Top 5 Must-dos in Ireland: A Journey Through Culture, Scenery & Spirit

by Angela Sanford

 Ireland isn’t just a destination — it’s a full-on experience for the senses (after you stop freezing in the never-ending wind). Whether you’re into jaw-dropping n

atural beauty, centuries of history, a warm dram of whiskey, or a plate of comfort food that speaks to your soul, the Emerald Isle has something waiting for everyone just around the bend – literally every bend. Here are five of the unforgettable destinations that captured my heart in Ireland.

1. Teeling Whiskey Distillery – Dublin’s Spirited Soul

You can’t travel across the pond and not sample  the very drink Ireland is infamous for – whiskey. One of  our first stopping points was the

A shot of whiskey and a seasonal cocktail.

Teeling Whiskey Distillery — the first new distillery to open  in the  Dublin in over 125 years. More than just  a place  to sample fine Irish whiskey, Teeling offers a deep  dive into city’s proud distilling heritage in  the midst of the Liberties, Dublin. We enjoyed a 

guided  walk through the whiskey-making process, from grain to glass, capped off with a tasting of both a straight shot and a seasonal cocktail (both gluten free) that could turn many into a whiskey aficionado, still not me though. 

2. The Cliffs of Moher – Nature’s Drama on the Edge

No postcard, nor any photo I took along the route,  could do the Cliffs of Moher justice. Rising over 700  feet above the wild Atlantic, the cliffs stretch for 14 stunning 

kilometers along the west coast of County  Clare. Whether you brave the coastal drive,

 as we did or gaze upon the cliffs from higher altitudes, you’ll be met with windswept views  that leave you  breathless (literally and 

figuratively).  Or you could panic, as I eventually did, as we came upon a hairpin  turn that our bus needed to maneuver – the right side nearly grazing the rock on the edge of the road and my driver’s side seat dangling (precariously, I felt) over the cliffs. I admit that to crying ever so softly while closing my eyes and videotaping so that I could later watch the feat after we had successfully passed through.  Luckily for us it was a clear sky and we could view the Aran Islands in Galway Bay. It was Ireland’s raw beauty, completely unfiltered and fully mesmerizing.

3. Giant’s Causeway – Myth Meets Geology

Another point seemed AI generated as we crept down the trail into a place formed by legend, the Giant’s Causeway, in Northern Ireland - a surreal coastal formation

 of roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.  While science attributes their shape to volcanic activity over 50 million years ago, locals tell a  more colorful tale; a tale of a giant named Finn McCool who built the causeway as a bridge to fight his Scottish rival. Whether you lean on folklore or geology, the hexagonal stones make for one of the most unique landscapes in the world and a short two hours there was not nearly sufficient to take in the wondrous beauty, listen to the waves break on the ledge, and breathe the salty air. I stood before the legend, hearing the story by way of audio recording and wished we had the time to explore it to the fullest.

4. The Walls of Derry – A Walk Through Living History

Derry (also known as Londonderry) is the only completely walled city in Ireland, and its 17th-century walls are a must-see. These remarkably preserved fortifications stretch 1.5 km, encircling the historic heart of the city. Walking along them offers insight into

 centuries of conflict and culture — from the Siege of Derry to the Troubles and now into an era of peace and 

revitalization. Murals, museums, and guided tours  bring the stories to life in a way that’s powerful  and personal. You’ll find a courthouse built such 

that it looks like a church and a church crafted as one might vision a courthouse. We witnessed some of the fencing that still exists between neighbourhoods but it was clear that the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 has shifted the country for the positive.

5. Irish Food – A Feast for the Traveller's Soul

Don’t underestimate Ireland’s culinary scene. It’s not all potatoes – though they were plentiful and double servings came with many a meal in the local pubs. I enjoyed traditional dinners of lamb, boiled bacon, and fish and having an Irish Coffee was a given. Unfortunately, I did not get to try the soda bread as I couldn’t find a gluten free version.We ate very well over the course of our travels, at pubs, hotels, cafes, and more, with our final dinner at a pub called Glyde’s Inn.  

   Hearty beef stew was set before me with, yes, indeed, a second helping of whipped potatoes on top despite the large chunks of potato already contained in the stew. A glass of wine to wash it down wasn’t necessary but was enjoyed while a live band belted out Irish tunes and brought the audience, our group of 39, to life with singing, lilting, and cheering. And I, I may have gotten the dancing started with a hot polka – one of my favourites. Then a handful of others joined in, and we found ourselves learning some Irish dance steps from none other that our tour guide himself, Brian.

 There’s soooo much more to remember fondly from our trip because Ireland isn’t just a checklist of attractions — it’s a land that wraps around your heart. From the lingering scent of whiskey in a Dublin distillery to the spray of saltwater off the Cliffs of Moher, every stop told a story. If you ever so choose to visit, pack your curiosity (and maybe a raincoat and sweater) and get ready to be whisked away in the land of a hundred thousand welcomes — Céad Míle Fáilte!