{"id":2754,"date":"2019-01-27T10:41:37","date_gmt":"2019-01-27T10:41:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/overinireland.com\/?p=2754"},"modified":"2019-09-22T01:22:07","modified_gmt":"2019-09-22T01:22:07","slug":"things-to-do-in-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/overinireland.com\/things-to-do-in-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"55 AMAZING Things To Do In Ireland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With over 10 million people visiting Ireland this year, there is no secret; the Emerald Isle is a magic land brimming with unique wonders, authentic heritage, dazzling sceneries and good-natured people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A country that offers some of the planet\u2019s most untamed and hushed countryside, the longest coastal road in the world and unlimited festivities, centuries of History and fearsome adrenaline experiences, idyllic beaches and traditional bar culture; can only arouse interest and become addictive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shaped to be walked and dreamt to be lived; Ireland is an authentic land with endless possibilities. This is a special list of the 55 top things to do in Ireland that will take you through an epic journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

55 Best Things To Do While in Ireland:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Ring Of Kerry Drive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Ring of Kerry is a popular 179-kilometre (111 miles) loop that outlines the coastal curve of Kerry\u2019s Iveragh Peninsula. This ride will award you with mesmerizing views on the Wild Atlantic Ocean, the Dingle Peninsula, the Skellig islands and various lakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On your way, you will discover the beauty of Killarney national park, the historical Staigue Stone Fort, the dizzying Kerry cliffs, the Gap of Dunloe as well as the imperial Ladies View. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Tourist buses drive counter-clockwise, to avoid traffic jams drive in the opposite direction. If you have time, the Gap of Dunloe is worth either a cycling trip or by jaunting car (see below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Dingle Peninsula<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Choose to cycle, walk or ride this 48-kilometre (30 miles) loop road of this Gaeltacht (Irish-Speaking) region. This short tour will embark on a magnificent journey through history and spirituality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dingle Peninsula is indeed an open-air museum where Neolithic remains, classical monuments, traditional villages with thatched roofs, beehive huts and Iron-age forts share space. Your ride will reward you with breathtaking sceneries over Ventry Bay, the Blasket islands including Inishtooskert (the \u201cSleeping Giant\u201d), Dunmore Head and the Conor Pass.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Drive on a clockwise direction to enjoy the greatest views. Star Wars buffs must visit Ceann Sib\u00e9al where a part of \u201cThe Last Jedi\u201d was shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Glendalough <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Located near two lakes, Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most popular monastic site. The ecclesiastic ground’s construction started in the 6th<\/sup> century with St Kevin and continued through time.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the Vikings and the Normans’ attacks, the 33-meter (36 yards) millenary Round Tower remained while saving the lives of many abbots and friars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The area also includes other flawless architectures such as St Kevin’s Kitchen, Cross, and Bed. Several well-preserved ruins and crosses are spread all over the sector such as St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Priest House, Temple-na-Skellig, The Caher and, four churches (St Kieran, Trinity, St Mary, and The Reefert).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hikers and strollers, fascinated by the Ancient East and Nature, will definitely find what they are looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: There is no ATM in Glendalough<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Boat Tour to Skellig Michael <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Whether you are a birdwatcher, a history aficionado or passionate by rugged landscapes, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skellig Michael is a must. As the westernmost holy site in Europe, it concludes the ancient pilgrim line (known as the Apollo-St Michael axis) that runs all the way to Palestine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depart from the Marina of Portmagee fishing village and, if the weather allows, head on the 12.9-kilometre boat ride (8 miles). Once arrived, be prepared to climb the 640 steps leading to one the finest example of early-medieval religious devotion. You will have 2.5 hours onsite to discover this 6th<\/sup>-century oratory. The weatherproof beehive huts used to shelter St Fionan monks and the oppressed Catholics seeking refuge.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bird-wise: Puffins, Black Guillemots, Arctic Terns, Gannets, Razorbills, Manx Shearwaters, Fulmars, Cormorants are all residents of the insular land. Make sure your camera is fully loaded!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Tours depend on the weather and sea conditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Gap of Dunloe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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As the river Loe crossing the valley, the Gap of Dunloe got its name after the Irish \u201cDun L\u00f3ich\u201d (Dun\u2019s fort). This natural formation, created 25 Millenials ago, begins at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hire a jaunting car to travel the 11kms (6.8 miles), stop at the \u201cWishing Bridge\u201d to make your dream come true and, discover the five corrie lakes. On your way stop at Turnpike boulder and embrace the panorama on Augier Lake. In the end, a new perspective awaits you, as a boat will take you back to your base crossing 3 of the 5 basins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Cash is required as the location is remote. Hiking or cycling is also a great way to discover the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Giants Causeway (Many Bus Tours Leave from Dublin)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Giants Causeway is easily one of the most popular things to do in Ireland. Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Nature Reserve, Giant Causeway is home to 40,000 interweaving giant steps. Made of basalt, these massive hexadic to octadic columns can reach a height up to 12 meters (39 feet). The geological explanation reveals that the grounds were created by a volcanic eruption that occurred over 50 million years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legends, on its side, tells us that Fionn mac Cumhaill, a bulky native hunter and fighter, found himself menaced by a Scottish behemoth named Benandonner. The latter, who needed a spot for their physical encounter, erected the site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In one version, the Irish took on the battle and won the fight. In the other, his wife camouflaged him as their baby and the titan, presuming the dad\u2019s size to be mammoth, got scared and left conflict-free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many tours, leaving from Dublin daily, couple the trip with other touristic attractions such as Game of Throne filming sets, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Dark Hedges or\/and Belfast city excursion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Tour Of Dublin Castle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Built by King John of England, Dublin Castle was the siege of English (then British) rulers for over 7 centuries. Implanted on an ancient Viking settlement, it was the home of the Viceroy of Ireland and his governmental headquarters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1684, a fire burst and destroyed some parts of the bulwark. Revamped into a Georgian piece of art with a neo-Gothic Royal Chapel, it was also a place of ceremonial and entertainment. After the 1916 Easter Rising and the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty signature, the palace was handed over to Michael Collins, an Irish free-state revolutionary, in 1922. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book the 60-minute tour and track the steps of many honored political figures (including Benjamin Franklin, Queen Victoria, Nelson Mandela, JFK, Charles de Gaulle) who feasted within the luxurious dwelling. As 250,000 people each year, uncover every detail of the middle-age times, the state apartments and the historical additions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Open from 9:45 AM to 5:45 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Trinity College \u2013 Book Of Kells <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, this Neo-classical institution gave birth to various Nobel Laureates including Samuel Beckett and Ernest Walton. It was also the place of study of famous writers and playwrights such as Oscar Wilde, and politicians counting three Presidents of Ireland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the 19-hectare ground (47 acres) lodges 25 schools and the eminent Trinity College Library. This bibliotheca preserves over 6.2 million books and manuscripts and owns a copy of every single book published in the country. It is also home to the 800-AD Book of Kells. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Evangelion, composed of four Vulgate Gospels, hides the finest examples of Hiberno-Saxon arts and calligraphy.  Produced in calf vellum, the collection is considered as Ireland\u2019s most precious possession. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Two volumes out of 4 of the Book of Kells are on public display. The Long Room Of The Old Library At Trinity College opens from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Saturday. 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Day Trip to the Aran Islands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When visiting the Arans, you\u2019ll stop by a group of three Gaeltacht islands just off the Galway Bay. To make the most of it in one day, single out the experience that suits you best:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inis Oirr (Inisheer) has a surface area of 8km\u00b2 (3sq miles) and is the smallest of them all. It conceals a traditional fishing village, the Well of Enda, the 1960 Plassey shipwreck, two churches (Teampall Chaoimh\u00e1in and Cill Ghobnait) and the remains of the 14th<\/sup>-century O\u2019Brien\u2019s Castle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inis M\u00f3r (Inishmore), on its side, is 31km\u00b2 (12sq miles) and is both the largest and most popular isle. With over 50 pre-Christian, Christian and Celtic monuments, it is an open sacred museum. You will also find Megalithic remains such as the 2,500BC \u2018Bed of Diarmuid and Gr\u00e1inne\u2019 alongside medieval site as \u2018D\u00fan (fort) Eoghanachta.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adrenaline junkies and nature lovers will share space by the dizzying \u2018Worm Hole\u2019. Ones will satisfy their thirst of epinephrine, by either cliff diving or rock climbing, on this Red Bull Cliff Diving series scene. Others will admire the raw pool and the wave crashing, before heading to more wilderness like Kilmurvey Blue Flag beach, the Puffing hole or the Cliffs of Aran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third and last, the 9km\u00b2 (3.5sq miles) Inis Meain is the less frequented but, the more traditional islet. It is where Synge lived and found aspirations for several of his novels, including “The Playboy of The Western World<\/em>.” There is also a museum dedicated to the writer and his favourite spot, known as Cathaoir Synge, overhangs the Atlantic Ocean. D\u00fan Fearbha\u00ed, Conor\u2019s Fort, and Saint Kenderig’s Well also worth a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Ferry from Rossaveal (40 minutes) available all year. Ferry from Doolin (90 minutes) available from April through October. Flying offers fantastic views over the triad and is possible from Inverin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Connemara Drive <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Connemara Loop has a length of 80kms (about 50 miles). The journey starts in Maam Cross where heath, bogs, the Shindilla Lake and mountain vistas await visitors. Connemara is notorious for encompassing some of the wildest landscapes in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Connemara drive is an absolute must see! To get the most of the area though, it is well worth heading off the beaten tracks. Take a detour through the non-touristic Bog Road and get a charge out of the Twelve Bens spectacle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow with the giddy Sky Road and stop at the vantage point to admire the scenery. Stretch your legs and visit the ruins of Victorian Gothic Clifden Castle. Then, head to the flawless Kylemore Abbey, or discover Tullycross thatched cottages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If ancient architecture is not your thing, you can either follow the coast to Lettergesh or hike Diamond Hill (2.5 to 3 hours to the top). Your next halt will lead you to Killary Fjord, one of the three glaciers in Ireland. Take a boat tour (from April to October) and enjoy some local mussels or simply appreciate the outlines from the mainland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last but not least, the Inagh Valley hides flocks of Connemara ponies and offers some of the most scenic rides in the world.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: As it is a hooped road, you can actually choose to begin your trip from anywhere around. If time allows Lake Corrib (the biggest lake of the Republic), Ashford Castle and the 15th<\/sup> century Ross Errilly Friary are also nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Tour Kylemore Abbey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You can easily spend several days touring the 60km\u00b2 (15,000 acres) of Kylemore Abbey’s property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before becoming a Benedictine nun sanctuary in 1920, the building was primarily a castle built by Mitchell Henry to his wife, Margaret. The newlyweds fell in love with the region when celebrating their honeymoon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Duke and Duchess of Manchester then purchased the grounds, as the initial couple had to go back to England. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Few years after its acquisition, gambling liabilities led them to sell it as well, this time to the religious women. The latter, fleeing Ypres (in Belgium) after World War I bombing, found refuge in the nunnery for 90 years until its definite closure in 2010. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your ticket will give you access to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n