From scenic hikes and coastal adventures to unforgettable nights out, discover the best ways to experience Ireland with your mates.
🌍 Introduction: Why Group Activities Matter Today
In a world increasingly defined by digital interactions and remote work, spending quality time with friends in real life has become more valuable than ever. In fact, a 2023 Eurobarometer study revealed that 72% of Irish people view spending time with friends as essential to their well-being—one of the highest rates in Europe.
Ireland, with its vibrant culture, welcoming atmosphere, and stunning natural landscapes, is the perfect backdrop for unforgettable group experiences—whether you’re planning a reunion, a birthday trip, or just a casual weekend getaway.
Having lived and travelled across Ireland with friends over the past decade, I can personally say that there’s no shortage of unique group-friendly activities, from road trips and festivals to immersive rural escapes.
🧭 Best Things to Do With Friends in Ireland
1. Take a Road Trip Along the Wild Atlantic Way
📍 West Coast (Donegal to Cork)
🚗 Ideal for: Adventure seekers, photography lovers, nature fans
Why it’s great for groups:
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world, stretching over 2,500 km. You can tackle parts of it in a weekend, or plan a week-long epic journey.
Must-See Stops:
- Slieve League Cliffs (Donegal)
- Keem Bay (Achill Island)
- Cliffs of Moher (Clare)
- Skellig Ring (Kerry)
Tip:
Book a campervan or hire a minibus if your group is large. Split accommodation and fuel costs—it’s cheaper than you’d think.
👉 Wild Atlantic Way official guide
2. Enjoy a Pub Night or Traditional Irish Music Session
📍 Nationwide, but Galway, Doolin, and Dublin stand out
🍻 Ideal for: Music fans, foodies, and anyone seeking the “craic”
There’s nothing more Irish than spending an evening in a local pub, where live music, storytelling, and laughter fill the room.
Top Pubs for Live Music:
- The Crane Bar – Galway
- O’Donoghue’s – Dublin
- Fitzpatrick’s – Doolin
- The Cobblestone – Dublin (traditional sessions)
Personal Experience:
One of my favourite nights was at a pub in Doolin where strangers became friends over a pint of Guinness and a rousing version of “The Rocky Road to Dublin.”
3. Hike and Picnic in a National Park
📍 Wicklow, Killarney, Glenveagh, Connemara
🥾 Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts, fitness-conscious groups
Group hikes offer exercise, bonding time, and breathtaking scenery. Many trails are well-marked and suitable for beginners to intermediates.
| Park | Top Trail | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicklow Mountains | Spinc Loop, Glendalough | Moderate | Lakes, ancient ruins, Instagram-ready |
| Killarney National | Torc Waterfall Loop | Easy | Combine with Muckross House visit |
| Glenveagh | Lough Inshagh Trail | Easy | Ends at Glenveagh Castle |
Tip:
Pack a shared picnic with local Irish cheeses, soda bread, and fruit. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy lunch with a view.
4. Attend an Irish Festival or Outdoor Concert
📅 Best in: Summer and early autumn
🎟️ Ideal for: Music lovers, culture enthusiasts, night owls
Ireland has hundreds of annual festivals celebrating everything from oysters to alternative music. Many are group-friendly with camping areas or multi-day passes.
Top Group-Friendly Festivals:
- Electric Picnic – Laois (Music & arts)
- All Together Now – Waterford (Chilled vibes, diverse acts)
- Galway Arts Festival – Culture, music, and theatre
- Puck Fair – Killorglin (One of Europe’s oldest street festivals)
Pro Tip:
Buy group tickets early—early bird prices are often discounted for bundles of 4 or more.
👉 Discover Ireland Festival Calendar
5. Try a Water-Based Adventure (Kayaking, Surfing, SUP)
📍 West Cork, Lahinch, Sligo, Dalkey
🌊 Ideal for: Active friends, team-builders, thrill seekers
Ireland’s coastline and rivers offer loads of group-friendly water activities.
Top Picks:
- Night kayaking on Lough Hyne (West Cork) – magical bioluminescence
- Surf lessons in Bundoran or Lahinch – gear and instructors included
- Sea kayaking around Dalkey Island (Dublin) – seals & puffins!
Safety Note:
Always book with a licensed adventure operator. Check weather conditions and wear appropriate gear.
6. Escape Rooms & Indoor Challenges (Rainy Day Option)
📍 Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick
🧠 Ideal for: Problem-solvers, competitive groups
Perfect for rainy days, escape rooms combine teamwork and mystery-solving in a fast-paced environment.
Top Venues:
- GoQuest – Dublin (physical & mental challenges)
- Escape Boats – Dublin (on a real boat!)
- Great Escape Rooms – Galway
My Tip:
Split into two teams and race to escape. The losers buy the next round of drinks!
7. Explore a Castle or Heritage Site Together
📍 Every county has one!
🏰 Ideal for: History buffs, photography groups, culture lovers
Ireland is dotted with over 30,000 castles and ruins, many offering tours, medieval feasts, or even overnight stays.
Group-Friendly Castles:
- Blarney Castle – Cork (kiss the stone for “the gift of the gab”)
- Kilkenny Castle – Stylish grounds, free exhibitions
- Trim Castle – Game of Thrones filming location
- Dublin Castle – Right in the city centre
8. Book a Group Airbnb or Glamping Retreat
🏡 Ideal for: Weekend getaways, reunions, hens/stags
Skip the hotels and rent a group-friendly Airbnb, countryside cottage, or glamping pod.
Ideas:
- Glamping in Tipperary with hot tubs & lake views
- Converted barns in Donegal
- Forest cabins in Wicklow
Trusted Sites:
✅ Summary Table: Top Things to Do With Friends
| Activity | Location | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip | West Coast | Outdoor/Adventure | Nature lovers, photographers |
| Pub Night & Music | Nationwide | Cultural/Social | Night owls, musicians |
| Hikes & National Parks | Wicklow, Kerry, Donegal | Nature/Wellness | Outdoorsy, mindful groups |
| Festivals & Concerts | Dublin, Galway, Laois | Music/Culture | Social, celebratory occasions |
| Water Sports | Lahinch, Sligo, Dalkey | Adventure | Active, sporty friends |
| Escape Rooms | Major cities | Indoor fun | Competitive, creative thinkers |
| Castle & Heritage Tours | Cork, Kilkenny, Dublin | Historical | Culture seekers, casual tourists |
| Group Airbnb / Glamping | Countryside | Relaxation | Birthdays, reunions, weekend breaks |
FAQs
Is Ireland good for group travel?
Yes! It’s compact, easy to navigate, and packed with both rural and urban experiences. Public transport and group car rentals make it accessible.
What’s the best season for group activities in Ireland?
Summer (June–August) offers the best weather, festivals, and access to outdoor fun. However, spring and early autumn are quieter and still lovely.
Are group discounts common?
Many attractions and tour providers offer discounted rates for 5+ people. Always ask or check websites before booking.
Can you do group tours of Irish landmarks?
Absolutely. Many companies offer private group tours for the Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, and even city walking tours.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Creating Lasting Memories With Friends in Ireland
Ireland isn’t just a land of history and myth—it’s a playground for groups of friends looking to reconnect, laugh, and make unforgettable memories. Whether you’re road-tripping along the coast, diving into a pub session, or simply watching the sun set from a glamping pod, Ireland offers the kind of connection that screens can’t replicate.
I’ve seen the way a spontaneous trad session can light up a night, or how a misty hike can deepen friendships. There’s something here for every kind of friend group—laid-back, adventurous, artsy, or party-loving.
💬 Got questions or planning a trip with friends?
Drop them below or reach out—I’d love to help you create a custom itinerary based on your group’s vibe and travel goals.
Hi, I’m Tanvir, the founder and author of Explore Ireland Now. With a deep love for Ireland and its rich culture, history, and landscapes, I created this site to share everything that makes this beautiful country worth exploring. Whether you’re a local looking for hidden gems or a traveler planning your next adventure, I provide insightful guides, tips, and recommendations to help you experience Ireland to the fullest.
From stunning landscapes to vibrant cities and quaint villages, Ireland is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. Through my personal experiences and research, I aim to bring you the most up-to-date information and inspiration for your journey.
Thank you for visiting Explore Ireland Now—I hope my content helps you uncover all that this incredible country has to offer! If you have any questions or need travel advice, feel free to reach out.
