Planning a trip to Ireland but you’re not sure which sites and places you should go to? Ireland is a big country and there are so many places you can go to that even a month might not be enough time to see all that the country has to offer.
You can create an itinerary by pooling destinations by county. You can go to Clare and see the Bunratty Castle or the Cliffs of Moher. Dublin, is, of course, another popular destination where you can see castles and government buildings and museums.
If you’re not sure how to arrange your road trip, you can go for customized itineraries courtesy of Go Irish Tours. But if you want to plan on your own, make sure to check out the five places below that you absolutely cannot miss when you make a trip to Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher
This is probably the most popular destination in Ireland, with about 1.5 million tourists visiting it every year. It has been the site of several films including The Princess Bride and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Located at County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher is about 14 kilometers of shale and sandstone, rising more than 700 feet above seawater.
The Aran Islands
Near Galway Bay sits three islands that are known as Aran Island. It is also a popular destination, especially during the summer. If you choose to go here, you can forts such as Dun Aengus and Black Fort. Other attractions are the O’Brien Castle and Teampull Bheanain.
Skellig Michael
Another popular destination is found in the county of Kerry. The Skellig Michael is the larger of the two Skellig Islands and is very popular with those who enjoy bird watching. In fact, it has been classified as a Special Protection Area for certain bird species such as puffin, storm petrel, gannet, and more. It is also a World Heritage Site for its cultural value, particularly in relation to the monastic activity in the island. You can visit the graveyard of the monastery and even dive around the area. But you do need to take note that there may be times when tourists will not be allowed in the area during bad weather. That’s because they want to prevent any untoward incident due to the steep and rocky pathways leading to the monastery when the weather is wet or windy.
The Ring of Kerry
When you are asked to imagine Ireland, you’re probably imagining the Ring of Kerry. You would be thinking of endless green scenery, castles, etc. As you drive through Kerry, you’ll be sure to enjoy not just the breathtaking views of lakes, and quaint towns and villages, but also delight in the culinary offerings they have.
Guinness Storehouse
If you only have time to go to Dublin, then make sure to pay a visit to this popular tourist attraction. You’ll get educated on how this local drink is made and at the very top floor, you can enjoy a complimentary drink while enjoying an amazing view of the city of Dublin.
If you will be visiting Ireland this summer break, be sure to visit some of these spots!