Ireland is one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations, with more than two million Americans traveling to the country every year for a taste of Irish culture, stunning scenery, and of course, a glass or two of Guinness! If you’re thinking about taking a trip to the Emerald Isles in the coming months now that some COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted, fear not: we’ve put together the adventures you need to tick off your bucket list.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are so incredibly beautiful that it’s hard to put it into words, and images certainly don’t do them justice. If you’re looking for a breathtaking way to start the day, then a visit to the Cliffs of Moher in the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland is the ideal choice; just remember to pack some bottles of water and, of course, a good camera. You’ll see the cliffs on postcards dotted throughout the country, and it’s little wonder why the Cliffs of Moher are amongst Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. Pro tip: visit early to avoid crowds. 

Souvenir shopping

It wouldn’t be a vacation without doing some retail therapy, and the good news is that Ireland is home to some incredible gift shops. Whether you pop into the iconic Carrolls Irish Gifts chain, dotted across the country with branches in Dublin and Belfast, or you head to Seasons of Ireland or The Wicker Man, you’ll have hours of fun checking out the nicknacks and finding something to bring home to friends. Not sure you have the baggage allowance for all of your souvenirs? Check out the Gifts from Ireland website and have items such as clothing, jewelry, and homeware delivered to your address back in the United States. Easy.

Grafton Street

You haven’t been to Dublin until you’ve spent an afternoon in Grafton Street, a destination that is alive with flower sellers, buskers, and performance artists on every corner. What’s more, there are dozens of amazing cafes serving freshly-ground coffee and the odd pastry treat. We recommend spending some time off the beaten track and consider the Big Bus Dublin Open-top, Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour if you’re looking for a real taste of Ireland.

See also: Why you should let your teenagers travel with their buddies this summer

Kilmainham Gaol

Iconic movies such as The Tudors, In the Name of the Father, and The Italian Job, have used Kilmainham Gaol as a backdrop, and it’s clear to see why. If you’re interested in the country’s troubled past and want to experience something a little bit different, then this is the place for you. Back in 1796, the prison was used to house those guilty of times such as not paying their train fares and its heartbreaking and shocking history is something worth seeing.

The Little Museum

Round out your trip to Dublin at The Little Museum, where you can enjoy permanent exhibition items like the lectern used by John F. Kennedy during his 1963 visit to Ireland and a U2 exhibition with mementos donated by band members themselves. The museum is also the starting point for a number of walking tours, such as The Green Mile, and should be considered your one-stop shop for all things culture in the city. Tell ‘em we sent you!

Do you have any must-haves to add to our list? Let us know in the comments and check back soon for more. We share regular travel guides like this on our website, every week!