Must see places in Ireland.?

Question

My best friend and I are planning a trip to Ireland. We are planning on renting a car. Any ideas on places we should absolutely see or things we should do while we are there?

Answer 1

hi you

both cork and Kerry for sure both places will give you a trip to remember

Answer 2

There is so much to see.

Check out my Blog...

http://irelandmay2008.blogspot.com/

Answer 3

the aran islands, off the coast of galway.

crosshaven / youghal / schull / all in cork.

ring of kerry

Answer 4

the giant's causeway! i have never been there but it's pretty famous and look cool.

Answer 5

For scenery I would definitly recommend Glendalough in County Wicklow on the east coast. Its the site of an ancient monastery containing a round tower (where the monks would hide treasured items when the vikings attacked) and graveyard along with two beautiful lakes, one leading from the monastery to an old mining village with little stone ruins that used to be houses. This is a lovely walk alongside a forest and the lake.

Wicklow Gaol (jail) in Wicklow town is a good stop as it gives a good insight into what Ireland was like under British rule and is also quite fun. Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin also gives a good historical view of Irelands struggle for independence in our more modern history. A must see for anyone with Irish blood.

Another must see in that area is the Powerscourt House and Gardens in Eniskerry in Co. Wicklow. This a beautiful 17t century home that was once the home of many Lords and Viscounts. The immediate grounds include a golf course and many beautiful gardens including the stunning Japanase gardens which are just left of the pond as you travel down the steps at the rear of the house. They also have a pet cemetery that includes numerous family pets including some horses and a cow! It has a house exibition and a cafe and the famous Powerscourt waterfalll is also nearby. I suggest you Google this place and see for yourself.

Even though it is on the otherside of the country I would suggest travelling to Connemara in Co. Galway on the west coast. This  has some of Irelands most beautiful natural scenery. You may also be able to sample one of Irelands Gaeltacht regions where Irish is the spoken language ( dont worry they speak English too!) and immerese yourself in Irish culture as things are more traditional out west. If you are out that way it is worth taking a trip out to the Aran Islands just of the west coast. Theses are three small islands that have only been introduced to electricity in the last 50 years or so. They also have an ancient Irish fort which is built on the edge of a cliff to prevent attack from the sea. A bit dizzying if you're afraid of heights but worth it if you're in the area.

The cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare on the west coast are spectacular too.

Also the ring of Kerry on the south-west coast is stunning and you can even swim with Irelands famous free dolphin Fungi (if hes still alive!) in the waters of Dingle.

Sorry if I've bored you but theses are just some of the sights that I've seen and think are must see for travellers. Hope you enjoy your trip. Fell free to e-mail with what you think of them.

Answer 6

I just came back, me and my friend really enjoyed the day trip to the Wicklow National Park, it is truly beautiful and is about an hour or so bus ride from Dublin centre. We did lots of walking around the lake, up the mountains, just lying in the lovely grass, an incredible day!

Temple Bar in Dublin was also great, at night it's brilliant, lots of live acts on the streets and great pubs with acoustic guitar singers, singing folk songs and newer songs.

Have a fantastic time!

Answer 7

I came across a blog post yesterday that dealt with this topic. It suggested doing things like the Ring of Kerry, Connemara, The Burren etc. These would be on my list of must see places.

Answer 8

Depending on how much time you have, I'd recommend staying in one region and doing it properly. Many people from outside Ireland don't realise that, while distances are short, the roads in Ireland are not built for large volumes of high-speed traffic, and you cannot drive 100 miles in 100 minutes. Legally that's not permitted, and physically it just isn't possible.

Otherwise, you should absolutely see the west and south-west of the country.

Answer 9

I would reccommend you go to dublin coast and do the little walk around the hills and cliffs, it is georgous!!!

Answer 10

It really depends what part of Ireland you are staying in - if you're staying in Wexford, for example (southwest coast) it would be something like a 5 hour drive to Donegal (northeast coast). Also bear in mind that there are two countries on the island - Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, it uses Sterling currency (although many shops take Euro) and the Imperial system (aka miles). Just be careful of that.

After all that, here's some places to visit, with their county beside them. I've included some useful links in Sources too.

The Spire (Dublin)

Temple Bar (Dublin)

Kilmainham Gaol (Dublin)

Wicklow Gaol (Wicklow)

The Cliffs of Moher (Clare)

The Burren (Clare)

Giant's Causeway (NI - not sure of county)

Marble Arch Caves (Fermanagh)

Dunmore Cave (Kilkenny)

Kilkenny Castle (Kilkenny)

Galway City (Galway)

The Curragh Plains (Kildare)

Newgrange (Meath)

Eamhain Macha (Tyrone)

Glendalough (Wicklow)

Dunluce Castle (NI - not sure of county)

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (NI - not sure of county)

I feel like I'm missing loads... email me if you need more, or have any specific areas (I've been to most of them). Here are some recreational things too - I only know the Dublin-Kildare area, so there aren't many, sorry.

Kbowl Bowling & Arcade (Kildare) http://www.kbowl.ie

Pinball Alley Indoor Mini-Golf (Kildare) http://www.minigolf.ie

Storm Cinemas (Kildare) http://www.stormcinemas.ie

Whitewater Shopping Centre (Kildare)

Dundrum Shopping Centre (Dublin)

Leisureplex Tallaght (Dublin) http://www.leisureplex.ie