Top Ten Irish Destinations

Ireland offers the visitor a wide variety of attractions, from busy towns to some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. The Emerald Isle will more than meet the expectations of the most seasoned traveler. There follows a list of ten Irish destinations. 

One: Dublin 

Samuel Beckett Bridge Dublin, Ireland

With over a million residents Dublin is by far and away the island's largest city, and is home to around a quarter of the population of Eire. As a result, it houses many of Ireland's museums and galleries.

Grafton Street, Dublin

It is also the undisputed shopping capital, the most famous commercial thoroughfares being O´Connell and Grafton Streets.

Guinness Tour, Dublin

Dublin also hosts two state-of-the-art sporting arenas, and perhaps most famously of all, the ever-popular Guinness tour. 

Two: Wicklow 

Powerscourt Gardens, Wicklow, Ireland

The town of Wicklow, with a population of around 10,000, is just a stone's throw away from Dublin, but the surrounding countryside feels a thousand miles from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Wicklow Mountains, Ireland

Glendalough in County Wicklow is a haven for wildlife, as is the Wicklow Mountains National Park, and the Valley of the Two Lakes. The county as a whole boasts a string of monasteries, some dating back to the 6th century. 

Three: Waterford 

Waterford Cityscape, Ireland

Waterford is famed for its splendid cut-glass crystal, which makes a fine souvenir for those loved ones not lucky enough to visit the Emerald Isle.

Museum of Treasures, Waterford, Ireland

The city also houses the Museum of Treasures, one of the most renowned museums in Ireland (it's actually three museums rolled into one). The town's Viking origins can be uncovered here, along with more recent treasures. There are also two cathedrals; one Catholic and one Protestant. 

Four: Cork 

Cork, Ireland

Cork is Ireland's third largest city, but is still intimate enough to offer the traveller a warm welcome. Punters come from far and wide to experience the night life and there are dozens of pubs to relax in.

Blarney Castle, Ireland

County Cork is home to Blarney Castle, containing the legendary Blarney Stone. Any visitor who kisses the hallowed stone, it is told, will inherit the 'gift of the gab' and be able to talk as eloquently as any local.

Further afield one can take a ferry to Garnish Island with its unexpectedly exotic collection of botanical gardens. 

Five: Kerry 

Gap of Dunloe, Kerry County, Ireland

In the far south west of Ireland lies the county of Kerry, with its main towns of Tralee, Killarney, and Dingle.

Gaelic Football, Ireland

For sports enthusiasts, Kerry is widely regarded as the best Gaelic Football team. So why not view a game of this fascinating sport (a mixture of football/soccer and rugby)?

McGillycuddys Reeks, Ireland

In the surrounding countyside the wanderer will find an area of hills and loughs (lakes) that are the gateway to the charmingly named McGillycuddys Reeks. Situated here is Ireland's tallest mountain, Carrauntohil, standing at 1039 metres in height. 

Six: Galway 

The largest town in western Ireland, Galway hosts the world-famous Oyster and Seafood Festival in late September, and an arts fest in July. Whilst those of a less cultured inclination can lose a few Euros on the horses at the racecourse (open most months of the year).

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

County Galway offers a breathtaking assortment of natural delights such as the Arran Islands, Connemara, Killary Fjord, Aillwee Cave and the Cliffs of Moher.

The Burren, Ireland

Probably the most unusual is the Burren. This is a unique ecology that contrasts sharply with the traditional Irish landscape and whose microclimates contain an abundance of plant and butterfly species. 

Seven: Achill Island 

Achill Island is the largest Irish island-- though it can usually be reached by causeway. Weathered by bracing Atlantic winds, Achill's craggy shoreline leaves the tourist with an unforgettable impression of nature's force. Sitting on the western tip of the country, Achill may be remote but its rugged scenery makes the journey well worth it. In fact the trip through the wilds of County Mayo is an adventure in itself.

Croagh Patrick Holy Mountain, Ireland

Drop in on Knock Cathedral on the way, or the area of outstanding natural beauty known as Croagh Patrick Mountain. 

Eight: Belfast 

Belfast, Northern Ireland

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is an absorbing place that has never quite decided whether it is British or Irish. Since the Peace Process, Belfast has been a city transformed (but when it comes to political discussions, it's probably best to stick to listening). A tour of Belfast's sectarian mural art is one way for the outsider to get to grips with the chequered history. Though the shipbuilding industry has declined sharply, Belfast is still very much in touch with its nautical heritage. The Titanic was built here and the informative visitor's centre is must-see. 

Nine: Derry 

Peace Bridge, Derry, Ireland

Such was the intensity of divisions in Ulster, even Derry's name is a divisive issue. Centuries ago, the victorious Protestants added the prefix London to the city's name, and on most British maps it is still known as Londonderry. However, the majority of the denizens refuse to call the place anything other than plain old 'Derry', and tourists would be advised to do the same. The nationalists (supporters of a united Ireland) are especially prevalent in the districts of Bogside and Creggan, known as 'Free Derry'. The city walls are the best preserved in all the British Isles, and certainly worth strolling along for an hour or two. 

Ten: The Giant´s Causeway 

The Giant’s Cuaseway, Ireland

The Giant's causeway is a geothermic wonder on the northern coast of Ireland. Thousands of bizarre hexagonal basal columns, the leftovers of ancient volcanic eruptions, override the landscape. It is a World Heritage site, and the most famous landmark in Northern Ireland. The name derives from the legend of the giant Finn McCool, who was said to have used them as stepping stones to stride over to Scotland. These six-sided rocks turn a scenic coastline into a truly unique one.

Have you been to any of these recommended places in Ireland? Do you have any places you’d like to recommend? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.