Reasons to visit Ireland in 2026
The island of Ireland is known for its beauty, history, culture and food. By day, you can explore rolling green hills, rocky coastline, beaches, lakes and mountains; by night, go to a live music session, dine on local produce or immerse yourself in a work of Irish literature.
If you’re thinking of visiting Ireland, then 2026 is the year to do it – there are big celebrations in literature, the Irish language, and traditional Irish music that you can take part in. You can even follow the footsteps of giants. After that, soak up some nature on peaceful escapes along new coastal and blueway water trails.
Here are eight reasons to visit Ireland in 2026:
1. To follow in the footsteps of giants
While the 40,000 black basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway have stood for around 60 million years and have been formally studied for more than 300 years, this year, the dramatic geological site on the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland celebrates the 40th year of its UNESCO World Heritage designation. This Causeway, which is a National Trust site, is open year-round, with a visitor centre and various walking trails to discover, plus the chance to spot various seabirds or even take a guided dark sky walk at night.
2. To speak Irish and celebrate 100 years of the Gaeltacht
While the Irish language dates back thousands of years to the Celts, this year the country’s Irish-speaking areas, known as the Gaeltacht, mark the 100-year anniversary of their official recognition, following the original Gaelic Revival. It’s also the 150th birthday of the Society for the Preservation of the Irish Language, which was founded in 1876. The language has been undergoing another revival, and a trip to explore one of Ireland’s Gaeltacht locations, such as those in Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Mayo or Cork, to see the language written and to hear the language being spoken, might inspire you to sign up for a weekend or week-long Irish language course, such as at Oideas Gael in Co Donegal.
3. To celebrate Irish music and culture
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, song and dance, celebrates 75 years in 2026. From August 2 to 9, it will take place in Belfast, a UNESCO City of Music, for the first time, with around 700,000 visitors expected during the celebration to see the best of Irish music, song, dance and the Irish language. There will be everything from street performances, stage shows, recitals and marching bands to plenty of traditional sessions in pubs to tap your feet to.
4. To enjoy County Tipperary’s history, nature and food
County Tipperary has so much for visitors to see and do, it’s no surprise that it was named among Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ Destinations for 2026. History buffs can explore landmark sites like the 12th-century buildings at the Rock of Cashel or take a tour of the 13th-century Cahir Castle, most of which still stands. The county has a thriving food scene with everything from farmer’s markets to high-end restaurants serving local produce like Cashel Blue cheese, Crossogue Preserves and Magners cider. There is plenty of natural beauty too, with both the Suir Blueway and Lough Derg Blueway offering peaceful paddling, walking and cycling trails.
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5. To explore the Dublin Coastal Trail
The Dublin Coastal Trail, which was launched in 2022, winds along the coastline of the county, from Skerries north of Dublin city to Killiney to the south. The Trail offers an ideal way to explore the coastline, with villages, beaches, piers and swimming spots along the way, with connections to Irish Rail and the DART train line making it easy to get around. This year, the trail will be extended to reach five new locations: Balbriggan, Donabate and Clontarf/Dollymount on the city’s northside, Dublin Port at the head of the River Liffey, and the suburban village of Blackrock, south of the city.
6. To wrap yourself up in Donegal Tweed
High quality tweed has been woven in the northwestern county of Donegal for more than 200 years, and Donegal Tweed features everywhere from soft throws and blankets to smart suits – and even in the collections of global fashion houses like Dior. This year, Donegal Tweed is due to receive Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the EU. This means that only tweed made in Donegal using traditional methods can carry the name, safeguarding its heritage and craftsmanship. Visit Donegal to learn more and experience the craft, through visits to historic mills and or to take in weaving demonstrations and see the looms in action.
7. To paddle along Ireland’s blueways
Enjoying a blueway – a river or waterway where you can kayak, canoe, paddleboard, cruise or walk along a waterside trail – is a special experience in Ireland. Waterways inland are usually calm and peaceful, with plenty of birdlife and nature to soak up. There will be two new blueways to enjoy from spring – the Enniskillen Blueway, which loops for 2.8km around the island town of Enniskillen, will allow visitors to hire hydro-bikes, kayaks and boats, hear stories of the area and then take a land-based trail for waterway views. The Lower Bann Blueway will also offer boat and kayaking trips along a 5km trail, and you can also enjoy walks in Portglenone Forest.
8. To follow in Gulliver’s footsteps
This year marks 300 years since Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels was first published – the author, Jonathan Swift was born in Dublin in 1667, and he was Dean of the iconic St Patrick’s Cathedral from 1713-1745. Celebrate the book’s anniversary by visiting special exhibitions at the Cathedral and at the nearby Marsh’s Library, Ireland’s first public library, which dates back to 1707. Sign up for a few days of fun at the annual Jonathan Swift Festival in Dublin (the 2026 programme is due to be announced), with everything from talks and seminars to guided walks in the city following Swift’s footsteps.
