Best Ireland Attractions For Tourism
Considering the delicious food, delightful landscapes and views, romantic castles, rich historical background, and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder why Ireland is the very first choice of many people looking for an excellent place to start a new life.
It’s not only appealing for people who plant to spend their lives here but also for tourists due to the charming scenery and these best places everyone should see on their visit.
If you are skeptical about visiting the land of saints, our list will surely convince you to book a ticket today.
Aran Islands
Famous for their ancient sites, the Aran Islands represent three rocky isles located in Western Ireland. They’re covering the mouth of Galway Bay, and each one has a lot to offer to tourists.
Inishmore, the largest one is the home to the ancient fort of Dun Aonghasa, situated above a huge cliff. A natural swimming pool, Wormhole can be found nearby, while the old wreckage of the 7 Churches can be seen in the northwest.
If you visit, spend your day on Kilmurvey beach and observe the diverse birdlife and seal colony. As you can notice, the islands have a rich historical background.
You can check out many ancient stone forts, especially on Inishmore, the one we’ve mentioned before as the largest island. You can also visit the clifftop, Dun Duchathair. Or the circular stone fort, Dun Eochla.
If you wonder which island is the smallest one, know that it’s Inisheer. But even though it’s smaller, it’s still as beautiful as Inishmore.
If you visit, check the ruins of the Church of St. Kevin from the 10th century. It’s partially “sunken” in the ground. You can also visit the O’Brien’s Castle from the 14th century or take a minute to observe the 1960’s decaying wreck of the Plassey.
The best time to visit these islands is between July and August because of the beautiful weather.
If you visit between February and March, attend Tedfest, hosted by the cult sitcom called “Father Ted.”
In March, you can be a part of the Arainn Ceilteach, a celebration of Celtic dance and music. There’s also a marathon hosted by Inishmore usually in April.
Dingle Peninsula
Guarded by cliffs and sandy beaches, the Dingle Peninsula is situated on the southwest shore of the Atlantic. Inland you can see mountains and hills, such as Mount Brandon.
However, the region is best known and officially recognized for the culture and the Irish language. If you visit, you can check out Dunmore Head, the easternmost point of mainland Ireland and enjoy spectacular landscapes of the Blasket Islands.
It’s also the stopping point on Slea Head Drive, a cycling circuit and breathtaking driving.
An interesting thing to see on your visit to the Dingle Peninsula is the boat-shaped Church, Gallarus Oratory. It’s an old church situated above the port at Smerick.
You can also visit the central hub, Dingle and enjoy the Celtic music performances hosted by some of the local pubs.
If you visit Baile a Fheirtearaigh, one of the villages, you can enter the art galleries. Or have a meal at some of the traditional dining places.
If you’re into swimming, fishing, surfing, and windsurfing, visit the sandy beaches. If you’re into outdoor activities, you can choose between boating, golfing and hiking.
If you’re wondering what’s the best time to visit, know that tourists prefer to visit this
place between June and August while the weather is still mild and wet.
If you visit between December and February, expect fog, winds and ocean mist. If you decide to visit in March, you can attend the Dingle International Film Festival presenting both international and Irish independent films.
It usually occurs around St. Patrick’s day.
Waterford
Waterford represents a seaport located in southeast Ireland. It’s the oldest city in the country and also the most beautiful one.
Founded in 914 A.D. by the Vikings, this city is definitely worth your visit. It will give you the best experience you will never forget.
If you decide to visit, enter the Museum of Treasures and check out the local
archeological discoveries.
Or visit the two Georgian cathedrals, Most Holy Trinity, the Catholic one, and Christ Church Cathedral, the Protestant one, both designed by John Roberts, a famous architect at the time.
Waterford has a lot to offer because it’s situated in a region famous for lush, idyllic landscapes. There’s the central city park, People’s Park from the 19 the century that’s used as a skatepark but also for concerts.
Take a walk along the river Suir. It will take you to Waterford Port. It’s an old center for building ocean liners. If you plan to come, know that the best time is between May and August, while the weather is still warm.
If you visit in August, you can catch Spraoi, an outdoor festival featuring a costume parade, music and street theatre.
If you visit in October, you can be a part of the Imagine Arts Festival featuring dance, music, film, and many other visual arts. If you come in September, you can attend the Harvest Fair.
Greystones
One of the best places to visit in Ireland is located in County Wicklow and is called Greystones. It represents a seaside resort and a coastal town that will definitely.
Impress you at first sight. It’s situated on the east coast of Ireland, around 19 miles south of Dublin, and some 2 miles south of Bray.
With a population of about 18,000, Greystones is encircled by the Bray Head to the north, the Irish Sea to the east, and the Wicklow Mountains to the east.
Named after a half-mile stretch of greyish stones between 2 beaches on the oceanside, Greystones is the second biggest city in Ireland.
If you decide to put the city on your travel list, visit the North Beach, a stony beach which can be found at the beginning of the harbor, while the South Beach represents a wide half-mile sandy beach.
Interesting fact about Greystones is that it was named as the world’s ‘most liveable society’ in China, in 2008 at the LivCom Awards.
Galway City Attractions
Galway represents a harbor city situated on the west coast of Ireland. It sits where the Atlantic Ocean meets the River Corrib and will make you fall in love at first sight.
The city’s center, Eyre Square is surrounded by traditional pubs and shops where you can enjoy traditional live Irish music. If you come here, feel free to visit some of the art galleries, stone-clad cafes, and boutiques in the Latin Quarter.
You can also see St. Nicholas Collegiate Church from the 14th century. Allegedly, Christopher Columbus once prayed in this church. You can also enter the bank from the 16 the century that was once known as the Lynch’s Castle.
Although it’s a bank, you can still visit the exhibition room and learn more about the history of the place. If you visit in July, you can be a part of the Galway International Arts Festival.
If you visit Galway, don’t miss visiting the Aran Islands we mentioned as the first best place to visit in Ireland.
You can enter the 16th century fortress known as Dunguaire Castle south of Galway Bay.
Most travelers visit Galway between March and October.
However, if you want to catch the Galway Race Week, visit between July and August. If you’re going to be a part of the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, plan your visit in September.
Sligo
Situated in North Ireland, Sligo represents a charming town that extends across the
Garavogue River where it comes across Sligo Bay.
Best known for the literary heritage and rocky scenery, Sligo has a lot to offer to tourists interested in ancient remains.
If you’re one of them and decide to visit this town, check out the carved toms along with
the altar from the 15th century in the ruined old Sligo Abbey. Or enter the Sligo County.
Museum featuring memorabilia of W.B. Yeats, a local poet, Stone Age remains and art.
However, if you’re into newer art, visit the Model.
It’s a modern art center displaying artworks by Irish artists from the 20th century. You can also visit the Yeats Memorial Building.
It’s a literary center featuring artworks and a library. If you prefer a natural environment, visit the Lough Gill lake, southeast of Sligo, while southwest of town, you can check the prehistoric tombs at the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery.
If you like golf, you can play northwest in the city at Rosses Point. It has a golf course and beaches.
Already interested to visit? Know that it’s best to do it between July and August. You
will catch the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival held in July. It’s a celebration featuring art
exhibitions, music and children’s events. Other significant events take place in October.
The Limerick City
Limerick represents one of the biggest cities in south Ireland. Situated in Munster
province, the town is best known for the St.John’s square surrounded by Georgian
townhouses and the St. Mary’s Cathedral.
If you visit, you shouldn’t miss entering King John’s castle because it’s one of the city’s most important and most visited spot.
Also, don’t miss visiting the Hunt Museum. It displays Limerick's most famous collection of cultural artifacts and artworks.
Set a foot at the City Gallery of Art to enjoy the classical and modern Irish artwork. If you want to learn more about the history of the city, visit the Limerick City Museum. Many consider Limerick as the gateway to Lough Gur where you can see the historic Adare village and the megalithic tombs.
The best time to come is between June and August like most tourists do. However, if you visit in March, you can catch the Limerick's St. Patrick’s Festival.
If you visit in May, you can attend Riverfest featuring water sports demonstrations, fireworks, food and craft stalls. If you visit in September, you can enjoy the Jazz Festival.
Kinsale
Kinsale is another town that’s definitely worth your attention. Located in County Cork
on the southern coast of the country, Kinsale represents home to 2 fortresses from the 17th century.
They both overlook the Bandon river. Charles Fort is the bigger one to the southeast. It’s broad and star-shaped, while James Fort is the smaller one on the opposite bank of the river.
If you decide to visit this town, don’t forget to enter the Regional Museum located in a 16th -century courthouse. You will learn about the history of this place and also read some information about the sinking of the famous RMS Lusitania in 1915.
Check out the former prison and arsenal, the Desmond Castle, Now home to the International Museum of Wine. St. Multose Church is one more site you can visit on your stay.
It’s known for the carved stone monument that fishermen’s spouses rubbed to pray for the safety of their husband while at sea. If you’re into outdoor activities, visit the Sandycove Island. It’s quite popular among tourists.
The best time to visit Kinsale is between May and September. If you want to attend the
Kinsale Fringe Jazz Festival or be a part of the Gourmet Festival, visit in October.
Kilkenny
A medieval town located in southeast Ireland, Kilkenny will charm you at first sight. It’s
one of the most religious cities with monasteries, and well-preserved churches, like the
Black Abbey Dominican Priory and St. Canice’s Cathedral.
On your visit, enter Kilkenny castle that was built by Norman occupiers in 1195. Both from the 13th century, they can teach you about the history of the city.
Kilkenny represents home to Rothe House, a complex from the 17th century that’s open to tourists as a genealogical research center and museum.
Kilkenny is also known for the nightlife and various pubs and clubs. If you visit, you can be a part of the annual Kilkenny Arts Festival. The city is best known for the Gaelic games, like hurling.
Dublin – Capital of Ireland
Out list of best places to visit in Ireland wouldn’t be complete without the capital, the
famous Dublin.
Situated on the east coast of the country at the mouth of the Liffey river,
Dublin represents home to many historic buildings you can visit on your stay such as
the Dublin Castle.
It’s a building from the 13th century, and it’s definitely worth your visit. Another essential building you can also visit is St. Patrick's Cathedral that was built in 1191.
If you want to enjoy a natural environment, visit one of the city parks like
Phoenix Park that’s also a home to the Dublin Zoo and St. Stephen’s Green.
Enter the National Museum of Ireland if you want to learn more about the culture, history, and heritage of the place. Perhaps you didn’t know, but Dublin is the birthplace of Oscar
Wilde, Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, and other legendary authors.
An interesting info that might boost your interest in visiting this place. If you want to learn more about these writers, visit the Dublin Writers Museum.
If you’re going to enjoy a lovely evening, visit Temple Bar. It’s a cultural district and offers lively nightlife. If you want to shop, Grafton Street will meet all your needs and expectations.
It’s one of the most famous shopping areas, also known for several street performances. If you plan to visit, remember that the best time to do it is between June and mid-September while it’s still warm.
