Set within the grounds of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library houses the collection of wealthy American mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. Exhibits include thousands of rare books, from copies of the Quran and the Bible to ancient Egyptian papyrus texts, as well as paintings, woodblocks, textiles, and decorative arts.
Set in green fields, Clonmacnoise is a striking historic site and monastic complex dating back to the sixth century. A scattering of stone ruins includes a cathedral, churches, round towers, high crosses, and grave markers. Guided tours show you the historical significance and the stories of this spiritual place. The sweeping views of the River Shannon are worth a visit all by themselves.
Dún Aonghasa (Dun Aengus) is the most-visited of several prehistoric forts around the Aran Islands, which lie west of Ireland’s Atlantic coast. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and named after a mythical Irish king and pre-Christian god, the semi-circular stone fort dates back to the Bronze Age and offers insight into ancient Ireland.
A visit to Dublin’s National Wax Museum Plus is an entertaining experience suitable for the whole family. Snap a selfie with wax models of the members of the band U2, learn about Irish history through the ages, and discover the works of important Irish writers and scientists. You can even make a wax mold of your own hand.
Built in the 17th century, the vast star-shaped Charles Fort was designed to guard Kinsale Harbour. The site of fierce fighting during the 1690 Williamite War, Charles Fort was ceded by the British during the War of Independence in 1921, only to be extensively damaged during the Irish Civil War. The fort is now a designated National Monument.
This museum focuses on the history of Galway, with exhibitions covering everything from the traditional Galway hooker boat to local literary figures. Among the items in the collection are prehistoric stone ax-heads, a medieval cannonball, and an execution warrant for Myles Joyce, a local who was wrongfully hanged for murder in 1882.
Sitting on the north bank of the River Liffey, the copper-domed neoclassical Dublin Custom House was erected in the 18th century as part of a city-wide project to enhance and beautify Dublin. Originally headquarters of the Commissioners of Custom and Excise, it now houses local government offices and a visitor center tracing the history of the building.
Off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula, a group of abandoned sandstone islands rise out of the Atlantic Ocean. For hundreds of years, the Blasket Islands (Na Blascaodai) were home to an Irish-speaking population; however, in 1953 the Irish government decided that, due to their isolation, the islands were too dangerous for habitation and ordered a mandatory evacuation.
Ninety minutes from Kenmare and Cork, Gougane Barra National Forest Park is a popular day trip for time in Ireland’s nature—and history. Beyond the 339 acres of balding mountains, lush valleys, and the River Lee, visitors will find 300-year-old monastic ruins and a 19th-century church on a small island in a lake, one of the most photographed churches in the country.
This imposing castle has been in the hands of the Parsons family since it was built in the 17th century. More than 1,000 plant species can be found within its 50-hectare (124-acre estate, while its science center plays host to the Leviathan, a giant telescope designed by 19th-century astronomer and Birr Castle resident, William Parsons.
Sample Irish whiskey at the source at Kilbeggan Distillery, about an hour from Dublin in County Westmeath. This distillery was established back in 1757, and opened again in 2007 after a 50-year production pause. Visitors will find a whitewashed, slate-roofed heritage building, home to vintage equipment like an antique pot still, and a wide range of tours to match different appetites and interests.
Loughcrew Cairns—a series of Neolithic passage tombs scattered among the green hills of Ireland’s Boyne Valley—date back to about 3,000 BC. The Stone Age monuments are thought to have been used as burial sites and for ritual and ceremonial purposes. Though many are on private land, Cairn T is open to the public.
Set atop a grassy pasture overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this crumbling, ivy-covered castle is one of Ireland’s most romantic ruins. The castle, which originally dates back to the 16th century, was damaged during the 17th-century War of the Three Kingdoms. Now, only parts of the structure, such as its high stone walls, remain in place.
Visit the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square to see more than 2,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art by renowned artists such as Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Manet. Simply the Hugh Lane to locals, the gallery is also home to a re-created studio of Francis Bacon, an Irish-born painter who earned international acclaim for his work.
Visitors flock to the ruined 15th-century Blarney Castle to bend over backwards from the battlements and lay their lips on the famous Blarney Stone (Stone of Eloquence). According to local legend, the stone, which is embedded high in the castle walls, imparts those who kiss it with the “gift of the gab,” making them more eloquent, articulate, and convincing.
The home of some of the world's finest handblown and hand-cut glass, the House of Waterford Crystal is an artisanal factory, shop, and showroom all rolled into one. While its current site has only been open since 2010, the town’s glassmaking heritage dates back to the late 1700s, when the Penrose family started their Waterford Glassworks business. The brand quickly became synonymous with high-quality craftsmanship, and Waterford crystal remains a renowned name globally.
Built by the British in 1601 and expanded to its present star-shaped form in the 1620s, Elizabeth Fort has stood witness to many turbulent periods of Cork history. Originally serving as a military barracks, this fort later functioned as a police station before 2014 when the city embarked on a plan to turn it into a tourist attraction.
Founded in the 1440s as a Franciscan Friary, the Muckross Abbey, like many religious sites in Ireland, has a long and violent past. Damaged and rebuilt several times, what remains is an intriguing collection of well-preserved mossy ruins. Visitors are drawn to the beloved yew tree, thought to be more than 500 years old, that grows within the Abbey walls.
It was upon this chunk of limestone—set on a pedestal by the banks of the River Shannon—that a peace treaty was signed in 1691, putting an end to the Williamite War and supposedly securing freedom for Ireland’s Catholics. The terms of the treaty were, however, ultimately ignored, earning Limerick the name “the City of the Broken Treaty.”
Viking walls once marked the boundary of this historic district of Waterford. Though the walls no longer stand, the past still echoes loudly, with centuries-old landmarks such as the 13th-century Reginald’s Tower and attractions including the Medieval Museum painting an evocative picture of Waterford in times gone by.
Set inside an elegant Georgian mansion, Bishop’s Palace covers the history of Waterford from 1700-1970. Its collections include many rare and precious objects, including the only surviving mourning cross of the 12 commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte’s mother, and the Penrose Decanter, the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal.
This discount designer outlet center is a favorite among fashion-conscious tourists, who can join shopping day trips from Dublin or Belfast to search for cut-price clothing, accessories, and homewares. With around 90 boutiques at the outdoor village-like complex, and a range of cafés and restaurants, Kildare Village attracts bargain hunters.
Sandy beaches and a windswept coastline draw travelers to Salthill, one of Ireland’s popular seaside resorts located on the cusp of Galway Bay. A two-kilometer seafront promenade with panoramic views is home to bars, restaurants, and hotels. The summer months draw locals and international travelers alike for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and snorkeling.
The village of Cong, located on the border of County Galway and County Mayo, in western Ireland, is known for its thatched-roof cottages and its connection to John Wayne’s Oscar-winning film The Quiet Man. The ruins of Cong Abbey, which date back to the 13th century, are a popular sight and a lovely spot for a stroll.
For a pastoral experience without having to venture far from the city, spend a few hours at Newbridge House and Farm. Explore the 30-acre (12-hectare) traditional farm and meet its charming residents, including pigs, Connemara ponies, chicks, and more. Then tour the house, one of Ireland’s finest examples of Georgian architecture.
Set among green pastures, this 15th-century stone complex—once the home of Franciscan friars—now lies in ruins, peaceful and eerily empty, with tombstones dotted throughout the site. Inside, visitors can explore the roofless remains, including the church, cloister, kitchen area, and living quarters.
Housed inside the old White Star Line Ticket Office, the Titanic Experience Cobh tells the tales of the 123Titanic passengers who embarked on their voyage from here in Cobh—the final passengers to step aboard the luxurious liner. Exhibits recount life on board the ship and the events of the disastrous sinking using audio-visual effects.
Also known as the Druid's Altar, Drombeg Stone Circle is one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Ireland. Dating back to 1,100 BC, the megalithic site consists of 17 standing stones, which tower 6 feet (2 meters) above ground, and is thought to have been used as a burial or sacrifice site.
One of seven fortified houses built by merchants in the Middle Ages when Dalkey served as Dublin’s main port, this 14th-century castle is the only one to survive fully intact. It now serves as a tourist attraction, with a heritage center, historical exhibits, costumed actors, and a gallery showcasing Dalkey’s literary connections.
Located on Valentia Island, the Slate Quarry was opened in 1816 by the Knight of Kerry, and supplied slate to London’s prestigious Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. The quarry operated for almost 100 years before it was closed by a rock fall in 1911.
