Ireland, forever the "Emerald Isle"

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Killarney National Park, County Kerry​

The first national park in Ireland is a hiker's and nature lover's paradise. The last surviving indigenous herd of red deer in Ireland makes its home in the Killarney Valley. The merlin, one of Ireland’s rarest birds of prey, also breeds here.

 

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Newgrange, County Meath​

Renowned the world over, this prehistoric monument consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. It's part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

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Newgrange, County Meath​

If you visit just once make sure it's on the shortest day of the year, around December 21, when the monument's passages and chambers are illuminated by the winter solstice sun.

 

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Cliffs of Moher, County Clare​

One of Ireland's most spectacular natural wonders, the cliffs run for about 14 km (9 miles) and reach a maximum height of 214 m (700 ft).

 

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Carrauntoohil, County Kerry​

For a real adventure and a taste of the wild outdoors, gear up and head for the summit of Carrauntoohil, at 1,038 m (3,405 ft) it is Ireland's highest peak.

 

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Ballymastocker Bay, County Donegal​

Arguably the most beautiful beach in the country, this gorgeous wedge of blonde sand and the water it's lapped by has been awarded a Blue Flag for its top-notch eco-credentials.

 

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Blarney Castle, County Cork​

Kissing the celebrated Blarney Stone is one reason to visit this handsome medieval stronghold. But make sure you linger afterwards and discover the nearby Blarney House and its extensive grounds, which include a garden dedicated to poisonous plants.

 

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The Claddagh, County Galway​

The historic neighborhood of the Claddagh unveils itself along the banks of the River Corrib, outside the city of Galway.

 

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Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary​

A historical site of great significance, the wonders that exist in and around this collection of medieval ecclesiastical buildings include a number of elaborately carved Christian crosses.

 

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King John's Castle, County Limerick​

On a clear evening make your way to the banks of the River Shannon and marvel at the illuminated fortifications of King John's Castle at Limerick. This is one of the best preserved Norman castles in Europe.

 

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Kylemore Abbey, County Galway​

As romantic places to visit go, this picturesque Benedictine monastery, founded in 1920, is hard to beat. It stands over a lake in the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara.

 

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Skellig Michael, County Kerry​

Accessible only during the summer months, the twin-pinnacled crag known as Skellig Michael cradles the remains of an ancient Gaelic monastery. The island is one of UNESCO's more mysterious World Heritage Sites.

 

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Mizen Head, County Cork​

Ireland's most southwesterly point is noted for its dramatic, weather-worn cliffs that form the isolated Kilmore Peninsula.

 

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Dunmore Cave, County Kilkenny​

The site of an alleged massacre of women and children by Viking marauders around 928 CE, Dunmore Cave still retains a sinister air. The cave system is open to the public. Pictured is the 'Market Cross,' one of the large calcite formations Dunmore is known for.

 

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Drombeg stone circle, County Cork​

Known locally as the Druid's Altar, this miniature Stonehenge is one of the most visited megalithic sites in Ireland.

 

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The Aran Islands, County Galway​

A group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway, the untamed windswept Aran Islands are known worldwide for their distinctive knitted sweaters.

 

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Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal​

Blessed with a staggering natural beauty, the park is wilderness personified where craggy mountains lean over pristine lakes that front native oak woodland.