Top 10 tourist attractions in Ireland

Ireland is famous around the world for its lush green landscapes, lively folk music and perfectly poured pints of Guinness, but a modern urban distillery nestled in Dublin's historic Liberties neighbourhood has just snagged the top spot as the country's highest-rated attraction.

With UK search interest in "travel to Ireland" jumping by over 600% to hit a five-year peak in early 2026, we wanted to find out which spots are genuinely winning over travellers. At Iglu Cruise, our team crunched the TripAdvisor numbers across 40 of Ireland's most popular landmarks, ranking each one by its share of five-star "excellent" reviews to build the ultimate guide to Irish travel highlights.

Check out our definitive list below.

Data: Iglu Cruise

Contents:

1. Roe & Co Distillery - Dublin
2. 14 Henrietta Street - Dublin
3. The Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience - Dublin
4. Slieve League - Carrick
5. Wild Atlantic Way - Galway
6. Irish Whiskey Museum - Dublin
7. The Little Museum of Dublin - Dublin
8. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum - Dublin
9. Killarney National Park - Killarney
10. Spike Island - Cobh

1. Roe & Co Distillery - Dublin

Located in the former Guinness power station in Dublin's Liberties, this distillery offers interactive flavour workshops and modern cocktail-making experiences. Visitors frequently highlight the hands-on whiskey tastings, industrial architecture and passionate local guides. Guests can also enjoy customised drinks tailored to their personal flavour preferences in the stylish Power House Bar.

2. 14 Henrietta Street - Dublin

This award-winning museum gives visitors a look at 300 years of life in Dublin, all in one Georgian townhouse. Guided tours show how the building changed from a wealthy family home in the 18th century to a crowded 20th-century tenement that housed over 100 people. Personal stories and restored living spaces bring the lives of former residents to life.

3. The Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience - Dublin

Situated in the Temple Bar quarter, this tour offers behind-the-scenes access to active rehearsal rooms and recording studios used by icons such as U2, Thin Lizzy and Sinéad O'Connor. It stands out for its energetic guides, rock memorabilia and opportunities for visitors to jam on stage. Fans can even dress up in classic rock gear and record their own track during the tour.

4. Slieve League - Carrick

Rising nearly 2,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, Slieve League in Donegal are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe and stands nearly three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher. They offer dramatic hiking routes, sweeping ocean views and a much quieter alternative to major tourist hubs. Visitors can take advantage of local shuttle buses or hike to the summit for breathtaking coastal vistas.

5. Wild Atlantic Way - Galway

Stretching 2,500 km along the western coastline of Ireland, this scenic drive features rugged cliffs, hidden bays and traditional Gaeltacht communities. The Galway area provides a convenient access point to the wild landscapes and coastal islands of Connemara. Travelling along this route offers visitors numerous opportunities to explore peaceful coastal villages and enjoy fresh local seafood by the shore.

6. Irish Whiskey Museum - Dublin

Located directly across from Trinity College, this independent museum delves into the entire history of Irish whiskey, from its monastic origins to its rise as a global phenomenon. The tours feature engaging storytelling by local guides and end with a tasting session where visitors can compare different whiskeys. For those seeking a more premium experience, tour upgrades are available, allowing guests to create and bottle their own custom whiskey blend to take home.

7. The Little Museum of Dublin - Dublin

Housed in a Georgian townhouse overlooking St. Stephen's Green, this folk museum chronicles 20th-century Dublin through thousands of artefacts donated directly by locals. Expertly led guided tours cover key events ranging from the 1916 Rising to U2's rise to stardom. With only small group sizes allowed, booking is essential for visiting.

8. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum - Dublin

Located in Dublin's historic Docklands, EPIC is an interactive, fully digital museum that showcases the impact of 10 million Irish emigrants on global history. The museum features twenty themed galleries that highlight Irish contributions to various fields, including science, politics, art, literature and sports worldwide. Visitors can stamp a souvenir digital passport at each gallery and also explore their own Irish ancestry at the on-site genealogy centre.

9. Killarney National Park - Killarney

Ireland's oldest national park covers 26,000 acres of mountain ranges, pristine lakes and ancient oak forests. Notable highlights include Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle and herds of native red deer wandering through the valley. One of the most iconic ways to enjoy the scenery is by exploring the expansive park grounds in a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car.

10. Spike Island - Cobh

Accessible by a short ferry ride from Cobh, this island fortress has a rich history that spans over 1,300 years. It has served as a 6th-century monastery, a coastal defence fort and a Victorian prison. Guided tours lead visitors through former cell blocks, artillery tunnels and scenic coastal paths that encircle the island. Often referred to as Ireland's Alcatraz, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into history and provides panoramic views of Cork Harbour.

Ready to experience Ireland’s most popular highlights for yourself? 

If you want to explore the Emerald Isle without the fuss of planning transport or constantly moving luggage, a cruise is hard to beat. We love how an Irish sailing connects historic cities and iconic landmarks in one easy, unforgettable trip. Discover our latest last-minute cruise deals or browse all-inclusive UK sailings to find your perfect Irish getaway today.