What to see in Ireland

what to see in Ireland - This article is not intended to be a complete guide on what to see in Ireland , but to recommend only some must-see places. I will describe sixteen places to see in Ireland, things that I have seen and photographed directly.

Ireland what to see

This article is not intended to be a complete guide on what to see in Ireland , but to recommend only some must-see places. I will describe sixteen places to see in Ireland, things that I have seen and photographed directly.

As you know, I wrote and published a bIreland what to see

As you know, I wrote and published a book on Ireland, one of the best sellers in 2021 “I tell you about Ireland”. The places I will talk about in this article are excerpts from my book "I tell you about Ireland". There are many things to see in Ireland , but to see a good part of them you should stay there at least a month. So get a taste of these things to see in Ireland, and then maybe read my book "A Tale of Ireland". In the end you will take the last step: to see Ireland, unless you have already done so.

Ireland is a member country of the European Union, with a population of only 4.5 million. Geographically, the Republic of Ireland occupies about 85% of the area of the second largest of the British Isles, Ireland. It borders the United Kingdom by land via one of its constituent nations, Northern Ireland. So be careful not to confuse Northern Ireland with our Ireland.

What to see in Ireland

And here we are on what to see in Ireland , some magical and beautiful places, concentrated in the West of Ireland. Don't be offended by anyone, but I consider West Ireland to be the most beautiful part of the whole island. Don't forget what I said earlier: to see this island it takes at least a month, so you have to make choices.

In addition to Dublin , unmissable, I have visited the entire west coast of Ireland , from north to south, as written in my book. And I assure you that in 10 days I have not been able to see even half of what there was to see on the coast.

I have covered 2500 km in 10 days, and what I saw was all a hit and run, so you decide. Below is the map of Ireland with all the places I visited, and reported in my book " I tell you about Ireland ".

Reading later, you will find the places that I will mention in this article. But now let's go and examine “What to see in Ireland” .

Dublin

A must first is Dublin, the capital of Ireland , with a population of 555,000. If you think about it, nothing compared to other European capitals. But in Dublin there is 1/9 of the Irish population.

Now I should do a full article on what to see in Dublin , which I have already done. Read the article on Dublin here.

Having already written an article on Dublin, I just wanted to mention it. On what to see in Dublin in 3 days you can find all written by clicking here .

For those unfamiliar with Ireland it may seem strange, but this pub, The Temple Bar is a true symbol of the capital.

Travel to Ireland

Ireland obviously is not just seeing Dublin , on the contrary, the real Ireland of dreams is found in the small Irish towns. Traveling to Ireland will allow you to get to know Ireland , its landscapes, castles, ruined churches, small villages.

Traveling to Ireland and getting to know Ireland, allows you to savor its cultures and traditions, moving freely around the various Irish counties . But now let's see what I have chosen for you about the places to see in Ireland .

The Fanad Head Lighthouse

Among the things to see in Ireland in first place I undoubtedly put the fantastic lighthouse of the Fanad Peninsula. Among the most beautiful lighthouses in Europe (perhaps the most beautiful), the majestic Fanad Head Lighthouse will leave you in awe.

For the suggestive and panoramic place in which it is placed, it will amaze you, giving you indelible images and emotions.

This lighthouse is part of a series of 65 lighthouses managed by the Irish Marine Commission for Maritime Safety. The lighthouse was built in 1817 after the sinking of an English ship in the waters of Lough Swilly in 1811.

The lighthouse was designed by one of the foremost civil engineers of the time, and inaugurated on March 17, 1817.

Its steady light shows red towards the sea and white towards Lough Swilly (a bay), and can be seen for 22km in clear weather.

In 1975 it was converted to electric operation while it was later automated in 1983. It is possible to stay inside the three cottages adjacent to the structure, by reservation, but be aware that there is a lot of demand. For info click here.

Fanad Head Lightouse is located off the Donegal coast at the highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way . The path that I practically did on my journey.

Doolin Village

This place is also one of those places to visit in Ireland that you absolutely must not miss. Doolin Village is a coastal village overlooking the Clare Atlantic , within walking distance of the Burren in the West of Ireland.

It will not take much to understand that Doolin does not host any particular monuments, as it is a fishing village. despite this it will be pleasant to take a walk to discover the colorful houses present. They are spread over two blocks: Roadford in the innermost part and Fisherstreet closest to the harbor.

This Irish village is within easy reach of the Cliffs of Moher , and looks like something straight out of an Irish storybook. I remember that The Cliffs of Moher are impressive and suggestive cliffs overlooking the sea.

Famous tourist destination all over the world, it is one of the most visited places on the island of Ireland .

Sleave League

Since we just mentioned the beautiful and touristy Cliffs of Mhoer, now let's see its sisters. No less beautiful, but less prey to tourism, a must-see are the Cliffs of Sleave League or also known as Sliabh Liag. (from Irish Gaelic, which means mountain of slabs).

They have a maximum height of 601 meters unlike the 217 meters of the Moher . I have seen them personally, and I assure you that but the majesty and the peace that you have when you see the ocean, is unmatched. Less praised than the Cliffs of Mohe r, but for the absence of the mass of tourists ,,, unforgettable.

How to reach them:

There aren't many signs indicating their presence on arrival. To reach them you have to take a secondary road, very steep and winding, in the midst of desolate lands and remote houses. But you are not in Ireland to walk, but to do just that.

At some point you will pass a gate and continue the climb to the top. During the last part of the route you will feel like you have reached the edge of the world, in an unexplored land inhabited only by sheep and by some people who have decided to walk this stretch, leaving the car further downstream.

Every curve is a pleasure for the eyes, cliffs and green meadows, until the end of the climb. Here, a small and simple car park awaits you, and one of the most beautiful trails in Ireland.

A staircase made of small irregular and slippery stones will lead you to the highest place where you will witness one of the most exciting shows in Ireland.

Southern Ireland: Old Head Kinsale

To stay on the subject of what to see in Ireland , let's head to Southern Ireland , exactly near Cork . This is the second largest city in Ireland after Dublin, but it is not this beautiful city that I want to tell you about.

I want to advise you to see some cliffs that are not mentioned by anyone, but also unmissable in Southern Ireland . Old Head Kinsale in County Cork close to Kinsale .

The spectacle that nature offers here too is priceless, and cannot be described either in words or with photos. Only by being there, close to the precipice (attention there are no protections), not the noise of the wind, the sea, and the birds, you understand what the boundaries of the world are.

Hordes of birds dance on the cliffs, and with a little luck you may see the Puffin. A beautiful and friendly bird with an orange beak.

The Castle and the Lighthouse

On this promontory are the remains of the old Old Head Castle , consisting of a long wall with several towers along it. Its purpose was to close the Old Head promontory from the rest of the mainland. Its construction period is thought to be around the 3rd century AD

In this unspoiled corner, we also find a beautiful lighthouse built in 1853. But you cannot visit this beautiful lighthouse, because some "intelligent" have thought of giving the area to private property. Another "smart" person has decided to build a nice golf course there, so at least you don't play golf…. forget to see the lighthouse.

I'm not talking about this shameful question, I already talked about it in my book "I tell you about Ireland" . You can find it in the shop section (DISCOUNTED), or in online bookstores. However, there was a major dispute between the residents, environmentalists, and representatives of the county, which continues to this day.

Who knows that sooner or later the visit to the Old Head lighthouse will become usable again, perhaps with a simple fenced path outside the golf courses. Solution that would make everyone happy, but the "smart owners" don't want to hear about it.

Achill Island

Another place where nature and Irish sheep reign supreme is Achill Island . It is connected by a bridge to the Curraun Peninsula, so it can be easily reached by car.

Achill Island is the largest island in Ireland with a length of 24km and a width of 19km. This corner of paradise offers a succession of breathtaking views, turquoise water bays and delightful villages overlooking the ocean.

What everyone recommends is the path that follows the Atlantic Drive , a suggestive road that climbs up the mountains overlooking the sea. It crosses lands as lonely as they are fascinating, between heather and peat bogs, to finish off with the majestic cliffs of Minaun , minor relatives of the famous Cliffs of Moher.

But I want to advise you on something unique, incomparable, proven by myself. Head to the large communication antennas that stand on the top of the mountain. From there you will have a 360 ° view over the whole area, in a desert environment. Of course you understand: you will be the only ones up there. You, the sheep, and the wind… a lot of wind. You will want to raise your arms to the sky and "scream" (I did). You will give vent to your sense of freedom, of omnipotence ... a unique sensation.

Keem Beach and Keel Beach

Following the Atlantic Drive road you will first come to the immense beach of Keel nestled in the mountains, and swept by the wind, where very few people get there. The white sand that glitters under the sun threatened by black clouds will give you unique emotions.

And it is at the end of the road that, after a series of hairpin bends overlooking the sea, you will feel like you have reached the end of the world. You will have arrived at Keem Beach , a small and sheltered beach, with fine sand and clear waters. Rest assured: here you will find many more sheep than people.

Sheep in Ireland

Let me open a parenthesis on what are the real undisputed protagonists of Ireland: the Irish sheep . Half a million of them graze in semi-freedom on the overhanging grassy plateaus, on the lakes and on the ocean. And he doesn't care if wandering around the streets and lanes cause traffic jams. That is why the image at the beginning of the article is dedicated to them.

There are several types of sheep in Ireland: those with black heads and legs come from Scotland. They are mainly raised for meat,

The best ones for wool are Suffolk sheep , originally from England. They are recognized by their fluffy veil and white paws with black spots. In any case, know that the desire to embrace them will be unstoppable.

A view that you can admire from the place I described above the mountain overlooking Achill Iceland. Note the long Keel Beach. But if you go up the mountain the surprises don't end there. Read my book "I'll tell you about Ireland" if you are curious.

Silver Strand Beach

It is a beautiful horseshoe-shaped beach located in Malin Beg , near Glencolmcille , in southwestern County Donegal . A true spectacle of turquoise water and white sand, where sheep reign in the green hills in front. Sheep everywhere, even along the cliffs.

The beach is not very crowded, at least in the periods except July and August, where it is possible to swim. The parking in front is small, but usually sufficient to accommodate everyone. There are about 174 steps along the steep cliff leading down to the beach, so plan accordingly.

A quiet beach, where you will feel like you are in an exotic environment, and not in northern Europe. Silver Strand Beach is one of those must-see spots in Ireland .

Glencolmcille

Since we have named Glencolmcille as a small village of 217 inhabitants, it is really worth your while to stop and see it. They are a few white houses with thatched roofs, and it will leave you amazed. You will find all the information in my book "I'll tell you about Ireland" .

Derrynane Bay and Abbay Island

A must see in Ireland is Derrynane Bay with its Abbay Island . It is the bay with the most wonderful beach I have seen in Ireland. You will not feel like you are staying in Ireland, but in a Caribbean place.

Derrynane Bay is one of the most beautiful views of the Ring of Kerry : green meadows, white sand, wildflowers and a turquoise sea. The sand is incredibly white and the sea is turquoise and crystal clear. In spring, it comes alive with the bright colors of the scrub in bloom.

Walking along the beach, you will arrive at Abbay Island, a small island on which the remains of an old abbey stand. This island can be reached on foot at low tide, because it will be one with the beach. But beware of the rising tide, or you'll have to stay there, or dive into the water to get back. I assure you that it is an unmissable place.

This bay is located at the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry . In the antistate wood it is possible to visit the home of Daniel O'Connell, the Derrynane House , a very famous Irish lawyer, politician and statesman in Ireland.

Ring of Kerry

I have mentioned the Ring of Kerry , which is a 179km circular route that runs along the Iveragh Peninsula. It is a scenic drive that runs along the Iveragh Peninsula in southwestern County Kerry. You can admire rugged and verdant coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages.

It departs from Killarney and passes popular landmarks including Moll's Gap , Torc Waterfall and the Gap of Dunloe. But believe me, the whole journey is worth much more than the individual stages. It is all to see and discover.

One of the breathtaking views along the Ring of Kerry

Moll's Gap

Moll's Gap is an area located within the Ring of Kerry , more precisely it is a mountain pass on the N71 road from Kenmare to Killarney in Kerry .

From the highest point of the road you can enjoy a spectacular view. You will be able to observe the boundless sky, with the clouds passing slowly over a verdant landscape, on which both sides rise reliefs. A spectacular sight, as it is spectacular to walk all this way. At the end you will arrive at the beautiful Killarney National Park , and nearby the Torc waterfall .

You can then at the end of this pass visit the town of Killarney. Here you can visit St Mary's Cathedral, Ross Castle, Muckross House and the Abbey. From personal experience, if you pass through this area, one day will not be enough for you, as reported in my book "I'll tell you about Ireland" .

A panoramic view from the mountain pass Moll's Gap, one of the things to see in Ireland

Ireland Map - Ring of Kerry

Adare Village

After the small village of Doolin, I want to recommend among the things to see in Ireland, also the quaint village of Adare . This is not a small town like Doolin, but it has a population of 2,500. It is located in County Limerick , located in an inland area in Southern Ireland .

Its characteristic are the colorful houses with flower gardens and thatched roofs, you will be delighted. Here you will find numerous places to have lunch, and a decent lively life. You will find six pubs and six restaurants there, and I assure you that for these small Irish villages that is a lot.

In the center of Adare there is a beautiful Abbey: enter it and see it, it will amaze you.

Kylemore Abbey

Now let's see some historic buildings of extraordinary beauty that I recommend you visit in Ireland. Let's start with the world famous Kylemore Abbey , a convent of Benedictine nuns on Lough Kylemore lake.

Kylemore Abbey is a wonderful building located in Connemara. A Gothic Revival Victorian Abbey surrounded by gardens in County Galway . In addition to its beauty, its splendid gardens, and a very pretty private church within the park, the abbey hides a fascinating history.

Built by a wealthy merchant from Liverpool in 1864-1868, it was sold to the Benedictine nuns in 1920. Inside it had 33 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 lounges, ballroom, billiard room, library, study, school room, area smoking rooms, gun room and various offices and residences of internal staff.

But the heart of this abbey is the love story between owner Lord Henry and his wife Margaret. This intense story between reality and legends, you can read it in my book "I'll tell you about Ireland" .

Inside the park there is a splendid botanical garden, the Victorian Walled Garden . There are about 6 hectares of garden divided in two by a mountain stream. You can reach it on foot with a nice walk, or with a comfortable mini bus service.

Old Dunlewey Church

Nestled at the foot of Errigal Mountain in Donegal, and overlooking the beautiful Poisoned Glen, is this beautiful church. The "Old Church of Dunlewey" .

This former church is an iconic landmark of the Donegal region. In neo-Gothic style, with its characteristic white marble cladding stones (with blue quartzite finishes), it is now roofless. It creates a breathtaking and much photographed scene, with Dunlewey Lakes in the background.

It will not be very easy to find it, I found it by chance, because nothing indicated it. But if you have the luck and the sagacity to find it, it will give you a "painting" of what a tourist expects to find when he goes to Ireland. You will find directions to find it in the book "I'll tell you about Ireland", now enjoy my photo, almost surreal.

Burrishoole Abbey

We always remain on the subject of ancient abbeys located in places that take on the appearance of real mystery / fantasy locations. Burrishoole Abbey in Count Mayo is another striking example. County Mayo which is the same as Achill Island as seen above.

Burrishoole Abbey is located 2 miles northwest of Newport just off the main road to Achill. If you find yourself in that area, surely it is something to see in Ireland that will not fail to amaze you.

Founded by Richard de Burgo in 1469, Burrishoole Abbey was used as a convent by Dominican friars.

Today the abbey is an incredibly beautiful ruin, located on the edge of a quiet estuary. Of it remain the nave, the presbytery, the tower and the south transept. There are also ruins of domestic buildings and a cloister to the north. Inevitable, as is customary for these places in Ireland, the small adjoining cemetery.

The history of this abbey is immense, and people of the local clans are buried in its cemetery. The oldest plaque bears the date 1623, while another plaque inside bears the date 1664. You can easily understand that the cemeteries of these ancient abbeys are nothing more than pieces of Irish history.

Last not insignificant detail: there are no tourists. It will be only you, the silence, and this almost surreal place; at least for me it was like that.

Dunguaire Castle

What to see in Ireland could not miss at least one of the many castles present. I chose Dunguaire Castle for you , because it is one of the most scenic and photographed by tourists. I have already said about this, and told in my book "I'll tell you about Ireland" a funny story that happened to me. If you are curious…. r

It is located almost on the border between County Clare and Galway and dates back to the 16th century. It is located on a bend of the Atlantic Ocean from which it undergoes the changes of the tides, which give it that fairytale atmosphere that makes it so famous.

Dunguaire Castle was built around 1520 by the Hynes clan, a prominent county family. Its interior can be visited, even if it is easy to visit, because it is small in size. The castles in Ireland , except for some cases, are all small in size, because they are more of manors than real castles.

Inside there are only two rooms, one is furnished in the style of 1500. The other instead in medieval style, because it hosts events and four-course dinners with accompanying music and poetry. These events take place from April to October, and if you are one of the lucky ones, you can book them.

Pay close attention: nearby there are two very pretty white houses with a thatched roof, you will find photos of in my book "I'll tell you about Ireland" . They are two real gems to see; this is also the gift of castles in Ireland.

How to get to Dunguaire Castle from Galway

Bus Eireann 350 from Galway Station is 5 stops, and approximately 30 minutes journey. Then of course there is the very comfortable rental car, essential for traveling around Ireland by car .

The 15 most beautiful places to see in Ireland

Well we have come to the end of this article on the most beautiful places to see in Ireland , and if you count them they are fifteen. Saying what are 10 beautiful things to see in Ireland rather than the must-see places in Ireland makes little sense. Ireland is worth seeing, from Northern Ireland to Southern Ireland. From the western part of Ireland to the eastern one.

In short, saying what to see in Ireland in a week or more is impossible. Only advice can be given. I myself in my book "Sicily to tell" I suggest what to see in Ireland in 10 days , but I have come a long way, 2500 km from north to south.

As I write in the preface of the book “A journey of almost 2500 km, between green meadows and high cliffs, castles and abandoned Celtic churches. Metropolitan cities and small colorful villages where time seems to have stopped. All this is Ireland, where the sun constantly alternates with the threatening clouds, giving life to that spectacle called " The Irish sky " . Yep ... the fantastic and unique Irish Sky .

The streets of Ireland

During my 10-day trip to Ireland , I visited 38 locations, all of which are described, described and photographed in my book. But I ran a lot, if you want to be quiet tourists you will have to take more time. Or if you prefer, choose an area of the map of Ireland published above, and visit what is nearby. Visit, and enjoy the magical atmosphere of Ireland.

I want to close by mentioning the streets of Ireland . Even if you are by car, you will travel many kilometers sitting in the car, do not worry, do like me. Slow down, stop often, and enjoy your surroundings. The roads are quiet, no traffic, and at every bend you will discover a wonder.

But be afraid to stop and admire what is around you. It will mean that instead of two hours by car, it will take you four, but you will have seen Ireland.

ook on Ireland, one of the best sellers in 2021 “I tell you about Ireland”. The places I will talk about in this article are excerpts from my book "I tell you about Ireland". There are many things to see in Ireland , but to see a good part of them you should stay there at least a month. So get a taste of these things to see in Ireland, and then maybe read my book "A Tale of Ireland". In the end you will take the last step: to see Ireland, unless you have already done so.

What to see in Ireland in 10 days, a travel story guide

What to see in Ireland

Reading later, you will find the places that I will mention in this article. But now let's go and examine “What to see in Ireland” .

Dublin

Now I should do a full article on what to see in Dublin , which I have already done. Read the article on Dublin here.

Having already written an article on Dublin, I just wanted to mention it. On what to see in Dublin in 3 days you can find all written by clicking here .

For those unfamiliar with Ireland it may seem strange, but this pub, The Temple Bar is a true symbol of the capital.

Travel to Ireland

The Fanad Head Lighthouse

For the suggestive and panoramic place in which it is placed, it will amaze you, giving you indelible images and emotions.

The lighthouse was designed by one of the foremost civil engineers of the time, and inaugurated on March 17, 1817.

Its steady light shows red towards the sea and white towards Lough Swilly (a bay), and can be seen for 22km in clear weather.

Fanad Head Lightouse is located off the Donegal coast at the highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way . The path that I practically did on my journey.

Doolin Village

Famous tourist destination all over the world, it is one of the most visited places on the island of Ireland .

Sleave League

How to reach them:

Every curve is a pleasure for the eyes, cliffs and green meadows, until the end of the climb. Here, a small and simple car park awaits you, and one of the most beautiful trails in Ireland.

A staircase made of small irregular and slippery stones will lead you to the highest place where you will witness one of the most exciting shows in Ireland.

Southern Ireland: Old Head Kinsale

I want to advise you to see some cliffs that are not mentioned by anyone, but also unmissable in Southern Ireland . Old Head Kinsale in County Cork close to Kinsale .

Hordes of birds dance on the cliffs, and with a little luck you may see the Puffin. A beautiful and friendly bird with an orange beak.

The Castle and the Lighthouse

Achill Island

Another place where nature and Irish sheep reign supreme is Achill Island . It is connected by a bridge to the Curraun Peninsula, so it can be easily reached by car.

Keem Beach and Keel Beach

Sheep in Ireland

There are several types of sheep in Ireland: those with black heads and legs come from Scotland. They are mainly raised for meat,

Silver Strand Beach

A quiet beach, where you will feel like you are in an exotic environment, and not in northern Europe. Silver Strand Beach is one of those must-see spots in Ireland .

Glencolmcille

Derrynane Bay and Abbay Island

Ring of Kerry

Moll's Gap

Moll's Gap is an area located within the Ring of Kerry , more precisely it is a mountain pass on the N71 road from Kenmare to Killarney in Kerry .

Ireland Map - Ring of Kerry

Adare Village

In the center of Adare there is a beautiful Abbey: enter it and see it, it will amaze you.

Kylemore Abbey

Old Dunlewey Church

Nestled at the foot of Errigal Mountain in Donegal, and overlooking the beautiful Poisoned Glen, is this beautiful church. The "Old Church of Dunlewey" .

Burrishoole Abbey

We always remain on the subject of ancient abbeys located in places that take on the appearance of real mystery / fantasy locations. Burrishoole Abbey in County Mayo is another striking example. County Mayo which is the same as Achill Island as seen above.

Founded by Richard de Burgo in 1469, Burrishoole Abbey was used as a convent by Dominican friars.

Last not insignificant detail: there are no tourists. It will be only you, the silence, and this almost surreal place; at least for me it was like that.

Dunguaire Castle

How to get to Dunguaire Castle from Galway

Bus Eireann 350 from Galway Station is 5 stops, and approximately 30 minutes journey. Then of course there is the very comfortable rental car, essential for traveling around Ireland by car .

The 15 most beautiful places to see in Ireland

The streets of Ireland

But be afraid to stop and admire what is around you. It will mean that instead of two hours by car, it will take you four, but you will have seen Ireland.