Tour Ireland in 2022: Best places to visit in the coming year

The most impressive spots in Ireland will be open and ready to welcome visitors who wish to tour Ireland in 2022. Now is the time to start exploring your options. There’s so much to see, so look through our recommendations below and get in touch to discuss your tailor-made travel plan.

1- Cliffs of Moher, Clare

Towering 702ft above the water for almost nine miles along the County Clare coast, the Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most breathtaking sights. Above the cliffs, green grass flows, while below the waters of Galway Bay crash against the stone.

The cliffs of Moher offer dramatic views of the Clare coastline and the Aran Islands out at sea. A nearby visitors’ centre makes it easy to uncover the fascinating hundreds of millions of years of geological history that helped form the incredible scenery around you.

This is one of the country’s most visited natural wonders and it’s not hard to figure out why.

2- Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin City

A visit to this former prison is an absolute must if you want to understand the struggle for Irish independence. Kilmainham Gaol was built in 1796 and features in every act of Ireland’s path to freedom. Despite closing way back in 1924, it still has the power to chill visitors in 2022. Be warned some of the grim tales are unsuitable for children.

3- Rock of Cashel

High above the town of Cashel, this impressive castle towers over the green Tipperary pastures. The Rock of Cashel takes your breath away at first sight. The fortress used to be the seat of kings and churchmen who ruled over the region for more than 1000 years.

It rivalled Tara as a centre of power in Ireland for almost 400 years. Entered through the 15th-century Hall of the Vicars Choral, its impervious walls guard an awesome enclosure with a complete round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the most magnificent 12th-century Romanesque chapel in Ireland. Entry is free, but tickets must be reserved online.

4- Giant’s Causeway, Antrim

Northern Ireland’s must-see landmark is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim. This spectacular rock formation is one of Ireland’s most impressive and atmospheric landscape features.

It’s made up of some closely packed, hexagonal stone columns looking for all the world like the handiwork of giants. Irish mythology tells us that Fionn mac Cumaill used the causeway as stepping stones across the water to fight the Scottish giant Benandonner. A wonderful tale for those who want to inject some magic into their tour of Ireland. For geological enthusiasts, learn about how the expanse of more than 40,000 columns was formed by volcanic activity between 50 and 60 million years ago.

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5- Wild Atlantic Way

Ireland’s headlining scenic route, the Wild Atlantic Way, is an epic road trip that brings you from along the entire western coast. From the isolated, weather-beaten beauty of Malin Head in Donegal through Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare and Kerry to the picturesque fishing town of Kinsale in Cork.

Overall it spans 1,500 miles and represents some of the purest sights of natural beauty you can find in Europe. Find beautiful, secluded coves and long stretches of white, powdery sand. Among them, is Rossnowlagh, one of Europe’s premier surf beaches and a hotspot for big-wave surfers.

6- The Aran Islands

Found out in Galway Bay, the Aran Island are a remote and off-the-beaten-track option for anyone keen to see some of Ireland’s more wild and untouched areas. Covered in the spray of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by seaweed-covered coastal rocks we would highly recommend viewing the islands for yourself.

The Arans islands are made up of three islands – Inishmore, Inisheer and the large Inishmaan. Each one offers up beautiful karst plains with many creeks and canyons. The Arans are also famed for their deep and traditional heritage with many Irish speakers and traditional stone houses.

For history buffs, check out the ruins of spots like Dun Aengus are an absolute must. One of the largest prehistoric stone forts in Europe and stands guard over Inis Mór on the edge of a 100-metre sheer cliff drop.

7- Galway City

One of Ireland’s most energetic cities, Galway boasts a wide array of cultural attractions. While it’s steeped in history, the city buzzes with a contemporary vibe. Brightly painted pubs heave with live music, while restaurants and cafes offer front-row seats for observing buskers and street theatre. Galway city still keeps some aspects of the medieval town it once was. Old fortress walls lie between shops and pubs and a long promenade leads to the seaside suburb of Salthill, on Galway Bay.

Head to Blackrock in Salthill for a quick swim with the locals and then head into any of the famous local pubs like O’Connors for a hot whiskey after.

8- Ring of Kerry

For some of the most scenic coastline in the world, take this 112-mile trip around Ireland’s most celebrated touring route. The route begins and ends in the bustling town of Killarney and loops around the Iveragh Peninsula in the southwestern corner of Ireland. Along the coast see the Atlantic meet mountains and take time to explore the beaches hidden in the coves. The most famous sight on the Ring is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed monastic settlement on Skellig Michael.

Close to the ring of Kery you can find other beauties like sparkling valley-bottomed waters that come surrounded by grassy farmlands at Muckross and shrouded by peaks in Mangerton and Torc.

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