Ireland’s rich-history and world-renowned culture make it one of the most visited countries in Europe. With its vibrant capital of Dublin offering everything in terms of world-class entertainment, pubs, and food, many reject the chance to see the encapsulating beauty and wonder of the rest of the Emerald Isle.
These five places around the Western-European nation’s lush and rugged landscape should be essential for anyone heading to Ireland. If you are a first time visitor or a senior worried about how you would be covered for pre-existing conditions on travel insurance, don’t fret, as all of these places are very convenient to get to.
Brú na Bóinne (County Meath)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is regarded as one of the foremost prehistoric landscapes of the Neolithic period. The site has been a human settlement for at least 6,000 years and the structures on it are older than the pyramids. The awe surrounding this structure is perhaps best seen in the passage graves of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth, which display jaw-dropping Megalithic art.
Newgrange is famous for its winter solstice alignment, where the sun shines through the passages, deflecting light and capturing the wonder of this enchanting area.
Giant’s Causeway (County Antrim)
Situated on the north coast of the Island, Giant’s Causeway is one of the most famous sites in Ireland. Approximately 40,000 basalt columns are spread across this distinctive and stunning area, with not just humans but some pretty interesting wildlife dropping by to enjoy the scenery.
How the Giant’s Causeway came to be depends on who you talk to. While an adult local is more inclined to say a volcanic eruption, an Irish child just may tell you the story of Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill.
Titanic Belfast (County Antrim)
Recently voted as the “World’s Leading Tourist Attraction,” Belfast’s Titanic Experience offers sightseers the chance to absorb the history of the world’s most famous ship in the comfort of a world-class museum.
Here you can explore the shipyard, artifacts from the ship, such as logbooks and furniture, and learn more about the tragic story which became one of the biggest Hollywood movies of all time.
The Ring of Kerry (County Kerry)
An essential part of any traveler’s plans when visiting Ireland should include the outlandishly beautiful and historic drive through the Ring of Kerry. Stunning scenic views, mountains, and trees share space with wild stag and beautiful lakes and terrain which all sit in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
10,000 years of history is discoverable in this famous part of Ireland.
Blarney Castle (County Cork)
This medieval stronghold boasts a rich history which dates back centuries and has been a tourist attraction for almost 150 years. Blarney Castle was the site of a number of Irish rebellions, and also houses the world-famous Blarney Stone.
The Blarney Stone’s myth is that anyone who kisses it can obtain the power of the “gift of the gab,” which means a silver tongue or a mastery of flattery and influence.
