Ireland's civilisation is ancient, and those long-gone people left imprints of their existence all over the land. Travellers passionate about history are well-served in Eire, but so are gourmets, and people looking for the modern vibe. Nature lovers will also find more scenic beauty than they might have dreamed of. Now, we discuss popular and offbeat tourist attractions across Ireland.
| 🌆City | 🚵♀️What to see and do |
|---|---|
| Dublin | Dublin Castle Dublin University Temple Bar Forty Foot, a popular swimming spot The Guinness Storehouse |
| Cork | A foodie's paradise! The English Market Blarney Castle, and its famous Stone The City Gaol |
| Galway | Hopping nightlife Eyre Square The Salthill Promenade Aran Islands |
| Limerick | Monuments around the city Adare, a charming village King John's Castle The Hunt Museum |
| Kilkenny | Ireland's Medieval city St Canice's Cathedral Dunmore Cave The pub tour - Smithwicke Experience |
| Sligo | A small village W. B. Yeats' grave, Drumcliffe Glencar Waterfall Sligo Abbey |
🍻Dublin
County Dublin is Ireland's smallest county, and its most populous. The city of Dublin is Ireland's capital and, as such has something for every type of traveller.
As we related in our exposé of which Irish towns to visit, fixtures like the Temple Bar, Dublin University, and Dublin Castle (pictured) welcome many travellers.
Other Dublin gems, like the ones we cover here, see much less traffic.
The Book of Kells
Trinity College Dublin is better known as Oscar Wilde's alma mater - and, for that, is well worth a tour. As you stroll around the campus, be sure to stop in the school's library. There, you'll find the 1,200-year-old manuscript called the Book of Kells.
It features meticulous illustrations, and comprises the New Testament's first four Gospels. This book is one of Ireland's most revered cultural treasures.
After studying it, you might take a stroll through the library's Long Room. It's just the type of calm, thoughtful space to absorb the magnitude of what you just saw.
Forty Foot
Urban Dublin has food, fun and, as noted above, lots of treasures to discover. Outside the city lies wonder, too, and Forty Foot is one of them. This popular swimming spot lies at the southern tip of Dublin Bay.
A map from 1833 marks the road leading to this point, 'Forty Foot Road', as it was 12 metres (40 feet) wide. The name does not reference the water's depth.
The site includes a ramp from which swimmers enter the water. You'll find changing cabins and a clubhouse, as this site was a gentlemen's swimming club: the Sandycove Bathers Association.
The Guinness Storehouse
This brand is world-famous, and Dublin visitors can tour its facilities. You'll discover this brew's history and learn how it's made.
You'll also learn how to pour the perfect pint, after which you can enjoy one at the facility's Gravity Bar. You can take in the city's skyline from its patio.
😋Cork
Cork is called Ireland's food capital for a reason. There, you'll find the world-famous English Market, which stretches from the Grand Parade to Princes Street.
This historical shopping space features artisanal foods, as well as more common staples. But, this city - and the county, has much more to offer.
@danthomasuk Kissing the Blarney Stone and the Cork English Market - Ireland part 10 Join me for a trip right round the island of Ireland by car by using the playlist below #ireland #irish #roadtrip #travelblog #travelvlog #solotravel #cork #blarney #blarneycastle #blarneystone ♬ original sound - Dan Thomas
Blarney Castle
This Medieval stronghold lies outside of Cork City. The current structure was built atop a former fortress, and dates back to the 15th Century. The nearby Blarney House is equally impressive: built out of the same type of stone, complete with turrets, porticos, and other architectural features.
The Stone of Eloquence is its official name. Visitors may hang upside down to kiss the stone. Legend dictates that it gives those who kiss it the gift of eloquence.
The City Gaol
History buffs are keen to tour this prison, where so many famous revolutionaries (Constance Markievicz!) were locked up. This forbidding structure first opened its doors in 1824, housing men and women convicts.
It ended its service as a prison in 1923, and now serves as a (much more welcoming!) tourist attraction.
The Town of Cobh
This Cork suburb is the Titanic's last departure point. The quay is worth a stroll, but so is the town. Colourful houses, eclectic shops and friendly people make your stay worthwhile.
👞Galway
Ed Sheeran gave everyone Galway fever with his danceable tune, Galway Girl. The music video features scenes from the city's nightlife - fun people, full pubs, and charming streets. He only scratched the surface of what Ireland's cultural capital has to offer.
Salthill Promenade
Galway is a very walkable city, as are all of Ireland's urban landscapes. Note that, in our All Things Ireland Guide, we suggested that comfortable shoes should be at the top of your list of things to pack. Among Galway's walkable delights is this promenade, a two-kilometre-long stretch overlooking Galway Bay. Just ask any local how to get to The Prom, and they'll happily show you the way.
Eyre Square
This square lies at the heart of the city. It is a popular meeting place, where people can rest up from their wanderings, sitting on a bench.
If Eyre Square is on your Ireland travel itinerary, you can start exploring from here. Roads radiate out from this central point, like spokes from the hub of a wheel.
Aran Islands
It's not like you could tire of Galway's wonders, but if you can tear yourself away, consider a ferry ride to these islands. There, you'll find ruins from ancient homesteads and scattered houses, proving people still live there. You'll also get a panoramic view of one of Ireland's most iconic sights, the Cliffs of Moher.
🏰Limerick
This county, and its capital city, are where travellers find the crossroads of history and modern-day culture. This city is dotted with pubs, music venues, and eclectic shops.
As a cultural hotspot, you'll find museums, theatres, and landmarks all around. The surrounding countryside doesn't lack for beauty, or for treasures to explore.
@clisare Is it? 📍 Adare Co Limerick is gorgeous 🥰🏡
♬ Never Go Wrong - Nicky Youre & david hugo
Adare
Just 20 km southwest of Limerick lies Adare, a charming village with colourful houses and Medieval ruins. Here, you can see Ireland's iconic thatch-roofed cottages, and sample village life as it was a century ago.
The Treaty Stone
Treaty City is one of Limerick's many nicknames, largely thanks to this landmark. The Treaty of Limerick brought the Willamite War to its close. According to legend, it was signed on a large block of limestone, today celebrated as a national monument.
King John's Castle
You can cross photographing the perfect Medieval castle off your bucket list when you visit Limerick. This 13th Century stronghold overlooks the River Shannon - the best place from which to capture it.
It's rather squat, not tall and imposing, like so many castle-like tourist attractions in Ireland. But, its courtyard, interactive exhibits, and visitor centre are sure to impress.
⛪Kilkenny
Limerick isn't the only city to lay claim to being historic and modern at the same time. We know Kilkenny as the Medieval City, home to the Medieval Mile Museum, and other landmarks. More than a half-million visitors make Kilkenny their whole Ireland travel itinerary. What should you see and do, there?
St Canice's Cathedral
This 13th Century stone structure is the second-longest cathedral in Ireland, after St Patrick's Cathedral (in Dublin). It stands where once a Christian monastery was, presumably founded by St Canice in the 6th Century.
Next to the cathedral stands a stone tower, a breathtaking example of 9th Century Celtic Christian construction.
Dunmore Cave
Ireland is not known for its caves, so Dunmore stands out. It marks the site of a 928 AD Viking massacre, which left the area rich with artefacts.
Visitors descend 46 metres underground for their chance at capturing the Market Cross, a huge, natural, cross-like rock formation.
The Smithwick Experience
Beer lovers have much to celebrate in Ireland, and this experience adds to their joy. It is a tour and beer-tasting event that Kilkenny breweries participate in. Ticket prices start at €18.00 per adult; children aged six and under may tour for free.
🎶Sligo
This smallish town of roughly 20,000 doesn't usually rate as one of the best attractions in Ireland. However, if you enjoy music and festivals, it's the place to be.
The Summer Festival
- celebrates the town's anniversary
- takes place in October
Festival of Baroque Music
- invites creators to compose and perform
- takes place in September
Sligo Jazz Project
- welcomes jazz musicians from all over the world
- takes place in July
Besides festivals, Sligo is a hotbed of literary delights and natural wonders. The Glencar Waterfalls are not to be missed, and sunset at Knocknarea will take your breath away. Don't forget to tour the Sligo Abbey, a fine example of Medieval architecture.
Poetry lovers head to Sligo for traces of this writer's legacy.
Bonus Entries on Your Ireland Travel Itinerary
One article is hardly enough to describe everything to see and do in this country.
We could hardly list all the attractions that nature lovers, history buffs, and urbanites might enjoy.
Though the ones you've read about so far could fill your travel calendar for the next few years, Ireland has still more to offer.
More Tourist Attractions in Ireland
| 🌆City or town | 🌍County | 🚵♀️What to see and do |
|---|---|---|
| Waterford | Waterford | The Viking Triangle - the city's most important landmarks Waterford crystal factory The Waterford Greenway |
| Killarney | Kerry | Killarney National Park Tour Muckroos House Hike the Gap of Dunloe, or drive the Ring of Kerry |
| Tralee | Kerry | Banna Strand, Ireland's prettiest beach Tralee Bay Wetlands Rose of Tralee Festival |
| Clonakilty | Cork | International Guitar Festival Inchydoney West Beach West Cork Model Railway Village |
| Donegal Town | Donegal | St. Patrick’s Church Donegal Craft Village Glenveagh National Park |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | Crumlin Road Gaol St. George’s Market The Giant’s Causeway |
| Derry | Northern Ireland | Well-preserved city walls The Bogside Murals The Peace Bridge and Guildhall |
Where might you sleep, as you explore these treasures? A separate guide informs you of the best places to book for your stay in Ireland. Don't forget that you could also hire a campervan, and make the most of Ireland's lush countryside!
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