Welcome to our second last post of famous Ireland landmarks, and we have a lot of Irish ground to cover.
If you have not read the first three articles, we would advise you to catch up on the first 60 famous Ireland landmarks to make sure you don’t miss any Irish gems.
You can do that through the links below:
Famous Ireland Landmarks
Consider ticking these Ireland landmarks off your Irish 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 The Greatest Landmarks in Ireland is presented in a random order.
61. Béal na Bláth – County Cork
Thirty minutes away from Clonakilty is a small village called Béal na Bláth (pronounced Bale na Bla)
This Irish village is best known as the site where Michael Collins was ambushed and killed on the 22nd of August 1922.
In terms of landscape and views, there is not much here, but that’s not the reason to visit this site.
You come here, as it is one of Ireland’s most historic sites as well as to show respect to an Irish soldier and politician who brought the British empire to its knees.
If you are interested in the history associated with “The Big Man” then you can follow the Michael Collins Trail.
This Ireland road trip brings you around sites such as the Michael Collins Centre, the Independence Museum, and the Birthplace of Michael Collins.
Another nearby and historic site associated with the Irish War of Independence is the Kilmichael Ambush Site.
On the 28th of November 1920, 36 IRA volunteers Commanded by Tom Barry ambushed and killed 16 RIC members one week after the Bloody Sunday Massacre.
Informative signs are in place which explain and help you understand what happened on that ill-fated day.
62. Clonakilty – County Cork
A town that is strongly associated with Michael Collins is the wonderful Clonakilty.
If history isn’t your thing then you can still have a great visit here on either a day trip or weekend break.
Besides eating heaps of fresh and local black pudding the town also has plenty of lively pubs such as “De Barra’s and “An Sugan.”
However, it is one pub that is a very fun and unique experience – An Teach Beag (Pronounced An Chock Bee-Ug) which means small house).
Home to traditional Irish music sessions, Irish stories, and jokes, 7 nights a week in the summer and Friday and Saturday in the winter months.
There is no judgment inside this public house, and if you feel comfortable enough to sing a song or tell a story you will be more than welcome.
- From Cork, you can get a full-day guided west Cork tour which includes Clonakilty.
63. Dublin Statues – County Dublin
Dublin City is a stunning place and lots of famous individuals hail from there. These include real people and fictional characters which are now immortalized around the city in the form of statues.
Our personal favorite is the musical legend that is – Luke Kelly. Other statues include Thin Lizzy’s frontman Phil Lynott, the local fishmonger Molly Malone, and famous authors James Joyce and Oscar Wilde.
Please support Happy Irish Wanderers and help us grow by using the provided links. This will earn us a small commission, but won’t cost you anything extra!
64. Belfast Peace Wall – County Antrim
It has been over 20 years since the Good Friday Agreement which brought an end to “The Troubles“.
Sadly the divisions between both sides are still very visible, in particular in the form of a wall called “The Peace Wall”
The wall was built to separate two very hardcore sides and neighborhoods. In particular the Nationalist side of the Falls Road area and the Loyalist side which is the Shankhill Road area.
It is easy to recognize on which side you are standing with many murals, flags and even painted footpaths.
65. Cuilcagh Legna Boardwalk – County Fermanagh
The Cuilcagh Legna trail is an 11-kilometer-long hike that brings you to the Cuilcagh Boardwalk viewing platform.
The last section contains a wooden stair which is nicknamed “The Stairway To Heaven”.
On this trek, you will walk through one of the largest blanket bogs in Ireland. Along the way, you will have great panoramic views of the flat-topped ridged Cuilcagh Mountain which is also Ireland’s only cross-border county top (County Fermanagh and County Cavan).
66. Ennis Friary + Quin Abbey – County Clare
If you are visiting the stunning County Clare then you have a good chance of driving through or near the town of Ennis.
If that is the case then take a visit to the remnants of Ennis Friary. One of Ireland’s oldest Franciscan friaries it was built in the year 1240 and is the burial place of the ancient kings and chieftains of County Clare. Entry will cost you 5 Euro.
Only 15 minutes from Ennis you will find the town of Quin which has the beautiful Quin Abbey. Another structure with stunning arches and buildings that are free to visit.
If you wonder what the difference is between an Abbey and a friary then let me inform you that I don’t know! What I do know however is that both of these famous Ireland landmarks are very impressive and worth a visit.
67. Lahinch – County Clare
At the head of Liscannor Bay and with a gorgeous 2-kilometer beach is the entertaining town of Lahinch.
This is another Irish town which is a great place for short holidays or weekend breaks. From Lahinch, you can plan day trips to places such as the #2 Cliffs of Moher, #27 Loophead Drive, and #48 the Burren.
Over the years the town has become a popular hotspot for surfing with some great waves created in the bay.
Besides surfing you can also engage in other water sports such as swimming, kite surfing, diving, and fishing.
A stunning yet tricky golf course is located right next to the beach which can be hard to play with the strong winds!
After a day full of activities go for a relaxing drink in the many entertaining pubs.
Just make sure to read all about Irish pub etiquette first!
The summer months are the best time to visit, but of course, that doesn’t mean you can visit this great town any time of the year!
68. Titanic Experience – County Antrim
Up there with the most famous Ireland landmarks – everyone knows about the Titanic. But did you know that this masterpiece was designed, built, and commissioned in Belfast.
Starting in 1909 it took 3 years to complete. For 6 days a week from dusk till dawn thousands of workers labored to build this wonder of the world, which ultimately had a doomed destiny.
At the time it was the world’s largest and most luxurious ship the world had ever seen.
This floating palace was the first ship with steam baths, a heated swimming pool, electric escalators, and hot and cold water in every cabin.
If you want an insightful, interactive, and most importantly fun event, then The Titanic Experience in Belfast is a must-see attraction.
On arrival you will immediately sight the SS Nomadic, this is the last remaining White Star ship that is still in existence today.
Inside this uniquely designed building, you will learn about the history this famous ship has to offer.
Of course, it also looks into the ship’s last ill-fated hours. On display are many real artifacts from the Titanic, as well as the fun “Shipyard Ride”, the spiral staircase, and recreated rooms.
- Again it is advised to Book Tickets in advance as this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland.
69. Cork City Gaol – County Cork
If you are visiting Cork City and are looking for a fun and unusual activity then a visit to Cork Gaol is a must.
On arrival, you will be confused as you may think you are visiting a castle instead of a prison.
Once inside you will realize that this pretty building is most certainly not!!
Experience a trip back in time and learn about the horrendous conditions inmates were held in the 19th century.
The entry fee is a very reasonable 12 euros for a Gaol Tour with an audio guide.
70. Killarney National Park – County Kerry
Resembling a film location for a Lord of Rings movie is the stunning and rugged Killarney National Park.
In 1939 the park had the honor of becoming Ireland’s first National Park.
This region is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground with lots of different activities and spectacular scenery in every direction.
You can choose to drive, walk, or cycle through the National Park with many hiking routes available.
There are lots of natural features packed within the National Park. These include waterfalls, mountains, moss-covered woods, and of course the famous Lakes of Killarney. There is also a strong presence of wildlife, in particular the Irish Red deer.
- From Killarney, you can do a Full-Day Tour
- Lakes of Killarney Boat Cruise
- Guided Horse-riding Tour
- From Cork, you can do a Full-Day Tour
71. Adare – County Limerick
A stunning town in Ireland that can be visited in a day is the famed village of Adare.
This pretty, historic area has a few different sights and activities to choose from.
Go for a walk through this pretty place of old Irish cottages with thatched roofs. From there you can make your way to Desmond Castle which lies within the famous Adare Manor Golf Club.
72. Burr Point – County Down
So far we have mentioned the most Southern Point( #49 Mizen Head) and the most Northern Point (#18 Malin Head) in Ireland.
The most Eastern point of the island of Ireland is Burr Point in County Down!
The point is marked by a monument with a large letter E (East, in case you didn’t click on to that!)
73. Birr Castle Telescope
If you love science and engineering, as well as giant trees and wonderful wildlife, then Birr Castle is your place!
Besides being a huge castle with spectacular gardens and walkways there are two very unique things here to visit.
Firstly, The Leviathan of Parsonstown. What the heck is that you say?!
An historic telescope that was the largest in the world from 1845 until 1917!
This massive instrument was built by the owner of Birr Castle and estate – William Parsons – a keen astronomer and engineer.
These days there is a much more advanced telescope. A radio telescope that is connected to nearly 50 similar telescopes around Europe.
This telescope is the westernmost station in the LOFAR network. In 2018 it discovered a new red dwarf star that is over a billion years old!
74. The Ewe Experience – County Cork
Arguably Ireland’s greatest and most interesting sculpture garden is The Ewe Experience.
It is located only one hour away from Killarney between Kenmare and Glengarriff.
This is an experience that combines nature, spectacular art, history, literature, and great humor!
Set in a dreamy waterfall oasis with plenty of natural features this is a fun event for all ages. The trail itself is only one kilometer long, yet it can take two hours to complete.
75. Rock of Cashel – County Tipperary
For many years we drove past The Rock of Cashel just taking in the spectacular views from a distance.
We have no excuse why we never visited one of the most famous Ireland landmarks and top tourist attractions.
It wasn’t until April 2022 that we went inside this magnificent castle to explore from close up, and we were not disappointed.
The buildings that remain today are beautiful from far away and close up.
This famous Ireland landmark which once housed the kings of Munster ticks a lot off the medieval checklist such as – a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, and a fifteenth-century Tower House.
If you plan to visit on a quiet weekday you can have the complex almost to yourself.
76. The Dark Hedges – County Antrim
Visiting some trees in the middle of nowhere sounds exciting right?!
We didn’t expect much if we were being honest, but once we got there, we actually were quite impressed!
The Dark Hedges was made famous by a scene in Game Of Thrones.
These days you can visit the film location for free unless you are on a Game of Thrones Tour!
Parking is very limited, so don’t be one of those people who drives down the road and parks up ruining it for everyone else!
Only one hour away from Belfast, The Dark Hedges is an Irish landmark you should add to your Causeway Coastal route!
- From Dublin, you can do a Full-Day Giants Causeway Guided Tour which includes the Dark Hedges.
- From Belfast, find your Full-Day Giants Causeway Guided Tour which of course includes the Dark Hedges.
77. Poulnabrone Dolmen – County Clare
Poulnabrone Dolmen is a historical Ireland landmark and is also Ireland’s oldest megalithic monument.
It is believed to have been built nearly 4000 years ago! Many artifacts were found buried under the monument such as stone weapons, pottery, and jewelry along with the remains of 33 people!
The Dolmen is free to visit and is a short walk away from the nearby car park.
Read all about Ireland’s 10 Best megalithic Monuments.
78. Healy’s Pass – County Cork
Described as one of Ireland’s greatest drives, Healy’s Pass takes you on a winding road through some of Ireland’s most rugged and beautiful natural surroundings.
The route is only 12 KM and begins at the Adrigole Bridge in County Cork and proceeds to the Lauragh Bridge in County Kerry.
If that is way too short for you then we have good news: The Healy Pass Drive is an 86-kilometer circuit that starts and finishes in Kenmare and offers many great views along the way.
The best way to explore Ireland is by car. Discovery Cars is the leading platform for comparing all rental car options. Just remember, we drive on the LEFT side of the road!
79. Croke Park – County Dublin
Croke Park Stadium is in the heart of Dublin and is the home of the GAA headquarters.
Since 1891 the site has been used to host Gaelic Sports such as hurling, camogie, and Gaelic football.
Currently, the stadium is the third biggest in Europe after the Camp Nou in Barcelona and Wembley Stadium in London
There is a lot of history in Croke Park. On 21 November 1920, during the War of Independence, British forces entered the stadium during a Dublin vs Tipperary game and started shooting into the crowd killing 14 people.
One of those who was killed was Tipperary player Michael Hogan. The famous Hogan stand is named after him.
80. Spike Island
A famous Ireland landmark that is also known as the Irish Alcatraz is Spike Island.
Spike island is across from #1 Cobh and can be reached by boat only. The Island has seen many transformations over the centuries.
Originally built as a fort by British forces to keep out French warships, it was later used as a penal transportation depot for some unlucky Irish who got an unwanted ticket to Australia.
There is a graveyard on the back of the Island for some poor souls who never even made it onto a prison ship.
In the late 20th century the prison was used as a prison for young offenders. The most famous prisoner was Martin Cahill AKA The General.
There are daily tours from Cobh, open from April until October, and weekend tours in November.
Follow us on Instagram to see where in the world we are today!
There are 20 More Famous Ireland landmarks left!
And just like that, we have another list of famous Ireland landmarks under the belt! How many of these Irish attractions do you know or have visited??
We would love to hear your thoughts about our Ireland bucket-list. Please feel free to leave us a message below or contact us through our socials.
Don’t forget to check out our final Ireland landmarks post below.
Slán go fóil
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. This is at NO EXTRA COST to you. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring adventure travel guides.
