No matter if you’ve already visited Ireland or if it’s your first time taking a trip to the Emerald Isle, you know that this country has a reputation. It’s known for lots of things like Guinness, the Cliffs of Moher, Temple Bar, and castles that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval fantasy movie. And sure, all of that is great, but what if you want more than the tourist checklist? What if you want the kind of trip that doesn’t feel like you’re only visiting the places you saw on your friends’ Instagram stories? The real Ireland – the one that most people don’t talk about – has way more to offer than just pints of stout. So, here are the most unexpected things you should put on your bucket list if you want to experience Ireland in a way most visitors never do.
Cuddle With Lambs
Most people come to Ireland expecting lush green fields, but what they don’t expect is the chance to hug the creatures responsible for keeping them so perfectly trimmed. Many small farms across the country offer “lamb-cuddling” experiences, especially in spring, so make sure to look for them beforehand. For less than 5 euro, you can spend a wonderful afternoon in nature – think of it as stress relief, Irish-style. It’s impossible to hold a soft, warm lamb in your arms and not feel like everything in life is just fine. Plus, if you need proof that you did something this wholesome, they’ll usually let you take as many pictures as you want.
Get an Aran Sweater
There’s nothing wrong with picking up an Aran sweater in a Dublin gift shop, but if you want the real deal, there’s only one way to go – west. The Aran Islands, off the coast of Galway, are where these iconic sweaters were first knit long before they became the fashion staples and souvenirs they are today. Each pattern was specifically designed for the local fishermen, and legend says they were actually created to identify those lost at sea. This sweater is a true piece of Irish history, so visit a shop where they’re still made by hand, hear the stories behind the stitches, and walk away with something that’s more than just a souvenir. Even better, if you want to be prepared for the freezing Atlantic wind, you can go to https://www.gaelsong.com/prod_detail_list/mens-apparel and get a sweater before the trip – it’s 100% authentic and made in Ireland, but it can be delivered exactly to your doorsteps. With an Aran sweater like this, you can blend in with the locals so that you can fully enjoy your trip without being asked where you’re from everywhere you go.
Drink In a No-Name Pub
Sure, enjoying a pint is a must-do when in Ireland, but if you pull out your Google Maps to look for local pubs, you’ll most likely find famous places or even tourist traps. Skip all of them and find yourself a “no-name” pub instead, the one where there’s no neon sign outside, and you only know about them because someone told you. Dublin has a few, but your best bet is to get out into the countryside. Those are the kind of places where the bartender will treat you like you’ve been drinking there for years, and it’s an experience you’ll dream about long after the trip.
Stay In a Castle
Why would you even want to spend your money on a hotel or AirBnb when you can stay in an actual castle? Ireland is full of smaller and lesser-known castles that you can actually stay in, often at the same price as a standard room somewhere not too far from the center of Dublin. Some of them are as luxurious as they can get, but others feel like you’re stepping into another century, so you can enjoy a completely unique experience. The best ones, however, are definitely the ones where the owner hands you a whiskey upon arrival and tells you the ghosts are friendly.
Get Lost in the Burren
Maybe that’s an unpopular opinion, but I believe every traveler has to get lost at least once during their trip, and in Ireland, there’s no better place to get lost than the Burren in County Clare. It is one of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes, a vast land of limestone with ancient tombs, rock formations that defy logic, and wildflowers that look like they shouldn’t exist there. Take a day to visit this place and walk far enough, and you’ll start to feel like you’re the last person on earth or at least a character in a post-apocalyptic movie. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll stumble upon something bizarre like a fairy fort, or a ruined chapel, or a place where the ground suddenly feels hollow beneath your feet. The Irish have stories about this place and if you spend enough time there, you’ll understand exactly why.
