Ireland’s 20 most popular attractions, both free and fee-charging

Here are Ireland's 20 most popular attractions, both free and fee-charging

Ireland is a hotbed of activity. The small island in Europe is bountiful with an ancient past and a contemporary culture that is endlessly expanding.

Whether you’re looking to delve into the density of Ireland’s prehistoric past (think castle ruins, burial sites, or medieval fortresses), gaze in awe at natural wonders (for example, dramatic cliffs or subterranean settings), or learn a little more in an interactive setting (think tours and museums), the Emerald Isle has it all.

Recently, Fáilte Ireland announced Ireland’s 20 most popular attractions that charge a fee, along with the top 20 that are free. Check out the list below.

Top 20 fee-charging attractions in Ireland

The Guinness Storehouse is first place on the list of Ireland's 20 most popular attractions that charge a fee

These top fee-charging attractions in Ireland vary from ancient relics and ruins to wildlife destinations and amusement parks.

First place on the list is awarded to, unsurprisingly, the Guinness Storehouse in the capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin.

20. Glenveagh Castle and Grounds, Co. Donegal 

19. Christ Church Cathedral, Co. Dublin

18. Brú na Boinne Newgrange, Co. Meath

17. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Co. Clare

16. Dublin Castle, Co. Dublin

15. Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary

14. Kilkenny Castle, Co. Kilkenny

13. Kilmainham Gaol, Co. Dublin

12. Blarney Castle & Gardens, Co. Cork

11. Fota Wildlife Park, Co. Cork

10. Powerscourt Gardens & Waterfall, Co. Wicklow

9. Muckross House Gardens and Traditional Farm, Co. Kerry

8. Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, Co. Galway 

7. St Patrick’s Cathedral, Co. Dublin 

6. Tayto Park, Co. Meath

5. Book of Kells, Co. Dublin

4. National Aquatic Centre, Co. Dublin

3. Dublin Zoo, Co. Dublin

2. Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Co. Clare

1. Guinness Storehouse, Co. Dublin

Top 20 free attractions in Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland is first place on the list of Ireland's 20 most popular attractions that are free

While the fee-charging attractions are magnificent, you don’t have to pay a penny to see amazing places on the Emerald Isle. The results from Fáilte Ireland go on to list Ireland’s 20 most popular attractions that are free, ranging from natural sights to galleries.

First place on this list goes to the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin city. Having completed refurbishments recently, it offers a state-of-the-art visitor experience.

20. Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, Co. Dublin 

19. Malin Head Viewing Point, Co. Donegal

18. Crawford Art Gallery, Co. Cork

17. The National Library of Ireland, Co. Dublin

16. Connemara National Park, Co. Kerry

15. National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Co. Dublin

14. Chester Beatty Library, Co. Dublin

13. National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Co. Dublin

12. Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons, Co. Kildare

11. Kilkenny Castle Parklands, Co. Kilkenny

10. Farmleigh House, Co. Dublin

9. Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin, Co. Dublin

8. National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Kildare St, Co. Dublin

7. Doneraile Wildlife Park, Co. Cork

6. Irish Museum of Modern Art, Co. Dublin

5. DLR LexIcon, Co. Dublin

4. National Botanic Gardens, Co. Dublin   

3. Glendalough Site, Co. Wicklow

2. Castletown House Parklands, Co. Kildare

1. The National Gallery of Ireland, Co. Dublin

There you have it—the full list of Ireland’s 20 most popular attractions, both free and fee-charging. How many have you been to? If the number is low, we suggest you start planning your next trip!

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