Ireland - home of spectacular landscapes and fascinating historical sites
I love Irish culture and countryside. There is much to see and do on the beautiful island of Ireland! Sometimes planning a trip to Ireland can be a daunting task - what should I not miss? So many beautiful sights, but everyone has their own favorite places.
Here is my 10 top things that I would recommend to see in Ireland. No visit to Ireland would be complete without visiting at least one of these 10 places.
Here is my 10 top things that I would recommend to see in Ireland. No visit to Ireland would be complete without visiting at least one of these 10 places.
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Top 10 places to see in Ireland
Top 10 places to see in Ireland :
1. Cliffs of Moher
2. Giants Causeway
3. Poulnabrone Dolmen
4. Newgrange
5. Dun Aengus
6. Killarney and Ring of Kerry
7. Rock of Cashel
8. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
9. Dublin City
10.Glendalough
1. Cliffs of Moher
2. Giants Causeway
3. Poulnabrone Dolmen
4. Newgrange
5. Dun Aengus
6. Killarney and Ring of Kerry
7. Rock of Cashel
8. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
9. Dublin City
10.Glendalough
1. Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see if you are visiting the West of Ireland. The sheer drop of around 700 feet from a comparatively flat meadow down to the Atlantic is simply breathtaking.
There's a visitor centre just south of the highest peak; O'Brien's Tower was built in 1835 by Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. Even back then it was used as an observation point for visitors. This is where you'll get the best views of the cliffs. From here you can also see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara.
If you are afraid of heights, you can always view the cliffs from the sea below. Boat trips depart from Liscannor and Doolin.
There's a visitor centre just south of the highest peak; O'Brien's Tower was built in 1835 by Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. Even back then it was used as an observation point for visitors. This is where you'll get the best views of the cliffs. From here you can also see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara.
If you are afraid of heights, you can always view the cliffs from the sea below. Boat trips depart from Liscannor and Doolin.
Cliffs of Moher
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Cliffs of Moher pictures on Flickr
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Links to Cliffs of Moher
- Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's top visited tourist attraction
- The magnificent Cliffs of Moher top the list of places to see and things to do in Ireland, and are Ireland's most visited tourist attraction.
- About Cliffs of Moher from Wikipedia
- The Cliffs of Moher (Irish: Aillte an Mhothair, lit. cliffs of the ruin, also known as the Cliffs of Coher from the Irish: Mhothair) are located in the ...
2. Giants Causeway
Known to the Irish as the 8th wonder of the world, this is Northern Ireland's most famous landmark. A jagged promontory of neatly packed columns of hexagonal rocks created some 60 million years ago by a flow of basaltic lava.The hexagonal columns were formed after a series of volcanic explosions forced a basaltic flow of lava up onto the surface of the earth. When it eventually cooled and contracted it formed into the curious shaped columns that we see today. The individual columns are so perfectly fitted together that you can only see the tiniest of cracks between them.
The causeway looks like a field full of perfectly geometrical giant stepping-stones, hence the name "Giants Causeway". It's a truly spectacular site.
Further down the coast, the stunning Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge spans a gaping chasm between the coast and a small island used by fishermen. The terrifying eighty foot drop can be crossed via the swinging bridge - not for the faint hearted!
Giants Causeway
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Giants Causeway pictures on Flickr
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Links to Giant's Causeway
- Giant's Causeway - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- The Giant's Causeway (or Irish: Clochán na bhFómharach) [2] is an area of about 40000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic ...
- The Giants Causeway Website
- A comprehensive guide to the Giant's Causeway situated on the north coast of County Antrim.
- The Giants Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland - The ...
- The official guide to the Giants Causeway on the North Coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- A comprehensive guide to the Carrick-a-Rede area of North Antrim, information and photographs.
3. Poulnabrone Dolmen
Poulnabrone Dolmen is a portal tomb located in Co. Clare. It is one of the most famous dolmens in Ireland. The large capstone rises up from the limestone bedrock of the Burren, supported by two portal stones that are 1.8 meters high. The people that were buried in Poulnabrone Dolmen were Neolithic farmers. The radiocarbon dates from the bones produced an age of 3800 to 3200 B.C. The name Poulnabrone literally means 'The hole of the sorrows'. Excavations done in 1986 and 1988 by Ann Lynch produced many interesting finds, in addition to replacing two of the broken orthistat stones. This assures that Poulnabrone will remain a dominant part of the Irish landscape for many years to come. 
Poulnabrone Dolmen
Links to Dolmen
- Poulnabrone dolmen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Poulnabrone Dolmen (Poll na mBrón in Irish meaning "hole of sorrows") is a portal tomb in the Burren, County Clare, Ireland, dating back to the Neolithic ...
- ALL IRELAND TRAVEL - www.all-ireland.com
- The Poulnabrone Dolmen is a portal tomb which dates back to about 2500 BC. It is one of only four known in Clare, one of only two in the Burren, ...
4. Newgrange
This is a Pagan burial ground that was built around 3200 BC. It covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones. Every year hundreds of visitors come here to witness the spectacular winter and summer solstices.Inside there is a curious window shaped opening called a roof box. This strange orifice was quite a find for those who uneaerthed it. When they found out what it was for, they were even more shocked. This is an ancient time-telling device that they believe was bulit even before the Pyramids. The purpose of the box is to allow sunlight to penetrate the chamber on the shortest days of the year, around December 21 - the winter solstice.
Every year between the 19th and 23rd of December a thin beam of light penetrates the box and reaches the floor of the indoor chamber. The light gradually extends all the way to the rear of the passage.
As the sun rises higher in the sky the whole indoor chamber becomes dramatically lit up. It's spectacular. The whole event lasts for around 17/18 minuetes. It takes place in the morning every year at roughly the same time - between 8:58 am and 9:15 am.
The accuracy of Newgrange as a time-telling device is quite astonishing. It was built 500 years before the Pyramids of Egypt and over 1,000 years before Sonehenge in England. The people who built it clearly used it as a time reference to mark the begining of the new year or the end of the old.
Newgrange
The Wall of Newgrange
Newgrange pictures on Flickr
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Links to Newgrange
- Newgrange - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Newgrange (Irish: Dún Fhearghusa) is one of the passage tombs of the Brú na Bóinne complex in County Meath, one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the ...
- Newgrange Stone Age Passage Tomb - Boyne Valley, Ireland
- Newgrange (New Grange) is a 5000 year old Passage Tomb famous for the Winter Solstice illumination which lights up the passage and chamber at the Winter ...
5. Dun Aengus
No trip to Ireland would be complete without visiting the west coast and the mystical Aran Islands, located just outside of Galway Bay. Their rugged natural beauty provides a splendid example of the kind of landscape you get here in Connemara.These are Islands rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland and also unique in their geology and archaeology. They're a fine example of Celtic and early Christian heritage.
The Aran Islands are desolate, isolated and stunningly beautiful. Arriving on the islands for the first time you'll feel like you've just stepped in time to a place untouched by modern civilization.
Dun Aengus is one of the Aran Island's finest treasures. It's a stone fort on the very western edge of Europe; a subject of much romantic speculation on one of the most romantic spots in Ireland.
Dun Aengus has been described by many as one of the most magnificent of its kind in Europe.
It's made up of three massive concentric semicircles covering an area of 11 acres. It has three enclosed spaces. From the innermost you'll get the most amazing views Inishmore and the Connemara coastline.
Dun Aengus
Dun Aengus pics on Flickr
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Links to Dun Aengus
- Dún Aengus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Dún Aengus (Irish: Dún Aonghasa) is the most famous of several prehistoric forts on the Aran Islands, of Co. Galway, Ireland. It is located on Inishmore at ...
- Dun Aengus
- Dun Aengus is a fort situated on the edge of a cliff at a height of 100 meters overlooking the Atlantic on the Aran Islands, Inishmore, County Galway. ...
6. Killarney and Ring of Kerry
The world famous Ring of Kerry is a coast road located along the shores of the Iveragh Peninsula. The Ring of Kerry begins at the town of Kenmare passing through Cahirciveen along the headlands of the peninsula. The route then returns alongs the peninsula with views of Kells Bay and the beautiful Dingle Bay passing through the towns of Glenbeigh, Killorglin and Killarney. In the mountain range along the Iveragh Peninsula are The MacGillycuddy Reeks and Carrantuohill, Ireland's highest mountain.You could cover the Ring of Kerry in a day, but you would need two or even three days if you wanted to take in some of the more rural and less travelled areas such as Valencia Island and the Gael Tacht area around Portmagee and Ballinskelligs or the mountainous interior of the peninsula, that is known as Ireland's Highlands. The roads here, particularly the Bealach Oisin Pass and Ballaghbeama Pass of the interior are fabulous coach free routes ideal for quiet drives or cycling tours.
Ring of Kerry
Beautiful landscape
Torc Waterfall Killarney
Links to Ring of Kerry
- Ring of Kerry from Wikipedia
- The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail in County Kerry, south-western Ireland...
- Rinf of Kerry Tourism Guide
- The Ring of Kerry is part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years...
7. Rock of Cashel
Rising above the city of Cashel in central Ireland, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most impressive archeological sites. The site has links to the 4th century and many parts of the site date to the 10th century. In the 4th century the king of Munster choose the defendable high ground of The Rock as a fortress to exert his power. A legend says that when the King met St. Patrick and was converted, St. Patrick accidently stabbed the king in the foot with his staff. St. Patrick didn't see the wound and the king said nothing. Later, when St. Patrick saw the wound, he asked why the king had remained silent. The king replied that he thought it was part of some Christian initiation relating to the crucifixion.The Rock eventually fell to the O'Briens, and they gave The Rock to the church to prevent another clan from gaining control of it. The church used it until 1647, when the Rock fell to a Oliver Cromwell and his followers. The Cromwellians burned and sacked the fort/church. The Rock was last used as a place of worship in the early part of the 18th century.
Now the ruins overlook the city of Cashel and provide a wonderful view into historical Ireland.
Rock of Cashel
Rock of Cashel on Flickr
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Links to Rock of Cashel
- Rock of Cashel from Wikipedia
- The Rock of Cashel (Irish: Carraig Phadraig), also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock...
- Cashel - tourist attractions
- Rock of Cashel is the most visited Heritage site in Ireland. Cashel is located in Tipperary and boasts some of the finest tourist attractions in Ireland.
8. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Bunratty Castle is one of the most popular places to visit in the southwest, as it is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times.
Within its grounds is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century village and rural life are recreated. Traditional crafts are carried out in their natural setting, and during the summer period visitors can also see characters/animators depicting 19th century life.
Within its grounds is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century village and rural life are recreated. Traditional crafts are carried out in their natural setting, and during the summer period visitors can also see characters/animators depicting 19th century life.
Bunratty Castle
Folk Park
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on Flickr
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Links to Bunratty Castle
- Bunratty Castle from Wikipedia
- Bunratty Castle (Irish: Caisleán Bhun Raithe, meaning Castle at the Mouth of the Ratty) is a large tower house in County Clare, Ireland...
- Shannon Heritage
- Bunratty Castle. The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress ... Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th ...
9. Dublin City
Even if you have just one day in Dublin, make sure not to miss any of the Top Ten Sights! Most are within easy reach of the city center or will be part of a bus tour. Which ever way of transport you decide upon - you are certain to find further attractions on the way.Dublin is home to a huge variety of fantastic museums and galleries and also more contemporary exhibitions, means that there is something to suit all tastes and ages. The national museum and national gallery work in perfect harmony together with the likes of the Museum of Modern Art and the Photography archive in Temple Bar. There exists a perfect mix of state run museums and galleries as well as new private exhibition centers opening up all the time.
While staying in Dublin you should definitely visit one of the 10 most popular attractions:
1. Guinness Storehouse
2. Trinity College Dublin and The Book of Kells
3. Dublinia
4. Temple Bar
5. Kilmainham Gaol
6. The Old Jameson Distillery
7. Dublin Castle
8. National Gallery of Ireland
9. Stephen's Green
10. Christchurch Cathedral
Dublin City
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Links to Dublin
- Dublin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the centre of the Dublin Region. ...
- Dublin.ie - Official portal website for the city of Dublin, Ireland
- Dublin.ie is the official city portal for Dublin, Ireland. We offer information on Accommodation, Arts & Culture, Business, Childcare, Entertainment, ...
10. Glendalough
Glendalough, known as "the valley of the two lakes" or the "city of the seven churches" is an idyllic part of the country. It's instantly recognisable by the round tower and picturesque lakes. It's undoubtedly one of the most enduring images of Wicklow.It's also one of the most important monastic ruins in Ireland. It was founded by St. Kevin over fourteen centuries ago, when the valley was part of Ireland's green age.
Glendalough's two lakes were formed thousands of years ago, just after the ice age. Massive deposits of earth were spread across the valley in the area where the famous round tower now exists. Water coming down from the mountains eventually formed into a large lake. A divide was created right in the centre by alluvial deposits coming from the Pollanass River. This created the upper and lower lakes. The upper lake is the largest and deepest of the two lakes.
The Buildings eventually fell into decay and it wasn't until 600 years later (in 1878) that reconstruction finally began. Further work has been carried out all throughout the 20th century.
Modern day Glendalough is an area of exceptional natural beauty, with extensive woodland and a comprehensive network of walk-ways that are continually being improved.
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Glendalough Photos on Flickr
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Links to Glendalough
- Glendalough - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Glendalough (Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, meaning Glen of Two Lakes) is a glacial valley located in County Wicklow, Ireland, renowned for its Early Medieval ...
- Glendalough » Welcome to Glendalough
- Glendalough gets its name from the Irish language. Gleann dá locha literally means the 'Glen of the two lakes'. Situated right in the heart of the Wicklow ...
- Glendalough: A Virtual Tour
- Offers pictures and information on the bell tower, high crosses and Saint Kevin.
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Have you been to Ireland?
Thank you very much for visiting my lens. I hope you liked it and see you soon in Ireland!? Slan leat!
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- Cop-Speak Cop-Speak Jul 19, 2009 @ 9:02 pm
- Thanks for a Wonderful Lens... I love your photographs. The picture of Poulnabrone Dolmen
is GREAT!
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- spirituality spirituality Jul 11, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
- Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)
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- LaraineRose LaraineRose Jul 11, 2009 @ 2:02 am
- Lovely pictures and very lovely lens. I'll lensroll it to my Irish lenses and 5*s for sure.
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- AppalachianCountry AppalachianCountry Jun 26, 2009 @ 7:17 am
- Beautiful lens. We have never been there, but have always wanted to go. Thank-you for the great info. 5 stars*****
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- Joan4 Joan4 Jun 22, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
- Beautiful! I am falling in love with Ireland via Squidoo lenses! Lensrolling to Vacation in Terryglass!
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- Spook Spook May 13, 2009 @ 9:13 am
- A lovely lens and I have been to a few places mentioned. I really enjoyed the ring of Kerry
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- ms-giggles ms-giggles May 12, 2009 @ 9:32 am
- WOW 5***** You did an awesome job. My dream is to take my Mom and Dad to Ireland. My Great Grandmother Theresa Little came from Waterford Ireland. You really told the story of Ireland.
I will have to tell my Mom to check out your lens.
Thanks Beth Moell
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- Apr 2, 2009 @ 9:03 pm
- I went to Ireland awhile back and l've been to 3 of the places on your list.
the cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Rock of Cashel.
I love Ireland. great lens you have here. Thank-You! feel free to email me any time id like to know you as well.
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- Samanthie Samanthie Mar 30, 2009 @ 8:11 pm
- Beautiful lens with lovely photos and great information!
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- monarch13 monarch13 Mar 19, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
- 5 stars and rolled to Lucky Irish Connemara Marble.
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