The green island impresses with wild natural landscapes and sociable, lively culture. Discover the island with its mythical and enchanting places and let yourself be spellbound by the friendly inhabitants – not only in the pubs. Note: though far away from Europe continent, according to COUNTRYAAH, Ireland is a member nation of European Union.
What is worth seeing in Ireland? Here are our TOP 10:
10TH PLACE: DUBLIN (BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH)
At first glance, the capital of Ireland looks like a little sister of London. On closer inspection, however, the city on the Liffey River turns out to be a melting pot of ancient cultures; from the Celtic to the Nordic to the British. In addition to the well-known sights such as Temple Bar, Trinitiy College and others, a visit to the Emigrant Museum or a guided city tour are also recommended to delve deeper into Irish history.
9TH PLACE: GLENDALOUGH (GLEANN DÁ LOCH)
For visitors to Ireland who are only on the island for a short time, we can recommend this region in the Wicklow Mountains, about 40km south of Dublin. Dotted with small streams, waterfalls and lakes, the landscapes of Ireland are here in miniature. Various viewpoints on the peaks or on the lake shores guarantee wonderful photo opportunities, and the ruins of Gendalough Cathedral with its ancient cemetery complete the picture of Ireland.
8TH PLACE: GIANT’S CAUSEWAY (CLOCHÁN TO AIFIR)
Around the island you will find wild coastlines, from rocky and rugged cliffs to gentle, long sandy bays. Only here, on the Northern Irish coast, has the whim of nature created something that resembles the work of a giant. The 5 km long coastal strip (Unesco World Heritage) consists of around 40,000 evenly shaped 4-6-cornered basalt columns that protrude up to 12 m in height. According to legend, the giant Fionn built the dam in a dispute with the giant Benandonner.
7TH PLACE: CARRICK-A-REDE (CARRAIG AN RÁID)
Need some adrenaline? There is a special stop along the Coastal Route, close to the Giant’s Causeway. Carrick-a-Rede is a small island which, due to its ruggedness and difficult accessibility, was connected to the mainland by fishermen over 350 years ago by a spectacular 30 meter high suspension bridge. Dare to go over there – an excellent view awaits you as a reward.
6TH PLACE: KILKENNY (CILL CHAINNIGH)
Kilkenny is a small town in the interior of the island. Due to its medieval buildings, such as B. the defiant Kilkenny Castle and the well-preserved and well-kept old town in the Tudor style, this is a fine example of Irish cultural history. Here the traveler can take a little break and enjoy the beer of the same name, known far beyond his borders – Slainte!
5TH PLACE: CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK (CONAMARA)
If you want to experience the vastness and untamed west coast of Ireland, the Connemara National Park is recommended. Divided into two parts, it can be easily explored in the northern part with mountains up to 700 m high and the southern part with heather and moor areas. In the area around Clifden you can even find prehistoric dolmens and menhirs. Take weatherproof clothing and shoes with you, as the weather can change quickly.
4TH PLACE: ROCK OF CASHEL (CARRAIG PHÁDRAIG)
On a 65 m high mountain, which was venerated as the seat of fairies and spirits in ancient times, the almost 1,000 year old castle towers over the city of Cashel and is considered by many to be the symbol of Ireland. After an eventful history between secular and ecclesiastical sovereignty, the restored ruins are now a silent witness of the past. The old frescoes and the ideal round tower are particularly worth seeing.
3RD PLACE: DINGLE PENINSULA (CORCA DHUIBHNE)
This mountainous peninsula has a beautiful mixture of long, light sandy beaches in the east and mountainous region in the west with the picturesque town of Dingle as the center. Pre- and early Christian monuments can be found in abundance, which invite you to make short stops along the route. Take some time for this part of the Wild Atlantic Way and try the freshly caught fish in one of the city’s quaint restaurants.
2ND PLACE: BURREN (AN BHOIREANN)
Burren – in English “stony place” – is a bizarre karst landscape of around 250 square kilometers. The barren landscape was shaped and inhabited by agriculture as early as the Stone Age. Dolmens and stone boxes attest to this. The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most worth seeing highlights of the region. This 8 km long stretch of coast rises up to 214 m vertically from the sea. Our tip: visit the cliffs in the evening hours, when the sun, with a little luck, envelops the rocks in an enchanting light.
1ST PLACE: RING OF KERRY (MÓRCHUAIRD CHIARRAÍ)
This panoramic road is rightly one of Ireland’s most popular sights: Breathtaking views over lakes near Killarney, typical green cow pastures or small secluded beach bays complete the picture of Ireland. If you still have some time, we can recommend Valentia Island. One of the westernmost inhabited outposts in Europe has such a mild climate due to the Gulf Stream that even subtropical plants grow here.