Top 10 Places to Visit in Ireland – Visit Ireland for the natural beauty and history, as well as its lively atmosphere, traditional food, guinness, whiskey, dancing and much more.
The Irish are known worldwide for their festive celebration and the country hosts many events and festivals along the year with the largest festival of traditional Irish music.
Charming medieval core arched stone bridges, lichen spotted Abbeys and 19th century townhouses.
The Top 10 Places to Visit in Ireland
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Sligo
- Killarney National Park
- Boyne Valley
- The Rock of Cashel
- Dublin
- Dingle
- Galway City
- Blarney Castle
- Limerick
Let’s look more in depth at the Top 10 Places to Visit in Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher stand as awe-inspiring coastal formations situated on the southwestern periphery of County Clare, Ireland, within the Burren region. They rise dramatically from the relentless embrace of the Atlantic Ocean, stretching over 8 kilometers (approximately 5 miles) and achieving staggering heights, with their zenith soaring to 214 meters (about 702 feet).
The vistas from the cliff’s precipice are nothing short of breathtaking, imbuing visitors with an overwhelming sense of wonder. The sheer limestone walls cascade dramatically into the tumultuous waves below, crafting a visual spectacle that has captivated the hearts of artists, writers, and poets across the ages. As a result, these cliffs magnetize globetrotters from around the world, all eager to behold the untamed splendor of Ireland’s coastal exquisiteness.
Moreover, beyond their purely visual allure, the Cliffs of Moher are steeped in historical and cultural significance. They have long been a site of profound importance in Irish folklore and myth, often entwined with tales of ancient battles and enigmatic beings. At various points in Ireland’s history, the cliffs served as natural bastions, their strategic significance evinced by the ruins of O’Brien’s Tower, a 19th-century observation point.
Recognizing their geological import and the rich tapestry of flora and fauna that inhabit this unique coastal ecosystem, the Cliffs of Moher have earned the prestigious designation of a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Whether veiled in mist and mystique or bathed in the golden embrace of a sunset, the Cliffs of Moher are a realm of marvel and contemplation. Their grandeur etches an indelible mark on all who venture to partake in their splendor.
From the vantage point of the cliffs and O’Brien’s Tower, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Aran Islands nestled in Galway Bay, the Maumturks, and Twelve Pins mountain ranges to the north in County Galway, and the coastal beauty of Loop Head to the south. It’s little wonder that the cliffs rank among Ireland’s most frequented tourist attractions, drawing approximately 1.5 million visitors annually.
Sligo
One of the must sees in County Sligo is Classiebawn Castle
Classiebawn castle close to the head of Mullaghmore on County Sligo’s Wild Atlantic Way, was the holiday home of Louis Mountbatten, a member of the British royal family who was assassinated close by in 1979. The pair of standing stones erected on the ground below the castle would seem to support the reputed occult interests of Lords Palmerston, Ashley and Mountbatten.
Killarney National Park
When you visit Killarney National Park, make sure you don’t miss Torc Waterfall. Torc Waterfall (from Irish: Easach Toirc, meaning “cascade of the wild boar”) is a 20 metres (66 ft) high, 110 metres (360 ft) long cascade waterfall formed by the Owengarriff River as it drains from the Devil’s Punchbowl corrie lake at Mangerton Mountain. The waterfall, which lies at the base of Torc Mountain, in the Killarney National Park, is 4.3 miles (7 kilometres) from Killarney in Kerry, Ireland.
The waterfall is a popular site on the Ring of Kerry and the Kerry Way tours. The word Torc is from the Irish translation of a “wild boar”, and the area is associated with legends involving wild boars. One legend is of a man who was cursed by the Devil to spend each night transformed into a wild boar, but when his secret was revealed by a local farmer, he burst into flames and disappeared into the nearby Devils Punchbowl on Mangerton Mountain from which the Owengarriff River emerged to hide the entrance to his cave beneath the Torc Waterfall.
Boyne Valley
Only 20 minutes from Dublin and an hour from Belfast, the Boyne Valley is a really accessible place for a day trip and is full of historical and cultural gems such as Newgrange.
The Boyne Valley, Birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East, is a place steeped in history. Combined with its lush green landscape and magnificent waterways, fantastic food and drink, outdoor adventures and cultural gems, this wealth of heritage makes it a really special destination. Encompassing County Meath and south County Louth, the Boyne Valley is a unique holiday destination with an abundance of things to do and lots of fun family activities for the best holiday you could imagine.
Read more at https://lovetovisitireland.com/place/boyne-valley-ireland/
The Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel (Irish: Carraig Phádraig), also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock, is a historic site located at Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland. According to local legends, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil’s Bit, a mountain 20 miles (30 km) north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock’s landing in Cashel.
Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. In 1101, the King of Munster, Muirchertach Ua Briain, donated his fortress on the Rock to the Church.
The picturesque complex has a character of its own and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. Few remnants of the early structures survive; the majority of buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Dublin
Top 10 Things you must do in DUBLIN, Ireland. Dublin has so much to offer anyone visiting the city. From traditional music and dance, festive Irish pubs, castles, history and culture, plus the heritage of Irish Whiskey and the story of Guinness – there is something for everyone. Known as one of the friendliest cities in the world, you may even make an Irish friend of two!
Dingle
Bring the beauty of Ireland into your front room with this immersive tour of the Dingle Peninsula. Described by National Geographic as ‘the most beautiful place on earth,’ the Dingle Peninsula is a glorious mix of untouched wilderness, stunning coastlines and beautiful little towns.
Galway City
Galway, a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s hub is 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs that often offer live Irish folk music. Nearby, stone-clad cafes, boutiques and art galleries line the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, which retains portions of the medieval city walls.
Blarney Castle
Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our tower.
Kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words. Kiss The Blarney Stone The Stone of Eloquence For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Its powers are unquestioned but its story still creates debate. Once upon a time, visitors had to be held by the ankles and lowered head first over the battlements.
Today, we are rather more cautious of the safety of our visitors. The Stone itself is still set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.
Limerick
County Limerick (Irish: Contae Luimnigh) is a county in Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster, and is also part of the Mid-West Region. It is named after the city of Limerick.
O’Connell Street (Irish: Sráid Uí Chonaill) is the main thoroughfare of the city of Limerick. It was previously known as George’s Street until it was renamed after Daniel O’Connell. The street runs in parallel to the River Shannon and forms part of an overall thoroughfare, along with Rutland Street and Patrick Street, that bisects Limerick City Centre in a north east to south west direction.
Wow, That was the Top 10 Places to Visit in Ireland. Are you ready for a visit?
Viator
John Aylward
Monday 5th of February 2024
Shush don't tell anyone that I told you! Waterford both city and county are ireland's best kept secret. The county of Waterford is a perfect triangle, with mountains on one side, the river Suir on the other and the ocean on the third? Nestled between is a heartland of excitement and beauty, so many things to do and see, driving is easy with little traffic, public transport is convenient and the people are friendly and their humour is legendary. Numerous small towns are dotted around the county each with individual charm and interest while the capital of the the county, Waterford City, has all the magic and allure of bigger urban areas. Come and visit but for God's's sake don't mention my name!
Nora Raleigh
Friday 6th of January 2023
Why,in the world isn’t County Cork and west Cork get a mention,it the most beautiful place on God’s earth.you people are not well informed on the top places to visit in Ireland
Ailish Scanlon
Tuesday 1st of November 2022
Whoever compiled this list obviously only visited half of Irelnd
Esra Swanepoel
Wednesday 11th of May 2022
It is a beautiful country
Cathy Kolf
Sunday 3rd of April 2022
I purchased the travel guide, and tried to download it - now it's gone. How do I print out what I paid for?
Love To Visit Ireland Admin
Monday 2nd of May 2022
Hi Cathy - Did you get this sorted out? If not please send an email to sales@lovetovisitshop.com or contact via the chat message on the shop - www.lovetovisitshop.com