Steeped in history and packed with picturesque scenery, magnificent geological wonders, exquisite fishing locations and more, Ireland offers something to suit everyone’s taste. To list everything there is to see and do on the Emerald Isle would fill a book, so here is our choice of the top 10 tourist attractions in Ireland.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are the most visited natural attraction in Ireland. Stretching for approximately 8 km along the island’s Atlantic Coast, these awe-inspiring, ruggedly beautiful cliffs rise to 214 m at the highest point – and walking along the trail allows you to experience nature’s raw power in the most stunning and majestic fashion.
The Aran Islands
Rugged, wild and utterly unique, the Aran Islands – Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer – will enchant you with their rich, simply breath-taking scenery and archaeological heritage that cannot be found anywhere else. From the islands’ towering cliffs to the great Dun Aonghasa stone fort, the unforgettable treasures of these windswept islands will take you back in time to give you a taste of Ireland as it was long ago.
The Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula is without doubt the most scenic route in Ireland – and a must if you are looking for spectacular ocean views, wild sweeping mountains, stunning islands and pristine beaches; a feast of Iron Age forts, Ogham Stones, ancient monasteries and picturesque villages. Along the way, you will also get the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf or two or indulge in a spot of horse-riding, cycling and walking; water sports and, of course, fishing (including deep-sea and freshwater angling).
Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a must, especially if you are visiting the Shannon region. Dating back to 1425, the castle is Ireland’s best-preserved medieval fortress containing a wonderful array of tapestries and furnishings from the 15th and 16th Century, while the Folk Park impressively and vividly transports you back to the Ireland of a century ago with over 30 rural village buildings including shops, farmhouses and more.
The Rock of Cashel
Perched on a Golden Vale limestone rock formation, the Rock of Cashel – the most visited heritage site in Ireland – is home to a magnificent set of Medieval buildings including a High Cross & Romanesque Chapel, a round tower (12th Century), a Gothic cathedral (13th Century) a castle 15th Century) and the restored “Hall of the Vicars Choral”. Attractions also include exhibitions and audio-visual shows.
Blarney Castle
Located about 8 m from Cork, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s greatest, most famous treasures and a world-renowned landmark. Built by Cormac MacCarthy, one of the greatest chieftains in Ireland, almost 6000 years ago, the castle is especially famous for the ‘Blarney Stone’, a Carboniferous limestone forming part of the castle’s battlements – which, according to legend, endows anyone kissing it with the “gift of the gab”.
Glendalough
Home to one of Ireland’s most important monastic sites, Glendalough in Co. Wicklow is a mysterious, magical settlement established in the 6th Century by St Kevin. Offering nature trails, spectacular scenery, fascinating archaeological finds and a rich diversity of wildlife, this historic site is a real pleasure to explore – and will make a wonderful day out.
Muckross House
Situated within the spectacular setting of Killarney National Park, the 19th Century Muckross House & Gardens is an absolute must if you are visiting the region of Kerry. Oozing the gentility and grandeur of days gone by, this charming former mansion and its surrounding gardens are a real treat – and the grounds can be enjoyed in style from the comfort of Killarney’s famous ‘Jaunting Cars’ (horse & traps).
Kilmainham Gaol
If you’re interested in the Emerald Isle’s troubled past, Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin should be at the top of your must-see tourist attractions in Ireland. Occupying an exceedingly dark place within Irish history, this prison – which dates to 1796 – is where the 1916 Uprising’s leaders were executed after being convicted of High Treason. A vile, dank institution to which the hungry and destitute were sent for misdemeanours like not being able to pay a train fare, Kilmainham became in Irish eyes an irrefutable symbol for persecution and oppression.
Powerscourt House
Last, but by no means least, the magnificent Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co. Wicklow (about 20 km from Dublin) is one of the most majestic must-see tourist attractions in Ireland. Set within 47 acres of manicured gardens with the Sugarloaf Mountain as a backdrop, this extraordinary home offers an array of treats including engaging history, serene lakeside walks and superb views. The gardens – which include Kitchen, Rose and beautiful Italian Gardens, as well as a very moving section where beloved pets were laid to rest complete with inscribed headstones – feature over 200 varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees and are simply wonderful to explore, while the on-site former Palladian home houses an exquisite cafe/restaurant, as well as a selection of design and craft shops.
A Convenient Base
The Dulrush Fishing Lodge nestled alongside the banks of Lough Erne in the Fermanagh Lakelands makes a convenient, extremely comfortable base from which to visit these and many other major tourist attractions in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The perfect place to stay for touring, walking, cycling and – naturally – fishing holidays in Ireland, the lodge offers a lovely selection of double, twin and family rooms, as well as a self-catering apartment.
