The Best Landmarks in Ireland Not to be Missed

Over the past few decades, Ireland tourism has blossomed and is no surprise as there’s a wealth of landmarks in Ireland to visit. Known as the emerald isles, the luscious green pastures and rugged coastline are amongst the most stunning in the world.

If you’re looking for the things to do in Ireland, this post has plenty of inspiration. Ireland travel destinations are numerous, with National Parks, the Atlantic Ocean coast and ancient monuments to experience.

 

Table of Contents
1 Best Cities in Ireland
2 Best 5 Places to see in Dublin
3 Ireland tourist attractions near Dublin
4 Cork
5 Galway
6 Best things to do in Ireland
7 Drive the Wild Atlantic Coast
8 Northern Ireland attractions
9 Antrim Coast

 

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Best Cities in Ireland

If you’re arriving from outside of the country, you’re most likely to start your travels in Dublin and its a city worth exploring before travelling to other places to visit in Ireland.

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Top things to do in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a vibrant city and there’s a wealth of Dublin Landmarks worth visiting. Its the largest city in Ireland and its the home of Guinness. There’s some superb restaurants, top-class hotels and plenty of fun things to do in Dublin.

Best 5 places to see in Dublin

Trinity College Dublin

This is the country’s most prestigious university established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. It has an amazing collection of books.

Image of the inside of Trinity College Library Dublin
Trinity College Library Dublin

One of the most famous Irish landmarks is the old library which is home to the Book of Kells. The book is one of Europes greatest treasures and when it comes to Dublin’s places to visit its a must. Its believed that the Book of Kells, a collection of the four gospels was created in 800 AD. Other places of interest within the college worth visiting have to include the front square, parliament square and the science gallery.

Guinness Storehouse

Guinness is a brand of beer that is known throughout the world. If your a fan of ale a visit to the museum has to be on your list of things to do in Dublin, Ireland. In the Guinness Storehouse museum, you can learn how this ale has become an intrinsic part of Ireland’s identity.

The museum is housed in the old fermentation house, a building worth visiting alone for its unique design. The seven storeys take the shape of a pint of Guinness, and at the top, you’ll find one of the most loved Dublin landmarks, the Gravity Bar. With stunning panoramic views of the city and a complimentary half pint, what’s not to enjoy?

Dublin Castle

An Image of Dublin Castle

If you are expecting a medieval castle when sightseeing in Dublin, Ireland you’ll be taken by surprise. Dublin Castle is an 18th Century building which was once the stronghold of British Power. A guided tour of the castle is well worth considering. Inside you’ll find decadent furnishings, elaborate chandeliers and magnificent ceilings.

Chester Beatty Library

At the back of Dublin Castle, you’ll find one of the best places to visit in Dublin. The Chester Beatty Library is a must for anyone who loves books. The collections here are huge and include some of the oldest Western, Islamic and Asian in the world. Some of the books in this library are older than the book of Kells, with gospel manuscripts dating back to 200AD and beautiful calligraphy displayed.

Sightseeing tour

 

The Temple Bar in Dublin

To see the rest of Dublin, Ireland attractions hop on a sightseeing bus or take a guided walk. Other places of interest have to include Grafton Street and of course the Temple Bar. The botanical gardens and the Ha’ Penny Bridge.

Ireland tourist attractions near Dublin

Powerscourt House and Gardens

Approximately 20 minutes south of Dublin you’ll find one of the worlds most exquisite gardens. Powerscourt House and Gardens are open all year round to visitors, and the gardens are stunning. It was voted number 3 in the worlds top ten gardens by the National Geographic and its one of the best places to visit in Ireland, particularly when the sun is shining.

An image of the Japanese Garden at Powerscourt House and Gardens.

The 47 acres is divided into several gardens, but the Italian and Japanese garden are the most popular. The path from the house through the terraced steps of the Italian garden has some beautiful sculptures, and the topiary is outstanding. There’s also an excellent restaurant on the terrace and some artisan shops that are worth visiting.

Brú na Bóinne

Approximately 40 minutes from Dublin is Brú na Bóinne one of the most famous historical sites in Ireland. Its a Unesco Heritage site and a must visit Ireland attraction.

An image of Brú na Bóinne one of the best historical sites in Ireland

Brú na Bóinne is an ancient burial site thought to date back 5000 years. Newgrange is the most popular to visit although it’s advisable to book tickets in advance. The tomb lines up precisely with the sun at the winter solstice, and today visitors can walk through the passage to its chamber.

The tomb was so well engineered that not a drop of water has entered inside for over 40 centuries. It’s worth spending some time in the visitor’s centre here as there’s much to learn about the activities in Ireland that took place when these tombs were of ceremonial importance.

In the tomb of Knowth human activity carried on for thousands of years after its construction. Evidence shows that the site was occupied during both the Bronze age (1800BC )and the Iron Age (500 BC).

Cork

Cork is known as the countries second city and its another of Irelands popular destinations. This cosmopolitan city has some fantastic coffee bars, and there’s a great hipster vibe. You’ll also find snug pubs, live music and top quality restaurants. It’s one of the most colourful cities in Ireland to visit.

An image of the colourful shops in Cork, Ireland

Click here for more information on the best hotel in Cork.

Cork City Gaol

This is one of the places to see in Ireland if you want to get a sense of how awful life was for prisoners here just a century ago. The tour of the prison is both interesting and heart-wrenching. The most common crime of the 19th century was poverty and the gruel punishments given for crimes such as stealing a loaf of bread is unbelievable.

Blackrock Observatory

The observatory is housed in the restored 16th century, Blackrock Castle. There’s an interactive exhibition called Cosmos at the Castle and its one of the best places to go in Ireland with children. There’s a wealth of information and lots to learn about the universe.

Blarney Castle

There are said to be 30,000 castles and castle ruins in the country but Blarney is one of the best castles in Ireland.

An image of Blarney Castle in Ireland

Famous for the Blarney Stone that’s perched at the top of a steep spiral staircase, it also has an impressive 16th Century tower and spectacular grounds. The poison garden is particularly interesting with its collection of toxic plants.

Galway

For lovers of art Galway on the western coast is a must-see in Ireland. There’s live music most nights in the brightly painted pubs and plenty of shops selling handcrafted gifts. Street entertainers and buskers are plentiful, and the city oozes creativity. The area is famous for its Oysters and Claddagh rings.

An image of Galway in Ireland

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The Galway city museum is worth a visit to learn about the history of the area, and the Spanish Arch is the cities best landmark. Ireland is steeped in history, and this arch is thought to be an extension of the medical city wall around Galway.

Best Things to do in Ireland

Driving along one of the many coastal routes you’ll see the most beautiful landmarks of Ireland – the rugged coastline.

Drive the Wild Atlantic Coast

The Wild Atlantic route is the worlds longest coastal drive stretching 2500 km. Starting in Cork and ending in Kerry its one of the road trips that you must do in Ireland. The journey takes you through nine counties and incorporates some of the best Ireland landmarks.

Mizen Head

The lighthouse that’s perched on edge was the last of Ireland sights for the countries immigrants that left for America during the famine. The rugged cliffs here are spectacular, and if you’ve got the nerves, you can cross the Mizen footbridge which takes you up to the edge.

Cliffs of Moher

In County Clare, these dramatic cliffs stand 203 m high from the crashing waves of the Atlantic sea. The stunning scenery is breathtaking and its no wonder it’s one of the most popular places in Ireland to see.

An image of the Cliffs of Moher

Check price to stay at the Cliffs of Moher Hotel

Ring of Kerry

At the end of the Wild Atlantic coastal drive begins another great driving route of must see places in Ireland. Along the 179 km of this looped circuit, you’ll pass pristine beaches, medieval ruins and mountains. You can drive the loop in a day but its well worth taking your time as you’ll pass some of the best things to see in Ireland. It’s also worth taking a trip to the Aran Islands from here.

Skellig Island

For wildlife enthusiasts, Skellig Island is one of the best places to go in Ireland to see puffins. Boat trips depart from Portmagee or Ballinskelligs between May and September, weather permitting. Visitor numbers to the island are limited and the boats only carry 12 passengers, so make sure you book ahead.

An image of a Puffin

Skellig Michael is a Unesco World Heritage site and an Irish landmark that featured in Luke Skywalkers Jedi Temple in Star Wars. Early Christian monks lived on the Island between the 6th and 12th Century, and the monastery and ruins are well worth exploring.

Skellig Michael is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, but the island of small Skellig is the place to visit for wildlife watchers. Boat trips circle the island, and you can see up close the worlds second largest colony of breeding gannets. Sightings of seals are also commonplace.

Dingle

Dingle is one of the best places in Ireland to spot dolphins. The quaint fishing port frames the charming town in the heart of the Dingle peninsula beautifully.  It’s one of the countries largest speaking Irish communities, and this is where to go in Ireland if you want to step back in time.

You can enjoy wandering around the higgledy-piggledy streets and purchase delightful handmade souvenirs of your travels. There’s plenty of traditional pubs and some of the best Irish music to enjoy.

An image of An Capul B&B in Dingle, Ireland

Click here for more information about the best B&B in Dingle.

To see the dolphin’s, you can take a tour from the pier, or if you prefer to stay on land Dingle Oceanworld is a great Ireland tourist attraction.

Northern Ireland Tourist Attractions

Belfast

The cities troubled past has long since gone and Belfast is now firmly on the map as one of Irelands places to visit.

Titanic Belfast as it’s now often referred to is one of the best cities in Ireland. The Titanic, of course, was one of the worlds most famous ships and a visit to the place it was built is worthwhile. The exhibitions take you through the Titanic’s construction and there’s a few rides and animated projections to enjoy. Outside the building, you can see the shipyard where the Titanic was built and launched.

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Street Murals in Belfast

Throughout the streets of Belfast, you’ll see many large political murals painted by both the Republican and Loyalists parties of the past. To many, they are an unpleasant reminder of the cities troubled past, but they have become one of the landmarks of Ireland.

There’s a constant dilemma of whether to remove the murals so if your a history enthusiast this is one of Irelands sites to see sooner rather than later.

Antrim Coast

You’ll find one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland along this coast, Giant’s Causeway.

An image of the hexagonal pillars at Giants Causeway

Giant’s Causeway is another of Irelands Unesco World Heritage Sites. This spectacular rock formation is an impressive site and one or Irelands points of interest. The hexagonal shaped stone columns are a phenomenon and you can read about their formation in the visitor’s centre.

Click here for the best hotel near Giants Causeway.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

A little further along the Antrim coast from Giants Causeway is another Ireland tourist spot. Carrick-a-rede rope bridge is not for the faint-hearted as it sways 30 m above the rocks and sea below.

An image of Carrak-a-Rede Rope Bridge

On a sunny day though the view from the bridge is spectacular.  It was built by the local fisherman and is now cared for by the National Trust.

Ballycastle and Rathlin Island

At the end of the causeway coast, you’ll find Ballycastle a coastal town with a lovely promenade.

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From the town, a day trip to Rathlin Island is a highlight. Rathlin is one of the nicest places to visit in Ireland and Robert the Bruce spent time here in 1306.

An image of Rathlin Island

In summer thousands of seabirds nest off the cliffs, and you’ll see hundreds of seals basking in the sun on the beaches. The seabird centre is one of the top sights in Ireland to see puffins.

Every summer thousands of them come to nest at the base of the lighthouse. The centre has unique viewing platforms so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. You can read more about the best binoculars for birding here.

An image of a seal at Rathlin Island

 

I hope you’ve found this guide useful.  If you want more information, I’d highly recommend purchasing the books below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fiona
Fiona

Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.

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