Recommended Irish attractions
If you’re one of those people whose celebration of St Patrick’s Day starts in the pub and ends with a headache, you may want to look at a different way to celebrate Ireland – if only to make Friday morning more bearable! So we’ve decided to highlight some of our favourite Irish attractions.
We’ve tried to avoid the usual tourist fare, but then again, some of these locations are so fantastic, it’s hard to keep them a secret!
Do you have a favourite thing to see and do in Ireland? Let us know in the comments section.
- Set on the River Corrib, Galway is one of Ireland’s most scenic cities and one of the best ways to gain an appreciation is by taking a trip on the ‘Corrib Princess’. A purpose built leisure cruiser, the Princess’ sightseeing tour lasts for 90 minutes and provides one of the most tranquil and enjoyable ways to appreciate Galway. If you fancy making the occasion that much more special, the vessel is also available for private charters.
- Killarney National Park in Co. Kerry is a great opportunity to discover Ireland’s beauty. Here you’ll find the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, along with the expansive lakes of Killarney. As well as experiencing some of Ireland’s unspoilt wildlife and beauty, you can also pay a visit to Muckross House and Gardens, perhaps the world’s best-located historic mansion.
- The Temple Bar region of Dublin is one of the most colorful and celebrated parts of Ireland’s capital. Set on the south bank of the River Liffey, the area boasts cobbled medieval streets and a wealth of cultural attractions. It also offers some fairly lively nightlife if you have the energy! Visit by day you’ll find plenty of market stalls, independent shops and charming cafes to spend your time and money on. (Read more about Dublin in our recent ‘101 Places to Go’ feature).
- Cobh (pronounced ‘Cove’) neat Cork is a fantastic destination for those looking for a charming Irish idyll to explore. One of the best ways to gain an appreciation of this beautiful harbour town is to take a boat out. There you’ll get a true appreciation for the brightly painted houses and St. Colman’s Cathedral’s stunning neo-gothic façade.