5 Incredible Tourist Attractions in Ireland
Ireland is home to an ancient culture full of mystery and magic – and a landscape to match. Some of the world's most popular tourist attractions can be found in Ireland.
1. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Around a million people visit the Cliffs of Moher every year, making them Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction. They rise 204 meters out of the Atlantic Ocean at their highest point, while rocks at their base jut out of the sea like giant ship sails. The cliffs have appeared in a number of movies, including the 6th Harry Potter film.
2. Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
The hexagonal stones of this natural wonder look man-made, but they are actually around 60 million years old, and were formed due to volcanic activity. According to legend, a giant by the name of Fionn built the causeway so that he could cross the sea and fight a Scottish giant named Benandonner.
3. Trinity College, Dublin
Founded in 1592, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university and is home to the Book of Kells, a bible written in 800 AD. It is regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure. Tourists come year after year to see the bold and intricate illustrations that adorn this historic text.
The Old Library building at Trinity College in Dublin
This castle is home to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that whoever kisses the stone will receive the "gift of the gab" (i.e. the ability to speak confidently and persuasively). Visitors have to hang backwards over the castle walls in order to kiss the stone. Nowadays, there are guard rails to hang onto, but in the past visitors were lowered down by their ankles!
5. Ring of Kerry, County Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a 179 kilometer-long tourist drive. Visitors can expect to see breathtaking natural scenery, including beaches and waterfalls, and historic towns, churches and castles. Most people drive or bus around the Ring of Kerry, but there is also a well-established walking trail called the Kerry Way.
