Thousands of years of history and fantastical natural magnificence have always created a magical environment in Ireland. The welcoming people as well as these top ten destinations will certainly make a visit to Ireland one of the most memorable experiences in a lifetime.
10. Skellig Michael
flickr/Kilaana
Skellig Michael is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, about 11.5km west of County Kerry. The island is home to an ancient Christian monastery that was abandoned in the late 12th century, and has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful peaks and the ancient monastery can be viewed and visited from boat trips to the island.
9. St. Stephen’s Green
flickr/Javier García
St. Stephen’s Green is a large public park in the centre of Dublin. The park was opened to the public in 1880 and has since been an essential part of visiting Dublin. There are many things to see within the park including Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, the Iveagh House donated by the Guinness family, the many fountains, ponds and several statues of famous Irish people like Yeats, James Joyce and Robert Emmet.
8. The Great Western Greenway
flickr/Randy Durrum
The Great Western Greenway is a rail trail that stretches from Westport to Achill in the County Mayo. It is a 42km trail that was calculated for the use of bicycles and walking. The Greenway offers beautiful scenery over rivers, through hills and beautiful green pastures.
7. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
flickr/Toni Camara
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin is the largest church in all of Ireland. Founded in 1191, the church has an extremely interesting history and some of the most beautifully detailed floors, windows and artworks in the country. The St. Patrick’s organ is the largest in all of Ireland with over 4,000 pipes and enchanting music.
6. Blarney Castle
flickr/Justin Lucarelli
Blarney Castle is located near County Cork and the River Martin in Southern Ireland. The medieval castle is home to the famous Blarney stone, a block of bluestone within the castle. Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to give the kisser the gift of gab (skill in flattery) and good luck. Blarney Castle is one of the largest sites of tourism in Ireland and is easily accessible.
5. Trinity College
flickr/Dennis Wilkinson
Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin. Formally referred to as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth, the college was founded in the year 1592 making it the oldest university in Ireland. Trinity College is one of the most beautifully designed campuses, with a college green, beautiful artwork and statues, as well as majestically constructed buildings. The campus has a relaxed and welcoming environment and is great for tourists.
4. Guinness Storehouse
flickr/Craig Pitchers
Located at St. James’s Gate Brewery in the center of Dublin, the Storehouse is filled to the brim with the history of Guinness, brewing techniques, interactive exhibitions and of course, the tasty beer itself. The Guinness Storehouse is definitely an all day event, where beer is the only focal point of the visit!
3. Kilkenny Castle
flickr/Jenny McCullough
Kilkenny Castle is located in Kilkenny and was built in 1195 by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. The great castle is a memorial to the wonders of medieval architecture and cities. Given to the people of Kilkenny in the early 1960’s, the castle is now home to part of the National Art Gallery and open to visitors.
2. Newgrange
flickr/turingd82
Ancient settlers in the County Meath built Newgrange in 3200 BC, in the Neolithic period. The structure has several stone passageways and chambers within the large domelike frame. Newgrange is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, and the stones within and surrounding the structure are covered in artistic carvings and ancient symbols. Visiting this site is well worth the time.
1. Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are famous Irish bluffs in the County Claire. The cliffs tower over the Atlantic Ocean at a maximum height of 214 metres. The museum and tourist info near the midpoint of the cliffs offer information about the mythology surrounding the cliffs, the species of wildlife and plants, as well as the history of the cliffs and their majesty. A famous spot along the cliffs is O’Brien’s, now a small shop, the Tower built in 1835 in order to impress female visitors. The cliffs are some of nature’s most beautiful creations and a must-visit for tourists in Ireland!
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