Name

Location

Description

Cliffs of Moher

Lislorkan North, Liscannor, County Clare

Stretching for five miles along the Atlantic, the Cliffs of Moher offer sweeping, gorgeous views of the ocean and the Aran Islands, the Dingle Peninsula, and more. Catching a sunset or simply hearing the booming crash of the waves make it easy to understand why it’s an oft-visited spot.

1. Kilmainham Gaol

Inchicore Rd., Kilmainham, Dublin

This Dublin prison held some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history, including Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell and Eamon de Valera. It is the biggest, no-longer-in-operation prison, and it punished people from 1796 to 1924.

Blarney Castle and Gardens

County Cork

Millions of visitors have kissed the Blarney Stone, but despite desires to receive the “gift of gab,” there are other great reasons to visit. The 15^th-century castle is one, and its lushly planted gardens are reason enough to trek out to Cork.

The Guinness Storehouse

St. James Gate, Ushers, Dublin 8

Guinness is the Irish dark stout known throughout the world, and there’s no fresher tasting Guinness than at the Guinness Storehouse. Tour the brewery, then sample the stout atop a rooftop bar.

Giant’s Causeway

44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU, UK

Row upon row of connected basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. A UNESCO World Heritage site, these rocky wonders stretch out from the cliffs and go into the sea. Legend has it they were built by Finn McCool, a giant.

The Ring of Kerry

County Kerry

This scenic drive through the Iveragh Peninsula takes in green, lush coasts and seaside villages.   Iron Age forts, abandoned monasteries and the gorgeous landscape alone make it worth the trek.

The Wild Atlantic Way

Nine counties on Western coast

If you like the outdoors, then touring at least part of the 2500 kilometer route of the Wild Atlantic Way should be at the top of your Irish to-do list. From golfing and surfing (yes, really — surfing) to biking and hiking, the list of activities is vast. 

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

Finglas Road, Dublin 11

The folks who run the nonprofit museum and cemetery consider themselves storytellers and guardians of the history of the people who shaped Ireland. If you are of Irish descent, they will help you with your genealogy research.

Trinity College

Grafton Street, College Green, Dublin

This historic university stretches back nearly more than 400 years (it was founded in 1592). The academia and the architecture must be seen; however, the biggest attraction is the Book of Kells in the Trinity College Library.

Live music at St. James Church, Dingle

Main Street, Grove, Dingle, County Kerry

If you visit Ireland, then be sure to take time to enjoy some Irish music. Many pubs offer live music, but one of the most noteworthy venues is St. James Church, where Amy Winehouse once performed. Built in the late 1800s, the beautiful little church remains a house of worship, too.