Scenery and Photo Opportunities
1. Moll’s Gap Moll’s Gap, located along the Ring of Kerry, offers an awesome, life-affirming view of the landscape and the Macgillycuddy Reeks mountain range. One of the most breathtaking places to see in Ireland, you should definitely stop for a photo on your trip around Ireland South! 2. Cliffs of Moher A bucket-list entry for many tourists, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most famous places to see in Ireland. The breathtaking sheer drop of the cliffs into the Atlantic Ocean shouldn’t be missed by anyone travelling the Emerald Isle. Be sure to stop at the cliffs during a full circle of the island. 3. The Ring of Kerry The mythical Ring of Kerry is the crown jewel of places to see in Ireland. The breathtaking route snakes around Kerry’s coastline, through mountains, valleys and fields, giving an eagle-eye view of some really gorgeous countryside. If you’re passing through the West, it’s a must-see attraction and is great for driving at a relaxed pace. 4. Clew Bay One of the frequently overlooked photo opportunities on the Emerald Isle, Clew Bay stands alone in its magnificence. The bay overlooks a purported 365 islands – one for each day of the year! The Bay can be viewed from all over Westport and is definitely a must-see stop on any self-drive tour 5. Dingle Peninsula Dingle Peninsula resides on the west Atlantic coast of Ireland and is encircled by soft, sandy beaches and awesome juts of rock and cliff. If you’re interested in seeing the untouched beauty of the island, then the Peninsula should be added to your list of places to see. It’s a great romantic backdrop for a honeymoon, and you might even catch sight of a dolphin or two – they’re known to inhabit the coast of Dingle.
National Parks and Nature
1. Killarney National Park Tranquility, serenity, flora and fauna all await you in the haven of Killarney National Park. The park covers acres of forestry, lakes and nature, and is a fantastic way to learn more about the botany of Ireland. Take a jaunting car ride through the park and perhaps you’ll see some native deer on the way. A self-drive tour is the best way to see Killarney in all its splendour. 2. Connemara National Park Connemara offers a landscape that is uniquely Irish, strewn with rugged juts of mountainside, lush marshes of bogland and vibrant greenery. The National Park is full of things to see and do, exploring that which makes Ireland so beautiful. It’s one of the most interactive and fascinating places to see in Ireland. Take a luxury tour of the park and learn more. 3. The Burren The Burren is a karst landscape of harsh, unforgiving limestone stretched across the southwest county of Clare. The national park is along the gorgeous Wild Atlantic Way, and is home to a plethora of caves, cliffs, archaeological sites and intriguing rock formations. The jagged landscape provides a unique photo opportunity for those interested in more than greenery. 4. The Giant’s Causeway The most famous of places to see in Ireland and especially in the north of Ireland, The Giant’s Causeway offers a view that’ll sweep you off your feet. The huge expanse of hexagonal basalt columns is buried in folklore and legend. The Giant’s Causeway is an Irish classic and is not to be missed. 5. The Wicklow Mountains The Wicklow Mountains national park is an Irish treasure, stretching across over 20,000 hectares of wild, lush nature. The park is home to native flora and fauna as well as the towering Wicklow Mountains, and provides some excellent photo opportunities. Be sure to stop at Glendalough!
Culture, Arts and Music
1. The Hill of Tara Home to countless Irish myths and legends, the Hill of Tara is rich in folklore and history. The archaeological complex was once the seat of the High King of Ireland, and today is home to many interesting artefacts and historical sites. To learn more, click here. 2. Waterford Crystal The luxurious House of Waterford Crystal specialises in all things sparkly and is one of the most elegant places to see in Ireland. Take a tour of the factory and learn about the history and production of the world-renowned crystal – there’s also a gift shop full of authentic crystal souvenirs. Our array of self-drive tours feature stops at Waterford Crystal. 3. National Stud The National Stud and accompanying Japanese gardens are alive with flora, history and Irish tradition. Take a tour of the stud where many thoroughbred racehorses are bred and cared for. Highlights of the attraction include the tranquil St. Fiachra’s Garden and the immersive Horse Museum. 4. Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) Located in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA is home to many interesting exhibits, such as Gaze – an exhibition of artist Sigmund Freud’s work. The museum is easily one of the best cultural spots in all of Dublin, and is a must-visit for any art fans. The Historical Ireland tour features an entire day spent in Dublin with time to stop at the museum. 5. Aran Islands The Aran Islands are set off the West coast at Galway. The islands have been a place of cultural significance for many decades, being one of the few places in Ireland where Gaeilge is still the primary language. Explore traditional Irish life, learning about the islands, flora, fauna and history. The Full Circle Tour features a breathtaking trip to the islands.
Castles and Gardens
1. The Rock of Cashel Without a doubt one of the most impressive places to see in Ireland the Rock of Cashel is the stuff of legend. The hulking castle stands glowering over the town of Cashel, with a mythology dating back to the days of St. Patrick. The famed stronghold is a must-visit. 2. Blarney Castle and Gardens Blarney Castle and Gardens is home to the famed Blarney Stone, notable for giving kissers the gift of the gab. The castle itself has plenty to explore, and the gardens are definitely one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Ireland. Go Irish Tours offer excellent self-drive tours featuring a stop at this well-known monument. 3. Kilkenny Castle Kilkenny Castle is definitely one of the most interesting places to see in Ireland. The castle has a rich history and offers a wonderful tour of the stronghold and its grounds. The stunning fortification dates back to 1195 and is definitely worth a visit when on a private escorted tour of Ireland. 4. National Botanic Gardens The National Botanic Gardens are a sparkling gem set in both Dublin and Wicklow. The twin gardens offer an in-depth view of Ireland’s naturally-occuring flora and fauna as well as many other gorgeous plants and ecosystems, all set on a tranquil and artistic landscape. A visit to the Gardens will show you why it’s one of the nicest places to see in Ireland. 5. Trim Castle Set in the heart of the Midlands along the River Boyne, Trim Castle boasts halls and grounds that are bursting with stories and artefacts. One of the oldest places to see in Ireland, the castle even served as the backdrop for the famous film Braveheart. Trim is a must-see stop during a full circle tour of Éire.
