Enchanting Emerald Isle
Castles
Ireland has done a wonderful job of preserving its historic buildings. In fact, it would be hard to visit Ireland without seeing a castle — an island that spans around 32,000 miles total boasts more than 30,000 castles. These centuries-old structures bring Irish history to life. King John’s Castle in scenic Limerick is a 13th century sight to be seen; one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe, it sits right next to the River Shannon and was recently restored to include interactive exhibits and a visitor center. For a five-star castle experience, stay a night or two at Dromoland Castle Hotel, a Gothic Revival beauty with a golf course in County Clare that has hosted U.S. presidents and Hollywood celebrities.
Springtime at Kylemore Abbey
Abbeys
While castles were primarily used for military purposes, abbeys were for members of a religious order such as monks or nuns. Those interested in the history of Catholicism in Ireland will be intrigued by these majestic abbeys. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens, just an hour’s drive from Galway, is one of Ireland’s most-visited. The Gothic Benedictine abbey was built for nuns arriving from Belgium in World War I who later opened a girls’ boarding school on the property. You could easily spend a day at the 1,000-acre estate that now features a café, shop and stunning gardens. Another abbey of note is Glendalough Monastery in the Wicklow mountains — while the monastic ruins are worth exploring, the location is what will amaze you. County Wicklow is colloquially referred to as the “Garden of Ireland.”
The Giant's Causeway at dawn
Natural Wonders
Ireland is not short on awe-inspiring natural attractions. You’ll want to spend as much time exploring the great outdoors as possible. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is believed to have been created from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. Folks travel from far and wide to marvel at these mystifying columns of layered basalt. The Cliffs of Moher in west Ireland’s County Clare are another standout. Located at the gateway to Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way (a spectacular coastal driving route), the 702-foot-tall cliffs overlooking the crashing waters of the Atlantic make for prime nature photography. Just don’t stand too close to the edge!
Vibrant Pub Life
The atmosphere of an Irish pub can’t be replicated — and even though you can visit “Irish” pubs in the U.S., you can’t beat the authentic in-country experience. For one, a pint of Guinness straight from the tap may be the best beer you ever try. Have it with corned beef and cabbage or hearty stew with freshly baked soda bread for dinner. There’s bound to be live music and if you’re lucky, it’ll be traditional Celtic folk music. Pop into any pub and you won’t have to drink alone. In the words of Irish poet W.B. Yeats, “There are no strangers here. Only friends you haven’t met yet.”
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