When people think Ireland, many of them imagine endless green meadows, ancient castles and the liveliest pubs. And this is exactly right! Ireland is even more beautiful than you can probably imagine, so it should be on every avid traveller’s list.
Today we will explore some of the most gorgeous sites you can visit while on the Emerald Isle. We will try to give you a mixture of natural and cultural sites, so you don’t miss on one type of tourism or the other. We bet that by the end of the article, you’d be booking your flight.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are some of the most easily recognisable sites in Ireland. They will inspire awe with their stunning height (reaching above 2000 metres) and beauty. The Cliffs of Moher are about 14 kilometres in length and they are on the Atlantic Coast of Ireland. They are a UNESCO protected territory where you can find rare animal species like the adorable Atlantic Puffins and razorbills.
Rock of Cashel
To the history lovers out there, we give you the Rock of Cashel – an ancient structure that was once the seat of the kings of Munster, before eventually falling into Normans’ hands. Unfortunately, there are few constructures left from the original building, but there are still priceless examples of Celtic art and architecture.
The story of the castle is no less fascinating. It’s said that that was the site where St. Patrick banished Satan, forming the rock in Cashel. It’s needless to say that you should absolutely visit this site, which holds religious, cultural, and historical importance to Ireland.
Ireland’s Eye
If you are visiting Dublin, but you seek the peace and quiet of the countryside, then go ahead and visit Ireland’s Eye, which is just 15 minutes away from the capital. You’d be transported to a fairy-tale location amidst endless green meadows, exactly like the ones you imagined when you picked Ireland as your travel destination.
Glendalough
Glendalough is not only the masterful work of mother nature, but also a site filled with rich history and tradition. Saint Kevin of Glendalough chose this spot in the 6th century to find peace and he was soon followed by other monks.
In the following centuries, a monastery was built there and it served as a safe haven for the clergy, which was threatened by Viking invasions. Today, the stony structures look like something out of a fairy-tale and should be visited by all who are interested in exploring the religious sites of Ireland.
The Dark Hedges
We realise that we use the word fairy-tale a lot, but we have to use it yet again for this place, because you can’t describe it in another way. The Dark Hedges is a tranquil path surrounded by 18th century trees, which served as part of the Kingsroad in the hit TV series Game of Thrones.
The best time to visit this short but unique pathway is early in the morning when the sun is peeking through the trees.
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is among the “youngest” structures on this list, but its beauty can captivate every single visitor. Built in 1866 as private residence, before it was purchased by the Benedictine Nuns in 1920, Kylemore Abbey is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture and style.
The Abbey’s gardens are no less impressive, so give yourself an hour or two to explore the site in peace. Make sure to check the opening times before you go.
The Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a unique work of nature that would leave you in awe. It’s made out of three jagged promontories featuring geometric rocks with odd shapes that stretch all the way to the Irish sea. You can climb on them, but be careful. There are many nature pathways you can take in the Causeway, so pick the one that suits your hiking experience.
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is one of the most visited sites in Ireland and for a good reason. The medieval castle in Cork is an impressive structure that dates back to the early 13th century. Unfortunately, most of the original building didn’t survive to this day, but the castle was rebuilt in the 15th century, while the beautiful Blarney House building was added in the Victorian Era.
Visitors are also able to explore the curious Poison Garden, which, as the name suggests, features beautiful, but poisonous plants.
Powerscourt Gardens
Powerscourt Gardens will likely be the best garden experience of your life; it even made National Geographic’s list of the 10 most beautiful gardens in the world, so if you don’t trust us, trust them. With a risk to repeat ourselves, this place is straight out of a fairy-tale with its magical paths and gorgeous plant life.
There are themed gardens, pretty statues and everything else you can imagine, so waste no time and visit this site, which is less than 20 minutes away from Dublin.