Ireland

When a country is as famous as this one for being, above all, friendly, it's no surprise tourists flock to it, hoping to enjoy the best things to do in Ireland. Opt to spend a weekend on a stag do in Dublin, blearily enjoying one of Europe's best cities, sample a slice of Bohemian life in Galway, head out to ancient sites on the tiny Aran Islands or even plan a few relaxing days at one of the best hotels in the country. Our guide brings together some of the most iconic spots, giving you a flavour of the many thing to do in this remarkable and stunning country. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

Ah Ireland—land of misty mountains, emerald fields and ancient castles. Few places can beat this enigmatic island for history, culture and, above all, craic (Gaelic for "fun"). This is an island that knows how to have a good time, from its cosy pubs pulling pints of the black stuff to its hauntingly beautiful live music and staggeringly good local seafood. Ireland has bags of personality and on your trip here you’re sure to want to stay somewhere with real character. We think every one of the places on our list of Ireland’s best hotels has it in spades, from four-poster beds and castle turrets to roaring fires and magnificent countryside—and even the room in which the world first learned of the sinking of the Titanic.