What are your personal favorites in Ireland? This question recently came from a reader, and I immediately decided to split this global question into two parts, as this answer will deal with Ireland outside of Dublin, while another answer will highlight my Dublin favorites.
What are your personal favorites in Ireland?
The answer to this question is, of course, purely personal and therefore subjective, so feel free to disagree. Frankly, I hope people do. None more than those involved in the tourism business in a professional capacity. As are the people who get paid to market their attraction to get a high rating in public opinion and Google searches.
It would be wise to include a note that such a personal list would immediately avoid any attraction of the ‘been there, seen that, bought the gaudy shirt’ variety, this is about places I find myself visiting over and over again, sometimes with visitors who want to see more than the main tourist attractions, often in splendid solitude, because that’s just my thing… pointing out that this solitude is often linked to being there at strange times, like early mornings.
So without further delay let me list, in no particular order, some of my favorite places in Ireland:
- The Wicklow Mountains : rugged landscapes, beauty spots, ancient monuments and industrial ruins, wildlife (if you’re looking for it and aren’t in a rush), waterfalls, and all this on the doorstep of Dublin. Find out more about the Wicklow Mountains here …
- And while in the area, I must mention Glendalough , although I highly recommend avoiding sunny summer weekends and bank holidays. The fewer people strolling through the monastic ruins, the better you will have an idea of the place. Find out more about Glendalough here.
- Slieve League in County Donegal – It’s a great ride to get there, followed by a harrowing ride up the cliffs, optionally followed by bracing and sometimes an adventurous hike up the cliff path. Ireland’s highest sea cliffs, a scene of beauty and fresh air straight from the Atlantic to your lungs. Find out more about the Slieve League here.
- Lough Erne : Although the Shannon is much more famous in song and legend (and in migrant memories), I actually prefer Lough Erne. Whether you are chartering a cruise ship, taking a day trip by boat from Enniskillen, or simply exploring Lough Erne by car… you will find nature, ancient monuments, castles, islands with round towers or Hare Krishna retreats.
- The Irish National Heritage Park in County Wexford (which is generally worth a visit) … simply because you can see Irish life from prehistoric times to the Vikings in a very accessible and enjoyable way (the Norman section falls off a bit. . but still walk up to the fake round tower). Which makes for an overall enjoyable ride, and educational too. And I dare mention that the restaurant does a mid-Sunday barbecue (be early, the locals flood regularly). Find out more about Ireland’s National Heritage Park here.
- Sligo , the city or the country, is always worth a visit. Whether it is ancient monuments that can be found in abundance, or the great beauty of the landscape in the area, the invigorating walks along the beach followed by a good meal, or an indulgence in the cultural offerings. Yes, Sligo is a good place to be. Find out more about Sligo here.
- Emain Macha or Navan Fort, much more attractive to me than other royal sites in Ireland, and with good exposure and discreetly hidden living history. It might be good for a whole day, but if you get bored easily, the splendid cathedral city of Armagh is only a few miles away. And also among my favorites. Find out more about Emain Macha here.
- The Burren , because… nothing beats the Burren for its rugged landscape, lonely trees in inhospitable terrain that grow in accordance with the constant breeze from the Atlantic, hidden beauties of nature in limestone crevices, ancient monuments and solitude. If you avoid the main tourist spots and / or the high season. Find out more about the Burren here.
- Belfast – Northern Ireland’s capital has it all, from shopping to vibrant cultural life, from museums to street art, from murals to monuments, from a zoo to nature walks. And it is a very friendly place. Find out more about Belfast here.
And of course there is Dublin… but that’s another story.
