I spent a year traveling across Ireland. There were 4 popular spots I loved, and 2 that didn’t live up to the hype.

• During that time, four spots — including Howth and Kinsale — stood out to me as must-visit places.
• However, I found Blarney Gardens and the Cliffs of Moher a bit underwhelming.

I thought Blarney Gardens were impressive, but I was a little underwhelmed by the castle.

I’m glad I saw the Cliffs of Moher, but I wouldn’t necessarily go back.

Some locals warned me about the heavy summer crowds, so I went in April, hoping for a quieter experience. Even then, though, the viewpoints were busy, and my visit felt rushed.

Reaching the cliffs without a car also meant a 4½ -hour journey each way and about 36 euros in transport costs. Compared to the quieter cliff walks I found elsewhere in Ireland, these didn’t feel like the best use of my time or money —especially on a student budget.

This story was originally published on February 6, 2026, and most recently updated on August 14, 2026.