Ireland Attractions – Top Places to Visit in Ireland in 2023

Are you looking for the top activities on the island of Ireland? You’ll require assistance. It spoils visitors by offering an excessive amount of top-notch attractions. There are ancient legends at the Giant’s Causeway, otherworldly beauty on the dramatic Skellig Islands, and some of the greatest minds in the world at Trinity College Dublin. There is a ton more, too. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ireland as well as the must-see sights.

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National Park of the Burren, County Clare – Ireland Attractions

Burren National Park, the smallest of Ireland’s six national parks, is a small portion of the glacio-karst landscape that dominates much of north County Clare. The Burren, an amazing region that was formed about 350 million years ago and gets its name from the Irish word boireann, which means “great rock,” is known for its exceptional biodiversity and incredible geological significance. An addition to the Burren, the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway are also worthwhile exploring. The Poulnabrone dolmen (tomb) and the Aillwee cave system are located in the region. The latter was unintentionally uncovered by a local farmer in the 1940s.

Meath County’s Newgrange – Ireland Attractions

The Newgrange passage grave, the most well-known prehistoric structure in Ireland, is older than the Egyptian pyramids, dating to the Neolithic or New Stone Age, or roughly 3,200 BCE. The roof box above the entrance, which aligns with the rising sun on the winter solstice and floods the chamber with light, is the most notable aspect.

County Antrim’s Giant’s Causeway – Ireland Attractions

The Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim is a geological marvel made up of tens of thousands of connected stone columns created by cooling volcanic basalt and is both a Unesco World Heritage site and a national nature reserve. According to local lore, the causeway was built by the legendary Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill so he could cross the North Channel to Scotland.

Dublin’s National Museum of Ireland — Archaeology

Discover outstanding Irish artifacts by visiting the National Museum of Ireland’s archaeological section. You should pay particular attention to the Celtic artwork on display. This applies to the fragment of the Liathmore shrine, which bears an inscription that was undoubtedly written for Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, prior to the Battle of Clontarf.

County Cork’s Blarney Castle and Gardens – Ireland Attractions

One of the most popular castles in Ireland is the medieval fortress at Blarney, whose original construction dates to the tenth century. There are many things to discover here, including a garden full of poisonous and hazardous plants. The Blarney Stone, a limestone block said to grant kissers “the gift of the gab,” is unquestionably the most well-known attraction in Ireland.

Dingle Bay, Kerry County – Ireland Attractions

Dingle Bay divides the two incredibly picturesque headlands of the Iveragh and Dingle peninsulas in Kerry, one of the most westerly points on Irish mainland. Explore the Ring of Kerry and Slea Head Drive, two driving routes that circumnavigate the headlands, to learn more about the best of the region.

County Kerry’s Skellig Michael – Ireland Attractions

Skellig Michael, an island off the coast of Portmagee, has a summit that rises more than 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level. It is a Unesco-listed site and the location of a former monastery. The monastery was in use there until the 12th century and has survived the abrasive Atlantic weather in good condition. It’s not surprising that it was selected as a location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens filming given its otherworldly atmosphere (2015).

Dublin’s Trinity College – Ireland Attractions

Theobald Wolfe Tone, regarded as the “father of Irish republicans,” attended Trinity College Dublin, which was established in 1592. Along with many other brilliant Irish thinkers, other alumni include writers like Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett. The Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from the ninth century that is frequently referred to as Ireland’s national treasure, is kept at the Old Library.

Cliffs of Moher in Clare County – Ireland Attractions

Due to their unmatched natural beauty, the towering Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, which rise 120m-214m (390-702ft) above the Atlantic, are one of the top 10 tourist destinations in Ireland. The Slieve League mountain in Donegal has even higher and more impressive cliffs, some of which reach 601m (1,972ft) in height.

Ben Bulben, Sligo County – Ireland Attractions

Ben Bulben, the crown jewel of the Dartry Mountains, was formed during the Ice Age. This peak is closely associated with Irish mythology and literature, particularly through the works of the poet WB Yeats, who is buried in the graveyard below it. It also provides panoramic views of the Sligo Bay below.

County Cork’s West Cork Islands – Ireland Attractions

On the western side of the Wild Atlantic Way route, the islands off West Cork are a deserving focal point. From Dursey and its cable car that crosses the ocean to the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) island of Cape Clear, via Garnish and its historic gardens, each offers something unique.

Viking Triangle, Waterford County – Ireland Attractions

The oldest urban civic building in Ireland and current museum, Reginald’s Tower, is the focal point of the Waterford Viking Triangle, an area recognized for its cultural and heritage value in the oldest city in Ireland. Dunmore East is another must-see attraction in Waterford. It’s a charming fishing community that dates back to the Iron Age, before the Vikings arrived.

Rock of Cashel in Tipperary County – Ireland Attractions

According to legend, St. Patrick himself traveled to the Rock of Cashel in an effort to win King Aengus over to Christianity. The Rock of Cashel was constructed as a seat for Munster kings. It is currently one of Ireland’s most popular historical sites, with graveyards, a chapel, and a cathedral among its ruins. Additionally, it is the location of some of Europe’s most notable examples of Celtic art and medieval architecture.

Site of the Glendalough Monastery, County Wicklow – Ireland Attractions

Glendalough Valley is the location of a monastic city founded in the sixth century, and it is nestled within the boundaries of Wicklow Mountains National Park, which is in and of itself a major tourist destination. The location, which was constructed close to the two lakes in the valley, is home to numerous early Christian structures that have survived, such as a round tower, a cathedral, and numerous churches.

Dublin’s National Gallery of Ireland – Ireland Attractions

One of the best free activities in the nation is visiting the National Gallery of Ireland if you’re looking for a more reasonably priced attraction. It is free to enter and houses the national collection of Irish and European artwork. The priceless collection, which numbers over 16,000 items, includes works by internationally renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Johannes Vermeer as well as Irish artists like Jack B. Yeats and Louis le Brocquy.

The Dublin Bay Biosphere – Ireland Attractions

More than 300 square kilometers (116 square miles) total, the Dublin Bay Biosphere, which was designated by Unesco, includes coastal regions like Howth Head and North Bull Island, the latter of which is home to several endangered habitats. Dublin Bay is significant as the only biosphere reserve in the world that is home to a national capital city, offering the chance to see many rare species of birds and plants.

Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse – Ireland Attractions

The Guinness Storehouse is a museum and tourist destination devoted to Ireland’s most well-known beverage and is the most popular fee-based tourist attraction in the country. At the St James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, it is located inside a former fermentation facility. At the Gravity Bar, you can reserve stout-tasting experiences, learn how to pour beer, or try an experimental brew while taking in panoramic views of the city.

The Titanic in Belfast – Ireland Attractions

The Titanic Belfast, a building on the former site of the Harland & Wolff shipyard where the passenger liner was built, sheds light on the 1912 maritime disaster as a top visitor attraction in the world. Nine interactive galleries are housed inside the striking building and offer information on everything from the ship’s original designs to a current fish-eye view of the wreck.

County Kerry’s Killarney National Park – Ireland Attractions

Killarney National Park, one of Ireland’s most picturesque areas and another Unesco Biosphere Reserve, is well known for the beauty of its lakes and mountains. It safeguards the only herd of native red deer and the largest remaining portion of the country’s indigenous forest, two examples of rare Irish flora and fauna. It was founded in 1932 after Muckross House’s 4,452-hectare (11,000-acre) estate was given to the Irish Free State.

Connemara’s Kylemore Abbey is in County Galway – Ireland Attractions

During World War I, a group of Benedictine nuns who had fled from Ypres, Belgium, to Ireland found refuge at Kylemore Abbey. The estate on which it is located, in the Connemara region of County Galway, is now self-sufficient and features a lovely Victorian walled garden. There are available nature trails and tours.

Accommodations in Ireland

County Mayo’s Ashford Castle offers luxury in the countryside.

This five-star castle-hotel is situated in the stunning County Mayo countryside and combines luxury and comfort. It was once the family’s home and has won a great number of prestigious awards over the years. Crystal chandeliers, high ceilings, and retro patterns can be found throughout the elegant interiors. Additionally, there are five restaurants where you can eat, all of which serve food made with the finest ingredients obtained from regional suppliers.

County Wicklow’s Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort is the place to be.

Within the immaculate Wicklow countryside’s 145ha (360 acres), lies the tranquil oasis known as Druids Glen. This hotel, which is nestled between the stunning Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea, is the ideal place to start an adventure-filled exploration of this unique region of Ireland. There is a golf course if you enjoy playing; it’s a great way to see the entire area. Visit the inviting AA rosette-awarded Garden Bar and Tea Room for a meal after a day on the greens.

Must-Visit Attractions in Ireland — Plan your adventure in Ireland right away.

Topic: Ireland Attractions – Top Places to Visit in Ireland in 2023

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