Ireland Things To Do is an A-Z of the very best visitor attractions in Ireland compiled by Susan Byron author of Irelands Hidden Gems.com. Each of the 52 places included have been personally visited, photographed and independently reviewed to ensure that each is a worthwhile experience, good value for money and a fun/educational day out for adults and children alike.
They range from cool castles like Trim (where Braveheart was filmed)and Tullynally to exquisite country Houses such as Beaulieu and Belvedere. Museums too, like the Hunt in Limerick with its small but excellent collections and the Chester Beatty Library at Dublin Castle (itself another hidden gem). Sacred places include not only Newgrange but lesser known treasures such as Holy Cross in Tipperary and Glenstal in Limerick.
There are bus trips and boat trips and adventures to go on which will add an extra dimension to your experience of Ireland whether you are here for a week or have lived here all your life. Superb cultural attractions like the Museum of Country Life in Roscommon and the magnificent new museum at Glasnevin Cemetery not forgetting the timeless Bunratty Castle and Folk Park with the famous Cliffs of Moher nearby.
This is picture postcard Ireland with the Burren, Kylemore Abbey in Connemara (where the Quiet Man was filmed). Wild open spaces like Glenveagh National Park in Donegal, contrast with the manicured neatness of the Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry.
Being Ireland there’s a smattering of the best distilleries Lockes and Tullamore Dew, the Guinness Storehouse of course and a few surprises like the Foynes Flying Boat Museum (where Irish Coffees were invented) and the Butlers Chocolate experience tour which is top of my list right now!
Quite a few of the sites recommended are managed by the OPW (Office of Public Works) which means admission is either FREE or very reasonable. Others offer good discounts for booking online and hats off to the excellent Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork which is free on the first Friday of every month.
A few tips before you go, prices and opening times can vary for all sorts of reasons so please check first and keep your eye out for special seasonal events at each location (they are often free and great fun).
If you are driving a hire car don’t leave valuables on display especially at remote locations and as always Leave No Trace, take nothing with you but your memories and photographs.
Ta súil agam go mbanfidh sibh taitneamh as agus do d’té sibh slan – I hope you enjoy my recommendations and that you have a safe journey.
Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com