You Won’t Want to Miss These Spots
There’s a good reason why Ireland vacations lure travelers from all over the world. With its endless lush, emerald hills, dramatic cliffs that stretch down to golden beaches and a turquoise sea, soaring mountains, grand medieval castles and charming villages, Ireland is truly one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet.
And don’t forget the people, who make Ireland one of the friendliest destinations in the world! Ireland is also becoming popular as a destination for genealogy travel as those who can trace their roots back to the country are visiting to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors.
Several trips to Ireland would scarcely be enough to take in all of the sights and experience all there is to be enjoyed. So if you’re planning to visit Ireland and want to make the most of your time there, make sure to put these locales on your itinerary.
You won’t want to miss out on these places to visit in Ireland.
Dingle
When you envision Ireland, the Dingle Peninsula in the southwestern region of the country is what you probably picture. It’s the quintessential postcard-perfect place, with those brilliant-green hills dotted with sheep, and white-washed cottages dipping down to the azure Atlantic.
The hilltop medieval town of Dingle is one of the best towns to visit in Ireland. Dingle overlooks a bustling harbor that’s famous for its resident dolphin, Fungi, while vibrantly colored buildings ramble up and down the hilly streets. Other than the scenery, Dingle is a central facet of Ireland tourism due to its numerous pubs that are filled with character and offer nightly sessions with traditional music.
Portmagee
Portmagee is one of Ireland’s most picturesque little villages. While it was once considered a hidden gem, thanks to its role in “Star Wars” it’s becoming an internationally renowned destination.
It happens to be the departure hub for trips to Skellig Michael, which hosts preserved monastic settlements that date back to the sixth century. The rugged island stole the final scene in “The Force Awakens,” when Rey extended a lightsaber to Luke Skywalker.
When not filming, the cast and crew hung out at Portmagee’s Bridge Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the world. It’s tucked among a row of colorful buildings and offers live music many nights of the week along with gourmet fare and a well-poured Guinness.
For an inside look at how some of the country's best alcoholic beverages are made — and for the chance to sample them — these brewery tours are top notch.
Inisheer Island
Inisheer Island is the smallest of the Aran Islands, situated off the County Galway Coast. The islands are renowned for their Old World feel that’s entirely different from the mainland, making them a must-visit when it comes to Ireland destinations.
While most visitors to these islands head to the largest, Inishmore, Inisheer is far less touristy and incredibly peaceful — especially when the day-tripping tourists have headed back. When stepping off the ferry and onto the pier, you’ll be greeted with an idyllic white-sand beach that faces crystal-clear aquamarine waters, appearing as if it was stolen from the Caribbean.
The two-square-mile island can easily be covered on foot, but many visitors enjoy hitching a ride with one of the pony and cart drivers offering tourists guided tours.
Clifden and the Connemara Region
One of the most spectacular wilderness destinations in all of Europe, Connemara begins at Galway city and stretches to the west coast. It boasts everything from glistening lakes and waterfalls to picture-perfect beaches and dramatic mountains, such as the rugged Twelve Bens Mountain Range.
There are multiple sights and attractions to enjoy in this region too, such as Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey.
If castle stays in Ireland are of interest to you, Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in the town of Clifden is one of the best. What could be better than stepping into your very own fairy tale?
Adare
Adare is famous as one of Ireland’s most picturesque towns, with its images displayed on countless postcards and brochures. Because the secret is definitely out, if you hope to capture your own outstanding shots, visit early in the morning to avoid tour-bus-filled traffic jams.
The main street is lined with medieval monasteries, pretty thatched cottages, stone buildings, ruins and a beautiful park. The many original thatched cottages date back to as early as the 1820s, and some have been converted into restaurants, arts and crafts shops, and boutiques.
Adare Castle, regarded as a fine example of the country’s medieval fortified castles, sits on the north bank of the River Maigue.
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Wicklow National Park
Wicklow National Park is just a short drive south of Dublin, and has scenery that makes it one of the most awe-inspiring places in Ireland. In fact, it’s so impressive it’s often used as the setting for films and TV shows, including 2007’s “P.S. I Love You,” and the History Channel’s popular “Vikings” series.
The park offers miles and miles of hiking trails that wind through soaring heather-covered mountains and along tranquil streams and cascading falls. It’s particularly lovely in the autumn, making it an ideal fall destination in Europe. In the Glendalough Valley, you’ll find two lakes along with the country’s first monastic settlements, dating back to the sixth century.
Kilkenny
Many consider Kilkenny to be Ireland’s most attractive historic city, housing numerous historic sites that are concentrated in a small area in the city center. It’s a mix of medieval and modern, with narrow, winding streets lined with ancient buildings combined with the progressiveness of a lively city and a hub for Ireland’s arts and culture.
Kilkenny Castle is a highlight. This magnificent Norman Castle dominates the skyline overlooking the River Nore and dates all the way back to the 12th century.
Rock of Cashel and Hore Abbey
The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of Munster kings for a number of centuries just before the Norman invasion. It can be seen for miles, located high on an outcrop of limestone in the town of Cashel.
The group of medieval buildings includes a 15th-century castle, a 12th-century round tower, a Romanesque Chapel, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. The complex is considered to be among the most exceptional collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in all of Europe.
Hore Abbey, just down the road from the Rock of Cashel, is a stunning deserted ruin where there are no organized tours, entrance fees or crowds. Most of the time, it’ll be just you and maybe a lingering spirit or two.
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The Cliffs of Moher
One of the most iconic and most visited natural attractions in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher rise more than 700 feet over the Atlantic. They stretch for five miles from just outside the village of Doolin to Hags Head at the southwestern edge of the Burren region.
Visiting the spectacular imposing cliffs offers the chance to take in some of the most jaw-dropping views in the country on a clear day, including the Twelve Bens Mountain Range and all three Aran Islands.