The Emerald Island has long been associated with beautiful rolling hills, a rich, mysterious history and, of course, a world-renowned pub culture. Even if Ireland wasn’t on your travel radar before (I had just considered Dublin as my “must-see” spot in the country), hopefully reading about some of the fabulous thing this little island has to offer will change your mind! Oh, just make sure to plan your trip during the summer time- that is, unless you’re a big fan of endless rainfall!
1. Castles, Castles and More Castles
As Ireland has a rather tumultuous history with conflict, castles were built by the British, Scottish and Irish all throughout the land as defense mechanisms. Even if you don’t have a specific castle in mind, plan a road trip through the countryside and you’re guaranteed to spot some castles!
One of Ireland’s most famous attractions, the Blarney Stone is located in the Blarney Castle in Cork County, one of the most visited castles in Ireland. Legend has it that if you kiss the Stone (a truly acrobatic feat) you will have eternal eloquence (just pretend that it’s not a little gross that millions of other people have kissed the same stone).
While the Blarney Castle may be one of the most popular, it is just one of more than 340 castles built in Ireland. That’s pretty astounding if you consider that the island itself is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Indiana (where there is definitely not more than 3 or 4 actual castles). Cahir, Kilkenny and Dunguaire Castles are definitely worth a visit- evoking the fantastical visions of medieval times.
2. The Cliffs of Moher
Over 12 km long, the Cliffs of Moher are considered one of Ireland’s most breathtaking sites. A straight drop of nearly 220 meters to the wild Atlantic Ocean the sheer size of the cliffs themselves are awe-inspiring, evoking the feeling of being at the end of the world. Coupled with the rough landscape and rolling hills of the country side behind you, the site popped right out of a postcard.
3. The Words: The Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is a nearly 2500 km long stretch of land along Ireland’s west coast, stretching from County Donegal to County Cork. A drive along this route will put you at one with nature and the wild Atlantic, spanning out as far as you can see from the coast. It is along this route that some of Ireland’s most stunning natural sites are located such as Connemara, The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
4. Four More Words: The Causeway Coastal Route
Another reason to get out and explore the untamed Irish countryside is the Causeway Coastal Route, stretching along the northeast coast of Ireland beginning in Belfast. The gem of this tour is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of 40,000 basalt columns formed by molten lava that has cooled into dark hexagonal stone steps. Legend has it that a great Celtic warrior, Finn MacCool, built the “highway” to Scotland to battle a rival while scientists say it formed 60 million years ago.
Also not to be missed on this route is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a suspension bridge that hovers 30 meters over jagged rocks or the remains of the Dunlace Castle, which is said to have inspired C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia”.
[Huffington Post], [The Richest], [Readers Digest]
