Must-see attractions in Ireland

  • Treaty Stone

    Limerick City

    The Treaty Stone marks the spot on the west bank of the River Shannon where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691, guaranteeing religious freedom for…

  • Courthouse Studios & Gallery

    County Clare

    Rotating exhibitions from local and international artists are displayed over two floors of these studios, which are located in a renovated 19th-century…

  • Stone Fort

    Glendalough

    In the green area just south of the Upper Lake car park is a large circular wall thought to be the remains of an early Christian stone fort (caher).

  • Red Abbey Tower

    Cork City

    Overlooking a small public square, Red Abbey Tower is Cork's only surviving medieval building, and all that remains of a 14th-century Augustinian priory.

  • Talbot's Tower

    Kilkenny City

    One of the surviving corner towers of Kilkenny's medieval city walls.

  • Maudlin Tower

    Kilkenny City

    One of the surviving corner towers of Kilkenny's medieval city walls.

  • Dominican Friary

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    Off Dundalk St are the wonderfully preserved remains of a Dominican friary, built around 1305 and later used as a storehouse by oyster fishermen.

  • St Senan's Church

    County Clare

    St Senan’s Catholic church has a lovely rose window as well as four stained-glass windows by well-known early-20th-century artist Harry Clarke.

  • Maudlin Castle

    Kilkenny City

    This substantial tower house, dating from around 1500, once formed part of the city's defences, protecting the approach from the east.

  • Dún Eoghanachta

    Aran Islands

    Probably built around 900 AD, Dún Eoghanachta has one towering circular wall that's 5m high, nearly 5m thick and 30m in diameter.

  • Termonfeckin Tower House

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    This tiny 15th-century tower house once belonged to a wealthy landowner. Pick up the key from the first house to its right.

  • Convention Centre

    Dublin

    The angled, tube-like Convention Centre was designed by Kevin Roche in 2011. It looks its best at night, when it is lit up.

  • Parish Church of St Colman

    Connemara

    The interior of this small, charming church 300m east of the pier is illuminated by the soft light of its stained glass.

  • Butter Gate

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    The 13th-century Butter Gate, just northwest of Millmount, has a distinctive tower and an arched passageway.

  • Replica North Cross

    The Midlands

    The original North Cross is inside the Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre.

  • Replica South Cross

    The Midlands

    The Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre shelters the original South Cross.

  • People's Garden

    Dublin

    The People's Garden dates from 1864 and is made up of 9 hectares of Victorian-era horticulture.

  • Bullock Castle

    County Dublin

    These are the ruins of a castle built by the monks of Dublin's St Mary's Abbey in around 1150.

  • Cill Cheannannach

    Aran Islands

    On the eastern coastline, look out for the 8th-century Cill Cheannannach church ruins.

  • 1 Thomas St

    Dublin

    The former home of Arthur Guinness at No 1 Thomas St is marked by a plaque.

  • Tholsel

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    The photogenic Tholsel is the only surviving gate to the original town.

  • Temple Kelly

    The Midlands

    Only scant foundations remain of Temple Kelly, which dates from 1167.

  • St Thomas' Church

    County Mayo

    One of Achill's many stone churches, this one dating from 1831.

  • Oratory

    The Midlands

    Church services are often held at this open-air area.

  • Captain Webb's Hole

    County Mayo

    Just west of the village is the water-filled Captain Webb's Hole. Two centuries ago, a local villain, nicknamed Captain Webb for the deformity of his…

  • Sonairte

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    At this not-for-profit ecology centre, 10km southeast of Drogheda in Laytown on an 18th-century former farm, you can wander through a walled organic…

  • Grace Kelly's Cottage

    County Mayo

    This tumble down, roofless ruin near Drumgoney Lough (Leg O' Mutton Lake) is the ancestral home of the late actress (and Princess of Monaco) Grace Kelly…

  • Gallarus Visitor Centre

    Dingle Peninsula

    This privately owned visitor centre and car park is next to Gallarus Oratory. The only reason for paying the fee is to use the car park (the audiovisual…

  • Toll House

    Limerick City

    Crenellated Gothic-style folly next to Thomond Bridge, dating to the 1840s.

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