There are a lot of cool places in Ireland and Northern Ireland to check next time you visit the country. You will not be bored, I promise. One thing that you can do without traveling to Ireland is to play the Irish Lotto online from the UK, if you are interested in lottery. So, without further ado, here are my top 7 must-see places in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Interesting places what to see in Ireland and Northern Ireland:
West over Tralee
You will definitely be captivated by the coast, especially the walk from the center to the beach. You will hopefully be able to nab some absolutely gorgeous photos at sunset.
Tralee is known around the world and in Ireland for the Rose of Tralee Festival, during which the most beautiful Irish woman is selected. The festival has been organized every year since the 1950s and it attracts crowds of viewers both to the city and in front of telly sets. Last year, 1.7 million people watched the competition on TV, and it is predicted that this year the festival will get more views. Needless to say, all hotel tickets are practically sold out for this period so booking ahead is a must!
The Dark Hedges
This incredibly atmospheric road is located in Northern Ireland, near Armoy. It stretches only a few hundred meters. The trees along The Dark Hedges were planted by the Stuart Family and to lead visitors to their golf course. Today, this road famously attracts viewers from Game of Thrones, as the program used the location to shoot several scenes.
Ireland in the footsteps of Game of Thrones
Many more scenes for the series were filmed on the Emerald Isle. I could list them all, but it would take me all day. Plus there are already so many sources out there that are dedicated to the locations of all the places where Game of Thrones was filmed just in Ireland alone. There are so many sites about it. Here is one good one: the website YourIrelandVacation.
Belfast – interesting places, sightseeing, attractions
Since the island contains both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, you can visit two capital cities quite quickly. Its definitely worth doing some research on the turbulent history of city before you visit as it will help you with the scope of what you are seeing. However, even if someone is not at all informed about the political and social situation in Northern Ireland, coming to Belfast, you will pick up on the political nature of the city very quickly. Belfast has never forgotten its past, the people are proud of the history and the amazing progress that the city has made. All around the city you will be met with incredible murals that offer a glimpse into the political and historical past of Belfast. As well as murals that celebrate the great exports that have come from the city including sports stars, actors and musicians. In 2018 the city was voted by Lonely Planet as the best place to visit. Belfast is very welcoming to tourists and it is a very vibrant city. So why not experience some famed Irish hospitality firsthand?
Sightseeing in Dublin
Dublin will definitely appeal to people who like sightseeing. Be it museums, churches, castles and many other interesting places. There is plenty to do here! I really recommend visiting the University Library and have Dublin travel guides in the Ireland section here on Rhyme & Ribbons. The city can be a bit crowded, especially during peak tourist season, but you definitely should not let that put you off!
Dublin is very well connected, you can buy a travel card for a few days and ride all buses wherever your heart desires. It is also worth going outside the city, for example to the Malahide Castle or Howth – to the picturesque peninsula, to see some simply lovely neighborhoods, and stunning cliffs.
Irish Medieval Castles
There are around 37 incredible castles in Ireland, and there is no way that I can even begin to cover all of them. But with a simple and easy search online; you will find that most castles in Ireland not only have loads of photos and tourist information, but also have interactive maps, tours, and divisions between renovated castles and ruins. I promise, you will personally find a castle that you fall in love with.
Rainy Ireland – Dingle Peninsula
The most westerly point in Ireland (and some say all of Europe – but that’s arguable). It is one of those places that I have always planned to visit, and which I have not been able to get to. Unfortunately, I ran out of time a bit and had to shorten the route going from Cork, through Macroom, Killarney and to Tralee for the night.
Dingle, however, is said to be one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. Known primarily for the picturesque cliffs, empty beaches, sometimes winding mountain roads and Irish music played live in many pubs. The peninsula is also known for its many famous hiking paths and trails on it, and you need only be on public transport for a moment when you will undoubtedly run into people who were going to Dingle by bus to go to the peninsula for a week treking along mountain trails.
This is just a small list of the most interesting places to check out in The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Let me know in the comment section if you have a favourite!
