Are you about to visit Ireland? So here are the most beautiful places to discover on the island of Éire!
Far from the beaten paths, Ireland is a somewhat remote destination. Yet, the Eire, of its little Irish name, is a beautiful country that is full of wonders and beautiful cities to discover during a journey. Long time under the yoke of the England , the Republic of Ireland is now independent and covers much of the island of the same name. Indeed, Northern Ireland still belongs to the United Kingdom of which it is one of the four constituent parts.
If the climate can get rid of some travellers, it is wrong: the country has lush vegetation, tried with medieval castles, in the heart of historical counties. Are you wondering what to do in Ireland? Know that you will not be bored during your stay on this fabulous island, there are so many places to discover! So to help you prepare your Irish adventure, we have prepared a list of the 16 most beautiful places to visit in Ireland!
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1. Dublin
Visiting Ireland necessarily means discovering its capital! Dublin can easily take care of you more than a weekend. This historic city is a testimony of the Irish past. Thus, the city has many museums, such as the National Museum, the Museum of Writers, but also great buildings to be discovered during your stay like the Cathedral of Christ Church and its crypt, the Cathedral of Saint Patrick or the Trinity College .
Especially, take advantage of your trip to Dublin to stroll through the streets and paved streets of the centre, to explore the markets and taste delicious local beers in the different pubs of the capital. Because visiting Ireland is also a taste of its beers! Known for its cultural effervescence and its festive atmosphere, the Temple Bar area is especially recommended for your stay in Dublin. If you like to delight yourself from this drink, you can also visit the Guinness Storehouse !
Book your visits to Dublin
2. Galway
Photo credit: Flickr – Robert Linsdell
In the west of Ireland, Galway is a vibrant and charming city, a cultural centre of the island, where many artists have left their fingerprints happy.
In the city you can visit Collegiate Church Of St Nicholas , the mythical Lynch’s Castle residence or discover the Spanish Arch, memories of the Middle Ages. Note that in the summer, many festivals and artistic events take place in Galway!
Book your visits to Galway
3. The Connemara
Photo credit: Flickr – Yannick
Not far from Galway is the Connemara National Park a must if you have planned to visit Ireland! This true earthly paradise, untouched by man, extends over 2,000 hectares.
Three circuits, with varying difficulties and lengths, will allow you to discover the wild fauna and flora of all beauty of the park, in an impressive setting. Because from the imposing mountains, you will enjoy an incredible view of the hilly plains, the forests and gigantic lakes, the peatlands and the rustic lands of the Connemara!
Book your day trip to Connemara
4. Les Falaises de Moher
What to do in Ireland? Admire the mythical Falaises de Moher Of course! Located in the south of Galway, they extend over 8 kilometres long, for a height of up to 215 metres high.
No doubt that you will be impressed by the power, grandeur and beauty of this high place of Irish tourism!
Book your trip to Les Falaises de Moher from Dublin
5. The Glovesée des Géants
Located in Northern Ireland, the Gloves , or « Clochán na bhFómharach » in Gaelic, is a formidable geological formation consisting of more than 40,000 hexagonal columns in basalt, reaching for some up to 12 meters high!
The legend wants it to be built so that two giants, one Irish and the other Scottish, can compete. Several sites are worth visiting, so don’t hesitate to use a guide to find out more about this emblematic place in Ireland!
Book your visit to the Chaussée des Géants
6. Belfast
Photo credit: Flickr – Iker Merodio
On your way to the Chaussée des Géants, Belfast is a mandatory stop. This historic city of the island was the theatre of war between unionists and nationalists, whose traces are still visible on the walls of Belfast.
Despite its tragic past not so far, the city deserves you to stop there. For during your walks you can admire the beautiful Victorian architecture of the city, as well as the Grand Opera House , University of Queens and also Botanic Garden !
Book your visits to Belfast
7. Kerry County
Photo credit: Flickr – Tony Webster
Unable to visit Ireland without discovering County of Kerry ! L’ Anneau du Kerry is one of the most beautiful roads in Ireland. It will allow you to admire the mountains, the Irish coasts and especially the sublime Falaises du Kerry.
Breathtaking panoramas await you along this long journey of over 180km! Whether you are travelling by car, by bike or by foot, you will find your happiness between roads, mountain trails or walks in the middle of nature. Whether it’s your starting point or not to visit the Kerry, don’t hesitate to visit Killarney to admire its superb historical monuments, such as the Castle of Ross .
Book your visits to Kerry County
8. Dingle Peninsula
North of Kerry County, Dingle Peninsula is to be seen absolutely! Drawing its name from the city of Dingle, the peninsula exists thanks to the presence of a mountain range, the Sliabh Mish , which goes in the sea!
Mount Brandon, one of the largest in Ireland with its 951 meters above sea level, will offer a sublime view of the region. Wild and mild climate, between ocean and mountain, the Dingle Peninsula is a unique place to discover when you go to Ireland! In addition, to discover a typical Irish city, you should attarder to Dingle. Belonging to the Gaeltach region, a region where Irish people are still speaking, it houses small pubs and picturesque restaurants where they listen to Irish music.
9. Skellig Michael
The Skellig Islands, off the Kerry, rises abruptly to 218 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. Isolated, the Skellig Michael sheltered in the Middle Ages a small Christian monastery.
Protected and known for its archaeological sites, it has acquired a new fame lately thanks to episodes VII and VIII of Star Wars. Indeed, the island was used as a shooting place for the two films of the saga!
10. Cork
What to do in Ireland? Visit the dynamic student city of Cork! The third most populous city on the island, it is currently experiencing an exceptional growth, whether cultural or economic. In the day, you can discover a fabulous architectural heritage, which has crossed the ages, from the Middle Ages to today with typical streets like the St. Patrick’s Street , sublime cathedrals and friendly museums.
At night, restaurants and pubs will take over and you can enjoy delicious meals, refreshing pints and pleasant concerts!
Book your visits to Cork
11. Kinsale
South of Cork, Kinsale is a charming little town to discover when you go to visit Ireland!
Known for its colourful houses and art galleries, it also houses a beautiful historical heritage, such as the Charles Fort, which overlooks and protects the bay.
Book a day trip to Kinsale from Cork
12. The Rock of Cashel
Visiting Ireland is also admiring the wonderful castles several hundred years ago. The Rock of Cashel is one of the most emblematic. Rising about 60 metres from the top of an imposing rocky piton, it is a complex of absolutely fantastic medieval vestiges.
Dominating the city, it is a high place of Irish tourism. Anyone who would like to know more about the medieval history of the country should visit the Rock!
13. The Coumshingaun Lough
Photo credit: Geograph – Colin Park
Circulated by the mountains, in the heart of a real rock circus, Coumshingaun Lough is one of Ireland’s most beautiful lakes. You will not regret having made this wonderful hike in the Comeragh Mountains when you discover the sublime view of this lake!
A dizzy and striking show will thus reward the most greedy.
14. Kilkenny
Photo credit: Flickr – Enrico Strocchi
Are you still asking what to do in Ireland? Known for its sublime medieval architecture and its unique heritage, Kilkenny is a high place of Irish tourism with its magnificent castles and cathedrals!
It is also in this city that the beer of the same name is brewed. So to enjoy a delicious pint and walk in charming little streets, Kilkenny should appear on your itinerary!
Book your visits to Kilkenny
15. Slieve League
Located in Donegal County, the most north of the country, the cliff Slieve League is the second highest cliff in Europe! It is from the top of its 606 meters that you will face one of the most beautiful panoramas of Ireland.
Although there is a lot of wind, the hike is absolutely worth it, so take time to discover this unmistakable site!
16. Glenveagh National Park
Photo credit: Flickr – Raphael Schön
Donegal County has lots of surprises... It's about 20 kilometre away Letterkenny you can discover this park of 16,000 hectares and its castle and gardens.
Between the Derryveagh mountains and the Lough Veagh and Poisoned Glen valleys, Glenveagh National Park reserves a breathtaking panorama and a wonderful walk. The most sporty (and braver) will be tempted by a surf session : a sport rather popular in the area, it must be said that the wave is usually at the rendezvous!
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