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For such a small island, it is incredible how many amazing sights and attractions Ireland has to offer. Maybe I am biased but I feel that Ireland rivals any country in terms of sheer natural beauty. This list of 60 mesmerizing and picturesque parks, towns, waterfalls and much more makes up the perfect Ireland bucket list.
1. The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
These rugged cliffs stretch for just over 14 kilometres along the Atlantic coast. Ireland’s most visited attraction provides amazing views on a sunny day with both the Aran Islands and the Dingle Peninsula in sight. Save this activity for a sunny day. It is not uncommon for the fog to spoil trips to the cliffs.
2. The Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry
Stretching for just under 200 kilometres, this long winding road will bring you along the coast, through mountainous terrain and past many well-known landmarks. The entire journey takes approximately 3 hours but you could find that being almost doubled as you stop on a regular basis to explore the area you are in.
3. Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim
This natural phenomenon is known as the staircase to the giants. A unique basalt rock formation consisting of 40,000 interlocking columns which are the result of a volcanic fissure eruption. The fact that it is located on the scenic Antrim coast makes it even more special.
4. Connemara National Park, Co. Galway
Covering 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands, Connemara National Park is one of the country’s most beautiful areas.
5. Kilmainham Gaol, Co. Dublin
Ireland’s history can be seen first hand when you visit Kilmainham Gaol. This former prison once held some of Ireland’s most famous prisoners. Many Irish revolutionaries were housed here including the leaders of the 1916 Rising. Many of the leaders imprisoned at Kilmainham Gaol were also executed there.
6. The English Market, Co. Cork
This 18th-century market is packed with traders selling their organic and locally produced food. The English Market is widely regarded as the best in the country and its popularity has seen it become one of Cork’s top tourist attractions.
7. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
Nestled amongst the Wicklow Mountains National Park (an attraction in itself), Glendalough or the ‘Valley of Two Lakes’ is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. Popular for those wishing to hike, spot some amazing wildlife, enjoy the most picturesque landscape and discover the area’s history.
8. Torc Waterfall, Co. Kerry
20 metres high, 110 metres long, Torc Waterfall lies at the base of Torc Mountain, in the Killarney National Park.
9. Kiss The Blarney Stone, Co. Cork
The Blarney Stone is a block of limestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of the gab.
10. Guinness Storehouse, Co. Dublin
Visiting the home of the black stuff is a right of passage for pretty much every tourist that visits Ireland. St James’s Gate Brewery and the Guinness Storehouse gives you the chance to learn about the history of Ireland’s most famous export before allowing visitors to enjoy a pint in their Gravity Bar which overlooks the city centre.
11. Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry
The Dingle Peninsula combines beauty and history, as well as a glimpse into traditional Irish culture and language. Ending at Dunmore Head, the Irish mainland’s westernmost point, the peninsula is surrounded by amazing, sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.
12. Benbulben, Co. Sligo
Benbulben is a large flat-topped rock formation that, if done correctly, makes for a climb most would be comfortable challenging themselves with. From the summit, there are views over the coastal plain of north County Sligo and the Atlantic ocean.
13. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Co. Antrim
The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. It can be a gut turning, nauseating experience for some as you look down and see the waves crashing against the rocks. A very fun attraction, especially as the bridge sways from side to side but a truly unique experience.
14. Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly
This sixth-century monastic site, located on the banks of the River Shannon is home to three high crosses, a cathedral, seven churches and two round towers. The monastery flourished for 600 years as a centre of learning and religious instruction as well as providing much of Ireland’s finest Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts.
15. Trinity College, Co. Dublin
The grounds of Ireland’s oldest college are worth the visit alone, but no visit there would be complete without seeing The Old Library and the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is an illuminated, religious manuscript dating back to 800AD. Regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure, the book contains the four gospels of the new testament as well as several passages from earlier versions of the Bible. The Old Library that it is housed in was built in the 18th century. The main chamber of the library, The Long Room, has over 200,000 books and is one of the most impressive libraries in the world.
16. Adare, Co. Limerick
This small town in Limerick is commonly known as ‘the prettiest town in Ireland’. It is not something that happened by chance though, Adare is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government and a lot of work goes into maintaining its beauty.
17. Bunratty Castle, Co. Clare
Located in the centre of Bunratty village, the castle is a large 15th-century tower house. The castle is the best-preserved medieval fortress in Ireland after being restored in the 1950s. The adjoining Folk Park brings the Ireland of a century ago to life, featuring more than thirty buildings in a rural setting,
18. Belfast Peace Walls, Co. Antrim
Although the troubles in Belfast and Northern Ireland are a lot less violent than they were in the past, these walls are a stark reminder of darker times. Most of the walls were built when sectarian riots were common.
19. The Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary
Ireland’s most visited heritage site, the Rock of Cashel is a group of Medieval buildings that includes a High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, a 12th-century round tower, a 15th-century castle, and a 13th-century Gothic cathedral.
20. The Burren, Co. Clare
The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. The Burren National Park comprises a small section of the glacio-karst landscape that covers most of the north of County Clare. This rocky, moon-like landscape was formed over 350 million years ago.
21. Drink in ‘The Oldest Bar in The World’, Co. Westmeath
With Irish bars being world-renowned, it is only fitting that the oldest bar in the world is on the emerald isle. Sean’s Bar in Athlone first opened its doors in 900 AD and has been a popular watering hole ever since.
22. Newgrange, Co. Meath
Newgrange is a prehistoric monument built during the Neolithic period, around 3200 BC and is best known for the natural phenomenon which occurs during every winter solstice. Above the entrance to the passage of the mound, there is an opening called a roof-box. On the morning of the winter solstice, light shines through the roof-box, illuminating the entire chamber.
23. Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
One of, if not the most scenic region in all of Ireland. Killarney National Park was the first national park in Ireland. It is also home to the country’s largest surviving area of indigenous forest and its only herd of native red deer.
24. Cong, Co. Mayo
Cong’s claim to fame is that it was the filming location for John Ford’s 1952 Oscar-winning film, The Quiet Man, featuring John Wayne.
25. The Waterford Viking Triangle, Co. Waterford
An award-winning cultural and heritage area in Ireland’s oldest city. The highlight of visiting the Waterford Viking Triangle is Reginald’s Tower, the country’s oldest urban civic building.
26. Chester Beatty Library, Co. Dublin
Sir Alfred Chester Beatty was a very wealthy mining tycoon who became one of the twentieth century’s greatest collectors. He developed a fascination for Islamic manuscripts on a family trip to Egypt in 1914 and then added Japanese and Chinese artworks to his interests during a trip through Asia in 1917. After his death in 1968, his private library was converted into a museum for public viewing.
27. Saltee Islands, Co. Wexford
The Saltee Islands are a pair of small islands known as Great and Little Saltee, lying 5 kilometres off the southern coast of County Wexford. The larger island Great Saltee is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland. However, visiting Little Saltee is not permitted due to hazardous conditions.
28. Malin Head, Co. Donegal
Located on the Inishowen Peninsula, Malin Head is the most northerly point of the island of Ireland.
29. King John’s Castle, Co. Limerick
Situated on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City. St. John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history.
30. Tollymore Forest, Co. Down
Tollymore Forest Park was the first state forest park in Northern Ireland. It covers an area of 1,600 acres at the foot of the Mourne Mountains and has stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at nearby Newcastle.
All seem bar 4!