Happy Irish Wanderers are a couple from…believe it or not….. Ireland!! We are proud Irish people who really love our stunning nation.
And for good reasons too, just wait until you see some of the famous Ireland landmarks we have to show you.
Our beautiful island is known for its charming and fun-loving natives, its vibrant culture and hospitality, creamy delicious pints of stout, stunning natural and rugged landscapes with approximately 3000 castles scattered around the country, some of the best music in the world, patriotic history and amazing Celtic mythology.
Something you will find hard to discover though when you travel Ireland are red-headed leprechauns boozed up on whiskey doing a River Dance whilst eating a potato.
Only Irish people know where they live and we will never reveal their location to non-Irish!
Famous Ireland Landmarks
Consider ticking these Ireland landmarks off your Ireland bucket list on the ultimate 2-week Ireland road-trip.
- Famous Ireland Landmarks 21-40
- Famous Ireland Landmarks 41-60
- Famous Ireland Landmarks 61-80
- Famous Ireland Landmarks 81-101
Now, let us waste no time and get straight into our list of famous Ireland landmarks.
*Our list of famous landmarks in Ireland is presented in a random order.
1. Cobh – County Cork
Kevin’s hometown, the stunning picture perfect town of Cobh!
This gorgeous sea town in Cork Harbour (the 2nd biggest natural harbour in the world) is in abundance with history and beauty.
The skyline is dominated by the majestic St. Colman’s Cathedral surrounded by plenty of picturesque colourful houses.
Once called Queenstown, it was the main emigration port for North America between 1848 to 1950 for nearly 2.5 million Irish who sadly had to leave to go looking for better lives.
Cobh was also the last port of call for the Titanic on its doomed voyage.
Things to do in Cobh:
- From Cork, enjoy a county Cork highlights tour which includes Cobh.
- From Dublin, a full day tour to Cork, Cobh, and Blarney.
- From Cobh, The Titanic Trail – a 1 hour guided walking tour of Cobh.
2. The Cliffs of Moher – County Clare
The next Ireland attraction is in Kate’s magnificent County Clare, and a world-famous Ireland landmark – The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.
The cliffs rise from 120 – 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean and are around 12 kilometers in length. That means that there is a lot of beauty to be seen! Don’t just visit the visitor center to see the impressive sights.
Fun fact – the cliffs are named after a fort called “Mothar” now the site of the Moher tower.
Put on your hiking boots and bring a rain jacket and hike along the cliffs to take in the views from all angles.
3. Drombeg Stone Circle – County Cork
The Drombeg Stone Circle in County Cork, also known as the “Druids altar” is located about two kilometers from Glandore village.
This megalithic site is a smaller version but just as impressive as the famous Stonehenge. Over 2000 years old, the monument is believed to have been built to observe the setting sun on midwinter solstice.
Nearby you will also observe a Fulacht Fiadh. To find out what that means, click here!
4. Sean’s Bar – County Westmeath
The oldest bar in Ireland is located in Athlone County Westmeath.
After visiting the magnificent Athlone Castle which is located only a few minutes walk away call to Sean’s Bar for a refreshing pint.
The pub has its original walls inside which date back to the year 900. So, for over 1000 years people have been calling into this establishment to go on the piss!
The bar is officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as Ireland’s oldest pub.
5. National Museum of Ireland- County Dublin
Based in the heart of Dublin the museum is located over three separate buildings in different locations.
The Archaeology Branch is based in Kildare Street and displays items such as Celtic axe heads, statues, gold Celtic jewelry, and bog bodies (preserved bodies that were found in peat bog)
Next is the Natural History Branch which is located on Merrion Street. T
his museum is also known as “The Dead Zoo”. On display are animals from all over the world which include a basking shark, a pigmy hippopotamus, and most impressive the extinct giant Irish Elk
Last is the Decorative Art and History which is located in the historical Collins Barracks in the Arbour Hill area of Dublin.
Here you will find collections relating to military history, in particular, the 1916 Rising. A large collection of art is also on display.
All three museums are free of charge!!
- Save time and money and purchase a Dublin Day Pass. This pass gets you easily around the city and includes entries to 40+ of Dublin’s main attractions. This pass is valid for up to 5 days!
Please support Happy Irish Wanderers by using the provided links. This will earn us a small commission, but won’t cost you anything extra!
We strongly recommend exploring Ireland by car, this offers the perfect opportunity to discover both renowned Ireland landmarks and off-the-beaten-path destinations at greater flexibility and your own pace.
6. Carrauntoohil – County Kerry
The highest mountain in Ireland is Carrauntoohil at 1038 meters. If you love hiking, then this is a must-visit Ireland attraction.
The most used track to the top of the mountain is via the “Devil’s Ladder”. This is a challenging climb, but the views will 100% make up for that! Just make sure you go on a sunny day.
Other routes are available but only for experienced mountain walkers.
7. Dunluce Castle – County Antrim
Ireland has many castles, but some stand out more than others and Dunluce Castle is certainly one of those castles. Only the best make it on to our list of famous Ireland landmarks!
Built in the 13th century on a cliff’s edge, it is now a ruin. You can access the castle via a bridge with steep drops all around.
The entrance to see this fairy-tale ruin is only 5 pounds!
- From Dublin, you can do a full-day tour which includes The Giants Causeway, The Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and Belfast.
- From Belfast, you can get the same tour here.
8. Aran Islands – County Galway
The Aran Islands are a group of three islands on the west coast of Ireland.
The Aran islands are made up of Inishmore, which is the largest. Inishmaan, which is the second largest. And Inisheer, which is the smallest of the three.
Visiting the Irish islands is like taking a trip back in time to “Old Ireland”. All three islands are dominated by thatched roof cottages, karst landscapes, and old stone walls which create a unique and beautiful sight, but all have their own attractions.
On Inishmore you will find Dun Aonghasa, a stone fort dating back to 1100 BC at the edge of a 100-meter cliff. Two other main attractions are Tempull Breccain, which means ” The Seven Churches”.
Check out some unique Ireland getaways, one of which is located on the Aran islands, for the ultimate Irish experience.
The Serpents Lair also known as the wormhole is a natural nearly rectangular pool where only the brave and mad jump into!
On Inisheer you will find the iconic shipwreck “The MV Plassy” made famous by the opening credits in Father Ted. Saint Caomhan’s Church is also a notable attraction.
Inishmaan is the quietest of the three islands in regard to tourist attraction, but the natural beauty of the island makes up for that.
All three islands are accessible by ferry which leaves from Doolin and Galway. If you really want to splash the cash, you can also fly from Connemara Airport with flights departing on a daily basis.
- From Dublin, Take an Aran Islands tour which includes the Cliffs of Moher.
- From Galway, get your Aran Islands day tour here.
9. Free Derry Corner – County Derry
The most famous Ireland landmark in Northern Ireland is Derry. When visiting Derry everyone must include a trip to “The Bogside.” In particular, the most famous gable wall in Ireland – You are now entering Free Derry.
Barricaded off from security forces in 1969 the famous words were written on the same wall and have remained ever since.
- We would recommend getting a private guided walking tour from a local in the area and learning about this fascinating city’s past.
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10. Wicklow Mountains – County Wicklow
The largest continuous upland area in Ireland is in the Wicklow Mountains.
Yet another stunning natural landscape to explore in our nation. The mountains are packed with hikes, lakes, and waterfalls.
Two popular hikes to do here are the Seefin Passage Tomb hike and the Tonelagee hike which will bring you to the heart-shaped lake Lough Ouler.
The hike to Seefin Passage is an easy 5-kilometer trek that will take you to the ancient megalithic site.
To get to Lough Ouler you can park up at Turlough Hill Car Park.
From the car park, you will be able to see Tonelagee Mountain, the lake is on the other side of the mountain top which means a steep walk up.
Don’t fancy hiking? Then just stay in your car and cruise around. The very enjoyable drive from Laragh in a clockwise direction will bring you to Lough Tay.
Here you will find a gorgeous view of the mountains and Lough Tay itself which is also known as Guinness Lake. Photographs do not justify the depth and beauty of these area’s!
- From Dublin, take a full-day tour to Wicklow Mountains National Park Tour here.
11. Curracloe Beach – County Wexford
Curracloe Beach is a great blue flag beach to hang out on a sunny day. But there is much more to this beach.
The beach was used as a film location for the very famous Steven Spielberg film – Saving Private Ryan. The horrific scene that re-enacted the gory and bloody D-Day invasion of the Normandy landings in WW II was in fact filmed in Ireland.
The film used 1000 army reservists and 40000 gallons of fake blood to recreate the realistic opening credits.
12. Kilmacduagh Monastery – County Galway
Not as famous as Glendalough, but just as stunning is Kilmacduagh Monastery. The now-ruined abbey is only a short distance away from Gort.
The Monastery was built in the 7th century by Saint Colman Macduagh. According to legend, Saint Colman Macduagh was walking through the area when his girdle fell to the ground. Taking this as a sign, he built his monastery on that spot.
This is a free tourist attraction!!
13. Kinsale – County Cork
Kinsale is a beautiful town, (like all of County Cork!!) abundant with history. The town is full of colourful streets where you can find many picturesque pubs that serve delicious food and pints.
Make sure to check out the large-scale mural celebrating legendary pirate Anne Bonny on the iconic Stoney Steps in Kinsale.
Charles Fort is the main attraction to visit. For only 5 Euro you can visit this huge and historic star-shaped fort which was built in 1677.
The majority still lies in ruins, but there are many buildings with interaction inside that explain the many stories that happened there.
- From Cork take a County Cork Highlights tour which includes Kinsale and Charles Fort among others.
14. Ben Bulben – County Sligo
Ben Bulben, also known as the “Table Mountain” of Ireland stands over 500 meters in height.
Many legends of Celtic folklore called this area home. In particular, the ancient Celtic warriors known as Fianna. Ben Bulben itself is named after a Gaelic chieftain and means Gulban’s Head.
Nearby other attractions are Glencar Waterfall, the Devil’s Chimney Waterfall, and the Gleniff Horseshoe Drive.
15. Aviva Stadium – County Dublin
Built on the site of the former Lansdowne Road Stadium, the Aviva Stadium is home to Ireland’s international football and rugby matches. Many a legend has played on this pitch.
The atmosphere at an Ireland game is always great craic.
Every person with an interest in sports should visit this uniquely shaped stadium at least once in a lifetime.
16. Ring of Kerry – County Kerry
Not so much a famous Ireland landmark but perhaps the most famous Ireland road trip – the remarkable Ring of Kerry.
This journey can be done either by car or bicycle. The circuit itself is 179 kilometers long and should be traveled in an anti-clockwise direction for the best views.
The drive itself contains many gorgeous viewpoints and colourful pretty towns such as Kenmare and Port Magee. A small bit of the track you will also find gems such as Caherciveen Stone Fort.
17. Father Ted’s House – County Clare
Every Irish person knows about Father Ted. Some love it, others hate it. Each to their own!
If you are a fan of the comedy series, then whilst in Clare you should visit this famous Ireland landmark – Ireland’s most famous house.
The house itself is private property, so don’t be a weirdo and be walking around the grounds.
Finding it can also be a bit tricky as it is in the middle of nowhere! However, if you type in “Glanquin Farmhouse” in Google MAPS you should find it.
There is not really any parking around, so take your picture, and as Father Jack would say “Feck off”!
18. Malin Head – County Donegal
The most northerly point of our gorgeous island lies at Malin Head.
On a clear day, if you look to the east, you will catch a glimpse of Scotland. And if you are very lucky on a clear evening you will be able to sight the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights!
Besides pristine landscapes and wildlife, This area was also used as a film location in the Star Wars franchise.
The coast was also frequently visited by U-boats, many of which were sunk and now make for some of Europe’s best diving sites.
19. The Wonderful Barn – County Kildare
If you were to see a picture of the Wonderful Barn, it would be easy to believe you are looking at a funky-looking lighthouse. However, this unique structure lies about 25 kilometres (15 miles) away from the sea.
Built in 1743 and still in reasonably good condition it is believed this corkscrew structure was used as a granary.
You can no longer go inside as it is boarded up, but only 5 minutes outside of Leixlip it is still worth a visit when in the area.
20. Glasnevin Cemetery – County Dublin
Bit of a dark tourist attraction, Glasnevin Cemetery has over one million graves and is the final resting place for some of Irelands most prominent national figures.
Visit the famous graves of Luke Kelly, Michael Collins, Christy Brown, and many political Irish leaders who were executed during uprisings.
After a very interesting walk go into John Kavanaghs’ Pub also known as the Grave Digger’s which is right next to the graveyard.
This is an old-school style pub that has served some tasty pints of Guinness since 1833.
Enjoy All the Famous Ireland Landmarks!
And that is part one of our Famous Ireland Landmarks, but don’t stop there, this post is only the beginning with some of the best yet to come. How many of the mentioned famous Irish attractions have you visited?
Do you have an Ireland landmarks bucket list of your own?
Check out part two below where we will look into 21-40 and show some more famous and lesser known Ireland landmarks and things to do in Ireland.
We’d love to hear from you.
Feel free to leave a comment with your suggestions, or message us on our socials.
Slán go fóil
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Great read really enjoyed it .. loved that ye had links and photos . Well done
Thank you Teresa!! Much appreciated! Keep the feedback coming
Thanks for sharing. You are certainly living my dream. Look forward to 26 – 50. Stay safe.
Thanks guys! Hope your keeping well and looking after Mackay!!
Amazing photos and descriptions. So much to see and do!! We will be visiting from the U.S. this summer. My dad is Kate’s dad’s cousin.
Amazing photos and descriptions. So much to see and do!! We will be visiting from the U.S. this summer. My dad is Kate’s dad’s cousin.
Thank you Sean!
We will be in Africa in the summer but definitely aiming to have the US on our itinerary at some stage!
Have a great trip!! Looking forward to hearing ye ticking of lots on the bucket list, the long evenings that time of year will make it a bit easier.