Top 10 Must-see Places In Ireland

Planning a trip to the Emerald Isle and wondering what are the top 10 must-see places in Ireland? Well, you’re in the right place. In this article you’ll find a list of must-see places in Ireland with must add spots to your itinerary.

Ireland Image by David Mark from Pixabay

Top 10 must-visit places in Ireland

It can often be difficult for visitors to narrow down exactly where to visit in Ireland. With so much to offer, the decision can be overwhelming. In this article, you will find a list of some of the must-see places in Ireland that include castles, historical sites, natural wonders, and interesting museums.

No matter your interest, Ireland has something to offer all who step foot on her beautiful shores. Let’s look at some of the must-see places in Ireland.

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin

First up, let’s visit the Irish capital and head to one of the top places to see in Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol. As far as tourist attractions go, Kilmainham Gaol is a popular one alongside the Guinness Storehouse.

Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison that’s now a museum dedicated to preserving the history of its former inmates. Many of them were political figures who fought for Ireland’s independence from Britain. It’s in the Kilmainham area of the city, 4km from O’Connell Bridge.

Kilmainham Gaol East Wing

Entry to this top 10 must-sees in Ireland is by guided tour only, and these tours sell out fast. Visitors are guided through the older sections of the jail first, learning about how this ‘new’ jail, opened in 1796, was supposed to replace the older one nearby.

Cells were designed for one person but often up to five inmates were forced into this cramped space. Inmates we given one candle for light and heat that was supposed to last two weeks.

Conditions were awful and in the 1860s a new East Wing was opened. This was designed in such a way that prison officers could see every cell from any point in the centre. It was in this wing where some of the most famous inmates were incarcerated, including Eamon de Valera who eventually became Ireland’s first President.

Visitors will also visit the yard where many of the 1916 Easter Rising prisoners were executed.

After the tour, visitors can spend time in the museum browsing displays and exhibitions detailing the fight for independence.

Kilmainham Gaol is a must-see and if you are visiting the city. This is just one stop as there are many other very interesting spots to visit.

The Rock of Cashel, Tipperary

One of the places you have to see in Ireland is the Rock of Cashel. Located in the town of the same name, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s best man-made landmarks and a popular tourist attraction.

The Rock of Cashel is a ruined abbey on a hilltop overlooking the County Tipperary landscape. It sits on what was once the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster before the last king donated his fortress to the church at the turn of the 12th century.

The site includes the roofless cathedral, Cormac’s Chapel (entry is by guided tour only), a Round Tower, and a graveyard in which you will find examples of High Crosses, one of the great symbols of Ireland.

Since the Rock of Cashel is a popular destination for tourists, it is best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour buses. That said, even with them, it is a great place to visit, just make sure to pre-book your tickets and tour of Cormac’s Chapel ahead of time.

If you are looking for great places to see in Ireland, then adding the Rock of Cashel to your itinerary is a must.

Blarney Castle, Cork

One of the best places to see in Ireland is Blarney Castle. It is not just a castle, however. It has extensive grounds and a very important stone at the top of the castle which is one of the main reasons people consider it one of the must-see castles in Ireland.

Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle is most famous for the Blarney Stone, a stone located at the top of the castle (127 steps to be precise), as mentioned. Legend has it that those to kiss the Blarney Stone will be bestowed the gift of the gab and never be stuck for words again.

Whether you believe it or not, this is one of the main reasons why Blarney Castle welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

But Blarney Castle and Gardens has so much more to offer those that come to this castle in County Cork. The gardens are extensive and include things like a poison garden (watch young kids in this area), fern garden, rose and camelia gardens, and much more including two waterfalls, a fairy garden, stables, and an arboretum.

Top tip: allow yourself at least half a day for visiting Blarney Castle. Head to the top of the castle first if you want to kiss the Blarney Stone and then take your time around the gardens.

When it comes to must-sees in Ireland, Blarney Castle and Gardens makes the list.

Titanic Quarter, Antrim

Another place to visit on the Emerald Isle and a must-see in Northern Ireland is the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. Located on the waterfront in Belfast, this 185 acres of land has been regenerated to include apartments, retail spaces, office spaces, and of course, the Titanic Museum.

Belfast has a deep history with the world-famous liner that sank on the night of 14th of April 1912 and the Titanic Quarter of the city includes the Titanic Museum, a building with nine interactive galleries dedicated to telling the history of the ill-fated ship that was designed and built in the Harland and Wolff shipyard where the Titanic Quarter is located.

As well as the museum, you will also find the last remaining White Star Line vessel, the SS Nomadic.

If you are interested in learning more about Titanic and her history, then there is no better place to discover it than in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast.

If you have wondered if Belfast is in Northern Ireland or Ireland, it’s in Northern Ireland, a separate country from the Republic of Ireland (southern Ireland).

Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

One of the best things to see in Kilkenny is another must-see in Ireland. Kilkenny Castle makes its presence known by taking centre stage in the city.

This medieval castle stands on the site of an original wooden castle and was built after the Norma Conquest of Ireland. The first stone castle was built in the mid-13th century and what we see today is largely a Victorian remodelling of the 13th century defensive castle.

Kilkenny Castle is open to the public who can visit the rooms, by guided tour or through self-guided tours.

Visitors tour the castle and move from room to room in which they can view paintings, tapestries and furniture from various periods throughout the castle’s history.

Two of the most interesting places to visit are the blue hall, off which are exhibition rooms which detail some of the castles previous inhabitants and their places in history including the grandmother of Anne Boleyn.

The other room that must not be missed is the Picture Gallery, one of the last stops on the tour of the castle. This immense room, with its red walls, high ceiling, and intricate carvings on the wooden beams. Its beauty along with the paintings within is a marvel.

If you want to combine history, art and architecture, make sure to visit Kilkenny Castle on your tour of Ireland.

Giant’s Causeway, Antrim

One of the best things to see in Northern Ireland is also one of the must-see attractions in Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway is one of Ireland’s natural wonders and is one of the main draws for people going north.

Formed over 50 million years ago, these interlocking basalt columns gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986. They were formed through volcanic fissure eruptions and what remains today are the unique hexagonal columns, although there are also a few columsn with four, five, seven and eight sides.

Giants Causeway Image by Herbert Bieser from Pixabay

The Giant’s Causeway attracts many visitors each year who come to view the unique landscape left behind.

Legend has it that the Giant’s Causeway was formed when a giant, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant, Benandonner. Fionn built the causeway to connect Northern Ireland to Scotland and then disguised himself as a baby when Benandonner crossed over to fight Fionn. Benandonner saw a ‘huge’ baby and did not want to fight the ‘father’ and so fled back to Scotland, tearing up the causeway as he went.

There are identical columns located across the sea at Staffa in Scotland, hence the legend.

The Giant’s Causeway are a major attraction in Northern Ireland, close to the town of Bushmills and are located along what is called the Causeway Coastal Route.

Glendalough, Wicklow

Glendalough in County Wicklow is one of the must-see things in Ireland close to Dublin.

This 6th century monastic site is an important historical landmark that is situated less than one and a half hour from Dublin City Centre. Located in a glacial valley, it is an area of outstanding beauty, and it is easy to see why St Kevin established his monastery there.

Glendalough

Glendalough is most famous for its Round Tower, standing 30m above the ground. You will also find several ruined chapels, priests houses, two cathedrals, and a large graveyard with some examples of high crosses within.

There are some other important monuments near the Upper Lake at Glendalough.

And there are two lakes at Glendalough, the Lower and Upper. There is a paved forest walk from the monastic site to the Upper Lake from where you can climb higher to a viewing platform, visit the other monuments which include St Kevin’s Bed and Cell, and see one of Irelands great waterfalls, the Poulanass waterfall.

If there is a must-see historical landmark to visit that is close to Dublin, Glendalough is one to choose. While you’re in the area you should definitely head over to the Wicklow Mountains. The great thing is that you can see almost everything in the Wicklow Mountains in just one day.

Cliffs of Moher, Clare

One of the top tourist destinations in Ireland is also considered a must-see in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher. More than 1 million people flock to the Clare coastline to view these spectacular sea cliffs.

These cliffs are located at the southwestern edge of the Burren National Park and at their highest they stand 214metres (702ft) above the Atlantic Ocean.

Cliffs of Moher Image by KarloKolumno from Pixabay

They are a huge draw for tourists to the Emerald Isle and offer people the chance to walk from Hag’s Head in the south to O’Brien’s Tower in the north, a distance of 8km (5 miles).

There is also a Visitor Centre where displays and exhibitions about the flora and fauna of the cliffs allow people to learn more about this natural wonder of Ireland.

Towns such as Doolin and Liscannor are popular towns with visitors to the Cliffs of Moher and some tour buses stop there for lunch. You can easily take a Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin if you aren’t planning to stay west. There are many to choose from and they also include visits to other places such as the nearby Burren National Park and Galway City.

The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see in Ireland if you want to see one of the top tourist attractions in the country.

Brú na Bóinne, Meath

One of the things you must see in Ireland if you enjoy ancient history are the Neolithic Passage Tombs in the Brú na Bóinne Valley.

Older than the Pyramids of Giza, these Neolithic passage tombs and chambers are a man-made wonder and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in County Meath, about an hour from Dublin City Centre, they can only be visited by guided tour, and it is highly advisable to book your tickets ahead of arrival.

Neolithic Tomb

The full guided tour is the best option and starts with an informative talk and tour around the outside of the Knowth passage. You learn about the Megalithic artwork on the stones and a bit about the people who built the tombs.

Then, you travel to Newgrange, the most famous of the tombs. Guides with bring you into the passage and explain the winter solstice phenomenon before showing you a recreation of it.

Guides are informative and engaging and there is time to wander around the outside of each passage tomb, as well as some informative videos and exhibitions.

If you love ancient history, then one of the best things to see in Ireland are the passage tombs at Brú na Bóinne.

Aran Islands, Galway

One of the top 10 places to see in Ireland are the beautiful Aran Islands, located off the west coast in Galway Bay.

These small islands are reachable from either Galway City during the summer, or year-round from Rossaveal Ferry Terminal. There are also seasonal departures from Doolin in County Clare.

Three islands comprise the Aran Islands and the biggest (and most visited) is Inishmór. Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling the island to enjoy the scenery. They can also purchase their own Aran sweater from the islands from which they originated. Inishmór also has an Iron Age fort that attracts visitors.

Those who’ve seen ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ might recognize the landscape that provided much of the backdrop for the film.

Inisheer is the smallest island and is where you’ll find the shipwreck of the Plassy Wreck and O’Brien’s Castle.

The islands are small enough for a day-trip, but an overnight stay is best for exploring these quiet islands.

Conclusion

As you can see, Ireland is a beautiful country that’s rich in history with lots to see and do. If you’re wondering what are the must-see spots in Ireland we hope this list has provided a few ideas.

Huge thanks to Cath Jordan for this guest post. Cath is an Irish expat who returns to her homeland of Ireland annually with her family to explore more of the beautiful Emerald Isle. She is the founder and author of the destination site, Travel Around Ireland, which is dedicated to helping travellers plan their dream trip to Ireland.