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Updated by Paul Hugh O'Mahony on Aug 02, 2024
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Best Places to Visit in Ireland

A list of recommended places in Ireland - begun by Paul O'Mahony (Cork)
Giants Causeway, Ireland

I love the visuals and the stories that go with the causeway. As a game designer real life hexagon patterns are just full of intrigue.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

    When I walked across this rope bridge - over the whirling sea - and looked over to Rathlin Island - it was magic. A mix of landscape, seascape & history... The thrill of finding the courage to stand still at the midpoint lingers 17 years later.
The Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge is located outside Ballintoy off of the Coast Road in County Antrim in Northern Ireland.  It is an 20-meter rope and plank foot bridge that connects the cliffs to a salmon fishery on the south-east side of the little island of Carrick-a-rede. Crossing the bridge can be a challenge to those who are fearful of heights as it is over twenty-five feet above the sea and the narrow bridge (one meter wide) sways and rocks as people cross it. Once on the other side there are many birds to observe and views of Rathlin Island and Fair Head.

Clonakilty Main Street

Positively the most wonderful street I know in an Irish town - no big brands - no global players - instead you find diverse small shops, colourful window displays, little places. This is the perfect "high street" that's exotic - not to mention that it's littered with places to hangout over tea, coffee & other drinks. Known locally as "Clon" - Ireland's best.

Nearby - you must visit Inchydoney Beach, with it's two strands - great for gentle walking on sand, even wind-surfing...

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Slieve Donard - Mourne Mountains

Slieve Donard - Mourne Mountains

Highest mountain in Mourne Mountain, Co Down, north-east of island. 850m 2789ft. Highest peak in N.Ireland. Glorious view over land & water. Great walk up & along the Mourne Wall

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Kinsale

Kinsale

7 – 15 July 2012
Kinsale Arts Festival is a great opportunity to discover the beauty of Kinsale during a fantastic Arts festival.

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Lahinch County Clare in West of Ireland

Lahinch County Clare in West of Ireland

As you drive across boggy landscape, the Atlantic hits you with a feast of sea & headland - providing it's fine. World class golf course, magnificent long beach for surf, walks & sandcastles. Rich pub life in Flanagan's on Main Street. Nearly visit Cliffs of Moher, Ennistymon, Liscannor (fish), Doolin & Aran Islands. This is a superb base station.

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The Skellig Islands

The Skellig Islands

Two islands off coast of County Kerry - south-west Ireland - you can travel out by boat, climb up steps carved into the cliff ... find magic

Davy Byrnes, Gourmet Pub & Restaurant, James Joyce wrote of Leopold Bloom in Dublin's most famous pub.

This is spectacular & exotic - right out of another age.

Around the corner from Grafton Street, you walk in the footsteps of James Joyce - soak up the feel of literary Dublin.

Inside around the bar you may meet characters you'll never forget because this pub attracts unusual people with a wide range of interests. Here be storytelling - if that's your thing.
The sound of Dublin accents is everywhere.
At "evening time, you will witness the huge trade which is done in fresh salmon, smoked salmon and crab dishes. There is also a full range of hot meals and salads to compliment these and, as often as not, you can enjoy a lunch or an evening meal of oysters and Guinness" - says the website.
Every time I can I drop in here.

The Long Valley Bar, Winthrop St., Cork

The only City Bar I know where the Gents affords one the chance of a drop of rain on the back of the head. (If you don't know just go and visit). Sandwiches that defy modern convention on portion control can be had with mugs of tea or pints of Beamish. Clientele is like the decor - varied and interesting if a little worse for wear.

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Strangford Lough, Co Down, Northern Ireland

Strangford Lough, Co Down, Northern Ireland

Wonderful water & shoreline - best seen from a boat out in the Lough - fishing, walking, bird-watching, cycling, seals...
Portaferry has a long terrace of beautifully painted houses that add colour to beautiful landscape.

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Woodstock House & Gardens, County Kilkenny

Woodstock House & Gardens, County Kilkenny

A great garden in the grounds of a now ruined home in county Kilkenny. The gardens are in the process of renovation from their former glory back in the early 20th Century and there is so much to see. The monkey puzzle tree walk and the walled garden are my favourites.

Barryscourt Castle, Carrigtowhill, East Cork

Off the beaten track...
A remarkable little place that gets about 11K visitors a year. Fabulously well kept - to standards The National Trust would be proud of.

(Managed in Conjunction with Barryscourt  Trust)

Barryscourt castle is the 16th century seat of the Barry family. The present castle, with its largely intact bawn wall and corner towers, is a fine example of an Irish tower house.
Both First floor Main Hall and Second Floor Great Hall have been extensively restored with fittings and furnishings reinstated. The Orchard has been restored to an original 16th century design and an herb garden has been reinstated in the bawn.  This project by the Trust was aided by ECAD.Location: Near Carrigtwohill off the Cork-Youghal Road (N25).Bus Routes: Contact Bus Eireann, Travel Centre +353 1 8366111.Guided Tours:Max No: 15Duration: 50 min.Access by guided tour only. All groups of 15 must be pre-booked.Leaflet/Guide book: English.Seasonal Events: Please check in advance using contact details listed above.

Photography / Video allowed: Yes, but permit required for commercial purposes
Additional Information: Restricted access for visitors with disabilities.

The Galway Cathedral

The Galway Cathedral is the favorite place for sightseeing in Galway, Connaught, Ireland. Get reviews, ratings, Photos, & map of The Galway Cathedral and other sightseeing / attractions in Galway, Connaught, Ireland at JoGuru.Com.

Discovering Schull, West Cork

If your usual choice of getaway includes stunning scenery, quaint towns and seaside charm, then the little town of Schull should definitely be next on your list. For anyone who has never visited this part of Ireland before, Schull is located in the far South-West of County Cork and is around 60 miles from Cork City.

Discovering the Dingle Whiskey Distillery
On a rainy, misty afternoon in Dingle County Kerry - weather which turns out just perfect for whiskey making - but not so much for mountain walks - we popped into the Dingle Whiskey Distillery, the town's newest addition, to see what this small artisan distillery is all about!
Glandore

Glandore (Irish: Cuan D'Ór, meaning harbour of the gold or (Irish: Cuan Daire, meaning harbour of oak) is the name of both a harbour and village in County Cork, Ireland. Glandore is located about an hour's drive west of Cork city.

Maharees Kerry Ireland

The majesty of the surrounding mountains on the Dingle peninsula frame this lovely place. Add in the presence of both Dingle and Tralee Bays. Walk surf swim eat.

The Lower Cliff Loop, Howth, County Dublin

The Lower Cliff Loop, Howth, County Dublin

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Dungarvan & Ardmore, Co Waterford

Dungarvan & Ardmore, Co Waterford

Places to see and walk are Ardmore Cliff Walk & beach, Round Tower, Clonea Beach in Dungarvan, Whiting Bay beach, Helvic Head, Colligan Woods. Places to stay and eat are Cliff House Hotel, The Tannery, White Horses - completely spoilt for choice

Gougane Barra Forest Park

An incredible little piece of paradise on our doorstep in Cork

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Kylemore Abbey, Connemara

Kylemore Abbey, Connemara

Walk in the tranquil grounds by the lake and get off the hamster-wheel of life for a few hours...

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Dublin

Dublin

Dublin is one of those friendly, accessible cities that make you feel at home as soon as you arrive, but that doesn’t mean it’s an open book.  With a history dating back more than 1,000 years, Dublin has some interesting secrets that are worth discovering. Hallelujah for Handel The first public performance of Handel’s Messiah (famous for its “Hallelujah Chorus”) was staged in a music hall on Dublin’s Fishamble Street in 1742.  The dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Jonathan Swift (yes, the Gulliver’s Travels author), initially refused to allow his choristers to perform sacred music in a public music hall, but he later relented.  The organ that Handel played is still in use in the nearby St. Michan’s church, which is also home to a burial vault where centuries-old bodies remain remarkably intact. Chancing your … Continue reading →

St Stephens Greens

St Stephen's Green is a downtown area open stop in Dublin, Ireland. The present scene of the recreation center was planned by William Sheppard, which formally opened to the general population on Tuesday, July 27, 1880.

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

Not only do you have the Cliffs - from which you can see the Aran Islands - but you also have Lahinch & Ennistymon nearby

Welcome to Bantry House & Garden

The Estate will close for the winter on 27th October 2013 and reopen next Easter. For all enquiries or to book a showaround for a special event please conta