Top 10 Places You Can’t Miss in the South of Ireland

There are so many things that I loved about visiting Ireland it’s hard to pick a favorite. But the number one thing has to be seeing where my Dad and his family are from in Abbeyfeale! Whether you’re on the Emerald Isle for fun or to trace your lineage, there are a few places you can not miss in the southern counties. To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together the top things our family did and the roadtrip route that we drove!

From Clare to Limerick, Kerry to Kilkenny, Tipperary to Limerick, we packed a lot into our 2 week trip aboard. We saw countless castles, ate fish n’ chips in every town and drank a pint in every pub along the way! I highly recommend seeing the countryside at a slower pace and there’s no better way to do that then roadtripping it.

If I absolutely had to pick the top ten can’t miss things to do they’d be:

1. Cliffs of Moher

This one goes without saying but it is such an iconic view you definitely can’t miss it!

2. Adare Manor

The expansive grounds of Adare Manor are so beautiful and there are many ways to experience it! Have high tea in the cafe or enjoy a meal in the stunning dining room, bike through the grounds or stroll through the gardens!

3. Torque Waterfall in Killarney

When they say it rains a lot in Ireland, they are not kidding but all that rain means the waterfalls are spectacular. Hike up to the top and enjoy the gorgeous views along the way!

4. Conor’s Pass

Conor’s Pass is a beautiful drive in the countryside with viewpoints along the way. Scramble up to the lake atop of the lookout on Conor’s Pass.

5. Gap of Donloe

Take the scenic drive through the Gap of Dunloe for picturesque views! This was the beginning of our drive through the Ring of Kerry, an absolute must driving trip around Ireland!

Head up to Ladies View cafe for coffee & treats and the most perfect view!

6. Dingle

Enjoy the shores of Dingle and meet the town’s pet dolphin, Fungie!

Pop into the pub for a pint of Guinness!

7. Ballybunion Beach

While the weather on the isle is rarely “beach weather”, the shores of Ballybunion are a sight to see! Don’t miss out on putting your toes in the Atlantic Ocean!

8. Killarney National Park

There is truly SO much to do in Killarney National Park, including exploring the grounds of Muckross House, taking a carriage ride, sailing the Killarney Lake and see Ross Castle from the waters.

9. Horse Back-Riding in Adare

The horses at ClonShire Equestrian Centre in Adare were the sweetest and riding through the greenest countryside was a dream! Highly recommend taking the ride while you’re there.

10. Galway RaceTrack

The Galway Races were one of the best parts of our trip! It was a blast to shop for dresses and hats in the beautiful boutiques and attend the races with thousands of other fans! Everyone was in high spirits and enjoying the day of racing, even though it was pouring rain!

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The Emerald Isle: 2 Weeks in Ireland