The gorgeous emerald isle is on the bucket list for many people across the world. There are a number of reasons why people want to visit Ireland. From the beautiful scenery, the rich culture and the very interesting history that we have here.
Ireland has some amazing places to see when you are here, and today we have gathered the top 10 places you need to visit before you are old. Each place is spectacular in its own way. From natural beauty to the cultural aspects of Ireland, here are our top 10 places to visit before you get too old.
10. Kilmainham Gaol – Dublin
You need to visit Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin. This place is a huge part of Irish and English history. I believe everyone who comes to Ireland or lives in Ireland should learn about this piece of history. This part of history shaped the way Ireland is today.
For 700 years the British Empire ruled Ireland and suppressed the Irish for hundreds of years and squashed any chance of an independent state by defeating any chance of an Irish revolution.
In the early 1900’s everything changed. The 1916 Easter Rising was a huge turning point for the independence of the country. A group of men had decided to stand up, get a following of people and fighting for the country’s freedom. This place is where a few of these strong, brave, men took their last breath for their country. Kilmainham Gaol is a huge symbol of Irish independence.
9. Doolin Cave – Clare
Visiting Doolin cave is a must when you are in County Clare if you are free for an hour. Make sure you wrap up warm! The temperature stays at a constant 11 degrees Celsius. To get to the cave, you need to walk 125 steps that can be very slippery so make sure you use the handrail.
Many features in this cave are unique compared to other caves in the Burren area. In this cave, you can find Europe’s largest stalactite and the 3rd largest in the world. It is breathtaking to look at. This is a definite must see.
8. Croke Park – Dublin
Sport is a huge part of Irish culture. Gaelic football and hurling/camogie are played in this stadium. This can hold over 80,000 people in one seating which is impressive. The buzz in the air as thousands of Irish men, women and children cheer for the two teams on the pitch battling to win. When you visit this fantastic stadium, you will feel at home in this significant place.
7. Temple Bar – Dublin
Temple bar is a huge tourist stop with its quirky shops, pubs and cafes. You cannot go to Dublin and not visit Temple Bar. There are lots to see when you are walking through Temple Bar. Why not stop and have a Guinness in one of the many pubs along this street.
6. Guinness Storehouse – Dublin
Guinness is known worldwide as being made in Ireland, so this is a highly visited place when you come to Ireland. The Guinness Storehouse is a huge seven-floor building that is in the shape of a pint which is the biggest pint in the world! This is a self-guided tour. With your ticket, you can receive a free pint of Guinness or a soft drink in the gravity bar.
As you walk through the seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse, you are taken through the process of how Guinness is made which is very interesting to learn about.
Other features of the Guinness Storehouse is how to pull the perfect pint class, you get to see the different types of advertising that Guinness implemented throughout the years, and there is also a tasting feature.
5. Giants Causeway – Antrim
The Giant’s Causeway is a huge tourist attraction due to the hexagonal shapes the stones are. It has a beautiful landscape, and it is just an amazing place to be. The sounds of the crashing water are beautiful.
Included in your ticket, you can get a free audio tour or a free walking tour whichever option is best for you. For anyone who has not been there anyone under the age of 19 can get a child’s ticket for £5. So make sure you grab that bargain!
4. The Leprechaun Museum – Dublin
Ireland is widely known for the mystical small men otherwise known as a leprechaun. This gorgeous country is well known for its magic. The leprechaun museum is very quirky and gives you a big insight into the magic of Ireland! If you have children this will definitely be a great idea to keep them busy for a while.
3. Carrick a rede rope bridge – Antrim
This is another must visit! Walk along a beautiful trail and cross the rope bridge with the water beneath you. It is breathtaking. With your ticket, you have one hour to walk the trail and cross the bridge. This was easily done as the trail is not very long.
After crossing the bridge you arrive on a little island, and the view is spectacular. The Carrick a rede rope bridge is very close to the Giant’s Causeway so you can get both done in the same day.
2. Croagh Patrick – Mayo
For people who do not know what Croagh Patrick is, it is a 764m mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo. On this summit Saint Patrick the patron saint of Ireland fasted for 40 days. This climb is a tough one, but the sense of accomplishment that you will get reaching that summit is so worth it.
Every day there are many people climbing the mountain. There will be tourists doing it for the first time, and there will be locals who climb this very regularly. Take this mountain at your own pace, bring plenty of water and food so you can sit and have lunch when you sit down to rest. Climbing this mountain is not for everyone, but it can be a great experience if hiking is your thing.
1. Cliffs of Moher – Clare
Another gorgeous coastal site that you need to visit while you are here in Ireland. A great time to visit is when the sun is setting. It almost looks like the sun is being sunk into the water. The beauty of these cliffs are amazing and are a must see if you have plans on visiting the West of Ireland.
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