3 Experiences to Add to Your Ireland Bucket-List
EF Ultimate Break’s Ireland trips are loaded with experiences that’ll bring you closer than ever to Irish culture. Here are 3 bonus activities for you to build into your free time.
So, you’re finally heading out on your bucket list trip to Ireland. You’ve saved an unrealistic number of TikTok recommendations (no shame in the research game), deep-dived into Google reviews to find the best local pubs, and maybe even treated yourself to a new raincoat (good call, btw).
Even if you’re already knee-deep in itinerary planning, it’s never too late to make room for special, standout experiences… and you’re in luck. I’ve just returned from Ultimate Break’s Grand Tour of Ireland, and I come bearing gifts—not the kind you can stick on your fridge, but instead, this guide. Which, arguably, is much better than a magnet.
Though the weather in the Emerald Isle is unpredictable (to say the least), these are a few adventures you can count on for some good ol’ craic.
Celtic Steps, The Show
If you’ve never seen professional step dancing before, prepare to be completely blown away by Celtic Steps. It blends traditional Irish music and dance into one of the most captivating shows I’ve ever seen. The performers, a mix of world-renowned artists, musicians and champion dancers, come together to step, sing and entertain during a two-hour show that’s nothing short of spectacular. The room was filled with infectious energy that built throughout the night, ending with the audience leaping around and clapping uncontrollably. I mean, my jaw was wide open from start to finish. At one point, I looked over at the person on my right, and all I could manage to say was, “How?”
You can purchase tickets online, but here's a pro tip: seats aren’t assigned, so make sure to arrive early if you want a prime viewing spot for those amazing synchronized steps!
Aran Islands
After stepping off the 40-minute ferry ride from Rossaveel to Inishmore, our Tour Director said, “This is the freshest air you’ll ever breathe.” Of course, he was right. Located off the coast of County Galway, the Aran Islands are most known for their historic stone walls, rural greenery and ocean views. Oh, and those iconic knit wool sweaters.
With three islands to choose from, Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), Inisheer (Inis Oírr) and Inishmore (Inis Mór), we went with the latter. Throughout the island, you’ll pass quiet roads, grazing cows and the bluest water. For a meal you won’t stop thinking about, check out Teach Nan Phaidi, a little cottage café that feels like a grandmother’s house—if said grandmother lived on a remote island and made the world’s best tomato soup. Do yourself a favor and don’t skip the carrot cake.
You can’t miss Kilmurvey Beach—a white-sand stretch that I admittedly took one too many seashells from. And if you make it across the ruins of St. Kieran’s church, keep your eyes peeled for seals bobbing along the shore. The real treat, though, was Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric cliffside ring fort with a view so striking it’ll knock the words out of you (but hopefully not your balance—lie down to safely peek over the edge). There’s nothing quite like watching the sway of Atlantic waves.
Smithwick’s Kilkenny
This 18th-century brewery is an absolute gem in the heart of Kilkenny. Smithwick’s Experience promises a multi-sensory journey, and they definitely know how to deliver. Think adult field trip that’s part time-travel, part pint-pouring. You’ll mill the malt, stir the mash and inhale the Earthy aroma of hops all while being guided through Smithwick’s rich history (there may or may not be cleverly produced video portraits involved in which characters talk to you from the frames).
And of course, the tour guides stop at nothing to keep you on your toes while testing your knowledge of their brewing traditions. Don’t worry, whether you remember important dates or not, you’ll automatically still earn a nice, cold pint at the end of the tour. After all, you’ve earned it. Visiting between May and September? You’ll get a chance to enjoy the Barrel Yard beer garden, open to all (no ticket required) and home to weekly live music, street food, and of course, pints.
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