If you’re wondering where to go in Ireland you’ll discover that the Emerald Isle is an absolute treasure trove of things to do, all set in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Get a taste of what this magical, mystical island has to offer.
Ireland is divided into four regional areas known as provinces: Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster. Each province is made up of several counties, with a total of 32 counties in Ireland.
Connacht consists of five counties; Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo. Munster has six counties, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary.
Leinster has twelve counties; Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
Ulster consists of nine counties; Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Derry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Tyrone
26 of the counties are still used as the basis of local government in the Republic of Ireland.
Northern Ireland has six counties; Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone. Below is is an introduction to each of the 32 counties of Ireland, in alphabetical order.
Underneath each county you’ll see a link, this link will take you to a detailed page with lots of information on places to visit and things to do in that county.
Where To Go In Ireland
County Antrim
The largest county in Northern Ireland. It is in the province of Ulster and is known for its stunning coastline.
County Antrim offers some of the best places to visit in Ireland, your biggest problem will be choosing where to go! Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede-Rope-Bridge, Bushmills Distillery, Glenarriff Forest Park , Game of Thrones sites and the North-West Motorcycle Races are just some of what this beautiful county has to offer.
The Irish name for Antrim is Aontroim. The county nickname is ‘The Glensmen’. Sometimes they are referred to as ‘The Saffron County’ due to the colour of their county GAA colours. Read more about the best things to do in Antrim.
County Armagh
Armagh is in Ulster and is home to Navan Fort, an ancient Iron Age ceremonial site, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Slieve Gullion Forest Park. County Armagh may not be top of the list of where to go in Ireland but it has many beautiful places to visit and what it has to offer is well worth visiting.
Armagh is the ecclesiastical seat of Ireland. The Irish name for Armagh is Ard Mhacha.
Armagh is often referred to as the ‘Orchard County’ or ‘The Cathedral County’. Discover more things to do in County Armagh.
County Carlow
Carlow is in the province of Leinster and is known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
If you’re thinking of where to go in Carlow, check out Brownshill Dolmen. A dolman is a megalithic, burial chamber, constructed over-ground using very large rocks, (megaliths) resting on small upright rocks.
For the most glorious gardens you are ever likely to see, Carlow has to be on your schedule of where to go in Ireland. Loaded with beautiful gardens and country houses such as Borris House, and Duckett’s Grove, a Gothic revival mansion, you’ll discover lots of things to do in Carlow.
Visit magnificent Altamont Gardens, over 40 acres and views of the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains.
The Irish name for Carlow is An Ceatharlach. Known as the ‘Scallion Eaters’, ‘the Barrowsiders’ or ‘the Dolmen County’.
County Cavan
Cavan is located in the province of Ulster and is known for its lakes and waterways.
It is home to Cloughoughter Castle, a 13th-century fortress on the river Erne and the Cavan Burren Park, a UNESCO heritage site. Very popular place to visit for fishing enthusiasts, walkers, musicians, lots of excellent places to visit in Cavan.
The Irish name for County Cavan is An Cabhán. Its nickname is the ‘Breffni County’.
County Clare
Clare is in the province of Munster and is known for its people, music, rugged coastline, the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular places to visit in Ireland. These majestic cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Way are also the home to 30,000 breeding pairs of birds such as guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, peregrine falcons and puffins.
It is also home to the Burren, a unique limestone landscape. These are just a small sample of the things to do in Clare.
Its name in Irish is An Clár. Its county nickname is the ‘Banner County’.
County Cork
Cork is in Munster and is the second-largest county in the Republic of Ireland and the third-largest on the island of Ireland.
Famous for its stunning coastline, artisan crafts and foods, charming towns, and the vibrant city of Cork.
If you have to make a choice of where to go in Cork, I’d recommend touring West Cork . It is stunning and home to St. Finbar’s Oratory, one of the most spiritual and beautiful places to visit in Ireland. So stunning is this part of the country that you will have to think very carefully where you are going to visit. Where to go in Ireland is one thing, choosing where to go in Cork is almost as difficult. If you have time, do visit.
The Irish for Cork is Corcaigh. Its county nickname is ‘The Rebel County’.
County Derry
In Ulster with the backdrop of the Sperrin Mountains and known for its rich, complex history and stunningly beautiful landscapes.
It is home to the historic city walls of Derry and the stunning Causeway Coastal Route.
Things to do in Derry must include visiting Mount Sandel Fort & Mesolithic Site. This is the earliest known settlement in Ireland dating back as far as 7,900 BC. Tools that were found during excavation of the site here indicate that this was home to stone-age settlers.
Derry City is worth worth visiting in its own right but because of its location it is an excellent base from which you’ll have loads of things to do and places to visit in the north-west of Ireland.
The Irish name for Derry is Doire. Its county nickname is the ‘Oak Leaf County’.
County Donegal
Donegal is located in the province of Ulster and is known for its rugged coastline, stunning beaches, and wild landscapes. It is also home to Glenveagh National Park, a beautiful wilderness area. It is the second largest national park in Ireland.
But this is only a fraction of what Donegal has to offer visitors. A huge county with a huge heart and without doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit. It is definitely one of those ‘must see places in Ireland’.
The Irish for Donegal is Dún na nGall and it has the nicknames, ‘The Forgotten County’, ‘The Tír Conaill Men’.
County Down
Down is in the province of Ulster. It is home to the glorious Mourne Mountains, a and a very popular hiking destination. Murlough Nature Reserve is a 6,000-year-old sand dune system and was Irelands first ever nature reserve in 1967.
This is where to go in Ireland if you’re a Game of Thrones fan. Anyone interested in visiting the sites used for Game of Thrones® has their time filled with lots of places to see and things to do, as County Down is also the home to many sites for the Game of Thrones series e.g. Tollymore National Park aka ‘The Haunted Forest’ and Castle ward aka ‘Winterfell’, Castlewellan Forest Park, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.
The Irish name for Down is ‘An Dún’ and its nicknames are ‘The Mourne County’, ‘The Mournemen’, ‘The Ardsmen’.
County Dublin
Dublin is in the province of Leinster and home to the nation’s capital, Dublin City. Where to go in Dublin; See the Book of Kells at Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral, Guinness Brewery, Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin Castle, Literary Tours, Croke Park and so, so many things to do in Dublin City and County.
The Irish for Dublin is Baile Átha Clíath, its original name was ‘An Dubh Linn’ meaning ‘black pool’. Over time the Irish name shortened to Dublin. The ‘black pool’ referred to is situated at what is now Dublin Castle Gardens. Dublin’s nickname is ‘The Dubs’
County Fermanagh
Fermanagh is in Ulster and is known for its stunning lakes and waterways. It is a favourite for fishing. It is home to the Marble Arch Caves, a unique underground cave system, an UNESCO site. Visit the Boa and White Island statues and carvings.
Check out the Cuilcagh Mountains Boardwalk, Castlecool House and Florence Garden House. Personally, I believe this is one of the very best places to visit in Ireland.
The Irish language name for Fermanagh is ‘Fir Manach or Fear Manach’ and the county nicknames are ‘The Ernemen’ or ‘The Ernesiders’.
County Galway
Galway is located in the province of Connacht. Home to the beautiful Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Killary Fjord. Then we have vibrant, bohemian Galway City. There is always a lot of things to do in Galway, especially around festival times.
Check out some of the festivals, Galway Food Festival (March), Bealtaine Festival (May), Galway International Arts Festival (July), Galway International Oyster Festival (Sept.)
The Irish name for Galway is ‘Gaillimh’ and their nickname is ‘The Tribesmen’ and Galway City is known as ‘The City of the Tribes’.
County Kerry
Kerry is in Munster, an absolutely gorgeous county. People often have to think about where to go in Ireland but nobody has to think too long about visiting Kerry.
The list of where to go in Kerry is huge. Tour the Ring of Kerry, a popular scenic drive. Dingle & Dingle Peninsula, the Blasket Islands, Skellig Michael, Derrynane House, Killarney National Park and Muckross House. So full of sights to see that you could easily spend your entire holiday here.
The Irish for Kerry is ‘Ciarraí’ and their nickname is ‘The Kingdom’.
County Kildare
Kildare is in the province of Leinster and home to the Irish National Stud, a thoroughbred horse breeding facility. County Kildare also contains The Japanese gardens, Donadea Forest Park, Castletown House and Gardens, The Curragh and Naas Racecourses, The Royal Canal and the Grand Canal.
The Irish for Kildare is Cill Dara and the county nicknames are ‘The Short Grass County’ or ‘The Lilywhites’.
County Kilkenny
Kilkenny is in Leinster. Things to do in Kilkenny: visit Kilkenny Castle, a beautiful 12th-century fortress and a firm favourite when choosing what to do in Ireland. Duiske Abbey, Medieval Mile, Kilfane Glen and Waterfall, Smithwicks Brewery Tours, River Nore cruises and much more.
The Irish for Kilkenny is Cill Chainnigh, their nicknames are ‘The Ormond County’, ‘The Marble County’, ‘The Cats’ and Kilkenny city is often referred to as ‘The Marble City’.
County Laois
Laois is in Leinster. Not on the list of the most famous places to go in Ireland but don’t let that stop you. Lots of things to do in County Laois. Home to the Rock of Dunamase, a strategic Celtic fortification, the beautiful Slíabh Bloom mountains, Glenbarrow Looped Walks, Emo Court House.
The Irish for Laois is Laois, was previously known as ‘Queen’s County’ and ‘Leix’. Its nickname is ‘The O’Moore County’.
County Leitrim
Leitrim is in Connacht. Glencar Waterfall, Creevelea Abbey, Eagles Rock, Shannon Blueway, cruising on the River Shannon. Parke’s Castle is definitely one of those things to see in Ireland.
The Irish for Leitrim is ‘Liatroim’ and their nickname is ‘The Wild Rose County’.
County Limerick
Limerick is in Munster. King John’s Castle, Thomond Park, Hunt Museum, Glenstal Abbey, Lough Gur Heritage Park, Ballyhoura Mountains, Adare, Curraghchase Forest Park, Foynes Museum.
Limerick City and County is a great base in the mid-west from which you’ll be just a day trip away from some of the most breath-taking sights to see in Ireland.
The Irish for Limerick is ‘Luimneach’ and the county nickname is ‘The Treaty County’ or ‘The Shannonsiders’ and Limerick City is known as ‘The Treaty City’.
County Longford
Longford is in Leinster. Corlea Bog and Visitor Centre. Corlea Trackway, is an ancient site with a wooden road from the stone age dating back to 148BC, eighteen miles long. Things to do include visiting Ardagh Heritage Centre, Newcastle Wood, St. Mel’s Cathedral, Quaker Island, boating and fishing on Lough Ree.
The Irish name for Longford is ‘An Longfort’ and its nickname is ‘The O’Farrell County’ or ‘The Slashers’.
County Louth
Louth, the smallest county in Ireland, is in the province of Leinster. The historic town of Drogheda, Cooley Peninsula, Cooley Mountain Walks, Carlingford Lough, Monasterboice Monastic Site, Old Mellifont Abbey are the outstanding places to go in County Louth.
The Irish name for Louth is ‘Lú’ and their nickname is ‘The Wee County’
County Mayo
Mayo is in Connacht and is known for its rugged coastline. It is home to Croagh Patrick, a popular pilgrimage site.
Things to see in County Mayo are Knock Shrine, Ceide Fields, Westport House and Gardens, Foxford Woolen Mills, Michael Davitt Museum, Salmon Fishing, Clare Island, Cong.
The Irish name for Mayo is ‘Maigh Eo’ and their nickname is ‘The Heather County’, ‘The Yew County’, ‘The Maritime County’.
County Meath
Meath is located in the province of Leinster. Hills of Tara, Slane and Skyre. Bru na Boinne is a series of passage tombs at Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth built around 3200BC. Places to visit also include Boyne Valley, Trim Castle, Duleek Abbey, and beautiful Bective Abbey.
The Irish name for Meath is ‘An Mhí’ and its nicknames are ‘The Royal County’ or ‘The Royals’.
County Monaghan
Monaghan: Monaghan in Ulster has Rossmore Forest Park, Lough Muckno, Patrick Kavanagh Interpretive Centre, Castle Leslie, Glaslough Village.
The Irish name for Monaghan is ‘Muineachán’ and its nickname is ‘The Farney County’.
County Offaly
Offaly is in Leinster. Clonmacnoise, an ancient monastic site, Lough Boora, Slíabh Bloom Mountains, Tullamore Dew Distillery, Birr and Kinnity Castles.
The Irish name for Offaly is ‘Uíbh Fhailí’ and their nickname is ‘The Faithful County’. Offaly was, for a period, know as King’s County.
County Roscommon
Roscommon is located in the province of Connacht. Lough Key Forest Park, Arigna Mining Experience, Boyle Abbey, King House, Strokestown House and Park, Rathcroghan, Shannon River Experience.
If ancient Ireland is your thing, a visit to Rathcrohan is a ‘must do’. Rathcroghan is the ancient capital of Connacht with a history spanning over 5, 500 years. This ancient site has 240 archaeological sites and was in use from the stone age to through to late medieval times.
You’ll find earth works, standing stones, ring forts, and so much more in Rathcroghan, one of the three chief burial and ceremonial sites in ancient Ireland.
The Irish name for Roscommon is ‘Ros Comáin’ and the nicknames are ‘The Sheep Stealers’, ‘The Rossies’
County Sligo
Sligo is in Connacht. Benbulben Mountain, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Mullaghmore Head, Streedagh Beach, Lissadell House, Coney Island, Drumcliffe, Rosses Point, Enniscrone.
The Irish for Sligo is ‘Sligeach’ and its nickname is ‘The Yeats County’.
County Tipperary
Tipperary is in Munster. Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Glen of Aherlow, Swiss Cottage, Lough Derg, Ballina/Killaloe.
The Irish name for Tipperary is ‘Tiobraid Árann’ and nicknames are ‘The Premier County’ and ‘The Stone Throwers’.
County Tyrone
Tyrone is in Ulster. Sperrin Mountains, Beaghmore Stone Circles, Rowan Lough, Todd’s Leap, Ulster American Folk Park.
The Irish name for Tyrone is ‘Tír Eoghain’, its nickname is ‘The Red Hand County’ or ‘The O’Neill County’.
County Waterford
Waterford in Munster has the historic city of Waterford and the stunning Copper Coast., Waterford Crystal, Reginald’s Tower, Coumshingaun Lough, Waterford Greenway, Suir Valley Railway, Lismore House.
The Irish name for Waterford is ‘Port Láirge’, the county nickname is ‘Na Déise’.
County Westmeath
Westmeath is in Leinster and has the ancient Hill of Uisneach, Lough Ennel, Lough Owel, Fore Abbey, Tullynally Castle, Belvedere House and Gardens, Athlone Castle and cruising on the River Shannon. Very popular for fishing.
The Irish name for Westmeath is ‘An Íarmhí’ and the counties nickname is ‘The Lake County’.
County Wexford
Wexford is in Leinster. Places to visit are Vinegar Hill, Irish National Heritage Park, the Kennedy Homestead, Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, Curracloe Beach, Hook Lighthouse, Craanford Mills.
The Irish name for Wexford is ‘Loch Garman’ and the nicknames are ‘The Model County’.
County Wicklow
Wicklow is located in the province of Leinster and is bounded by the Irish Sea on the east and by Counties Dublin, Kildare, Carlow and Wexford.
Things to do in Wicklow are visit Wicklow Mountain National Park and its vast range of hikes and walks. There are many other walks and hikes for all abilities throughout this county.
Places to see in Wicklow include Powerscourt House and Gardens, Wicklow Gaol, Kilruddery House, Glendalough Monastic Site. Stunning county known as The Garden of Ireland.
The Irish name for Wicklow is ‘Cill Mhantáin’ and its nickname is ‘The Garden of Ireland’.
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