Best Places to Visit During Your Vacation in Ireland
Your vacation in Ireland can never be completed without your presence in certain places that are considered too lively, too noble, too eventful, and too appealing because of their exceptional aura.
If someone asks me what a vacation in Ireland looks like, I will quickly say; “captivating, thrilling and exciting”. The Republic of Ireland makes up the majority of the island of Ireland, which is located in northwest Europe.
The remainder of the island is taken up by Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. This popular country has much appeal to international travelers, in part because of its beautiful landscape and stunning setting, but also because of the welcoming nature of the people that live there.
With their charming accents and charismatic personality, it’s the people that have put Ireland on the map for many tourists. The country’s diversity and compact size make it easy for travelers to navigate. The beauty ranges from the rugged coastline to mountains and pastureland.
Top Places to See in Ireland
Here are the exciting places you need to visit while on vacation in Ireland:
1. St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin
Beloved by Dubliners and with a colorful history, tranquil St. Stephen’s Green is a great place to wind down, enjoy a picnic, or feed the ducks. Incidentally, during the 1916 Uprising, special dispensation was given on both sides to the park keepers.
Hostilities ceased daily so that the ducks could be properly fed. It could only happen in Dublin. Nowadays ‘The Green’, as it’s known locally, boasts beautifully maintained gardens, the ubiquitous Duck Pond, a picturesque bridge, recreation grounds, mature trees to rest beneath, and a playground.
Around the perimeter are many of Dublin’s premier Georgian buildings as well as the iconic Shelbourne Hotel, founded in 1824, where afternoon tea in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge is considered by many to be a real treat.
2. The English Market, Cork
No visit to Cork would be complete without dropping by the English Market. Although it’s a tad ironic that what is arguably Cork City’s best attraction should contain the word ‘English’ as Cork folk usually see themselves as far more ideologically and culturally removed from neighboring Britain than their Dublin counterparts.
Having said that, they hold a special place in their hearts for this quirky covered market, which stocks the best of local produce, including the freshest seafood, artisan bread, and excellent cheeses.
A market has existed on the site since the late 1700s, although the distinctive entrance on Princes Street dates from 1862.
3. Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow
Superb views, serene lakeside walks, engaging history, and the stunning backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain are just some of the treats in store when visiting this magnificent home, just 20 kilometers from Dublin. Now owned by the Slazenger family, the house is set on 47 manicured acres.
Take time to stroll through the Rose and Kitchen Gardens and explore the beautiful Italian Gardens. There are more than 200 varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and particularly moving is a section where much-loved family pets were buried complete with headstones and inscriptions.
The gardens were laid out over 150 years ago and were designed to create an estate that blends harmoniously with the surroundings.
On-site, in the former Palladian home, are craft and design shops and an excellent café/restaurant. Truly one of the most majestic attractions in Ireland, a visit here shouldn’t be missed.
4. Grafton Street, Dublin
So much more than a shopping street, Grafton Street is alive with buskers, flower-sellers, and performance artists.
You will also find countless places to stop off and simply watch the world meander by. Café culture has taken off in the capital, and on a sunny day, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Barcelona or Lisbon.
True, this is Dublin’s shopping heartland, but there’s no need to spend a fortune if visiting. You’ll find a friendly, chatty service no matter where you go and be entertained from the bottom of the street to St. Stephen’s Green at the top.
Grab a coffee or, in the mornings, a legendary Irish breakfast at Bewley’s Oriental Café. Take time as well to duck down the numerous alleyways and streets to see what you can discover.
5. The Aran Islands
Originally brought to world attention in 1934 by the fictionalized documentary Man of Aran, these islands have been entrancing visitors ever since. This is a taste of Ireland as it once was.
Gaelic is the first language, there are a mere 12,000 inhabitants, and once ashore, you’ll feel as if you’re in a time warp. There are three islands, the largest being Inishmore, then Inishmaan, and the smallest is Inisheer. Wild, windswept, rugged, and utterly unique, the islands offer a visitor experience quite like no other.
Once experienced, the great stone fort of Dun Aonghasa and the towering cliffs of Aran will never be forgotten.
The local culture is quite different from that of the mainland, the archaeological heritage cannot be found elsewhere and the rich scenery is simply breathtaking.
