There are so many things to do in Ireland; I created a top ten list of the best tourist attractions in Ireland. You do not want to miss any one of these historically beautifully pieces of the Emerald Isle.
Castles: Castles seem to be everywhere you turn in Ireland so take some time to plan a visit to some of the most interesting and unique. Donegal Castle, located in Donegal Town, is truly worth a visit. The Black Castle in Carlow is an example of Norman style fortresses and dates back to 1181. Partially destroyed by Cromwell in 1650, the remaining tower and walls cast a mysterious shadow at sunset.
Blarney Castle: The castle is one of the most popular tourist spots, best known for the Blarney stone built into the wall. It is said that those that kiss the Blarney stone will receive the gift of gab. This is definitely one spot you can not miss.
Christ Church Cathedral Bridge in Dublin
Theater: Dublin is the home of The Abbey Theatre and is still the site of world renowned productions. Boasting a modern architecture and the title of Ireland's National Theatre, The Abbey Theatre was founded in 1904. Controversial and intriguing, this theatre hosts an ongoing schedule of contemporary and unique performances.
Dublin: Dublin is the capitol of Ireland and the Mecca of the country. This is where many famous people got their start. U2, Bram Stoker, William Butler Yeats, and Oscar Wilde were all citizens of Dublin. Here you can visit the streets they walked, the homes they lived in, and the places their inspiration came from.
The Giant's Causeway: This is a collection of odd basalt rock formations. The legend says that a giant named Finn MacCool built this to cross the water to Scotland. It is a miraculous formation that will leave you in awe.
Glendalough Monastic Site: Located in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is one of the earliest Christian sites. Here you can visit the settlement that Saint Kevin built while he was searching for God.
Radisson SAS Hotel, Galway, Ireland
Killarney: Killarney, located in the county of Kerry, is known as being the "original tourist town". There are an array of historic castles scattered among the land, and a Franciscan monastery. History surrounds you when you visit here.
Wildlife and Nature: Ireland is home to 6 National Parks and has taken great pains to preserve the beauty of this wonderful country. Walkers will love the routes in Wicklow, Killarney, Connemara and Glenveagh. The biodiversity of Ireland's National Parks offers a view of nature found no where else.
Kilkenny: Kilkenny is also called the medieval city. It is rich with medieval history and was one of the hardest hit during the black plague. While you are here be sure to visit the Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral.
Hunt Museum: Limerick is home to the Hunt Museum where they showcase collections of art from Picasso, Renoir, and even Yeats. Not far from the museum is the Limerick Art Gallery that focuses on centuries-old art from Ireland. Bicycle tours and walking tours are among the things to do in Ireland.
Music: Ireland's music will have you dancing before you know it as you find yourself swept into the joy and energy of the folk music of traditional Ireland. Musical venues abound in places such as Dun Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre. Established in 1995, the center serves as the place to experience and sample the traditional music, song and dance of Ireland. Be swept away to another time as you listen to the storytellers and watch the dancers.
Megalithic passage tomb: This tomb is located in Meath and was built around 3200 BC. You can not pass up the chance to see this ancient wonder. While you are there check out the megalithic art drawn on the tomb.
Kylemore Abbey: Here you will find a beautiful Victorian, walled garden sitting on six acres of land. Two of the original glass greenhouses have been restored and add to its jaw-dropping scenery. It is said to be one of the most romantic sites in Ireland.
Churches: Duiske Abbey, once a Cistercian monastery, dates back to 1204, and now houses a Catholic parish church. Derived from the word in Gallic for Black Water, Duiske Abbey is named for the river found downstream. While housing the monastery, the buildings began to deteriorate badly in 1536. Although cared for by the monks for years afterwards, it finally fell completely with the collapse of the main tower, in 1744. Restoration, however, preserved much of the original site and you'll see hints of the old monastery in the current building.
Festivals: No visit to Ireland is complete without seeing a performance of Irish dancing. The Booley House Festival is just the place to see traditional and original dance performances. Running from early July to late August, you'll thrill to the many dancing, music and storytellers who can be found here. You can experience all the romance of the Renaissance at Greenpark's Medieval Fun Day.
Horse Racing: The Irish love their horses and racing is a popular sport. You can see some of the best Ireland has to offer at one of the 26 courses in Ireland. The Tramore Racecourse offers the Tramore Racing Festival in August and features flat and hunt style racing. Parades and live music entertain while you cheer on your favorite.
Enjoy Irish Food: Ireland's pubs are warm and welcoming and the perfect place to sample traditional Irish food. Visit Northern Ireland's Dufferin Arms Coaching Inn or The Moorings in Dungarvan. You'll leave with a full stomach and happy memories of the hospitality of the Irish people.
Ireland is truly a place that offers something for every traveler. With so many things to do in Ireland, even the locals haven't seen it all. Come home to Ireland and find your roots.
Visit often to learn more information about our updated Things to Do in Ireland.
