Top Tourist Sites » Ireland

St Patricks Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland

Tommy — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:18:15 +0000

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Ireland is sometimes compared to the Notre Dame in France and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. While certainly smaller and lesser known than these other two magnificent churches, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in Dublin and has its own intriguing origin and history. The cathedral is often included on tour routes. Dublin visitors can arrange a guided tour of historic Dublin through a travel agency or head out independently with a good map and an excellent pair of walking shoes.

Remember that Ireland is known as the country of clovers and greenery for a reason: it frequently rains. Be sure to check the weather and if necessary, bring along an umbrella or poncho.

Saint Patricks Cathedral Ireland

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland

St. Patrick's Cathedral Garden

Rock of Cashel, Tipperary

Tommy — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:58:12 +0000

While exploring the wonders of Southeast Ireland, adventurous travelers won’t want to miss the extraordinary Rock of Cashel located in County Tipperary. Certainly one of the most visited sites in Ireland the Rock of Cashel sits to the north of the town of Cashel, and it combines spiritual grace, mysterious beauty, and scenic elegance. It is one of Ireland’s most spectacular archeological sites.

The word ‘cashel’ is an anglicized version of the Irish word caiseal, meaning ‘fortress.’ The Rock of Cashel rises as giant, circular mound 200 feet above the surrounding plains and meadows. A cluster of ruins are nestled on its crown. The largest structure is the remains of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Built in the 13th century, the cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1495. The building was later restored. However, when Cromwell’s forces brutally overwhelmed Ireland Cashel Rock was destroyed once more. Hundreds of townspeople had sought refuge from the British soldiers within the cathedral walls and were burned to death when Cromwell’s men set fire to the building. For the people of Ireland Cashel Rock serves a reminder of foreign brutality, spiritual strength, and Irish courage.

The Rock of Cashel - County Tipperary Ireland

Rock of Cashel, Tipperary

The Rock of Cashel in Tipperary, Ireland

Rock of Cashel, Tipperary

Rock of Cashel view from above

Kylemore Abbey, Connemara

Tommy — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:48:49 +0000

Kylemore Abbey is one of the most striking and popular attractions in Connemara, the western region of Ireland and one of its Gaeltachts. Located at the base of the Druchruach Mountain and on the shores of Lough Pollacappul, it is difficult to decide what is more beautiful: the abbey or the surroundings. Today visitors arrive to tour Kylemore and see the abbey, the Gothic church, the walled gardens, the tea rooms, the Kylemore Abbey Sacred Heart Statue, and the woodland walks.

Located just one hour from Galway City, many visitors who want to get away from the bustle of the city choose Kylemore Abbey as their one major attraction to see in Connemara.

Kylemore Abbey Connemara County Galway Ireland

Kylemore Abbey, Connemara

Connemara, Galway

Tommy — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:27:00 +0000

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Connemara is an area in the west of Ireland known for its landscapes and unspoiled beauty. The western of County Galway makes up Connemara, and in recent years it has become more and more popular with tourists looking to discover one of the last authentic and untainted places in Ireland. You will know you’ve reached Connemara when the street signs change from English into Irish. You will feel as if you’ve gone through some sort of invisible portal back in time.

This is a Gaeltacht area, meaning Irish is the primary spoken language among the residents, so don’t be surprised if you walk into a restaurant or shop and find people talking in Irish. If you’re interested in being exposed to this part of Irish culture, get in your rental car and head for the wild west.

Sky Road, Clifden, Connemara, Ireland

Connemara, Ireland

Connemara, County Galway, Ireland

Connemara, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher, Clare

Tommy — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:09:51 +0000

The spectacular Cliffs of Moher in Ireland are located in County Clare, near the Burren Area. The highest point of the cliffs stands 710 feet high, and the cliffs themselves stretch five miles down the coast. From atop the Cliffs of Moher Ireland, visitors can see one of the most amazing views in Ireland. Weather permitting; you can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay and the valleys and hills of Connemara, as well as the lighthouse on Loop Head and the mountains of Kerry to the south.

Budding geologists will love a visit to the Cliffs of Moher Ireland because stratified deposits of different rock layers are visible in the cliff face. Bird lovers, too, will love the flocks of seabirds that make their home in the selves of rock on the cliffs, such as guillemots, razorbills, puffins, and seagulls. A large colony of puffins has inhabited the cliffs for several years.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Dublin Castle, Ireland

Tommy — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 09:07:39 +0000

One of the most popular castle in Ireland is Dublin Castle, located in south of the River Liffey in Dublin. At the Dublin Castle, travelers can explore, discover, and enjoy the beauty and elegance of this famous structure. In addition to the 45-minute guided tour, castle visitors can dine at the little patisserie and bistro located in the Castle Vaults. Tours of the castle are available every half-hour, but the rooms are closed when in official use, so be sure to call ahead to check availability.

Dublin Castle, Ireland

Inside Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle courtyard

Bru na Boinne, Ireland

Tommy — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:52:21 +0000

Newgrange is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also one of the most popular attractions in Ireland. Called Bru na Boinne (Palace of the Boyne) in the Irish language, this heritage site is home to a series of passage tombs dating back more than 5,000. Located an easy distance from Dublin, it’s a pleasant day trip from the city.If you’ve ever been to Stonehenge in England and you were impressed by this structure, you will love Newgrange. This site is 1,000 years older than Stonehenge, and the structure is in many ways even more interesting and sophisticated.

There are three mounds at this site: Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. By visiting this site you will learn more than just about passage tombs, you will learn about the ancient people who lived and worked on this land.

Bru na Boinne - Newgrange

Bru na Boinne, Ireland

Blarney Castle, Ireland

Tommy — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:32:33 +0000

The famous Blarney Castle in Ireland was built in 1446. Over the years, it has become a world landmark and one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Many travelers believe that a trip to the medieval Blarney Castle can’t be missed; it’s on par with the Guinness Brewery and other attractions as an intrinsic symbol of Ireland and Irish heritage. It is located in Blarney Village, about 8 km northwest from Cork City in the southern Ireland.

The Blarney Stone is without a doubt the most famous part of Blarney Castle. Also called the legendary Stone of Eloquence, it is located at the top of the castle’s tower. Legend has it that if you kiss it, you’ll be struck with eternal eloquence and you will never be at a loss for words.

Blarney Castle view from above

Drombeg Circle, Outside Glendore, Co., Cork. Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle, Ireland

Blarney Castle at night

Blarney Castle, Ireland

Achill Island

Tommy — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:15:29 +0000

Achill Island is one of the most mysterious and fascinating destinations in all of Ireland. More than just a place for Ireland surfing vacations, this Atlantic island is known for a breathtaking mountain landscape, beautiful beaches, and as a creative retreat for many writers and artists over the last century.

Whether you arrive for Achill Island beaches, water sports, or one of the annual festivals, you will be glad you got off the beaten tourist path to discover one of Ireland’s true gems. Hop in your rental car, and no matter where you are on the entire island, you can arrive in Achill in a matter of hours. The views are some of the best on the emerald isle, come and discover for yourself what the fuss is all about.

Achill Island

County Mayo Ireland Achill Island

Achill Island

Keem Bay, Achill Island, Ireland

Top attractions in Ireland

Tommy — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 07:59:37 +0000

Ireland has a magic and splendor all its own, from the bustling cosmopolitan city of Dublin to the quiet shores of Rathlin Island.

Northern Ireland

Within this island country, visitors quickly notice a distinct difference from mainland Europe. Maybe it is the combination of lush green meadows, white cliffs, jagged mountain peaks, and shimmering ocean. Perhaps it is the people, who are internationally known for their creativity and good humor. Or maybe it is the feeling of living history, timeless courage, and the beauty of humanity, evident in the walls of a crumbling Irish castle or in the face of a young Irish child at a service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Whatever the reason, there is something about Ireland that will get in your blood, and you will leave this wonderful country already planning the next time you will once more travel Ireland.

Ireland top attractions:

* Achill Island
* Aran Islands
* Blarney Castle
* Bru na Boinne
* Burren
* Cliffs of Moher
* Connemara
* Dingle
* Donegal
* Folk and Transport Museum
* Irish Castles
* Hill of Tara
* Kylemore Abbey
* Lakes
* Monasteries
* Mourne Mountains
* Rathlin Island
* Ring of Kerry
* Rock of Cashel
* Wicklow Mountains
* Book of Kells
* Dublin Castle
* Dublin Zoo
* Garden of Remembrance
* Guinness Brewery
* National Gallery of Ireland
* St Patricks Cathedral