Ireland is a country of mystical beauty. It can offer a visitor the thrill of ancient history, the charm of delightful cultures, the breathtaking spectacles of nature and a memory of a lifetime. It is a place where the waves of the Atlantic carry blessings from the nature. Ireland is a country of 6.5 million people. But Ireland is not all about the nature. In the cities, a vibrant culture and a fascinating society await. Here are 10 top tourist attractions in Ireland:
10. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The Saint Patrick’s Cathedral of Dublin is the largest church in Ireland and one of the very revered tourist attractions in Ireland. The church has an amazing 43 meter spire and a fascinatingly designed interior. The origin of the church dates back to the late 11th century. It is most notable for the fact that St Patrick, the famous 5th-century Christian missionary of Ireland was baptized near the church. Also the famous author of the novel “Gulliver’s Travels,” Jonathan Swift, who was once the dean of the cathedral, is buried here.
09. The Burren
The Burren is one of the most spectacular natural sights in County Clare, Ireland. Also known as the great rock, it is formed by limestone karst plates and is an intriguing landmark for the geologists. Containing some of the most exclusive floras in all of Ireland, the landmark is often considered a botanist’s paradise. Some 635 different plant species including amazing native orchids of Ireland stunningly display their colors here. Also present in the area are many magnificent species of birds and other creatures. It houses one of the 6 National parks of Ireland, the Burren National park.
08. Skellig Islands
Two small and charming islands in the Iveragh Peninsula called the Skellig Islands are the perfect place for an incredible summer adventure. The islands were once called Skellocks and have a steep and rocky formation. Today, the two islands are called Skellig Michael and Little Skellig and are famous for being a rich bird habitat. Here the spectacular bird species of gannet, puffin, Black Guillemots, Cormorants and Razorbills can be seen in numbers. The island little Skellig also has a fantastic 6th-century monastic complex on a cliff top. Surely, Skellig Islands is one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland.
07. Croke Park
Croke Park is one of the major stadiums in Ireland and the principal venue for the renowned Gaelic Athletic Association of Ireland. It is a place where the two most popular sport of Ireland, hurling and Gaelic football are played. The Croke Park has the capacity to entertain 80,000 people and is the fourth largest stadium in Europe. Here one can appreciate the Irish enthusiasm for these sports and get a slice of the Irish lifestyle at the same time.
06. Guinness Storehouse
The world renowned name “Guinness” is perhaps best explained at the Guinness Storehouse located in Dublin, Ireland. It is a world famous Brewery established in the year 2000. The spectacular building of the storehouse resembles the shape of a giant pint glass. One can find delightful guides walking them around in the seven story building and explaining the history of the famous Irish drink, Guinness. The top floor features a Gravity bar where visitors can wet their tongue with the Guinness and at the same time get a fascinating view of the Dublin city. Thus, it is one of the most must-visit tourist attractions in Ireland.
05. Aran Islands
Aran Islands are a group of three small and lovely islands called Inishmór, Inishmaan and Inisheer. The islands are located on the west coast of Ireland at the mouth of Galway Bay. These islands are most famous for their wonderfully preserved natural state. The inhabitants of these islands can still be seen occupying their ancient ancestor’s lifestyle. Among the 1,200 inhabitants, most speak Irish and display delightful hospitality to the tourists. It is an amazing display of Irish culture and nature blending in together, making it one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Ireland .
04. Giant’s Causeway
Known locally as “Clochán an Aifir”, the Giant Causeway is a coastal area of about an astounding 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Located in the County Antrim of north east Ireland, The Giant’s Causeway has an amazing mythical story attached to it. The legend has it that the Causeway was once home to a Giant named “Finn MacCool”. But the true origin of the Causeways is however, a volcanic eruption that happened 60 million years ago. It is a true spectacle of nature and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland.
03. Boyne Valley
Boyne valley located in the County Meath of Ireland is a stunning landmark full of ancient mystery. Some of the archeological sites of the Valley is presumed to be older then the Pyramids of Giza. Here, Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle and Monasterboice are the prominent attractions. The tomb of Newgrange is famous for the sunlight event of the winter solstice. On December 21st, the sun beam seems to land on the roof of the tomb in a magnificently special way. The Hill of Tara features many ancient monuments including the Stone of Destiny. It is a place full of remarkable ruins of the ancient civilizations where surprise waits at every corner. The Boyne Valley truly is an unforgettable experience and surely one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Ireland.
02. Ring of Kerry
Ring of Kerry, a very popular tourist route in the county Kerry of south western Ireland captures the authentic beauty of Ireland. It is an amazing tourist destination featuring neat castles and peaceful gardens, lovely and delightful locales, a dramatic coastline, ancient archeological heritages and much more. Prominent locations of the route include Muckross House, Staigue stone fort, Derrynane House, Ross Castle, Lough Leane, Killarney National Park and many more. There are no place better to get a glimpse of the true beauty of Ireland within a short time. Therefore, Ring of Kerry is surely one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland.
01. The Cliffs of Moher
The cliffs of Moher along the west coastline of Ireland produce some of the most breathtaking sceneries Ireland has to offer. The cliffs are located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region of Ireland. The cliffs extended for 5 miles and the highest point of the cliffs reach up to 214 meters above the floor of the Atlantic. One can see Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and The Twelve Pins all the way to Maum Turk Mountains from the majestic cliff tops. These cliffs were curved out nearly 320 million years ago and today entertain nearly 1 million visitors each year. But even if the cliffs are crowded, the natural scenery from the rocky platform is easy to get lost in.
