It will be interesting to get acquainted with interesting historical places of Ireland not only in love with this ancient country. Sights of Ireland are: magnificent parks, ruins of ancient castles, museums and modern buildings. All this conquers at first sight and does not allow you to leave the country without memorable photos and wonderful impressions. If you came here for the first time and don’t know what to see in Ireland, we have compiled a list of the most interesting places in this country especially for you.
What to see in Ireland first
In the process of exploring the sights, you will see that some of them make sense to inspect along with the guide. Guides in Ireland who know the Russian language are not uncommon, so there will be no problems organizing an exciting and informative tour. Without them, it will be more difficult to navigate and communicate with local residents.
1. Dublin Castle (Dublin)
Most tourists start exploring Ireland from the territory of the city of Dublin. The sights of Ireland in this city are numerous, and Dublin Castle is considered one of the most important.
This amazing historical monument was founded in 1204. It is perfectly preserved to this day and is still the main castle of Ireland. Today, there is a government complex of buildings.
The reception of such high-ranking guests is a familiar task for this historic building. In different years over many centuries of existence, the governors of the English crown in Ireland were located in it. The castle was their residence. Here for a while was the residence of the king. The president of Ireland, Hyde Douglas, chose this castle as his residence in 1938.
Most of the buildings of the castle over the centuries of its existence have been destroyed. Many buildings were built in the XVII-XIX centuries. But here you can see the ancient walls erected almost a thousand years ago. Despite the high governmental status, excursions are held on the territory of this architectural monument. Due to the excellent acoustics, the dungeon was chosen by connoisseurs of symphonic music.
Official website : http://www.dublincastle.ie/
2. Kells Abbey (city of Kels, county Meath)
Kells Abbey is one of the most famous abbeys in Ireland. It is included in the list of must-see places for those who are looking for what to see in Ireland , due to the good safety of all its buildings. In different centuries, a large number of religious buildings were built on the territory of the country, but a significant part of them did not survive to the present day and was destroyed during the Viking raids. Kells Abbey, this fate passed, and its ancient walls have been preserved almost in the same form in which they were seen by the distant ancestors of modern Irish.
It was in this abbey that the Book of Kells was created. This ancient literary work is today stored in Dublin at Trinity College.
Going to Kels is also worth it to enjoy the amazing beauty of nature that surrounds Kells Abbey. Here preserved completely untouched corners that perfectly frame the walls of the ancient structure. Once here, you can feel like a real passenger of a time machine.
3. St. Patrick's Cathedral (Dublin)
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day has long been popular all over the world, but it is in Dublin that fans of this fun celebration while visiting the sights of Ireland can personally visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and imbue stories from his life.
This building was erected in 1192 and today is rightfully recognized as one of the best preserved buildings of those ancient years, not only in Ireland, but throughout Europe.
The site of the construction of the ancient cathedral in those days was the source of St. Patrick, which is located between the two branches of the Poddle River. Today, the ancient St. Patrick’s Cathedral is known not just as an ancient church building. He became back in 1192 the cathedral church of this city thanks to Dublin Archbishop John Comin. Due to this, groups of church buildings have been formed around the cathedral for many centuries. Including here is the home of the archbishop. A visit to the territory of the Cathedral allows you to get acquainted with all the features of architecture over many years.
Over the centuries of its life, the Cathedral experienced moments of uplift and oblivion. Today, he again became one of the leading government and church buildings in Dublin. Memorial Day ceremony is held here every year. Many holidays held in the territory of the Cathedral are visited personally by the president.
Official website : https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/
4. Cair Castle (Cair City)
The sights of Ireland are hard to imagine without the beautiful and sophisticated Castle of Cair. It is located right in the center of the Shur River, flowing through the territory of the city of Cair in South Tipperary. The uniqueness of this architectural monument lies in the fact that it is recognized at the same time as the most impregnable and best preserved castle in Ireland. It was built in the XII century.
The first stone fortress at the site of the future location was erected in 1142. The castle got its modern name in 1375, when King Edward the Third transferred this monumental structure to the possession of Baron Keir, James Butler, who received the title. Butler received such a luxurious gift for his loyalty to the crown. The inaccessibility of the castle is hidden in the secret of its location in the center of the river. But he survived for another reason - the owners of the castle always preferred to give up without a fight.
One of the most memorable places in the castle is the miniature “Capture of Cair Castle in 1599”. This miniature consists of 1000 figures of soldiers. Now this building has become a real "TV star". In recent years, such films as the story of King Arthur’s sword “Escalibur”, “Barry Lindton”, “Danish Darkness” have been shot on its territory.
Official website : http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/cahircastle/
5. Cathedral of Christ (Dublin)
When exploring the many sights of Ireland, every traveler must visit the Cathedral of Christ in Dublin. This oldest cathedral is the main one in the city. Its foundation is dated to 1031. The founder of the cathedral was personally the legendary Viking king Sitrig. On an excursion in Dublin they will definitely tell you that the Cathedral of Christ in Dublin is the patrimony of both the Anglican and Catholic archbishops.
On the territory of the Cathedral will be interesting to every visitor. History buffs will love to enjoy its ancient monuments, for example, visit the ruins of a priest’s house dating back to the 13th century, visit the territory of the tomb of Knight Strongbow, which painstakingly depicts a complete set of knightly armament of the early Middle Ages. In the chapel of St. Lawrence from the 13th century the embalmed heart of this saint is kept. From the same time, ceramic tiles in the chapel have been preserved.
Fans of modern trends in art are attracted to the cathedral by the opportunity to see mummies of cats and rats. They became mummies, being locked up in an organ about three hundred years ago. These artifacts were removed from the organ during the last reconstruction in 1860.
Official website : http://christchurchcathedral.ie/
Feel the atmosphere of Ireland in this beautiful video!
6. Powerscourt Estate (Eneskerry)
Located in Wicklow County, the famous Powerscourt Estate is surrounded by a luxurious park where you can relax from the noise of the city and enjoy the cool gardens. A lot of green spaces, neat lawns and flowerbeds, ponds and fountains, bridges and statues located in the most unexpected places - all this amazes the city dweller with its splendor and peace. Here, it blows with peace.
The building was laid back in the 13th century by a Frenchman named Power, from where the name of the estate came from. Almost four hundred years later, it passed into the possession of Sir Wingfield as a reward for military achievements. Subsequently, the building was redone and acquired a modern, classic Irish look in the middle of the 18th century. And one young viscount set a goal to create around him the best park in Ireland, which was done.
In addition to the main building itself, there is a golf club, the luxurious Ritz Carlton hotel. Tourists will be interested to take a look at the “pepper tower”, which was built on the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales and is an exact copy of the pepperbox from his service.
Official website : http://powerscourt.com/
7. Castle-rock of Cashel (county Tipperary, city of Cashel)
The sights of Ireland will not be complete, if not to call the incredibly beautiful Castle of Cashel, which in the past was a royal residence. He was also one of the many religious centers. What is interesting about this historical monument?
The first mention of the castle dates back to the 4th century AD. Then it was a fortification, which was built at a height of sixty meters. Until 1101, the Munster kings lived there. Then the building was granted to the church and became the residence of the archbishop.
In 1647, Cough and its suburbs were almost destroyed. Until our time, the castle has survived without a roof. In appearance (when viewed from above), it looks like a cross. The building has a high tower (28 m). This is the most famous part of the complex. In addition to it, there you can see the transept (architectural object) with amazingly beautiful windows, two small chapels and burial places of the archbishops.
The facade was decorated with arches, cornices, animal figures, etc. Inside you can see the wall painting, which was discovered in the 1980s of the last century. Cough Castle is an amazing opportunity to touch simultaneously the history, architecture and culture of the past.
Official website : http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/rockofcashel/
8. Macross House (County Kerry, Killarney)
The Macross House Manor Museum is a mansion 6 km from the city of Killarney, built in the mid-19th century by the Scottish architect Bern. Now it is one of the important attractions of Ireland. The mansion is located on a peninsula formed by Loch Lane and Macross Lakes.
The estate has been open for visitors since the sixties of the last century. Due to the fact that the building passed from one owner to another, and then was empty for a long time, serious damage occurred. Restoration to the form that it is now took several years.
Flora lovers will love the Macross House Garden. For several months (from April to July), luxurious rhododendrons bloom here. Also, trees imported from other countries, including from the southern hemisphere, grow on the estate. The garden belongs to Killarney National Park.
Very close to the museum is a farm displaying the life and daily work of Irish villagers from the beginning of the last century. You can visit a cottage, a forge, a carpentry workshop. Every year, this farm hosts a festival for younger students.
Official website : http://www.muckross-house.ie/
9. The Newgrange Sanctuary (Dublin)
The Newgrange Sanctuary is part of the Bru-on-Boyne complex. This amazing building is the most popular place to visit among tourists.
"Newgrange" - a monument of hoary antiquity. According to scientists, it appeared almost 5,000 years ago. The sanctuary is simply amazing in its size:
- height 13.5 m;
- diameter - 85 m.
In the past, it was an important part of the religious and spiritual life of people. It conducted various rituals and ceremonies. Now it attracts travelers, researchers, historians. Even the most sophisticated tourists will find for themselves a lot of amazing things.
Newgrange, like some of Ireland’s other attractions, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to the sanctuary will not only plunge into Irish history, but also get acquainted with the architecture and culture of the country. For example, to find out that the building was built using a unique, unlike other technology, or the fact that it was intended to worship the god Dagda.
So what to see in Ireland? Be sure to go to the Newgrange Sanctuary, a visit to which will give a lot of impressions.
10. National Museum of Leprechauns (Dublin)
The National Museum of Leprechauns was specially created in Dublin in 2003 to recall the unique identity of this country. Now the sights of Ireland without this museum can not be imagined. The entire exhibition is dedicated to the amusing and friendly relatives of elves and fairies living in Ireland. Here, a leprechaun comes to each visitor, bringing a pot of gold.
Among the exhibits of this institution is a real rainbow, in full accordance with the legends showing where the treasure with gold is located. On the territory of the museum is the room of this fabulous creature, in which the visitor is surrounded by furniture, three times larger than the usual atmosphere at home. From the point of view of the authors, this is exactly what our furnishings look like through the eyes of fabulous leprechauns. Museum guests understand how these little men see our world, how difficult it is for them to live in a big world of people.
The guides will tell you how the meetings of fabulous creatures with people in different centuries took place. After a walk, each visitor will receive a portrait of his personal leprechaun. In souvenir shops you can buy funny souvenirs in the form of cute fairy-tale creatures in green costumes.
Official website : http://www.leprechaunmuseum.ie/
Sights of Ireland: what else to visit while in Ireland
The number of companies that offer tours in Ireland is very large, but sometimes it is difficult to understand where you would really like to go. We have created this list so that you can make an informed decision and go on a weekend or on vacation abroad with a clear belief that relaxation will bring pleasure.
11. Guinness beer museum (Dublin)
Ireland is famous for its legendary alcoholic beverages. Choosing what to visit in Ireland, you should go to the Guinness beer museum in the city of Dublin.
The museum is open at the existing brewery. Visitors will be told in detail how to brew one of the best types of beer in the world. Here you can try a fresh drink made at the legendary production. On the territory of the institution there are several separate rooms. Including the legendary "Gravity", from whose windows a magnificent panoramic view of Dublin from a bird's eye opens.
Another iconic place in the museum is the hall on the 4th floor. Guinness ambassadors await visitors here. Their main task is to teach all the secrets of consuming the legendary pint of this foamy drink.
Getting here is quite difficult. As a rule, a long queue is built to the entrance. The number of visitors per year exceeds 700,000. You can book your trip in advance by issuing tickets on the museum’s official website. The museum is experiencing the largest influx of visitors on St. Patrick's Day.
Official website : https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en
12. Bunratti Castle (County Clare)
The ancient Bunratti castle was laid back in the 13th century on the site of a former Viking merchant camp. The stone castle was erected by Edward de Claire. But after several decades, both the castle and the city nearby were completely destroyed during the war. In the first half of the XV century, Bunratti Castle was rebuilt again and it got a modern look.
Now tourists can stroll around the castle in the Folklore Park, where there are traditional Irish buildings, a shop, a post office, workshops, etc., as well as take a trip to the Middle Ages and get to a feast in the Banquet Hall of Bunratti Castle. Forks and knives are not served at the feast - they were not used in the Middle Ages, so you have to eat with your hands. And to wipe your hands, you can use a huge napkin that is tied to a tourist’s neck. All the dishes are served by the service staff in the clothes of those times. Recipes, by the way, are also medieval.
The castle houses one of the best collections of antique furniture in the country, as well as luxurious tapestries. All exhibits depicting the life of the Bunratti inhabitants of that time are equipped with detailed descriptions.
13. Killarney National Park (County Kerry)
Travelers visiting the many sights of Ireland unanimously recognize Killarney National Park as the most beautiful place.
Killarney National Park on the shores of the lakes of the same name was founded in 1932. Unique natural conditions are preserved here. As many as 10 thousand hectares, on which the park is located, are occupied by moorlands, gardens and forests. Most are located in mountainous areas. In the park, the traveler can meet red deer, squirrel, marten. Here live eagle owls, white-fronted geese, peregrine falcons and falcons. All the inhabitants of the park live in natural conditions.
The decoration of the territory of the park is considered to be the castle of Ros built in the 15th century - the clan’s nest of the O'Donoghue Ros clan.
Walking through the territory of Killarney National Park, you can visit the eponymous small town. Only about 15 thousand people permanently live here, but due to the large number of tourists it is difficult to call the place abandoned. Killarney is one of the most popular wedding venues in Europe. It is not surprising that near each house a porch twined with roses is specially attached here.
Official website : http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie
14. Jameson Distillery Museum (Dublin)
Almost everyone knows the name of the legendary Jameson whiskey. This strong drink is so popular that the sights of Ireland include the real distillery of John Jameson in the Dublin area of Smithfield. For a long time a museum has been operating in it.
Distillery founder John Jameson was born in Dublin in 1740. At the age of forty, he founded his first personal distillery. At that time, a strong drink received the motto “Without Fear”, which has survived to this day. The case was continued by the descendants of the founder of the distillery. Quite quickly, John Jameson & Son became one of the most successful in the country, and this brand of whiskey was loved by customers around the world.
For this reason, when planning what to see in Ireland on travel days, you should definitely consider visiting Dublin and visiting the distillery museum. On its territory today the manufacture of whiskey is not conducted. Here, the entourage of the production of the XVIII-XIX centuries is preserved. A specially created documentary will tell about the history of the plant. All visitors are invited to an interesting tour, during which they will be offered to taste numerous varieties of the legendary Irish amber drink.
Official website : https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com
15. Glendaloh (county Wicklow)
The green valley of Glendaloh, formed by a prehistoric glacier, became in the sixth century a refuge for the monk - St. Kevin . Here he, along with other monks, erected a small monastery, where, in addition to the church, they were located:
- room for copying books;
- Round Tower;
- hospital;
- guest houses;
- outbuildings.
Around the houses were built laity. The monastery operated until the thirteenth century. Then it was destroyed by the troops of England. Now there is a tourist center. Guests will be interested to see the ancient double gates made of stone, a cross drawn on the wall at the gates, which is now considered to be probably the most ancient symbol of Christians. Beautiful photos are taken near the round thirty-meter tower, in which there is an entrance at a height of about two human height and a window on all four cardinal points. It is assumed that observation was made from this tower. The church of St. Kevin has a small cemetery where monks and local rich were buried. The nature here is very quiet, beautiful and peaceful. A lot of greenery and fresh air, which is so lacking for a sophisticated tourist.
Official website : http://www.glendalough.ie/
16. Blarney Castle (County Cork)
Blarney Castle, located in the south of Ireland, is fully consistent with the concept of castles of the Middle Ages - located on a hill, it has underground passages, and there is a small lake nearby. But many tourists are attracted not so much by this as by a special “stone of eloquence”, which appeared here as a result of some historical events. Many visitors to the castle undergo an unusual ritual - bending down, kiss this sacred stone in the wall. According to this tradition of Ireland ,anyone gains the gift of eloquence only by touching his lips. The legend has been living for 5 centuries, originating in the era of the reign of Elizabeth I. For many years, the McCarthy family owned these lands, and during the Battle of Bannockburn, King of Münster Cormack McCarthy sent to help the King of Scotland to help 4,000 of his subjects to participate in the battles. After the victory, the Scottish monarch gave Cormac half of the Skunk stone, on which kings were crowned for many centuries.
Official website: https: // blarneycastle
17. Skellig Michael (County Kerry)
Sailing west from the shores of County Kerry, after 15 kilometers travelers will meet a rocky island, the shores of which look like a petrified ocean wave. This is Skelig Michael, or the rock of Michael - apparently, it is named after the archangel Michael, glorified in Christianity thanks to the victory over the devil, who turned into a dragon. It is hard to imagine that for 6 centuries this stone island was inhabited - at the end of the 6th century a monastery was built from the rock fragments at the very top of the cliff - monastic cells miraculously kept on the rocky walls. Monastic life flowed here until the 12th century, when a number of violent hurricanes forced the hermits to leave their homes. Since the 16th century, a string of pilgrims rushed to this region, and in the last century, large-scale restoration work began in the monastery,
18. Grafton Street (Dublin)
Grafston Street, which runs from St. Stephen's Park to Trinity College, is one of Dublin's most fashionable and prestigious streets. Even in the Victorian era, this narrow pedestrian street was the mecca of Irish shopping, and today in each of the elegant establishments located along Grafton Street there is a prestigious boutique or restaurant, street performers everywhere. Walking along the street, it is worth paying attention to nearby sights. Trinity College is one of the oldest operating universities in the world, founded in the 16th century and has a huge library. Park St. Stefan is a surprisingly peaceful place, a corner of silence in the heart of Dublin. In addition, the most recognizable monument in the city dedicated to Molly Mallone, the heroine of one of the city legends, flaunts on Grafston Street
19. St. Stephens Green Park (Dublin)
In early spring, the Irish island comes to life after hibernation. Ireland begins to turn green and bloom in spring, and the gentle sun comes to replace the lead clouds - it's time to arm yourself with a camera and head to some park - for example, in St. Stephens Green. This is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the spring among local residents, as well as a famous attraction among city guests. The park appeared on this site in the Victorian era, and still 3.5 kilometers of walking alleys surrounded by well-groomed greenery give vacationers precious minutes of peace and unity with nature. The park acquired its present look at the end of the 19th century, when a fountain was created on the landscaped area, flower beds were arranged, trees were planted. Many Dubliners come here at lunchtime to relax in the middle of the working day,
Official website: http: //www.heritageireland
20. Kilkenny Castle (Kilkenny city)
Kilkenny is an old and charming city in its own way, which eastern Ireland is famous for. Each building here has its own history, but the medieval castle of Kilkenny is the most visited tourist attraction in the city. It was founded in the 12th century and to this day is a wonderful example of Norman architecture. The stone fortress, erected on the very top of the hill above the Nor River, was the residence of the Butler family for 6 centuries, was repeatedly besieged, destroyed and restored again until an extensive reconstruction was carried out here in the 19th century. The castle has long lost its original appearance, although the remainder of the fortress walls, the moat and 3 towers are still preserved from the very moment of its foundation. Today inside the castle is open art exhibition with paintings by English and Irish artists,
Official website: http: // kilkennycastle
21. Shop Street (Galway)
They come to Ireland not only for walking around the castles of the Middle Ages and entertainment in pubs, but also for productive shopping. So, Shop Street in Galway is an ideal option to see in Ireland in the winter and not freeze in the January cold. Galway's main shopping street is a great place with a unique atmosphere, luxurious old buildings and many shops where you can find and buy anything you want. Most outlets are located either along Shop Street or on adjacent pedestrian streets. In addition to small retail shops, there was a place for large shopping centers as well, for example, the modern Square Center hides behind the old facades, and on the adjacent Headford Road you can visit the largest in Western Ireland Galway Shopping Center. Among the variety of goods it is worth highlighting things
22. Temple Bar (Dublin)
Probably not a single tourist route in Ireland is complete without a visit to Temple Bar - one of the oldest and most emblematic areas of Dublin, where, like many centuries ago, urban life is in full swing. Historically, this area was formed in the 14th century, but its present appearance developed several centuries later. In the 17-18 centuries, these lands were given into the possession of wealthy families, and in the last century an organization was created that was responsible for maintaining the appearance of the historical district. In the 90s, its dilapidated old buildings underwent a thorough restoration, and now Temple Bar has become a popular tourist destination in Dublin with many museums, boutiques and art galleries. Street performers, musicians constantly perform here, lords of fire and other extreme fans demonstrate their dexterity and skill.
23. Kinsale (County Cork)
Almost all small Irish cities are very similar to each other - unusual colorful houses on the 2-3 floors alternate with small shops and pubs, and the streets are buried in verdure and flowers. But even against the backdrop of these cozy colored cities, the brightly rainbow Kinsale stands out, which is famous not only for its colorful facades, but also for more than a thousand-year history - both Celts, Vikings, and Normans lived here at different times. One of the oldest structures, the church of St. Malta, was erected in the 12th century by the Normans on the foundation, preserved from the Celtic era. Another historical and architectural monument is Desmond Castle of the 16th century, originally erected as a customs house, but later converted into a military prison, and after a while the International Wine Museum was established there. Today Kinsale is also the gastronomic capital of Ireland,
24. Ring of Kerry (County of Kerry)
One of the most famous tourist routes in Ireland, passing through the county of Kerry, along the picturesque coast of the Iverh Peninsula. The length of the route is 166 kilometers. Along the way, tourists will find many interesting natural, historical and cultural attractions: several castles, the Black Valley, a waterfall, a medieval church, a monastery, a ring of druids and much more.
The Kerry Ring can be reached by car, by bus, by bicycle, and there are also trails for backpackers.
The Kerry Ring can be reached by car, by bus, by bicycle, and there are also trails for backpackers.
25. The road of the giants
Northern Ireland is considered the smallest region of the United Kingdom in size, but by no means in importance. The sights of northern Ireland are ancient castles, numerous historical museums, picturesque landscapes and friendly residents. What is certainly worth a tourist who first visited this amazing region? See the sights of Belfast, visit the distillery and drink a noble drink, and of course, see with your own eyes the mysterious Giants Road - an unusual trail of thousands of giant connected basalt columns formed about 60 million years ago after the eruption of the volcano. It is the tops of the columns that form a kind of road that begins at the foot of the rocks and hides in the sea. Most of these columns are hexagonal, although some have 4 to 8 angles - according to legends,
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