This small country in northern Europe receives almost 6.2 million tourists every year, which is 1.4 times the population of Ireland itself! Agree, solid proof that this corner of the planet is definitely worth a visit. In addition, in 2011, readers of the authoritative publication Lonely Planet called Ireland “the best vacation spot in the world”. Another argument to go on vacation exactly here.
A visit to Ireland usually starts with Dublin, the largest city in the country, home to nearly a quarter of the population. This is a beautiful city with a very unusual architecture, which has retained its unique charm and is very different from other European capitals. Another very popular Irish city among travelers is Cork, known for its ancient history, famous inhabitants and numerous attractions. In general, Ireland has something to offer tourists - medieval Gothic castles, well-preserved majestic cathedrals, magnificent architecture, unique natural monuments, original culture and local customs.
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What to see in Ireland?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Valley of Glendalough
An incredibly picturesque valley created by glaciers in the eastern part of Ireland. Glendalough is famous for its monastery dating back to the 6th century! Now this site is recognized as one of the main attractions of the country and attracts thousands of tourists. There are also pristine lakes in the valley, unusual round towers, green hills and many small hotels for tourists.
Skellig Michael
The Rock of Archangel Michael is a beautiful island with a monastery, which was built at the end of the sixth century. Now on the island there are ruins of ancient buildings, a working lighthouse and many beautiful natural areas. Excursions to Skellig Michael Island are organized, because it is difficult to get there on your own.
Macross House Museum and Estate
This museum-turned estate is located in the center of Killarney National Park. The estate is known for its unusual architecture, perfectly preserved interiors, as well as a picturesque garden and arboretum. Macross House hosts an annual culture festival that attracts many travelers.
St. Stephens Green
This is Dublin's central park, created back in 1664. St Stephens Green is famous for its waterfowl pond, garden for the blind, a walking 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.
Powerscourt Homestead Garden
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 country's most revered saint. It is believed that it was Saint Patrick who freed Ireland from snakes, did a lot to form the national consciousness of the country's population. The cathedral is Anglican, very beautiful and austere. At one time, its dean was the famous writer Jonathan Swift.
Blarney Castle
The castle that has survived today is already the third fortification erected in this corner of County Cork. The massive walls of the castle survived several attacks and reliably protected its inhabitants. Blarney Castle is famous for its Eloquence Stone, which bestows such talent on anyone who kisses it.
Aran islands
Three picturesque islands - Inishman, Inishmore and Inishir - are located off the west coast of Ireland. It is noteworthy that the inhabitants of the islands, who lived in isolation 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 wash in Galway
You can come to Ireland not only for visiting pubs and hiking in medieval castles. You can also stroll through the shopping streets and buy awesome, quirky items from local designers. So, shop street in County Galway, in the west of the country, is famous for its many shops, where you can find literally anything.
Guinness Beer Museum
A cult landmark of Dublin, which not only lovers of the "foamy drink" tend to visit, but also inveterate teetotalers. In the museum, you can learn about the brand's traditions, see a collection of beer barrels, listen to a lecture on the dangers of alcohol, and most importantly, taste the most famous Irish beer in the Gravitation bar. By the way, the entrance to the museum is free.
Kinsale
One of the most famous “small towns” in Ireland, and the first city in which the country's government runs a program to address environmental and energy problems. Kinsale is known for its many restaurants, unique architecture and the annual Gourmet Gourmet Festival.
Kilkenny Castle
Another pearl of Ireland, the pride of the country is a perfectly preserved castle of the 12th century. It is known for its glorious history, well-preserved interior decoration, as well as a regular park laid out around it. You should definitely take a walk in the park to see the beauty of flower beds with strict lines, as well as an old fountain.
Newgrange
One of the most ancient landmarks in the country, a national treasure of Ireland. Newgrange is a megalithic cult structure more than 4.5 thousand years old! It is a corridor tomb with mounds and burial chambers, spiral patterns and drawings on stones. Newgrange is often compared to Stonehenge.
Kilmanham Prison
The prison, built in the 18th century, 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 inmates of the prison there were both women and children from 7 years old, and the conditions of their detention cannot be called comfortable and even simply acceptable.
Ring of Kerry
A very popular tourist route that runs through the territory of County Kerry, along the picturesque Iverach Peninsula. The length of this path 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 travel along the Ring of Kerry by bus, car, bicycle, and there are also pedestrian paths.
Cliffs of Moher
Visiting these cliffs is recognized as the most popular Irish 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 clips and films. Today there is an ecologically clean center for tourists.
Grafton street
One of Dublin's busiest shopping streets.Almost along its entire length, it is pedestrianized, replete with shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Musicians, poets, actors, jugglers and mimes are constantly performing 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 higher education institutions not only in Ireland, but throughout the planet. Trinity College was founded in 1592, over the years of its existence, many famous personalities have become its graduates, in particular, Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde. By the way, Trinity College was one of the first in Europe to start accepting women.
Rock of Cashel
It is also the Rock of St. Patrick, the old residence of the Irish kings. It was here in the 5th century that the patron saint of Ireland himself lived and preached. Rock of Cashel is known for its fairly well-preserved ancient buildings, in particular, fortified walls, a Romanesque church, a Gothic cathedral, the highest and most ancient round tower in the country.
