Welcome to part three of our Famous Ireland Landmarks: 101 of The Greatest Attractions.
If you missed the first 40 Ireland landmarks on our bucket list, then you can check them out here.
Famous Ireland Landmarks
Consider ticking these Irish attractions off your Ireland bucket list on the ultimate 2-week Ireland road-trip.
Now, let us waste no time and get straight into our ultimate list of famous Ireland landmarks.
*Our list of famous Ireland landmarks is presented in a random order.
41. Giants Causeway – County Antrim
Let’s start with probably the most famous Ireland landmark in the northern part of the country – The Giant’s Causeway.
Many moons ago, an Irish giant named Fionn Mac Cumhaill (pronounced Finn McCool) had a wee bit of bickering with a Scottish giant named Benandonner.
Fionn threw massive rocks into the Irish Sea to form a path of stepping stones right up to Scotland.
However, when Fionn sighted his rival over in Scotland, he realized something. Even as a giant himself, he was still too small to take on the humongous Benandonner. This frightened Fionn and he retreated to Ireland.
But then it was Benandonner’s turn to come to Ireland to find and fight Fionn.
Sadhbh (pronounced Sive), who was the wife of Fionn, also realized that her husband was too small to take on this massive giant of giants.
So she disguised her husband as a baby before the Scottish big man showed up. Benandonner rocks up and is ready to kick some Irish ass!
But then he sees the baby, and thinks: Feck, if that is the size of the baby, then how big is the father!!
Benandonner shites himself and scatters back to Scotland. On his hasty retreat, he destroys the stepping stones so Fionn can not follow him back to Scotland.
All that remained were crumbled bits of rock…… Which is now The Giants Causeway!
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42. Kilkenny City – County Kilkenny
One of Ireland’s most fun and gorgeous cities to visit is Kilkenny City.
Once you are finished with the mandatory seminar on how great they are at hurling, you will then have time to explore the gorgeous medieval city.
Visit the castle, cobblestone streets, churches and of course the many pubs.
Inside the pubs, you will be fortunate enough to hear more stories of Kilkenny’s hurling successes.
Just make sure to read all about Irish pub etiquette first!
43. GPO – County Dublin
The GPO on O’Connell Street was one of the main center pieces of the 1916 rising.
This armed insurrection laid the foundations for an independent Ireland.
Now you can visit the GPO Museum which is located inside. Learn about the story of the 1916 Rising in a building where once upon a time men like Padraig Pearse, Tom Clarke, and Joseph Plunkett stood and fought for the cause of freedom.
Outside you can still view the bullet holes in the pillars which still scar the building today.
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- Save time and money and purchase your 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!
44. Trim Castle – County Meath
Trim is a gorgeous and brightly coloured town in County Meath and famous for its stunning and well-maintained – Trim Castle.
This famous Ireland landmark is the largest of Norman castles on our Great Isle and made even more famous as it was the filming location for Mel Gibson’s movie – Braveheart.
It is the scene when the Scottish rebels storm the gate in the “Siege of York”.
Besides the stunning castle, Trim also has Ireland’s oldest bridge, which according to legend was built by St. Patrick after he fell into the river. Just another reason to add it to your Ireland bucket list!
- From Dublin, book your Celtic Boyne Valley Tour which includes a tour of Trim Castle.
45. Belfast Murals – County Antrim
Belfast is a popular Irish tourist destination, but it is Belfast’s history that is the real famous Ireland landmark here.
The best way to see and learn about Belfast’s bloody past is by taking a Black Taxi Tour.
Driven and explained by people who lived through those troubled times you will be guided to all the famous Ireland landmarks and murals from both sides such as The Bobby Sands Mural and The King William III Mural.
- Book the famous Black Taxi mural tour here.
- Alternatively, you can book a 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off bus here.
46. Milltown Cemetery – County Antrim
Whilst in Belfast and after seeing the famous murals and sites you should also pay a visit to the Milltown Cemetery.
Even though it is a graveyard this place has also seen violence in the past when loyalist Michael Stone attacked a funeral in 1988.
The most famous grave is that of Bobby Sands who shares the graveyard with his fellow hunger-strikers, Kieran Doherty, Joe McDonnell, and Pat McGeown
47. Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre- County Meath
An important part of Irish history is the Battle of the Boyne which took place in 1690 when sadly for Ireland its forces led by King James were defeated by William of Orange.
Back then family feuds got way out of hand as King James was in fact William’s uncle and father-in-law! Sounds like a Jeremy Kyle show eh?!
This center explains the famous Irish battle & relevance of the Battle of the Boyne which turned the tide of war.
- From Dublin, book your Celtic Boyne Valley Tour.
While you are in County Meath, you must visit Newgrange, a UNESCO Heritage site that is older than The Great Pyramids and Stonehenge.
48. Jameson Distillery – County Cork and County Dublin
Whiskey is strongly associated with Ireland. And Jameson Whiskey is the lead brand and the most famous Irish whiskey around the world.
There are two Distilleries in Ireland, one in Midleton – County Cork, and the second one in Dublin.
The largest pot still in known history is not in use anymore but resides at the Midleton Distillery in Ireland.
Built in 1825, its capacity is a whopping 31,618 gallons which equates to one heck of a party in Ireland!
- For your Cork Jameson Experience Whiskey Tour, book here.
- For your Dublin Jameson Experience Whiskey Tour, book here.
49. The Burren – County Clare
A famous quote about the Burren is ” There is not enough water to drown a man, not enough wood to hang a man nor earth to bury a man”.
A unique landscape, The Burren will make you think you are on the moon. Yet it is such a beautiful place, it all depends on how to view it!
- From Dublin, book a Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey & Galway Day Tour which includes the Burren.
- From Galway, book a Cliffs of Moher and The Burren Full Day Tour.
50. Mizen Head – County Cork
Considered the most southern point of Ireland is Mizen Head, although technically it is Brow Head.
Because this was considered the most southern point of Ireland a signal station, weather station, and lighthouse were built here for all the ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
The signal station is today a museum which shows how the permanent staff lived and worked.
To access the structure you must cross the famous Mizen Head Bridge. If you look below you will be able to see many seals that are playing in the water.
- From Cork, you can get a full Day West Cork to Mizen Head Tour here.
On the drive in take a stop to take in the stunning views of the gorgeous Barley Cove.
51. The Skellig Islands – County Kerry
The second of Ireland’s UNESCO sites is The Skellig Islands.
These two islands are located 12 kilometers from the mainland and are surrounded by rough seas. It can only be accessed by boat, weather and time of the year permitting.
The larger island is Skellig Michael and the smaller one is, (Let’s keep it simple) Little Skellig!
Skellig Michael is the more famous Irish island with its two peaks rising over 230 meters from sea level and its 6th-century settlement.
These remote Irish islands are up there with the most famous Ireland landmarks due to Star Wars – have you heard of it?!
Because this landscape is so unique and out of this world, the producers of Star Wars chose it as a film location in Ireland for three of their movies. Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Rise of Skywalker, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
‘Even if you have no interest in Star Wars this is still one of Ireland’s best places to visit. To get to the famous beehive monastic settlement, which includes a church and cemetery, you must walk up 670 steps on a very steep incline, easy right?!
The smaller of the islands –Little Skellig can not be accessed. It is home to over 35000 gannets, making it Ireland’s largest colony.
The puffin bird also lives here, and a similar creature can also be seen in the Star Wars movies.
Choose Your Skellig Islands Tour Wisely!!
Make sure to pick the tour that actually stops and allows you to step onto Skellig Michael!
52. Causeway Coastal Route – County Antrim
Back to Antrim, because there are so many great things to see after #51 The Giants Causeway.
The Causeway Coastal Route starts from Belfast and ends in Derry, mostly along the Antrim coastline (or vice versa).
Along the way, you will discover lots of great sights. Some are famous Ireland landmarks, others less famous but still have that wow factor.
Some of those attractions include the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Chaine Memorial Tower, Bushmills Distillery, the Black Arch, the Hidden Village of Galboly, and Carrick Fergus Castle.
53. The Library of Trinity College – County Dublin
Ireland’s leading university is Trinity College. Some of the world’s best literature’ like Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett studied here.
But it is the stunning library that is the famous Ireland landmark. Home to over 250,000 books and in particular one book – The Book of Kells.
This book was created around the year 800 and stands out for its outstanding and decorative Celtic illustrations.
- Save time and money and purchase your 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!
- Alternatively, you can book a Fast-Track Book of Kells Ticket & Dublin Castle Tour
54. Gap of Dunloe – County Kerry
An epic road-trip counts as a famous Ireland landmark right?! Well, we think so!
A great way to spend a day is to drive the Gap of Dunloe, only 15 minutes away from Killarney.
The majority of people drive this very narrow and winding mountain pass, however, it can also be cycled, walked, or traveled on a jaunting car.
Along the way, you will come across plenty of lakes, streams, rugged mountains, and lots of sheep!
Heads up for the nervous car drivers – This is a very narrow road and sometimes a bit tricky to drive if you are not used to Irish roads.
- From Ross Castle (5 mins from Killarney, Co. Kerry), Book your complete Gap of Dunloe Tour here.
55. Glendalough – County Wicklow
Located within the gorgeous Wicklow mountains is one of the most famous Irish monastic sites – Glendalough (Glen of two lakes).
Surrounded by picture-perfect and natural landscapes, this ancient Ireland Landmark was built by Saint Kevin in the 6th century.
The “city” is dominated by the round-tower, but other notable attractions are The Gateway, The Cathedral, and Saint Kevin’s High Cross.
One of Ireland’s most famous sites, it is Free of Charge to visit.
56. Gougane Barra – County Cork
If you have ever driven from Cork City to Killarney you will know that you pass through some stunning mountain ranges, as mentioned in the song made famous by Metallica – Whiskey in the Jar!
Within that splendid natural landscape is Gougane Barra, a stunning valley that is ideal for walks or just some chill time where you can enjoy the surroundings.
The name Gougane Barra comes from Saint Finbarr (who is the patron saint of Cork City).
It is believed he built a monastery on the island in the lake during the sixth century.
- From Cork, you can get a Full Day West Cork to Mizen Head Tour which includes beautiful Gougane Barra.
But wait there’s more!! After all the sightseeing, hikes, or whatever interest you have, you can then visit one of the most bizarre tourist attractions – Ireland’s best toilet!!
57. The Wild Atlantic Way
Continuing on with the Irish road-trips – this one has to top the list of most famous Ireland landmarks.
The longest road trip in Ireland with an incredible distance of nearly 2500 kilometers is The Wild Atlantic Way.
It is the world’s longest coastal touring route. So in other words, lots of cool stuff to see!!
The journey starts/ends at #13 Kinsale and ends/starts at Ireland’s most northerly point #18 Malin Head.
By now you must realize that to drive road trips in Ireland you will be on many windy and narrow roads.
But the good news is that it is packed with adventurous activities, astonishing scenery, colorful fishing villages, some very steep cliffs, plenty of history and most importantly – lots and lots of pubs!
To do this full itinerary you will need 3 – 4 weeks to truly enjoy it without rushing. If that timeframe is not an option then you can simply break the trip down into smaller ones which can be perfect for weekend getaways.
Another option is to do this in the summer months, with roughly 15 hours of daylight per day it is possible to visit many attractions in a day. No, we are not talking about the pubs in this case!!
58. Hookhead Lighthouse – County Wexford
Hookhead lighthouse is the oldest working lighthouse in the world is in Ireland.
The bulky tower of the complex dates back as far as the 13th century, which was established from a beacon that was laid in the 6th century!
Today you can go on a guided tour learning about the tower’s 800-year history whilst taking in some spectacular views.
59. King of the Vikings – County Waterford
Only one hour away from #58 Hookhead Lighthouse is Ireland’s oldest city – Waterford.
Vikings loved coming to Ireland for a bit of raiding and pillaging and in the year 853, they established a permanent settlement on the ground where the city lies today.
Experience how life was back then in the world’s first Viking virtual reality 3D adventure.
Tickets are only 5 euros for children and 10 euros for adults for this fun and knowledgeable encounter.
60. Game Of Thrones Studio Tour
Only a half-hour south of Belfast is a newly famous Ireland landmark, especially if you are a die-hard Game of Thrones fan.
Visit the studios where part of this iconic series was created. Inside you can see the various film sets, costumes used by the original cast, hundreds of weapons, and props that were used in the series such as dragon heads and giants.
Tickets range from £30-40 for adults (excluding bus transfers) depending on the time of the year.
Under 16 tickets range from £11-15 and under 12s have free entry! Regardless if you are a true fan or not this is a very fun experience and you will get your money’s worth.
Tickets MUST be booked online and in advance.
- From Belfast, book your studio tour including transfers here.
- From Dublin, book your studio tour including transfers here.
Enjoy All The Famous Ireland Landmarks!
We hope to inspire people to go out and discover these beautiful Ireland attractions, both the Ireland hidden gems and the more famous ones. Remember that many of these Irish landmarks can be visited on day trips.
How many of these famous Irish landmarks do you know or have you visited?? How many of these have now been added to your Ireland bucket list?
As always we hope you enjoyed this read and 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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