ancient Irish sites are not crowded with masses of tourists, and you will get the chance to actually enjoy your experience. Interested? 

The  Boyne Valley is the place to go! In particular, Brú na Bóinne is home to an ancient monument complex featuring three passage tombs: Newgrange (Sí an Bhrú), Knowth (Cnogbha) and Dowth (Dubhadh).

These consist of a large circular mound, with inside passageways and chambers made of stone dating back to the 32nd century BC. These are located so that during specific days of the year, such as the winter solstice, the sunlight directly illuminates the inner chambers.

But Ireland is not only a must-visit for lovers of ancient history. Here, you will find plenty of castles, churches, and ruins dating back to the Medieval Period, mainly from the 11th to the 15th century.

If you’re interested in modern history, you should definitely visit Northern Ireland. This place has unfortunately been at war from 1968 to 1998. In this period, known as The Troubles, this area experienced several conflicts between the Protestant unionists (also known as loyalists) and the Roman Catholic nationalists (republicans). While the former fought to remain in the UK, the latter wanted Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland.

Unfortunately, this led to the death of thousands of people, whose repercussions can still be felt to this day. An example? The complicated consequences for Northern Ireland when the UK decided to leave the EU.

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