Ireland

Ireland Highlights

Ireland, the `Emerald Isle`, is known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Dublin, the capital, is a vibrant city with landmarks like Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and the historic Kilmainham Gaol. Beyond Dublin, visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the unique lunar landscapes of the Burren, and the cultural heartland of Galway. Explore the historic sites of the Boyne Valley or the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way. Don`t miss the UNESCO World Heritage site of Skellig Michael or the picturesque Ring of Kerry. Irish cuisine, known for its hearty stews, soda bread, and Guinness beer, is simple and satisfying. Whether you`re listening to traditional Irish music in a cozy pub, celebrating St. Patrick`s Day in style, or exploring the ancient passage tombs of Newgrange, Ireland promises an unforgettable journey.

Top 10 Attractions

Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone

Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, is known worldwide for the Blarney Stone. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of eloquence. The castle, set in beautiful grounds, offers a glimpse into Ir... more

Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, is known worldwide for the Blarney Stone. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of eloquence. The castle, set in beautiful grounds, offers a glimpse into Ireland`s history and provides panoramic views of the lush countryside from its battlements. The Rock Close and its mystical arrangements of ancient stones, the Wishing Steps, and the Poison Garden are other attractions within the castle grounds.

Boyne Valley

The Boyne Valley is a World Heritage Site located in County Meath and it is Ireland`s most important historic and prehistoric region. The valley is synonymous with the Battle of the Boyne, and is also home to Newgrange, a 5,000-year-old Passage Tomb.... more

The Boyne Valley is a World Heritage Site located in County Meath and it is Ireland`s most important historic and prehistoric region. The valley is synonymous with the Battle of the Boyne, and is also home to Newgrange, a 5,000-year-old Passage Tomb. Other historic sites include the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, and Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. The area`s rich history, combined with its scenic beauty, makes it a major draw for tourists.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare. Rising up to 702 feet at their highest point and stretching for 8 miles along the Atlantic coast, the cliffs offer stunning views out to the Aran Islands a... more

The Cliffs of Moher are located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare. Rising up to 702 feet at their highest point and stretching for 8 miles along the Atlantic coast, the cliffs offer stunning views out to the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, with the Twelve Pins and Maum Turk mountains visible in the distance. This natural spectacle draws close to a million visitors each year and is a must-see when in Ireland.

Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park is located in the west of Ireland in County Galway. It covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands, and woodlands. It`s home to a variety of wildlife, and offers a visitor center, tea r... more

Connemara National Park is located in the west of Ireland in County Galway. It covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands, and woodlands. It`s home to a variety of wildlife, and offers a visitor center, tea room, and several marked trails for hiking. The park offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland, including the Twelve Bens mountain range and Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle, located in the heart of the Irish capital, is one of the most important buildings in Irish history. From 1204 until 1922 it was the seat of English, and later British rule in Ireland. Today, it`s a major tourist attraction and conferen... more

Dublin Castle, located in the heart of the Irish capital, is one of the most important buildings in Irish history. From 1204 until 1922 it was the seat of English, and later British rule in Ireland. Today, it`s a major tourist attraction and conferencing destination. The castle grounds include two museums, two gardens, government buildings, and the State Apartments which are the most important state rooms in the country. The Chester Beatty Library, located on the grounds, contains a world-renowned collection of manuscripts, prints, and artifacts.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Located in Dublin, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is an interactive experience that showcases the global journey of the Irish people over the centuries and how they`ve influenced the world. The museum uses state-of-the-art technology to tell the co... more

Located in Dublin, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is an interactive experience that showcases the global journey of the Irish people over the centuries and how they`ve influenced the world. The museum uses state-of-the-art technology to tell the compelling stories of over 10 million people who left Ireland and the impact they had abroad. In 2019, it was voted Europe`s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards.

GPO Witness History Museum

The GPO Witness History Museum in Dublin offers a highly immersive and engaging exhibition that brings the past to life, focusing on the 1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish history. The museum is situated within the historical GPO (General Post Offic... more

The GPO Witness History Museum in Dublin offers a highly immersive and engaging exhibition that brings the past to life, focusing on the 1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish history. The museum is situated within the historical GPO (General Post Office) building on O`Connell Street. The interactive displays, eye-witness testimonies, and original artifacts provide a compelling narrative of this pivotal event in Ireland`s history.

Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a must-see for beer enthusiasts. This multi-story exhibition space tells the story of Ireland`s iconic Guinness Stout: its history, its brewing process, and its place in Irish culture. Visitors can learn to pour t... more

The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a must-see for beer enthusiasts. This multi-story exhibition space tells the story of Ireland`s iconic Guinness Stout: its history, its brewing process, and its place in Irish culture. Visitors can learn to pour the perfect pint of Guinness and enjoy it in the Gravity Bar with panoramic views of Dublin. The Storehouse`s central atrium is shaped in the form of a giant pint of Guinness, which, if filled, would contain 14.3 million pints of Guinness!

Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park, located in County Kerry, is a vast expanse of rugged, beautiful countryside. Home to the country`s highest mountain range, the MacGillycuddy`s Reeks, the park also features serene lakes, waterfalls, and a rich diversity of wi... more

Killarney National Park, located in County Kerry, is a vast expanse of rugged, beautiful countryside. Home to the country`s highest mountain range, the MacGillycuddy`s Reeks, the park also features serene lakes, waterfalls, and a rich diversity of wildlife, including the native red deer. Muckross House, Ross Castle, and the Gap of Dunloe are among the park`s major attractions. The park was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981 due to its outstanding natural beauty and unique ecological value.

National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland, with its several branches in Dublin and County Mayo, provides fascinating insights into Irish history and culture. The museum is divided into the Archaeology, Decorative Arts & History, Natural History, and Country Lif... more

The National Museum of Ireland, with its several branches in Dublin and County Mayo, provides fascinating insights into Irish history and culture. The museum is divided into the Archaeology, Decorative Arts & History, Natural History, and Country Life branches. The rich collections feature artifacts dating back to the Stone Age, exquisite gold items from the Bronze Age, and the iconic Tara Brooch and Ardagh Chalice.

Newgrange

Newgrange is a prehistoric monument located in County Meath. Constructed around 3200 BC, it is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. It`s most famous for the winter solstice illumination which sees the passage and chamber of the mound illu... more

Newgrange is a prehistoric monument located in County Meath. Constructed around 3200 BC, it is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. It`s most famous for the winter solstice illumination which sees the passage and chamber of the mound illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise. This event draws crowds from around the world every December. Newgrange is a testament to the engineering and astrological abilities of the Neolithic people and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Powerscourt Estate

Powerscourt Estate is a large country estate in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, noted for its house and landscaped gardens, today occupying 47 acres. The gardens, which are a renowned beauty spot, were laid out over two main periods. Many of the people i... more

Powerscourt Estate is a large country estate in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, noted for its house and landscaped gardens, today occupying 47 acres. The gardens, which are a renowned beauty spot, were laid out over two main periods. Many of the people involved in their creation and development were members of the Wingfield family, who owned the estate for over 350 years. Powerscourt is a great place to visit, with its stunning gardens, wonderful views, and fascinating history.

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud in Dublin is Ireland`s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant. The restaurant offers sophisticated, modern Irish cuisine using the freshest local ingredients. The dishes are as visually appealing as they are flavorful, and t... more

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud in Dublin is Ireland`s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant. The restaurant offers sophisticated, modern Irish cuisine using the freshest local ingredients. The dishes are as visually appealing as they are flavorful, and the service is impeccable. The restaurant`s refined atmosphere and extensive wine list make it a fine-dining destination.

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael is a rugged, remote island located off the coast of County Kerry. Once a monastic retreat, it`s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved 6th-century monastic settlement. The island also has a large colony of ganne... more

Skellig Michael is a rugged, remote island located off the coast of County Kerry. Once a monastic retreat, it`s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved 6th-century monastic settlement. The island also has a large colony of gannets and puffins. Skellig Michael gained worldwide fame when it was featured in the Star Wars films "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi". Visitors must climb 600 stone steps to reach the ancient monastery and the hermitage at the top, but they are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding sea and mainland.

The Burren

The Burren is a unique karst landscape in County Clare. Covering over 150 square miles, it`s characterized by exposed limestone pavement, crisscrossed by cracks known as `grikes,` and isolated rocks called `clints.` This otherworldly landscape hosts... more

The Burren is a unique karst landscape in County Clare. Covering over 150 square miles, it`s characterized by exposed limestone pavement, crisscrossed by cracks known as `grikes,` and isolated rocks called `clints.` This otherworldly landscape hosts a rich variety of plants and animals, and contains numerous archaeological sites, including the Poulnabrone dolmen, a portal tomb dating back to the Neolithic period.

The English Market

The English Market in Cork City has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1788. A municipal food market in the heart of the city, it`s a place where traditional food traders, new arrivals, and artisan food producers all gather to sell their wa... more

The English Market in Cork City has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1788. A municipal food market in the heart of the city, it`s a place where traditional food traders, new arrivals, and artisan food producers all gather to sell their wares. Offering a huge variety of local and gourmet produce, the market is a paradise for food lovers. The Farmgate Café located in the market serves delicious dishes made from ingredients sourced directly from the market stalls.

The Giant`s Causeway

The Giant`s Causeway, located in County Antrim, is Northern Ireland`s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It`s an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. The largest of these columns measures 39 feet... more

The Giant`s Causeway, located in County Antrim, is Northern Ireland`s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It`s an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. The largest of these columns measures 39 feet high. Local legend has it that it was built by the giant Finn McCool as a walkway to fight his Scottish rival. The site provides a unique and dramatic landscape that attracts tourists from around the world.

The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry. Its 111-mile-long circular route takes you through charming villages, rugged coastline, lakes, mountains, and ancient monuments. Some of the highlig... more

The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry. Its 111-mile-long circular route takes you through charming villages, rugged coastline, lakes, mountains, and ancient monuments. Some of the highlights include Killarney National Park, the Gap of Dunloe, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Gardens, and Ross Castle. This route is a photographer`s dream and a must-visit location.

The Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings, is an iconic historical site in County Tipperary. The site includes a 12th-century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th-century Gothic cathedral, 15th-century Castle, and the resto... more

The Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings, is an iconic historical site in County Tipperary. The site includes a 12th-century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th-century Gothic cathedral, 15th-century Castle, and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. The Rock was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster before they donated it to the Church. Its fascinating history and stunning architecture make it a must-visit.

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is a maritime museum located on the site where the RMS Titanic was built and launched. The museum tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voya... more

Titanic Belfast is a maritime museum located on the site where the RMS Titanic was built and launched. The museum tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. The museum`s striking design, interactive exhibits, and engaging storytelling make it a must-visit when in Belfast.

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