Best Places to Visit in Ireland

The Emerald Isle always makes for a great vacation, with its lush landscapes, friendly people, rich history and many legends. There’s no doubt that Ireland is a top destination and these sights should be on your bucket list of places to visit on your trip:

Cliffs of Moher. On the coast of County Clare sits the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most-visited natural attraction. Take a walk along various parts of the 18km Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail, which stretches from Doolin to Liscannor, and soak in the stunning beauty of the countryside. Climb O’Brien’s Tower, the highest point on the cliffs, which was actually built in 1835 as an observation tower for tourists. Or get another perspective by taking a cruise to view the cliffs from below. For movie buffs, you may recognize the Cliffs of Moher from the Harry Potter movies and The Princess Bride!

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The Rock of Cashel. Another must-see on your trip to Ireland, the Rock of Cashel is an ancient royal site of the Kings of Munster and started out as a fortress. It is here, so the legend goes, that St. Patrick came and baptized King Aengus, who became the first Christian king, in 432 AD. Don’t miss a walk around the grounds to see the Round Tower and Cormac’s Chapel which are still standing from the middle ages. 

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Dublin. No visit to Ireland would be complete without a stop in Dublin. From history to entertainment, Dublin certainly satisfy everyone’s curiosity. Make sure you visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral – the largest in all of Ireland, and the Guinness Storehouse for a sampling of stout Irish ale and whisky. And if you need a walk in the park, check out Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park – the largest urban park in Europe.

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Blarney Castle. If you want a little luck o’ the Irish, make sure that Blarney Castle is on your itinerary. The current castle is actually the third built on the site, built in 1446. The Blarney House was built in the early 18th century up against the castle’s keep. Take some time to explore the Blarney Castle Gardens, which are full of mystery and wonder. And, of course, you need to kiss the Blarney Stone!

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Ring of Kerry. Located in County Kerry, the Ring of Kerry is a 112-mile scenic drive that skirts the edges of the Iveragh Peninsula. Starting and ending in Killarney, the route gives you spectacular views of the Irish coast, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Skellig Michael, an ancient monastery, and the beaches of Rossbeigh.

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Galway. Once one of Ireland’s major trading ports, Galway was named one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2020. Here you can immerse yourself in the annual festivals, traditional Irish music and the bohemian vibe of the city. Take a Corrib River Cruise to explore some of the surrounding castles and wildlife.

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Newgrange, Meath. For the history buff, you won’t want to miss Newgrange, one of Europe’s oldest Neolithic architectural sites. In fact, it’s older than the Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge! Dating back to 3200 BC, the sprawling tomb is an architectural fete – it illuminates once a year (weather permitting) on the winter solstice. It’s part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage site, which is Europe’s largest and most important concentration of prehistoric megalithic art.

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Croagh Patrick. St. Patrick is synonymous with Ireland, and Croagh Patrick is considered the holiest mountain in all of Ireland. It was here that St. Patrick fasted for 40 days, and each year thousands of pilgrims make their way up the mountain to honor St. Patrick the last Sunday in July. At the top of the mountain is a statue honoring Ireland’s patron saint.

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There is much more to see and do in Ireland. Let Luxury Destinations Concierge plan your unforgettable trip. Give us call at (805) 236-4437 to start planning your dream vacation today.