Anyone thinking about visiting Ireland should do some careful planning to make the most of the trip. Although it may look like a small island, Ireland is a place that offers many wonderful attractions for locals and tourists alike. This is a fact that you will quickly realize as you do your research online and offline.
It’s a guarantee that you will get a plethora of relevant results when you search on the internet. On the other hand, published books and magazines are also filled with numerous suggestions about places to go and activities to do while you are in Ireland. Making a final decision can somehow be challenging as you dig more on top Ireland destinations.
4 Places you Must Visit in Ireland
This list intends to trim down your choices by enumerating just a few must-see Ireland attractions. Read on and choose which ones you most prefer.
1. The Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a bizarre structure made from hexagonal stone slabs which have been piled into columns. It is believed to have been formed around sixty million years ago by a process of volcanic eruptions and the cooling of molten lava.
The basalt columns range upwards to over six meters and extend outwards to the sea, providing one of the most spectacular sights Ireland has to offer. There is a legend telling of a giant Finn McCool who built the causeway in an attempt to see his love who lived on the Hebridean island of Staffa. The site has been declared a world heritage site and one of the great wonders of the world.
The Giant’s Causeway is a major attraction but don’t forget about the surrounding areas and points of interest as well. You can reach Dunseverick Castle and Harbour if you follow the Causeway Coast path, which lies approximately five miles away. If you’re feeling more energetic then a 12-mile walk will have you at Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge where crossing the 24m deep and 20m wide chasm is only for the brave and daring. It’s worth mustering a little courage as the aerial views of the Causeway available from the bridge are the finest to be found.
2. Blarney Castle
For those who love fairytales or just enjoy some magic and folklore, visiting Ireland is never complete without seeing the Blarney Castle. The original castle was built before AD 1200 but was destroyed and rebuilt again in 1446 by the King of Munster, Cormac MacCarthy. The medieval castle is home to the Lia Fail or a “magical stone” that grants the person who kisses the stone with the gift of gab. The stone is located at the castle’s main tower and a visitor who wishes to kiss the stone has to lie backwards to do so.
Thousands of visitors visit the castle every day and try to kiss the magical stone. If you are not into it or the climb is too much then the floral garden is enjoyable. It spans over 60 acres of land. You might also wish to check out the Blarney House or some of the natural rock formations in the area such as the Witch’s Cave or the Druid’s Circle.
By Florian Fuchs, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7670333
3. The Ring of Kerry
The world-renowned Ring of Kerry which encompasses Kenmare, Waterville, Caherciveen, and Killorglin is more than 150 kilometers covering the Iveragh Peninsula and has some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland. Visitors usually take a full day to travel the Ring of Kerry taking in many of the interesting landmarks and historical sites on the trip. Tourists can take numerous variations of routes around the ring, taking in St Finian’s Bay and Valentia Island. You will find stunning beaches, the Ogham Stones, and Iron Age Forts along with taking in the ancient heritage of Ireland. If you’re driving, the ring can be done in one day, but you may want to stop for the night at one of the many small towns geared towards tourists.
4. Dublin
Dublin is famous as one of the best vacation destinations all across the world because of its charm and beauty. Dublin is the biggest city in Ireland and it is the biggest capital city bounded by the great Atlantic Ocean. This capital city is enriched with some great museums, beautiful Irish houses, castles, great pubs, gardens, etc.
Ireland is truly a wonderful destination for different kinds of tourists. Make the trip soon and you will definitely have a wonderful experience there
I definitely agree with all of these! I just wish I was brave enough to do the Blarney Stone