In August 2025, Kate had the chance to experience Ireland on the Cosmos Irish Discovery tour — a nine-day journey across some of the country’s most iconic landscapes, historic cities and charming villages.

If you’re short on time but want to see a lot, tours like this can be a fantastic way to experience Ireland. The pace is fast - expect early mornings and full days - but you’ll cover an incredible amount of ground and see many of the country’s highlights. Cosmos is also a great option for travellers looking for a more budget-friendly tour, although hotels are generally located outside city centres.

That said, if you have the time, we would recommend adding a few extra nights either side of the tour, particularly in Dublin.

Dublin: Culture, History and a Pint with a View

Many tours begin and end in Dublin but don’t allow much time to explore properly. If Dublin is on your list (and it should be), consider extending your stay.

One must-see attraction is the Book of Kells at Trinity College, but tickets must be booked in advance as they sell out quickly.

Another highlight is the Guinness Storehouse, where the Gravity Bar offers panoramic views over Dublin — the perfect place to enjoy a pint.

If you need a break from the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar, the National Gallery of Ireland is just a short walk away and offers a quieter, culturally rich experience.

Belfast: History and Local Stories

In Belfast, we stayed at the Leonardo Hotel, which is centrally located and within easy walking distance of the City Hall, monuments, shopping and restaurants.

The Titanic Experience is a major attraction and worth visiting if you want a deeper understanding of the tragedy and the personal stories connected to it.

Another fascinating experience is taking a guided tour along the Shankill and Falls Roads, where local guides share insights into the history of “The Troubles” and life in Belfast during that period.

For dinner or a drink, Robinson’s Bar is one of Belfast’s oldest pubs. Through the back doors you’ll find Fibber Magee’s, where traditional Irish folk music is played live most nights of the week - a must visit especially if you are a Toowoomba local!

The Giant’s Causeway: Natural Wonder

The Giant’s Causeway is one of Ireland’s most famous natural attractions. If you’re visiting on a tour, consider taking the small shuttle bus from the visitor centre down to the causeway — it costs about £1 and saves time so you can explore the area more thoroughly.

Derry and the Wild Atlantic Way

In Derry/Londonderry, the Guildhall Taphouse is a great stop for a craft beer and a bite to eat, close to the historic city walls and the Peace Bridge.

Further south along the coast, the Cliffs of Moher are spectacular, but my tip is to walk further along the cliffs away from the main viewing platform for quieter viewpoints and beautiful scenery.

Hidden Gems Along the Way

One of my favourite stops was Adare, a charming village known for its historic thatched cottages. It’s the perfect place for a short break between Limerick and Dingle. Grab a takeaway coffee (and perhaps some handmade chocolate) and stroll through the village park.

The seaside town of Dingle was another highlight. While not always on first-time Ireland itineraries, it’s well worth visiting — especially if you’re driving part of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Local favourites include:

• Harrington’s for fish and chips
• Murphy’s Ice Cream, made with milk from the rare Kerry cattle breed
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Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

Killarney is the perfect base for exploring the famous Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most scenic drives.

If you’re self-driving, keep in mind that tour buses travel anti-clockwise. It can actually be helpful to follow behind them — they know the route well and are comfortable navigating the narrow roads.

Along the way, the village of Sneem is a lovely place to stop for lunch, with cafes and pubs overlooking the river.

Back in Killarney, dining highlights include The Laurels Pub for a hearty meal and J.M. Reidy’s, a wonderfully quirky pub with winding rooms and cosy snugs.

You can also explore Killarney National Park by jaunting cart — a traditional horse-drawn carriage — and you may even spot wild red deer.

Final Thoughts

Ireland is a destination full of history, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. A short tour like this offers a fantastic introduction, but if you have the opportunity, slowing down and spending more time in each destination will allow you to experience even more of what makes the country so special.

And of course, no matter where you go in Ireland, you’re never far from a great pub, live music and a warm welcome.