This small country in the north of Europe receives almost 6.2 million tourists every year, which is 1.4 times the entire population of Ireland itself! Agree, a strong proof that this corner of the planet is definitely worth a visit. In addition, in 2011, readers of the authoritative Lonely Planet magazine called Ireland “the best place to relax in the world.” Another argument to go on vacation here. A visit to Ireland usually begins with Dublin, the largest city in the country, which is home to almost a quarter of the population. It is a beautiful city with a very unusual architecture, which has preserved its unique charm and is very different from other European capitals. Another very popular Ireland city among travelers is Cork, famous for its ancient history, famous inhabitants and numerous attractions. In general, Ireland has something to offer tourists — medieval Gothic castles, perfectly preserved majestic cathedrals, magnificent architecture, unique natural monuments, original culture and local customs.
Tourist Attractions in Ireland
The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Ireland. Photos and a brief description.
Top Tourist Attractions in Ireland
Glendalough Valley
An incredibly picturesque valley that appeared thanks to glaciers in the eastern part of Ireland. Glendaloch is famous for its monastery, built in the sixth century! Now this object is recognized as one of the main attractions of the country and attracts thousands of tourists. There are clean lakes in the valley, unusual round towers, green hills and many small hotels for tourists.
Skellig-Michael
"Archangel Michael's Rock" is a beautiful island with a monastery, which was built at the end of the sixth century. Now there are ruins of ancient buildings, a functioning lighthouse and many beautiful natural corners on the island. Excursions to the island of Skellig Michael are organized, because it is difficult to get there on your own.
Macro House Estate Museum
This estate, which has become a museum, is located in the center of the Killarney National Park. The estate is known for its unusual architecture, beautifully preserved interiors, as well as a picturesque garden and arboretum. Every year, a cultural festival is held at the Macro House estate, attracting many travelers.
St. Stephen's Green
This is the central park of Dublin, created back in 1664. St. Stephen's Green is known for its pond with waterfowl, a garden for blind visitors, a pedestrian path with numerous cafes and shops, lush flower beds and fountains. In addition, there is a medical college in the park, and an old cemetery adjoins it from the north.
Great Western Greenway
This is the longest cycling route in Ireland. It starts in the city of Westport and passes through very picturesque areas of the country — past ancient villages, green hills and the rocky coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Dizzying views and a lot of impressions will be a reward for outdoor enthusiasts.
Manor-garden Powerscourt
This is the most beautiful garden and park complex in the country, which is often called the "main garden of Ireland". The castle itself was built in the 13th century and then rebuilt and restored several times. Today, the castle is surrounded by an unusually lush themed garden with fountains, sculptures, ponds, stairs, gazebos and an ancient tower.
St. Patrick's Cathedral (Dublin)
The largest cathedral in Ireland, dedicated to the most revered saint of the country. It is believed that it was St. Patrick who freed Ireland from snakes, did much to form the national consciousness of the country's population. The cathedral is Anglican, very beautiful and strict. At one time, its dean was the famous writer Jonathan Swift.
Blarney Castle
The castle that has survived today is already the third fortification built in this corner of County Cork. The massive walls of the castle survived several attacks and reliably protected its inhabitants. Blarney Castle is known for its stone of Eloquence, which gives such talent to everyone who kisses it.
Aran Islands
Three picturesque islands — Inishman, Inishmore and Inishire — are located off the west coast of Ireland. It is noteworthy that the inhabitants of the islands, who lived isolated from the rest of the country, managed to preserve their unique customs, in particular, they still build low kurrah boats and wear national clothes.
Shop Street in Galway
You can come to Ireland not only for visiting pubs and hiking in medieval castles. Here you can also walk along the shopping streets and buy amazing, unusual things from local designers. So, shop Street in County Galway, in the west of the country, is famous for its numerous shops where you can find literally anything.
Guinness Beer Museum
A cult attraction in Dublin, which not only fans of the "foam drink", but also avid teetotallers seek to visit. In the museum you can learn about the traditions of the brand, see a collection of beer barrels, listen to a lecture on the dangers of alcohol, and most importantly, taste the most famous varieties of Irish beer in the Gravity bar. By the way, the entrance to the museum is free.
Kinsale
One of the most famous "small towns" in Ireland, which became the first city in which the country's government conducts a program to solve environmental and energy problems. Kinsale is known for its numerous restaurants, unique architecture and the annual Gourmet cuisine festival.
Kilkenny Castle
Another pearl of Ireland, the pride of the country — a perfectly preserved castle of the 12th century. It is known for its glorious history, perfectly preserved interior decoration, as well as a regular park laid out around it. It is definitely worth a walk in the park to see the beauty of flowerbeds with strict lines, as well as an old fountain.
Newgrange
One of the most ancient attractions of the country, the national treasure of Ireland. Newgrange is a megalithic cult structure whose age exceeds 4.5 thousand years! This is a corridor tomb with burial mounds and burial chambers, spiral patterns and drawings on the stones. Newgrange is often compared to Stonehenge.
Kilmanham Prison
Built in the 18th century, the prison has now become a very popular museum. At one time, thousands of prisoners were held here, including fighters for the independence of Ireland. Among the inhabitants of the prison there were both women and children from 7 years old, and the conditions of their detention cannot be called comfortable or even just acceptable.
Kerry's Ring
A very popular tourist route that runs through the territory of County Kerry, along the picturesque Aiverah Peninsula. The length of this route is 166 kilometers, along the way tourists will find several castles, a waterfall, a monastery, a medieval church, beautiful villages and many other interesting things. You can drive along the Kerry Ring by bus, car, bicycle, there are also pedestrian roads.
Cliffs of Moher
Visiting these cliffs is recognized as the most popular Ireland attraction — over one million people visit this corner of the country every year! The cliffs of Moher offer stunning views of the Aran Islands and the Atlantic Ocean, which has been featured in several music videos and films. Today there is an eco-friendly center for tourists.
Grafton Street
One of the busiest shopping streets in Dublin. Almost along its entire length it is pedestrian, replete with shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Musicians, poets, actors, jugglers and mimes constantly perform on the street. For many of them, Grafton Street has been a permanent place of work for many years.
Trinity College (Dublin)
One of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education not only in Ireland, but throughout the world. Trinity College was founded in 1592, and over the years its graduates have become many famous personalities, in particular, Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde. By the way, Trinity College became one of the first in Europe to start admitting women to study.
Cashel Rock
She is also St. Patrick's Rock, the ancient residence of the Ireland fkings. It was here that the patron saint of Ireland himself lived and preached in the 5th century. Cashel Rock is known for its fairly well-preserved ancient buildings, in particular, fortress walls, Romanesque church, Gothic cathedral, the highest and most ancient round tower of the country.