Attractions

Dublin:

St. Patrick’s Cathedral marks the spot of the holy well St. Patrick used for baptisms. A church was first built here sometime in the late 5th century, but in 1192 the church was reconstructed in stone and consecrated by Archbishop John Comyn. It was not until 1213 that the church was actually named a cathedral.

Phoenix Park: This park, spanning over 1,760 acres, and having a circumference of seven miles, is the largest city park in Europe. Located two miles west of the center of Dublin, this park contains beautiful gardens, walking trails and large grassy areas perfect for relaxing. A range of tree types decorate the park including oak, pine, beech and chestnut.

Georgian squares: Constructed in the 1700s when Dublin was booming with wealth and development, these squares are a famous attraction in the city. The squares include Merrion Square, St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square. They are noted for the beautiful uniform Georgian homes that define the look of these squares. Georgian architecture is based on symmetry of the construction with brick and stone being the choice materials.

Trinity College was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth and is considered the oldest university in Ireland. Trinity is the only ancient university that resides outside of the United Kingdom. Within the college’s library is the renowned Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript believed to have been written in the 8th century.

County Kildare:

Kildare National Stud Farm: Learn about the breeding of the prized Irish Bloodstock horses at the state-of-the-art museum located on the premises. This farm has been in function since the Middle Ages when Malta horses were bred here by knights for the crusades. Along with thoroughbred horses, the farm is also home to ornate Japanese gardens. These gardens were created between the years of 1906 to 1910 to symbolize “Life of Man,” in a joining of Eastern and Western cultures. They are regarded as the most spectacular Japanese gardens in Europe.

County Kilkenney:

Kilkenny is known for its preserved medieval architecture. Some of the best maintained structures include St. Canice’s Cathedral, Rothe House and Kilkenny Castle. These are all treasures of the city that contribute to its exceptional character.

County Waterford:

Waterford Crystal Factory: This famed crystal, dating back to 1783, is distinct for its ornamental flint cut glass design. A visit to the factory allows you to witness the Waterford crystal production process and see artisans at work creating these beautiful pieces.

County Tipperary:

Rock of Cashel: This castle, whose history has only been documented since the 4th century, once was the ancient seat of the kings of Munster. These well-preserved ruins sit on a hill overlooking the lush, rolling countryside. You are able to tour the cathedral, chapel, round tower and museum.

County Kerry:

Ring of Kerry: The spectacular Ring of Kerry takes you along 112 miles of some of Ireland’s most spectacular views. The ring begins in Killarney and takes you through Killorglin, Cahersiveen and Kenmare before ending back in Killarney. On this route you’ll see Killarney National Park, and pass mountains, the sea near Valentia Island and emerald rolling hills.

Macgillycuddy’s Reeks: Reeks is the Gaelic word for ridge, or crest. Ireland’s largest and highest mountain range rests on the Iveragh peninsula. This range was formed by glaciers cutting out valleys and jagged ridges. The Macgillycuddy’s Reeks is home to the highest mountain in Ireland, Carrantuohill, which reaches 3,414 feet high.

Killarney National Park: The expansive 25,000 acres of this national park contain the three Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House and Bourne Vincent Memorial Park. It was the Bourne family, especially Senator Arthur Vincent of California, who donated this land to Ireland in 1932 for use as a national park. There are numerous activities to enjoy throughout the park such as fishing, hiking and cycling the many trails through the region.

Killarney thrives on tourism and offers many attractions for visitors. There are many restaurants and pubs that have traditional Irish fare and lively music. You are sure to find many gift shops selling souvenirs as well as unique craft galleries. Other popular sights are St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Museum of Irish Transport, and the Franciscan friary that can be found on Fair Hill. If you love the outdoors, Killarney also has a great two-hour hiking route that takes you around the town.

Bunratty Castle: Once a Viking settlement, the McNamara family built this castle in 1425. This castle offers the country’s best example of an Irish tower house. Along with the fine exterior, its interior displays a wonderful collection of medieval furniture.

County Cork:

St. Canice’s Cathedral: This Early Gothic cathedral was constructed in the 13th century using limestone. This historic site has been a place of Christian worship since the 6th century. Its original style has been well-preserved; take note of the ornate stained glass windows. Within its walls, along the spectrum, are exquisite 16th century monuments.

Cork: The River Lee is what separates Cork from most Irish cities. The river is networked through Cork in two channels. Due to this, many main streets become bridges that allow you to cross the channels at different points in the city. Some classic tourist sites are Blarney Castle, Charles Fort, St. Finbarr Cathedral and Desmond Castle.

Blarney Castle: Built in the 10th century, this castle was originally a timber hunting lodge. Stone replaced the timber in 1210 and then in 1446 its present architecture was completed by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster. The McCarthy monarchy remained in power there until 1646. The McCarthys returned to Blarney Castle in 1701 with the reign of King Charles II in England.

Blarney Stone: Located high in the battlements of Blarney Castle, the famed stone is said to bestow eloquence upon anyone who kisses it. The stone is said to be half of the Scottish Stone of Scone that Scottish Kings were crowned on because of the special powers the stone is believed to hold.

Queenstown Story Museum: Between the years of 1848 and 1950, more than six million Irish people immigrated to the United States, with just under half leaving from the port at Cobh. The museum tells the story of these people and the advancement of the port to an immigration hub.

County Galway:

Athenry is a medieval town noted for its preserved surrounding walls. Athenry was founded by Meiler de Birmingham in the 13th century. The sites here are reminders of centuries past as the priory and St. Mary’s Church lay in ruin. The town is beautifully covered in creeping vines and wildflowers. The one exception to these ruins is the castle that was reconstructed in 1990, and at three stories high, it stands above all other structures.

Aran Island: Whether on horseback, foot or bicycle this island offers an enchanting Irish paradise abounding with wildlife and wildflowers. Choose to walk along the cliffs that stretch for 14 kilometers with breathtaking views of the ocean. In the Aran community, catch a glimpse of native Irish heritage as the locals speak in Gaelic tongue.

Eyre Square (renamed JFK Memorial Park) is located in the city center and is a wonderful place to relax and gaze at the many attractions that surround it. One of these is the Statue of Paraic O’Connaire, the acclaimed Irish writer who lived in Galway and found much of his story material among its streets.

Connemara National Park: One of five national parks in Ireland, Connemara covers 4,942 acres of land. Located in the interior of Ireland on the Twelve Bens slopes, the rolling scenery includes bogs, lakes and mountains. The Visitor Center has informational material on all the wildlife as well as trails that can be taken to explore the depths of the park.

Kylemore Abbey: This Neo-Gothic castle rests among the scenic Connemara Mountains. The Irish Benedictine nuns have called this their home since 1920, after fleeing their convent in Belgium during World War I. The most-known feature of the abbey is the Gothic Church, which is actually a small-scale cathedral.

County Mayo:

Lake Corrib is the second largest lake in Ireland, spanning over approximately 200 square kilometers. The canal, Friar’s Cut, allows passage from Lake Corrib to the sea at Galway. The shoreline is made up of many small bays and peninsulas as well as around 365 small islands dotting the lake. The surrounding scenery has views of vast pastureland and clusters of trees.

County Clare:

The Burren is a limestone plateau where caves and canals reside under its stone layers. When it rains, the water seeps between the large cracks in the earth and floods the caverns. Across the Burren are also megalithic tombs and ruins.

County Sligo:

Sligo Town: The name Sligo literally translates into “the place of shells,” referring to the shells that can be found buried throughout the town. This is due to Sligo’s prehistoric occupants’ hearty appetite for shellfish. Now, the town has grown to become the largest in northwest Ireland. Whether you prefer an active nightlife, galleries and restaurants or horse riding, golfing and cycling, Sligo is alive with activities of all varieties.

Derry:

Belleek Pottery Works: In 2007, Belleek Pottery celebrated 150 years in production. As one of the world’s most renowned producers of pottery, this company is listed in the top five tourist attractions in Ireland. Initially making its profit with sturdy earthenware, Belleek evolved into manufacturing fine porcelain pieces. Eventually, it developed the acclaimed Parian china that it is known for today.

The City Walls of Derry have protected Derry from sieging forces for hundreds of years. The most notable siege in 1688 lasted 105 days as Jacobite forces unsuccessfully attempted to overthrow supporters of King William. The entire length of the wall is intact with only three of its initial bastions decimated.

The Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall is home to the Siege Exhibition that gives a historical account of the Siege of Derry and the conflicting Catholic and Protestant religious sects. This building is admired throughout the city for its supreme medieval Neo-Gothic façade.

Belfast:

Downhill and Mussenden Temple: The majestic park at Downhill displays stunning views of the coastline and the Mussenden Temple, which is perched along one of its grassy cliffs. The Earl Bishop, Frederick Hervey, built his mansion and circular library, the Mussenden Temple, on these lands. The mansion, once containing prized riches collected from Europe, now lays in ruin.

City Hall is a domineering structure in Belfast’s city center. Construction was not completed until 1906 using Portland stone in the Classical Renaissance style. Its elegant interior is adorned with Italian marble and stained glass windows depicting historical Belfast scenes. Its regal dome that reaches 173 feet into the air gives visitors a perfect view of the city.

Grand Opera House: Once the theater opened its doors in 1895, it became an important attraction in the city with spectacular performances featuring top artists of the day. In the 1920s and 1930s, the stage was dominated by variety theater. Its architecture is a superior design in Oriental style, noted as one of the best examples in Great Britain.

Belfast Castle: Located on Cave Hill with views of the city and surrounding areas, this castle was built in the 1870s. Its grounds are home to gardens and a center devoted to an exhibition explaining the history of the castle. The present-day structure replaced a castle built in the 12th century by the Normans.

Giant’s Causeway: This geological phenomenon was formed thousands of years ago from volcanic action. As a result of the lava flow, beds of large columns having six to eight sides were created in the cliffs, jutting out from the coastline.