Ireland is a country full of history, rocky terrain, beautiful scenery, artistic inspiration, and welcoming locals. These intriguing Emerald Isles are a treasure vault of enjoyable experiences and vistas, giving rise to many sites to visit in Ireland, all of which exude loads of the unique Irish charm.
The land that gave rise to the Game of Thrones has a lot to offer visitors of all stripes, from beautiful scenery and fascinating history to some of the best coffee and beer in the world. Take advantage of all there is to see in Ireland during your European vacation.
Top 7 Places to Visit in Ireland
Listed here are just a few of the many great attractions that Ireland has to offer.
1. Cliffs Of Moher
The majestic Cliffs of Moher are a popular tourist destination because they offer some of the most spectacular vistas in all of Ireland. Around 320 million years ago, a massive river Delta shaped this stunning natural feature.
Galway Bay, with its thundering waves, provides a melodious backdrop to the rich green meadows at the top. This is an absolute must on your tour of Ireland.
2. Downhill Beach
Located in Northern Ireland, this seven-mile stretch of fine sand is one of the best places to visit in Ireland due to the abundance of activities available, including water sports. The nearby Mussenden Temple is another must-see, as it is one of the most photographed structures in all of Northern Ireland.
A fascination shared by Downhill Beach and Game of Thrones! The scene first appeared in season two, when Melisandre burned effigies of her enemies as an offering to the Lord of Light with permission from Stannis Baratheon.
3. Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal
Here is the northernmost point of Ireland, and the beginning of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal journey that winds its way down along the west coast.
A hundred miles of well-marked trails in Inishowen allow visitors to explore the entire peninsula and all its sights without ever having to backtrack. It’s one of the greatest places to visit in Ireland over a weekend because you can see everything there is to see in only two days.
4. Northwest Mayo
County Mayo has beautiful beaches set against a dramatic backdrop, thanks to its craggy and expansive coastline, towering sea stacks, and off-the-radar islands. The turquoise water ebbs and flows around the white powdery sands of Mulranny.
It is the entry point to Keel Strand on Achill Island, which is famous for its miles of kite-flying dunes and breathtaking vistas of Slievemore and the Mweelaun Cliffs and for luring John Lennon and Yoko Ono on their “second honeymoon.”
At the island’s western end is Keem Bay, widely considered to be Ireland’s most picturesque beach. It is protected by towering cliffs to the north and south, creating an amphitheater-like setting.
5. Kilkenny
The medieval mile in the heart of Ireland’s most beautiful city is a preserved historical district. The greatest way to learn about the history of “The Marble City” is to take a stroll through its bustling downtown.
Sure, there are several paid heritage sites like Kilkenny Castle and the Medieval Mile Museum that give intriguing glimpses into the past (and rooftop vistas). The Black Abbey, Saint Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, and the Butter Slip are just a few of the highlights of a self-guided walking tour of the Medieval Mile.
6. Limerick City
Ireland’s third largest city is surrounded by stadiums and racetracks, yet its small cobblestone streets and vast avenues are home to pubs like Jerry Flannery’s on Catherine Street and JJ Bowles near King John’s Castle, perfect for some post-match chat.
Hurling is one of the world’s fastest and oldest field sports, and the Limerick team is the current national champions. However, rugby is what really gets people excited in “The Treaty City,” as the story of the local underdogs’ 1978 victory over New Zealand’s legendary All Blacks is told at Thomond Park Stadium.
7. Dublin City
Beside his residence on Merrion Square is a statue of the playwright Oscar Wilde, who is depicted lazily resting on a bed of quartz with a wry smile that suggests playful perplexity.
Wilde’s native town of Sligo, Ireland, was festooned with rainbow flags as the country became the first in the world to allow homosexual marriage by popular vote almost exactly 120 years after he was imprisoned for gross indecency. The party continues at The George, an institution in Dublin’s nightlife and a must-see for anyone in the LGBTIQ+ community.
Conclusion
Ireland is a varied and interesting place. The western coastline of the country is characterized by steep cliffs plunging into the ocean, soft, powdery beaches, medieval castles, historic communities, and lonely, picturesque islands where ancient customs are still practiced.
The lush green terrain of the midlands is crisscrossed by the River Shannon and dotted with lesser-known villages and blue trails. Dublin, in the south, and Belfast, in the north, both have all the cultural offerings of modern, major cities.