YOU could spend a month in Ireland and not have time to get around to all of the country’s incredible sights.
Ireland is home to some of the world’s most spectacular views all around the coast.
If you ever feel like flying over and renting a car for a few weeks, there are countless places you could stop off for a visit.
But we have dug out the top 11 here.
Have a look at the list below
1. Giant’s Causeway
The Giant's Causeway, Co. Antrim. Picture: Tourism IrelandAccording to Irish folklore, Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill built the Giant’s Causeway so that he could walk to Scotland to fight Scottish giant Benandonner. In reality, the unique natural phenomenon is the result of volcanic activity – and more than 40,000 interlocking basalt rock columns were formed.
2. Ring of Kerry
Ladies View, Killarney. Picture: Tourism IrelandThe 100 mile coastal route of Co. Kerry is renowned for its incredible scenery. If there was one Irish trip that would pack a punch, it would be this. Taking in some of Kerry’s best-known sights from Killarney to O’Connor Pass, it is a firm favourite.
3. Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare. Picture: Tourism IrelandThese imposing cliffs in Co. Clare reach a maximum height of 214 metres, so they are not for the faint hearted. But the views from the top of the cliffs are incredible.
4. The Burren
The Burren, Co. Clare. Picture: Tourism IrelandJust up the road from the Cliffs of Moher is the Burren. A unique rocky landscape, the Burren is home to some plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And for any Father Ted fans, the famous house used in the sitcom is just beside the Burren.
5. Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin. Picture: Tourism IrelandIreland’s oldest university, Trinity College was built in 1592 – and the beautiful campus probably has as many tourists as students on any average day. Inside its walls it the centuries old Book of Kells.
6. Glendalough
Glendalough, Co. Wicklow. Picture: Tourism IrelandNestled in Co. Wicklow, this glacial valley is home to a medieval monastery and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The incredible views from the centre of the valley and the walking trails make Glendalough one of Ireland’s best-known attractions.
7. Newgrange
Newgrange, Co. Meath. Picture: Tourism IrelandAn incredible feat of engineering, Newgrange was built about 5,000 years ago. Every December on the day of the Winter Solstice the monument’s inner chamber floods with light as the sun rises. But if you want to witness this, get your name on a list early – spots set out years in advance.
8. Connemara National Park
Connemara, Co. Galway. Picture: Tourism IrelandThis Irish-speaking area in the west of Ireland has a completely other worldly feel to it. The vast park has a unique barren landscape, mountains, roads, streams and rivers and is well worth a car or bicycle trip around.
9. Aran Islands
Aran Islands off the coast of Co. Galway. Picture: Tourism IrelandArguably Ireland’s best known islands, Inishmore, Inisheer and Inishmaan are home to a permanent population of 1,200 and they are an increasingly popular spot for tourists. The Irish-speaking community welcomes visitors, who can see the array of attractions on the islands.
10. Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse Gate. Picture: Tourism IrelandConssitently one of Ireland’s tourist attractions with the highest number of visitors, the Guinness Storehouse has welcomed famous faces from Queen Elizabeth to Tom Cruise through its famous gates to pull a pint of the black stuff. You’ll also get a spectacular panoramic view of Dublin from the top.
11. Dublin Zoo
Tigers playing at Dublin Zoo. Picture: Tourism IrelandFor a family friendly day out, Dublin Zoo is a safe bet. Home to dozens of exotic animals, the zoo welcomes over a million visitors a year. Just on the outskirts of Dublin city centre in the Phoenix Park, the walk through the zoo is an experience in itself.
