Ireland Places to Visit for Business and Pleasure

This trip to Ireland was primarily for business but I quickly extended my stay in order to explore more of the majestic Emerald Isle. Even though it was moody January weather when I traveled, the list of Ireland places to visit is so abundant that I am convinced it’s a perfect destination for business and pleasure any time of year.

Out of all the Ireland places to visit, I’m glad my first stay was at Fairmont Carton House. I spent a few days tucked away in this historic mansion for a business conference with over one hundred of my colleagues. This grand venue is only a 25-minute drive from Dublin International Airport and is set on 1,100 acres of private Kildare parkland, which includes two championship golf courses. Though I did not try golfing, my team and I enjoyed strolling through the meandering trails between workshops. Carton House country retreat dates back to 1739 and having gone through renovations, today retains a tangible sense of refinement and grandeur. The food, service, interior design and surrounding nature makes Carton House the perfect location for not only corporate events but weddings as well. I would also recommend it as a luxurious getaway for a couple or family boasting opportunities for biking, fishing, afternoon tea, relaxing in the spa and more at a five-star level.

With only a couple days left for non-work travel, I knew I had to visit Dublin - Ireland’s vibrant capital city. This is where I put on my "tourist cap." When in Ireland, one must try a sip of Guinness, or better yet visit the Guinness Storehouse. This brewery experience is very popular (i.e. often crowded) but the top floor bar offers 360 views of Dublin. Another Ireland place to visit, a tourist hotspot for unrivaled craic, is the Temple Bar Pub. Although there’s plenty of less crowded pubs in the city, Temple Bar Pub is renowned for its high energy, vibrant atmosphere and offers a beer garden and live music. Sláinte!

Being a lover of history and religion, I had to stop by Trinity College, the library in particular. The library at Trinity College is the largest library in Ireland dating back to 1592 and features a new immersive digital experience as a self-guided tour to see the Book of Kells, the Old Library and Gaia in the Long Room. While you’re there, take a short cobbled-stone walk from Trinity College to Dublin Castle. It was built in the 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement and is open daily for self-guided visits as well as guided tours.

Having reached my capacity for tourist hot spots, I went off the beaten path and took the local railway from Dublin along the coast. Previously traveling by taxi or bus, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) was quite enjoyable and the coastal views were epic. (My substitute for not having time to visit Cliffs of Moher.) Bray might not come up as one of the top places in Ireland to visit but I don't regret spending a few hours hiking along the rugged coast line (Killiney Hill Park), admiring the pebbly Bray Beach and savoring local seafood cuisine at Wilde’s Bar and Restaurant. If I were here in the summer, I would stop at Seapoint Beach, a popular swimming destination for locals, or Vico Bathing Place, a more touristy spot but the pastel mansions and stairways to the Irish Sea make you think you’re on the Mediterranean.

I will definitely be visiting Ireland again to tick more items off my Ireland places to visit list. In the meantime, I’d be honored to help you plan or book your Irish adventure.

The Green Isle has so much to offer, but to make the most of your visit, prioritize the top Ireland places you want to visit and account for travel time to each destination. Is driving along the whole coastline or visiting the UNESCO sites on your bucket list? Perhaps you fancy dallying in charming villages and walking through historic castles also highlighted in Hollywood. (Game of Thrones anyone?) Whatever your style is, reach out and I can help research and book all the can’t-miss spots as well as local favorites that will make your trip feel unforgettable.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Ireland. In need of further inspiration? Check out Angelica Hyde's guide, Ireland in September.