Top 5 Places to Visit in Ireland

I am grateful that I was able to spend a year of my life living in Dublin, and earning a Master of Arts in Early Irish History. And obviously on St. Patrick’s Day, a lot of memories are brought up! Ireland is a beautiful country with a rich history, and I believe everyone should visit it at least once in their life. These are my favourite places to visit in Ireland, and although some of them aren’t on a Buzzfeed list or in a Facebook group, I think that they have their own fantastic charm and need to be on your list!

Most of this list is Dublin based; that isn’t to say that the rest of Ireland isn’t gorgeous and fascinating, but living in Dublin, I spent more time exploring. I have visited the Cliffs of Moher several times and they are enjoyable, but I didn’t want to include them because depending on the weather, you can’t see anything at all. I have many more posts on Ireland, but these are some of my favourite spots that I always recommend without fail.

Jameson Distillery Tour 

If I hear one more person rave about the Guinness Factory Tour, I will pour a Guinness on them. The Guinness Factory Tour is a lazy tour- it is self-guided, and there really isn’t that much information in it. If you want Guinness, spend an evening in a Dublin pub and enjoy it that way. (Travel bloggers, are you getting kickback for promoting it?) The Jameson Distillery Tour is a guided tour through the entire distillery process, as well as Jameson’s history. I’ve done it three times, and all three guides have been funny, engaging, and entertaining. They will answer any question you have, and will lead you to the culmination of the tour, a drink at the Jameson’s bar. A few lucky visitors from each tour are also chosen for a whiskey taste test! Most people will enjoy a whiskey drink, even if it is mixed, over a Guinness, and you won’t be one of 8 billion people wandering through the Guinness Storehouse. Head to Jameson’s for the perfect afternoon!

Aran Islands 

The Aran Islands are otherworldly, there really isn’t another word to describe them. The Aran Islands are comprised of three different islands on the west coast of Ireland, and you can visit it when the weather is decent. There is ferry service with two different companies, and most people visit the largest island, Inishmore. There are 1300 people living on all three islands, with 850 of them on Inishmore. It is almost like stepping into the past when you visit- you will see older thatched cottages, old style fishing boats, and medieval churches as you tour the island. You can do van tours or bike tours; I would decide based on weather. In any case, find a local to lead you so that you get more insight into the island. And if you see nothing else on Inishmore, go to Dún Aonghasa. It is a prehistoric ring fort and although is a bit of hike, will offer stunning views of the Atlantic ocean.

Christ Church Cathedral 

Christ Church Cathedral is easy to find, right at the heart of medieval Dublin. It is just down a stroll down College Green (maybe 10 minutes from Trinity, if you are a slower walker) and is a true look into Dublin’s past! The existing cathedral was built in the twelfth century by a key figure in Irish history, Richard Strongbow. He was one of the Norman lords who set out to conquer Ireland for Henry II, and his effigy stands in the cathedral. My favourite part of Christ Church is the ruins of the monastic chapter house outside, though. You can’t actually walk on it because of safety reasons, but you can see the shape and size of the room where medieval monks would have met daily. Although it has been several centuries, the remnants still stand for us to see! And like many cathedrals, the stained glass windows are utterly beautiful.

Bewley’s 

Bewley’s is my favourite spot in all of Dublin. A cafe with a fantastic tea blends, Bewley’s is on historic Grafton Street, it is absolutely worth a visit. (People like to rag on Grafton, but people who live there do actually go down Grafton St. Not necessarily every time they are in the city, but it isn’t the pariah of a street people like to portray…) I haven’t been since 2013, as it was closed for renovations when I visited in 2015, but one of the main attractions is still there- the Harry Clarke windows. They are stained glass windows that were installed in 1928, and have been enjoyed by Bewley’s customers for nearly a century now. Also, if you are a tea drinker in any way, you absolutely have to try their Irish afternoon blend- it cannot be beat! Stop by Bewley’s for a cuppa when you are in the city, and lose yourself for a few hours.

Kylemore Abbey 

Kylemore Abbey has a sadder history, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular to see in person. Built in the mid nineteenth century by Mitchell Henry for his wife, she died in 1875 from dysentery and he returned to England. (He was buried on the estate in 1904.) It was purchased by Benedictine nuns in 1920. The order was originally based in Ypres, but they were driven out in the First World War. They established a Catholic boarding school for girls, and educated girls from around the world. However, enrolment dropped and the school was forced to close in June 2010. The house is now a museum showcasing the Edwardian period in the home, as well as some of the Benedictine history. You can also visit the gorgeous Victorian walled garden, as well as the Gothic church (modelled on Gothic style cathedrals). And if nothing else, you need to look across the lake at the Abbey, as it is one of those breathtaking views that you don’t often find.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, I hope it is wonderful! Where are your favourite places to visit in Ireland? 

Cheers,
The Historian
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