If there’s one inconvenient thing Ireland is known for, I think it’s the unpredictable weather. One time, my friends and I planned for the best summer BBQ anyone has ever seen—only for it to start collecting rain the moment we lit the grill.
Everyone huddled under a patio umbrella and we got slightly soggy burgers. Pretty disappointing, I know. But on the one hand, we thought it was funny, considering someone actually brought water guns and we unexpectedly had a new agenda.
The point is, being on this large island can make you learn how to pivot. And to be sure we’re always ready during this season, we made a list of the best things to do in summer in Ireland. You know, just in case the weather has other ideas.
What summer activities can I enjoy in Ireland?
There are plenty of summer activities you can enjoy in Ireland! Some of the best ones include touring a long coastal route, hiking in the mountains, going to a festival, and enjoying whiskey tastings.
Explore the Wild Atlantic Way
Media credit: wildatlanticwaydaytours
Website: https://wildatlanticwaydaytours.com/
Address: Unit 9, Royal Rock Industrial Estate, Ballybane, Galway, H91 WD32
Contact Details: +353 91 778 778, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Fees: From Galway – Starts from €45
Facebook
Wild Atlantic Way is among our top picks for the best things to do in Ireland during summer. This magnificent coastal route spans over 2,500 km (1,500 miles) along the west coast—we reckon that’s a lot of epic scenery—cliffs, beaches, sunsets, and more.
Moreover, we believe history buffs can enjoy ancient sites, colourful towns and villages, and traditional Irish music in local pubs. Of course, you can also indulge with some of the craft beers and whiskey.
And when you get hungry? We love that there are tons of food options! We say get your hands on fresh seafood like oysters and mussels and local delicacies like Irish stew and black pudding.
Pro tip:
We suggest driving or renting a campervan to see Wild Atlantic Way! For us, going on a road trip is among the best ways to experience it. Do note that the roads here are narrow and winding, so always drive safely!
Hike in the Wicklow Mountains
Media credit: thehikelife
Website: http://www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie/
Address: Co. Wicklow
Contact Details: +353 404 45800
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Fees: Free park entry
Facebook
If you want to see more stunning trails and lush valleys in the summer, we bet the Wicklow Mountains are worth considering! We also like that the mountains are only a short drive from Dublin.
The highlights for us are Glendalough (a popular glacial valley), Lough Tay (Guinness Lake), and Lugnaquilla (the highest peak in Wicklow at 925 m). We think the serene lakes and rivers are great for family picnics as well.
Moreover, we appreciate that you can see tons of wildlife here! Keep on the lookout for some red deer, wild goats, and even peregrine falcons if you’re lucky.
Safety first:
- Don’t forget to wear proper footwear to Wicklow Mountains—a bunch of trails here are rocky and can get pretty muddy. Be sure you use high-quality hiking boots too!
- And while waymarking is generally okay, we believe having a handy GPS device (or a physical map) can still be handy, especially if you’re aiming for a longer hike.
See the Galway International Arts Festival
Media credit: GalwayIntArts
Website: https://www.giaf.ie/
Address: Black Box Theatre, Dyke Rd, Terryland, Galway, H91 C9PP
Contact Details: +353 91 509 700, [email protected]
Dates: July 14 to 27, 2025
Fees:
- Need to reach the admin directly for exact fees
- Extra Online Booking Fee – €1.95
- Telephone & In-Person Bookings – No Transaction Fee
Love big festivities about art? If you don’t have any solid plans for July this year, we reckon the Galway International Arts Festival is one of the best things you can look forward to!
This 2-week festivity turns Galway into a haven of music, theatre, street performances and more. Some of its past acts are Bon Iver, The National, and The Flaming Lips.
Nifty trick:
Want to save money at the Galway International Arts Festival? Forget fancy food and take it outside! Check out the food stalls and pop-up events showcasing Irish cuisine.
Visit Titanic Belfast
Media credit: titanicbelfast
Website: https://www.titanicbelfast.com/
Address: 1 Olympic Way, Belfast BT3 9EP
Contact Details: +44 28 9076 6386, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Fees:
- Adult – £24.95 or €29.72
- Child (5 to 15) – £11 or €13.10
- Child (under 5) – Free
- Family Pass (2 adults, 2 children) – £62 or €73.86
- Essential Carer – Free
- Student/Unemployed (Monday to Friday) – £19 or €22.63
- Senior (over 60, Monday to Friday) – £19 or €22.63
How many times have you watched the movie Titanic? If you’ve seen it more than once, perhaps you’ll like Titanic Belfast—it’s a self-guided museum with 9 interactive galleries that talk about the ship, its history, and Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage.
Besides knowing all about its incredible history, we appreciate that you can step back in time here—you can get a special indoor shipyard ride that recreates the boatyard experience!
We’re also in awe of the first-class cabins and third-class quarters, as well as the holograms, touchscreens, and other sensory experiences to make your visit more memorable. Plus, you can see some letters and recovered shipwreck items!
Insider scoop:
Titanic Belfast is extensive, so we recommend allotting at least 2 to 3 hours to see everything. We also suggest checking if there are special events and themed experiences. This makes the visit a lot more interesting, in our opinion.
Drink Whiskey at Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Media credit: jamesondistillerybowst
Website: https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-ie/visit-our-distilleries/jameson-bow-street-distillery-tour/
Address: Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 N9VH
Contact Details: +353 1 807 2355
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 6 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Bow St. Experience Tour & Tasting (45 minutes) – From €26
- Other Secret Whiskey Tastings & Cask Draws – €45 to €120
If you like the finer things, such as great whiskey, we bet Jameson Distillery Bow St. should be on your summer itinerary in Ireland! You’ll be in for a treat and see the original distillery site, as well as the brick interiors, copper pot stills, and old whiskey barrels.
We’re fascinated that you can learn the differences between Irish, Scotch, and American whiskey too! For the main event, you can taste whiskey based on your preferences, whether you want it straight, on the rocks, or in a signature cocktail.
On top of that, you can make your very own Jameson-based cocktails—something to brag about to your buddies later, we say.
Expert advice:
Don’t know which whiskey to try first? Our recommendation is the classic Jameson whiskey with lime and ginger!
Tour Around Inis Mór (Inishmore)
Media credit: thomasfahertytours
Website: http://aranponytrap.com/
Address: Mor, Province of, Kilronan, Co. Galway
Contact Details: +353 0 99 61292 (Phone), +353 85 285 9777 (Mobile), [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – 12 AM to 7 AM, 8 AM to 7 PM
- Wednesday to Monday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Fees:
- Private Day Tour (3 to 4 hours) – need to inquire via email
- Shared Day Tour (3 to 4 hours) – starts at €59.75
- Private Evening Tour (3 hours) – starts at €298.75
- Private Tour to the East (1.5 hours) – starts at €131.45
Inis Mór is the biggest of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, and we feel one of the best ways to tour around is via Thomas Faherty Tours. We love that it offers minibus tours that can take you around the island’s top spots. You can try the horse carriages too!
Our favourite spots are The Seal Colony (where you can spot many seals on the rocks), The Wormhole (where you can go scuba diving), and Dún Aonghasa (where you can capture a majestic prehistoric clifftop fort).
Savvy suggestion:
Some smaller shops or services on the Inis Mór island might require cash payments, so we say bring some extra euros with you to be sure.