With St Patricks Day approaching fast, what better time to celebrate all things Irish? Here at Mankind, we love the ‘Emerald Isle’ and we have been known to enjoy a pint of Guinness or two during the weekend. However, there’s more to this magical place than meets the eye and we’re sharing our top 5 places to visit in Ireland to give you some inspiration for your next weekend away. You can go solo, take your family or whisk away your significant other. However, no matter which option you choose, you’re bound to enjoy every second of it.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Ireland
-
Boyne Valley
If you’re looking to travel back in time for your Irish weekend away, then Boyne Valley is right up your street. As a designated World Heritage Site, Boyne Valley contains some of the most important historic Irish monuments in the world, which includes monastic ruins and bloody battlefields (we’re sold already…). One of the biggest features is Newgrange, which is the ancient passage of tombs which were built around 5,000 years ago and left undisturbed until 1962. Once discovered these tombs were excavated and restored to its former glory. A must see for any history buff!
-
The Cliffs of Moher
Stretching 5 miles and rising up 702 feet over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher is one of the most famous and breath-taking coastline tourist spots in Ireland. When capturing the view during sunrise and sunset, it looks like the type of place where you could meet a mythical Irish character or two… Okay, so you won’t actually meet a mythical creature, but the views are spectacular, which will compensate for that. Enjoy the coastal walks and don’t forget to pack a delicious picnic for this part of your Irish adventure.
-
Giant’s Causeway
One of the most recognisable tourist attractions in Northern Ireland is the Giant’s Causeway. Irish folklore said that this coastal area of around 40,000 basalt columns was built by an Irish giant named Finn MacCool, to create a path for Scottish giant, Benandonner to cross the water to fight. It was believed that Benandonner ran back before fighting, ripping up the causeway behind him so he couldn’t be followed. Even though we now know that the columns were formed by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, it’s still a freakin’ awesome story and the epic battle which could have been would have certainly sounds like it would give those UFC chaps a run for their money!
-
The Ring of Kerry
This spectacular tourist trail has some of Europe’s finest beaches which also provide all the facilities for a traditional seaside holiday. The Ring of Kerry has been attracting visitors for hundreds of years for many reasons, including the picturesque views. It is also a natural centre for outdoor sports such as water-sports, golf, cycling, running, walking, riding and fishing, meaning you’ll never be out of new things to do! Imagine your beard flowing majestically in the gentle breeze whilst enjoying a long bike ride around the Ring of Kerry road which fits with the contours of the island…
-
Guinness Storehouse
And finally, no trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. The core of the building is shaped into the world’s largest pint glass and as official home of the ‘Black Stuff’, all 7 floors are filled to the brim with interactive experiences, which makes it fun for anyone visiting – not just the Guinness fans! Once you reach the top floor, you’ll receive a complimentary pint to enjoy in their world-famous rooftop Gravity Bar. We don’t know about you but we’re convinced, time to buy tickets!
What are your favourite places to visit in Ireland?
Share with us over on Twitter @Mankindcouk!