17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ireland

Welcoming and wonderfully rich in culture, Ireland, the “Emerald Isle,” is sure to put a sparkle in your eye. You’ll love its friendly people; laid-back attitude; often tragic yet fascinating history; and its rugged, romantic landscapes. This is “the land of saints and scholars,” with more Nobel Prize winners for literature than any other country in the world. Dublin was designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010.

Places to visit and attractions for tourists are abundant and infinitely varied. The state museums are all free, heritage sites date to prehistory, and there are endless outdoor pursuits to enjoy countrywide, such as horse riding; golf; sailing; and remote, wild islands to explore. And of course, there’s the famous Irish “craic” (good time) wherever you decide to go. This pick of best places to visit is only the beginning of all the things to do in the Republic of Ireland.

1 The Cliffs of Moher

So many superlatives have been used to describe these magnificent cliffs it’s hard to find the right words. Vertigo-inducing and awe-inspiring spring to mind and they are indeed both of these things as well as being utterly wild and ruggedly beautiful. For those who’ve read up on the Emerald Isle prior to visiting, the cliffs will be familiar, starring as they do in countless postcards and guidebooks. Yet no image can ever do them justice. This is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction and with good reason. About one and a half hours by car from Galway, in neighbouring County Clare, the cliffs are visited by close to a million people from across the globe each year. They stretch for eight kilometers along the Atlantic and rise some 214 meters at their highest point. Take a walk along the trail to experience the raw power of nature at its most majestic.

Official site: http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie
Accommodation: Where to Stay near the Cliffs of Moher

2 Grafton Street, Dublin

So much more than a shopping street, Grafton Street is alive with buskers, flower-sellers, and performance artists. You will also find countless places to stop off and simply watch the world meander by. Café culture has taken off in the capital, and on a sunny day, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Barcelona or Lisbon. True, this is Dublin’s shopping heartland, but there’s no need to spend a fortune if visiting. You’ll find friendly, chatty service no matter where you go and be entertained from the bottom of the street to St. Stephen’s Green at the top. Grab a coffee or, in the mornings, a legendary Irish breakfast at Bewley’s Oriental Café. Take time as well to duck down the numerous alleyways and streets to see what you can discover.

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3 Killarney National Park and Muckross House & Gardens

If visiting the Kerry region, 19th-century Muckross House and Gardens, set in spectacular Killarney National Park, should be top of the must-see list. Standing close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney’s three lakes that are famed worldwide for their splendor and beauty, this former mansion oozes the grandeur and gentility of bygone days. When exploring, bear in mind that Queen Victoria once visited here. In those days, a royal visit was no small affair; extensive renovations and re-landscaping took place in preparation, and no detail was left to chance. The house and gardens are a real treat and there are Jaunting Cars (Killarney’s famous horse & traps) to take you around the grounds in style. The adjacent Traditional Farms are also well worth taking in for a taste of how the ordinary folk once lived.

The Killarney National Park & Lakes region is filled with beautiful scenery, and any route through it will reveal view after view of its lakes and mountains. A highlight in the western part of Killarney National Park is the 11-kilometer drive over the scenic Gap of Dunloe, a narrow and rocky mountain pass carved by glaciers at the close of the Ice Age. The gap separates Purple Mount and its foothills from Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. Another highlight in this national heritage site is Ross Castle. Winding lanes and cycling paths are among the best ways to see the park.

Address: Killarney National Park, Muckross, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Official site: http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Killarney

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4 The Book of Kells and Trinity College, Dublin

Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College in Dublin is one of the country’s ancient treasures. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity is a world within a world, once you enter the gates and cross the cobblestones, it’s as if the modern, thriving city outside simply melts away. A stroll in and around the grounds is a journey through the ages and into the hushed world of scholarly pursuit. Many shop and office workers take their lunchtime sandwiches here during summer months simply to escape the hustle and bustle outside. The college is famed for its priceless treasures including the awe-inspiring Book of Kells (on permanent exhibition) and the mind-boggling Long Room (the inspiration for the library in the first Harry Potter movie).

Address: Trinity College, College Green, Dublin 2
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Dublin: Best Areas & Hotels

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5 Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin

Featured in many a rebel song and occupying a notoriously dark place in Irish history, Kilmainham Gaol should be high on the list for those with any interest in Ireland’s troubled past. It was here that the leaders of the 1916 Uprising were brought and, after being convicted of High Treason, executed in the prison yard. The only one spared was future Irish President Eamon De Valera who, by virtue of his American citizenship, didn’t suffer the same grisly fate. Dating from 1796, the prison was a dank vile institution that housed those guilty of such misdemeanours as being unable to pay their train fares and, during the famine, the destitute and hungry. In Irish eyes, Kilmainham became an irrevocable symbol of oppression and persecution. A visit here will open your eyes and senses and remain with you indelibly. The yard mentioned earlier is particularly spine chilling. In short, this is one of Ireland’s absolute must-sees.

6 The Ring of Kerry

If in Kerry, take the time to explore what is arguably Ireland’s most scenic route, the Ring of Kerry (Iveragh Peninsula). Of course you can start anywhere along the way, however most set out from either Kenmare or Killarney ending, naturally enough, back in the same spot. The entire journey non-stop could take under three hours, but that’s unlikely to happen. En-route there’s a feast of jaw-dropping Atlantic Ocean views, stunning islands to visit, wild sweeping mountains, and many picturesque villages. This area of astounding natural beauty boasts a range of outdoor pursuits including golf, water sports on pristine beaches, cycling, walking, horse-riding, and terrific freshwater fishing and deep-sea angling. For history enthusiasts, there are Ogham Stones, Iron Age forts, and ancient monasteries, all set against a canvas of striking landscapes.

Accommodation: Where to Stay near the Ring Of Kerry

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7 Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
Magical and mysterious, Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. The settlement was established by St. Kevin during the 6th century and eventually evolved into what’s known as the Monastic City. Visitors have flocked to the valley of the two lakes for thousands of years to absorb its rich history, magnificent scenery, plentiful wildlife, and fascinating archaeological finds. The monastic site with its incredibly preserved round tower is a joy to explore, and the surrounding woodlands and lakes are perfect for rambling through at your leisure or stopping off for a picnic. There are marked nature trails to follow and a Visitor Centre for all the information you’ll need for a day out like no other.

Address: Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Wicklow

ENLARGE MAP PRINT MAP EMBED < >

Glendalough Map
8 Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow

Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow
Superb views, serene lakeside walks, engaging history, and the stunning backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain are just some of the treats in store when visiting this magnificent home, just 20 kilometers from Dublin. Now owned by the Slazenger family, the house is set on 47 manicured acres. Take time to stroll through the Rose and Kitchen Gardens and explore the beautiful Italian Gardens. There are more than 200 varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and particularly moving is a section where much-loved family pets were buried complete with headstones and inscriptions. The gardens were laid out over a period of 150 years and were designed to create an estate that blends harmoniously with the surroundings. On site, in the former Palladian home, are craft and design shops and an excellent café/restaurant. Truly one of the most majestic attractions in Ireland, a visit here shouldn’t be missed.

Address: Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
Official site: http://powerscourt.com/
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9 The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin William Murphy / photo modified
A recent addition to the capital’s museums, The Little Museum should be top on the list for anybody wishing to grasp Dublin’s recent history. The museum grew organically from a ‘meet and greet’ service for visitors and quickly became what we see today. As well as informative, personally guided tours, new initiatives include Dublin by Land & Sea and The Green Mile Walking Tour. On permanent exhibition are such items as the lectern used by John F. Kennedy during his 1963 visit to Ireland and a U2 exhibition with mementos donated by band members themselves. This is a joyful museum that celebrates Dublin with all its quirkiness and humor.

Address: 15 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Official site: https://www.littlemuseum.ie
10 The Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel
Ireland’s most visited heritage site, the Rock of Cashel, stars in countless images of the Emerald Isle. Queen Eli