With free admission, the Chester Beatty is one of the best places to visit in Dublin without spending a cent. The only museum in Ireland to ever be awarded European Museum of the Year, its rich collections from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe give visitors a glimpse into the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world.
Explore manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and decorative arts all thanks to the collector Sir Alfred Chester Beatty.
The iconic Martello Tower in Sandycove was one of a series of Martello Towers built to withstand an invasion by Napoleon many moons ago. Today, it's a museum devoted to the life and works of James Joyce, who made this tower the setting for the first chapter of his masterpiece, Ulysses.
The James Joyce Museum has a collection of letters, photographs, first and rare editions, and personal possessions belonging to the writer himself.
Head to the coast and join the locals for a refreshing session of sea swimming. There are lots of great sea swimming spots in Ireland, but one of the most notable is The Forty Foot in Sandycove, right beside the Martello Tower. Many Dubliners take a dip here every day, so it's a real must-visit if you are in the area.
Even at low tide, the depth of the Forty Foot means you can still enjoy a swim year-round. On Christmas Day you can even join dedicated locals on an invigorating plunge while dressed in festive get-up.
Don't miss a visit to the National Archives of Ireland when in Dublin. Home to records dating as far back at the 14th century, the archives hosts a bounty of information relating to the cultural and intellectual life of the Irish nation.
Pop in for a visit and dive deep into the country's history, or explore your own family tree and discover forgotten stories in each branch.
Take the Lough Boora Mesolithic Loop Walk and discover the serene habitats, flora and bogland of Lough Boora Discovery Park. This well-trodden trail brings visitors to the shores of Lough Boora, through the Leabeg Wetland and old railway embankment before reaching the Mesolithic settlement, which dates back to 6500 BC.
Keep your camera handy in case you spot the native whooper swans, skylarks and foxes that call this place home – plus, the unique artwork dotted along the Lough Boora - Sculpture Route is also worth a snap or two.
Jerpoint Glass Studio is a family-run business based in Kilkenny that has been creating colourful glass products since 1979. Take a peak behind the scenes on a tour of the studio and watch the expert glassblowers as they transform the fiery molten glass into stunning shapes.
Keep an eye on their website for their 'Blow a Glass Bubble' events where the team allows visitors to try their hand at glassblowing.
While there are many greenways in Ireland, the Waterford Greenway is one of the longest and offers coastal views that are hard to beat. Take your time as you travel on foot or by bike along the 47.8km scenic greenway from buzzing Waterford city to beautiful Dungarvan.
The greenway traces the route of the old Waterford Suir Valley Railway line along the coast, with many places to visit along the way like Mount Congreve Gardens or Kilmacthomas. When you reach your final destination, you're greeted with a panoramic view of Dungarvan Bay, which is well worth the effort alone.
You could easily spend a week exploring Killarney National Park and its 10,000 hectares of impressive landscape. This corner of Ireland includes the highest mountain range in Ireland, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, which reaches a height of over 1,000 metres.
If scaling mountains are not your thing, enjoy a relaxing day along the stunning Lakes of Killarney or roaming the wild woodland under ever-changing skies.
Set against the striking backdrop of Benbulben, Drumcliffe in Sligo is best known as the final resting place of Irish Nobel Laureate W.B. Yeats. The Irish poet was one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature and was also the co-founder of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.
Many parts of Sligo's natural beauty inspired his work, and his grave in Drumcliffe is marked with a simple headstone with the inscription 'cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman, pass by.' The graveyard also contains a high cross and is set near the site of a 6th-century Columbian monastery. Pay a visit to the Yeats Building in the heart of Sligo town and attend a talk or tour at the Yeats Society — or head on a self-guided tour with the Yeats Unwrapped app.
Experience the best free things to do in Donegal with a visit to Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) – the highest accessible marine cliffs in all of Europe. Leave your car at the car park and walk the few miles to the viewing point so as not to miss the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay. The cliff face rises 600m above the Atlantic, but experienced walkers can venture beyond the viewing point onto One Man's Pass, which loops around onto the nearby Pilgrim's Path.
Hiking up the rocky slopes of Croagh Patrick in Mayo is a bucket list item for many enthusiastic hikers. Pack your backpack with a flask of tea and sandwiches before setting off on this famous trail. As you ascend, enjoy gorgeous views of Clew Bay and spot remote islands in the shimmering waters below.
Plan a trip with friends and family to tackle the four-hour-long hike to the top. Catch your breath at St Patrick's Chapel at the summit and don't forget to take a photo to mark your achievement.
Clare's wild and stunning landscapes mean there's no end to the amazing free things to do outdoors. For an out of this world experience, visit The Burren and its truly unique, karst landscape. The limestone and warm microclimate make this region unlike any other. See the result of over 330 million years of weathering as you feel the cracked landscape beneath your feet, admiring the colourful flora as you go.
Come for a few hours, or extend your visit and spend a few days exploring the region along The Burren Way.
Spend time by the water at Lough Gur and have a gorgeous day out without breaking the bank. Listen to the water gently lapping against the shore and relish in the tranquillity and peacefulness of the Limerick countryside.
Humans first settled around Lough Gur over 3,000 years ago, and their legacy is still visible today. Explore the Grange Stone Circle, admire the dolmen, spot three crannogs and discover the remains of Stone Age buildings at the Lough Gur Visitor Centre. There’s a small fee to enter the centre, but the picnic area and walking trails are open to all - a chance to roam the landscape and relive history free of charge.
With so many things to see in Galway city, some of the best experiences are found simply by walking the cobbled streets of this vibrant city. Feel the buzz of the Galway Farmers Market and bask in the aroma of beautifully cooked food and freshly cut flowers. Stroll down to the historic Spanish Arch and watch buskers performing songs and magic tricks, and entertain the whole family.
Visit Eyre Square, the city's bustling epicentre, and experience life as a true Galwegian. Once you've explored the city, head for the coast and enjoy a stroll along Salthill Promenade, and if you're feeling brave throw on your swimsuit and leap into the refreshing sea.
Treat yourself to a peaceful day spent on the shores of Lough Muckno just outside of Castleblayney in Monaghan. If you fancy a walk, there are four short trails ranging from a quick 340m long stroll to a 1.7km route, each taking in the forest's bluebells and birdsong.
Bring your rod and perch up at one of the fantastic fishing spots dotted around the lake. Lough Muckno has healthy stocks of bream, roach and pike so you're bound to catch something. Check out the nearby White Island and Black Island for even more great places to cast a line.
Relive history, take in spectacular views and explore the Cooley Mountains, all without putting your hand in your pocket on a visit to Carlingford. The medieval streets are lined with traditional pubs, colourful flower pots and signs from days of old.
Start your hike up Slieve Foye from the centre of the town, keeping an eye out for the trinket-laden fairy trees along the way. The loop includes some steep inclines, but the views at the top are well worth it. Take in the sights of the gorgeous Cooley Mountains and the Mourne Mountains in the distance, gaze over Carlingford Lough and watch boats sail into the harbour below.
Once back in Carlingford, head out to the pier and cool off with a swim in the clear waters for the perfect end to your day.
The ancient Hill of Tara in County Meath is a great choice if you're looking for something fun to do with the kids. Once the most important centre of political and religious power in the country, inspire your little ones' imaginations with stories of the High Kings of Ireland and past civilisations going as far back as the Stone Age. There's a short 1.2km long walk that leads you around the mounds, past the old banquet hall and the Stone on Destiny – legend has it that the stone will roar at the touch of a rightful king, so, why not see if you have little members of royalty in the family.
Towering over the heart of Cavan town is the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim, known locally as Cavan Cathedral. Although this fine structure was built in 1938, the site has been a place of worship since the 1400s and continues to be an important location for the people of Cavan.
Admire the six stained glass windows made by famed Irish illustrator and stained glass artist Harry Clarke, sculptures by Edward Smith and the 70m tall spire. The cathedral is free to visit and a great way to spend a few hours in Cavan town.
Look up in awe at the Glencar Waterfall as it tumbles 15 metres down a sheer rock face in the heart of County Leitrim's lush forest. Afterwards, wander through the woodland that inspired W.B. Yeats’ poem 'The Stolen Child' on a gentle 1km loop, or let the kids burn off energy in the nearby playground.
Extend your free day out in Leitrim and take the short drive over to Hag’s Leap – Ireland's tallest free standing rock tower. This striking rock formation can be admired from the viewing point adjacent to the carpark, but there is no access for walking or hiking in this area.
Having fun in Ireland doesn't need to cost a penny. Discover even more free things to do across the country and start planning your next pocket-friendly adventure.
