IRELAND ( EUROPE )

15 BEST PLACE YOU CAN VISIT TO TRAVEL IN IRELAND
















Favorite places and the best in IRELAND

A mystical land nicknamed the Emerald Isle, Ireland known for its lush green pastures, rolling hills and breathtaking cliffs. There is plenty of natural beauty to explore here for the adventurous traveler, but Ireland offers a much more enriching experience than just natural beauty. From the deep history tucked into its hillsides to the effervescent glow of its native people, Ireland has a unique way of making its visitors feel at home.

If you are taking a trip to the land that is said to be “The one place on Earth that heaven has kissed with melody, mirth, and meadow and mist,” then consider checking out these 15 places to visit in Ireland

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1. Cliffs of Moher

Rounding out our Ireland travel guide are the iconic Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs offer a vista unlike any you will ever see, which is why they top almost every travel guide’s list of places to visit in Ireland. Towering an impressive 214 meters over the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher stretch from the village of Doolin to Hags Head in County Clare. The cliffs offer approximately eight kilometers of coastal walkway with views of Galway Bay that will leave you absolutely speechless. Make sure you make time to visit the cliffs, which will leave you with an indelible sense of longing to return to Ireland, the Emerald Isle.






2. Trinity College

The oldest university in Ireland, Trinity College in Dublin is an architectural treasure. Stepping onto Trinity’s campus is just like stepping back in time, with the hustle and bustle of the modern era quickly forgotten once you traverse its cobblestone streets. Trinity offers an escape from reality, and is home to the mind-boggling Long Room library, which is said to have served as the inspiration for the library in the first Harry Potter movie.






3. Connemara National Park

Although you might be overwhelmed by the bevy of choices for phenomenal places to visit in Ireland, there simply is no shortage of them. Connemara is regarded as the top tourist attraction in County Galway, known for its wild Connemara Ponies, and sprawling mountain range. There is a vast expanse of hiking and climbing trails here, as well as the grand Kylemore Abbey, a former monastery inside one of Ireland’s most picturesque castles.






4. Grafton Street, Dublin

Grafton Street is regarded by many visitors as the heartbeat of the capital. Much more than just a shopping center, this street comes to life with buskers, specialty shops, and performance artists. It is the perfect locale to find entertainment, grab a coffee, or grab a pint at a local pub. A far cry from the jagged cliffs of the coastline, this is one of the most bustling spots in all of Ireland.






5. Kinsale

Located in County Cork, Kinsale is a great location if you’re looking for a town soaked in history with a coastal setting. Kinsale has an interestingly Spanish feel to it, largely due to the Spanish military force that disembarked in Kinsale shortly after the conclusion of the Spanish Armada. Kinsale now attracts a wide range of visitors, from sailors to fishermen to foodies alike. Kinsale is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll along the ocean.






6. Skellig Islands

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a magnificent location that is a short trip jutting off from the Ring of Kerry. The two islands rise up from the sea just off the coast of Portmagee, and are definitely worth the extra effort to get to as one of the most majestic places to visit in Ireland. The Skellig Islands are home to a 6th-century monastic site perched high on a rocky cliff, with a hair-rising 600-step climb to visit the remains. One of the islands (Skellig Michael) was the filming location for the final scene of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.






7. Muckross House and Gardens

Set in the gorgeous Killarney National Park, the Muckross House is a must-see for anyone visiting County Kerry. Set on the pristine Muckross Lake, this attraction offers the splendor and grandeur that only a 19th-century mansion can provide. Jaunting Cars (the famous Killarney horse and carriages) will take you around in style, in the same manner as visiting royalty such as Queen Victoria.

8. Glenveagh National Park

One of the largest national parks in the country, Glenveagh hosts some of the top things to do in Ireland. As the number one attraction in County Donegal, Glenveagh draws hikers and fishermen from all over, thanks to the park’s rare wildlife, mountaintop views, and superb salmon and trout fishing in its glittering lakes. Once you’re done with your day in nature, you can stop in the 19th century Glenveagh Castle for an afternoon tea.






9. The Ring of Kerry

Quite possibly the most scenic route in all of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry begins in either Kenmare or Killarney. A nonstop trip around the circuit will take around three hours, but you’ll definitely want to get out and enjoy the remarkable views along the way. The route offers jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean over dramatic cliffs, as well as sweeping mountains and charming villages. The impressive collection of scenes makes this one of our favorite places to visit in Ireland.






10. Kilmainham Gaol

Mentioned in many infamous rebel songs and reflecting a dark period of Ireland’s past, this historic prison site in Dublin is a must-visit if you’re interested in the troubled history of Ireland. Kilmainham Gaol is known for what transpired here during the 1916 Uprising; leaders of the Uprising were brought here, convicted of High Treason, and executed in the courtyard. The prison housed everyone from political leaders to those who couldn’t afford their train fare, and became a symbol of oppression after the Uprising. A visit to the courtyard is sure to give you goosebumps.






11. Aran Islands

Brought into the limelight by the documentary Man of Aran, these mystical islands draw visitors in with their breathtaking natural beauty and unique culture. Taking a ferry to the Aran Islands is akin to traveling back in time. Home to only 12,000 people, the island’s’ first language is Gaelic, and the way of life here is much different than that on the main island. If you want striking vistas and an opportunity to change your perspective a bit, then the Aran Islands is the place for you.






12. Dalkey and Killiney

Located just a quick 25 minute ride south from downtown Dublin, Dalkey and Kilkenny is yet another of the unique places to visit in Ireland. The quaint, picturesque town of Dalkey regularly draws visitors from around the world. Celebrity names have been known to make an appearance here, such as U2 and Michelle Obama. The town offers a wonderful heritage center set in a castle, and stunning vistas up to the nearby Killiney Hill. Dalkey also hosts the annual Dalkey Book Festival each June, attracting literary giants from around the world.

13. The Rock of Cashel

One of tourists’ favorite Ireland tourist attractions, the Rock of Cashel is the most visited heritage site in the country. Set atop a limestone formation in the Golden Vale in southwest Ireland, the Rock of Cashel is a spectacular grouping of Medieval buildings dating back to the 12th century, which include sites like the High Cross and Romanesque Chapel as well as a 13th-century Gothic cathedral. You can get an audio and visual tour of the Rock of Cashel, said to be home of the High Kings of Munster prior to the Norman invasions.






14. The Burren

Offering a natural phenomenon in County Clare that has no true equivalent anywhere else in the world, the Burren is a great location if you love to explore natural wonders. The Burren is an intriguing collection of rocks that have been fractured into many different segments through thousands of years of acid erosion, which makes it resemble a giant jigsaw puzzle. Walking across the Burren has been likened to crossing the surface of the Moon, but this locale offers much more vivacity, with rare species of colorful wildflowers, insects and plants thriving between the cracks.






15. Glendalough

Just a short ride away from the capital city of Dublin, Glendalough is home to and Early Medieval monastic site, founded all the way back in the 6th century by St. Kevin. Glendalough is known as the “Valley of the Two Lakes,” tucked away in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Glendalough offers an impressive array of historical remains as well as a picturesque setting, with rolling meadows, and glistening lakes. This spot is a must visit for both nature lovers and history buffs alike.