Top 12 attractions....Skellig Rocks, Valentia Island, Cahergal Stone Fort, Portmagee, Kells, Cahersiveen, Caherdaniel, Muckross House, Kenmare, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle and Ladies View.
Killarney’s most beautiful attraction is the stunning Killarney National Park, which stretches over 41 square miles. The park itself is full of majestic landmarks, from peaceful lakes to Torc Waterfall to the historic Ross Castle—not to mention the beautiful sight that is their huge population of red deer.
The magnificent Skellig Michael off the coast of County Kerry is a beautiful and inspiring rock that rises majestically from the sea to the dizzying heights of 714ft. It has become famous thanks to Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which filmed scenes there, highlighting its beauty to audiences across the world
Don't be fooled by the one in Dublin. This is the real distillery where many of Ireland's best whiskeys are made.
Kinsale in County Cork is a historic fishing town known for its narrow winding roads, majestic waterfront, and painted galleries, shops, and houses. Kinsale is not only one of the most picturesque and oldest towns in Ireland, but it is also renowned for the quality of its restaurants and has been hailed as ‘The Gourmet Capital of Ireland.’
The birthplace of Dermot Coughlan. Cobh, Kinsale, Blackrock Castle Observatory, Shandon Bell Tower at St. Anne’s Church. Titanic Experience Cobh, Blarney Stone, Fitzgerald’s Park, Fota Wildlife and Mizen Head are just some of the top attractions in this county. There are some fantastic places to eat, drink and shop in the city of Cork that rival those of Dublin. Fun fact....this was Steve's favorite county in Ireland, so far anyway.
Crowds flock to this 15th-century castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. Bend over backwards on the battlements, give it a kiss and don’t forget to take in the views.
Beautiful coastal city and home of the Titanic Experience. If you claim Irish descent, then there is a good chance that your ancestors left Ireland through Cobh (pronounced Cove) on the south coast of Ireland. Cobh was the departure point for 2.5 million of the six million Irish people who emigrated to North America between 1848 and 1950.
Temple Bar, Guinness brewery, St Stephen’s Green, Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol – Ireland’s most famous jail, General Post Office (GPO) - Home of the Easter Rising, Irish Whiskey Museum, Great South Wall – a spectacular walking route, Howth, Teeling Distillery, National Gallery of Ireland, Spire of Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Zoo and more! We recommend the Hop on-off bus tours to get around quick and cheap. Many attractions require only a few minutes and you're on to the next! Recommend buying Kilmainham Gaol, Book of Kells and Guinness tour tickets online to save time and money. Check tripadvisor.com for deals! Best Pubs/Restaurants: The Brazen Head (Ireland's oldest bar), The Palace Bar, O'Donoghue's, McDaid's, The Cobblestone, The Temple Bar – for live music, Copper Face Jacks, The George (LGBTQ+), Oliver St. John Gogarty’s and The Stag's Head.
Trinity College is both Ireland’s premier and oldest university, and ranks as the world’s 108th best university. Additionally, the stunning Trinity Library contains thousands of age-old texts such as the famous Book of Kells.
Get tickets online ahead of time! The Guinness Storehouse is one of Ireland’s most visited attractions with over 20 million visitors. Guinness stout is synonymous with Ireland, and this site has been home to the Guinness Brewery since 1759.
Located just outside of Dublin city is Kilmainham Gaol. As one of the most popular tours in all of Dublin, the gaol housed many of the leaders of the Irish Rebellion, which fought for – and won – Ireland’s independence from under British rule. Tours run often, daily but booking in advance is highly advised.
The Cliffs of Moher stands at 700 feet high, and as Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, it easily earns a spot on the list as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland. It is a place of picture-postcard perfection; one can look in any direction and be greeted with beautiful scenery. A must see for everyone visiting! Afterwards, you can head to the town of Doolin, just a few minutes away, to get a pint and fantastic Irish fare at Gus O'Connor's.
Doolin, one of Ireland’s most loved visitor destinations, which is widely regarded as ‘the home of Irish music. Only minutes away from the Cliffs of Moher, it has lovely coastal views and a great pub called Gus O'Connors.
The birthplace of Steve's great grandmother and Irish heritage! Welcoming and walkable and filled to the brim with old-fashioned pubs and excellent seafood restaurants, scenic Galway may be Ireland’s most charming city.
Connemara on the west of Ireland is a place of diverse and wild contrasting beauty. From bogs and lakes in South Connemara to the mountains of the North and West, this diversifying beauty is what makes Connemara so unique. The landscape may change, but the beauty remains the same.
The Aran Islands are comprised of three beautiful islands: Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer, all located in Galway Bay. These isolated islands provide a stunning backdrop to explore and have acted as a beacon in the past for many Irish artists and poets who have drawn inspiration from its beauty.
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and a thriving city; investment is up and tourism is on the rise, while the city’s inhabitants are first-hand witnesses to its unique and progressive changing face. Queen’s University Belfast, Stormont Parliament Buildings, Belfast Castle, Belfast City Hall, Peace walls, Shaw’s Bridge, Crumlin Road Gaol, Crumlin Road Gaol, St George’s Market, Titanic Quarter and a pub crawl in the Cathedral Quarter are the top draws.
The Giant’s Causeway is one of Ireland’s most famous natural attractions. Located in County Antrim, the unique site is hard to miss and is made of 40,000 natural basalt columns, which were formed by a volcanic eruption. The Giant’s Causeway was recently named a World Heritage Site and a National Nature Reserve by UNESCO
The iconic ruins of Dunluce Castle lie on the dramatic coastal cliffs of north County Antrim. The castle was originally built in the early 16th century by the McQuillans and overlooks the outstanding Mermaid’s Cave. Like many Irish castles, this one has witnessed a long and tumultuous history.
Just a short distance south of Giant’s Causeway you can find the Dark Hedges, a stunning avenue of beech threes. The Dark Hedges has become a more popular tourist attraction since it gained visibility through the HBO show Game of Thrones. The Stuart family planted the trees in the 1700s to line the path to their house. There are over 90 trees lining the road, although a few have come down in recent years. You can park at the nearby Hedges Estate Hotel and walk through the Dark Hedges.
Binevenagh is a mountain that is a few miles/km southwest of Mussenden Temple. You can hike to the summit if you would like an outstanding view.
Glendalough is a seventh-century monastery and is simply a nature lover’s dream, both photogenic and peaceful. There are many trails and walks to enjoy around the tranquil lakes. If you have any interest in history or architecture, then make sure to watch out for the ancient round towers at St. Kevin’s Church and the old cathedral.
Fusing medieval history with a cosmopolitan city life, Kilkenny buzzes with an unforgettable energy. From the walls of the marble city, to the network of towns and villages that are dotted around the verdant countryside, this ancient county at the centre of Ireland's Ancient East packs maximum wow-factor in to an easily navigable space. Kilkenny Castle was gifted to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 by the Butler family, for only £50! Best Pubs/Restaurants: The Paris Texas bar in Kilkenny - 2019 Pub of the year, Billy Byrnes, Kyteler’s Inn, The Hole in the Wall, The Left Bank and Andrew Ryan’s.
Built in the 13th century, Kilkenny Castle still stands strong today and offers tours within its historic walls which have lived many centuries. Kilkenny is the rich in history – it was once the hub of Viking Ireland – and some tall tales are bound to pepper this tour.
Located in County Tipperary, this remarkable ruin dominates the landscape with such majesty. The site consists of not one but several stunning medieval structures, making this ruin even more epic. Among the many gems that can be found at Cashel, a 12th-century round tower, 13th-century Gothic cathedral, 15th-century castle, high cross, and stunning Romanesque chapel are only a few. The chapel, known as Cormac’s Chapel, houses one of the best-preserved medieval frescos in Ireland.
An imposing 13th-15th Century structure, Cahir Castle was skilfully designed by Conor O’Brien to be a state-of-the-art defensive castle. Appearing to grow from the actual rock on which it stands, the castle has been the scene of sieges and bombardments for centuries.
The hometown of Aisling Coughlan and current residence of her parents, Dermot and Brenda! It's a lovely city with many great places to explore, such as St. John's Castle and the University of Limerick (where Ais obtained her PhD.) UL is a great spot for a delightful walk, exploring the university's buildings, art and Shannon river. Limerick city is a great spot for a weekend of exploring. A vibrant hub bursting with top restaurants, historical landmarks and hidden gems, it is one city in Ireland not to be missed.
King John's Castle is a 13th-century castle located on King's Island in Limerick, Ireland, next to the River Shannon. Although the site dates back to 922 when the Vikings lived on the Island, the castle itself was built on the orders of King John in 1200
When it comes to ‘happy places’ Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is an all-time favourite. The medieval village has been recreated to depict how the people of Ireland lived in the middle ages, with an array of houses representing dwellings of all the different community folk.
Achill Island is the largest island on the Irish coast. Achill is known for its natural beauty and is home to some of the most stunning landmarks along the Wild Atlantic Way, such as white sand beaches, peat bogs, and cliffs. The best way to explore Achill without a doubt is by bike on its Great Western Greenway, which lasts for 26 miles.
When Arthur Guinness of stout-brewing fame inherited Ashford Castle in 1868, he and his wife Olivia set out to turn the medieval stronghold into a home—and they ended up transforming it into the festive heart of the community. They refurbished the oldest part of the castle, planted inviting gardens, and meticulously maintained the surrounding woodlands. Now, after more than a decade of neglect, a top-to-bottom restoration has brought the castle vibrantly back to its 19th-century heyday. Guests sleep like royalty in rooms adorned with silks and antiques, and wake for a morning walk with Garvan and Cronan, the resident Irish wolfhounds. Whether you’re taking afternoon tea or sampling wines with the sommelier in a secret passageway, the staff and the ambience are warm and welcoming. Ashford Castle is, once again, a joyous fairytale castle—and a majestic gateway to the delights of the Ireland’s fabled west.
Tintern Abbey in New Ross, County Wexford. The abbey was founded by the Earl of Pembroke in the early 13th century and takes its name from Tintern Abbey in Wales. Local legend tells that when the Earl encountered a life-threatening storm at sea, he vowed to set up an abbey if he reached land safely. Today, visitors to this amazing site can explore the enchanting abbey’s remains and take in the sublime natural beauty of surrounding Wexford.
Located in County Wicklow (fondly known to locals as the “garden of Ireland” for its absolute beauty) is Powerscourt Gardens and House. This stately home sits on an impressive 19 hectares of manicured, lush lawns and wild forest ways. Perfect for an afternoon stroll or weekend day trip, this was listed as the tenth highest rated landmark attraction in 2019.