Wondering what to visit in Ireland? If you do a Google search for places to see in Ireland, you’ll find a lengthy list of results featuring some of the most popular castles, parks, and landmarks the Emerald Isle has to offer.
To help break it down, this article shares some tidbits about some of Ireland’s best-known locations, so those planning a trip will be better informed about what to visit in Ireland.
What to Visit in Ireland:
The Cliffs of Moher. There’s a reason why this scenic spot is the most-visited site in the Republic of Ireland. These majestic sea cliffs run along the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare and top the list for most people wondering “what to visit in Ireland.” Their name comes from an old fort, which once stood on Hag’s Head. In 1808, the fort was destroyed to provide building materials for a lookout tower, just in case Napoleon decided to invade.
Guinness Brewery. This iconic structure in Dublin houses the St. James’s Gate Brewery, better known as the Guinness Brewery. Founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness, the brewery is famous for its stout, which is available in a variety of strengths. If you’re wondering what to visit in Ireland, you may enjoy touring the Guinness Storehouse, a museum that is Dublin’s most popular tourist attraction.
Kilkenny Castle. Built in 1195 to guard a fording point in the River Nore, this stronghold went through a restoration process during the latter part of the 20th Century. The gardens are maintained by the Office of Public works and are open to visitors. Even though parts of the original castle still exist, the fortress has undergone many changes since it was first constructed.
Fota Wildlife Park. If your “what to visit in Ireland” question includes satisfying your inner nature lover, a trip to Fota Island in County Cork might be in order. The Fota Wildlife Park is Ireland’s only wildlife park. In 2015, it was made the Top Ten List of the Most Popular Paid Attractions in Ireland, with nearly a half-million visitors. While you’re on the island, be sure to take in the Fota House and its Gardens and Arboretum.
The Claddagh is an ancient neighborhood in County Galway. Residents of the Claddagh were fisherman, and were governed by an elected king. Located on the west bank of the River Corrib, his historic setting is marked by rows of colorful houses. There are many other sites in County Galway to take in during an Ireland vacation. Galway has a rich history and features a variety of museums, historic sites, archetectural wonders, and scenic landscapes.
It’s impossible to cover everything that one could include in a “What to visit in Ireland” list in this short space. Perhaps due to time and budget restraints, a visit to Ireland isn’t in your near future. If that’s the case, you can enjoy a virtual visit through Hope Toler Dougherty’s inspirational romance novel, Irish Encounter. It’s set in County Galway, so you’ll get to “see” and “visit” many of the places people include when drafting a list of what to visit in Ireland.
