5 of the Best... Ireland

Welcome to the Republic of Ireland - a place famous for lush green landscapes, rugged coastlines and welcoming cities. From the lively capital of Dublin on the nation's east coast, to rural delights around the 'Emerald Isle' - there's a plethora of top quality sights to explore. It's heritage stretches back hundreds and even thousands of years, whilst the people today are renowned for having a good time - with the pubs so often a place for plenty of 'craic' (pronounced 'crack' - meaning fun and enjoyable conversation and laughs!). In this article, I'm selecting '5 of the Best...' sights to see in the 26 counties which make up the Republic we see today. I hope it's an interesting and enjoyable read.

1. Dublin

We begin in Dublin - the heart of the country, which has been the capital of the Republic ever since its establishment in 1949. It was also capital of the Irish Free State that was declared prior in 1922, and before this was the centre of British (originally 'Anglo-Norman') rule of the island since the 12th century. The city began to emerge when it was founded by the Vikings, with a fortified base, in 841 AD. There were previous Celtic settlements, however infrastructure started to be built around the River Liffey in the 9th century. Today it has come a long way and is one of the family of European capital cities that is very well connected by sea and air, ready to welcome tourists from all around the world.

It's the Gaelic term 'Dubh linn' which gives this city its name. It's around the site of Dublin Castle whereby a dark tidal pool was located at the meeting point of the River Poddle and Liffey respectively. Because of this, 'Dubh linn' derives as a translation from this 'black pool'. Dublin Castle is one of the many interesting sights to visit in Dublin - with it providing an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the likes of John F. Kennedy (1963), Nelson Mandela (1990) and Queen Elizabeth II (2011) at St Patrick's Hall in the State Apartments. You can also learn about Bram Stoker, who famously wrote the book 'Dracula', who worked in the castle in the 1870s. I wrote more about this in my '10 Facts and Stories: Dublin' article, which can be found with this link: https://www.lessonsandjoysoftravel.com/post/10-facts-and-stories-dublin.

Other highlights in Dublin include walking along the bank of the River Liffey and crossing the lovable 'Ha'Penny Bridge', experiencing the story and taste of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse, visiting the Gothic splendour of St Patrick's Cathedral, saying 'hi' to the flamboyant statues of Oscar Wilde and Molly Malone, and delving into the history of Irish culture around the world at EPIC - the highly rated Irish Emigration Museum. All these sights combine with many other places to visit in Dublin, whilst simply wandering the streets provides many fine pieces of architecture to photograph... that's if you haven't been lured into one of the city's 700 or so pubs!

2. Ring of Kerry

Of these '5 of the Best... Ireland', I'll share them clockwise geographically, so up next, after moving from 3am to 7am (if the island of Ireland was a clock), we're in the south west at the magnificent 'Ring of Kerry'. This remote region of the County Kerry is now a popular tourist trail for a circular road trip whereby visitors get to explore rugged coastlines, idyllic villages and local history and traditions. Many places can be used as a base, but one of the towns best for this is Killarney. From there, an anticlockwise drive (coaches have to go this direction to avoid congestion on the narrow country lanes!) provides awesome lookouts into the wild deep blue Atlantic Ocean, along the way.

One of the most interesting stops is the Kerry Bog Village Museum in Glenbeigh - which provides an intriguing insight into how people lived and worked in Ireland in the 19th century. In thatched cottages, visitors get to step foot into the decor of a few centuries ago, whilst also seeing farm equipment and even a 'Kerry Bog Pony'. Most popular among many is meeting the Irish Wolfhounds - the world's tallest dog! This place is surrounded by the bog lands of Ballintleave - of which were historically utilised by using the peat to create fuel. This was a way for locals to heat their homes, however commercial harvesting of peat from the bogs has ceased due to climate commitments. Small scale local use is permitted, but the burning of peat produces more carbon dioxide than coal, so therefore this industry has declined massively. As a result of this, it helps maintain the biodiversity (variety of flora and fauna) of the bogs by leaving their bog habitat alone.

Further around the route, a stop at Waterville provides the fresh sea breeze of Ballinskelligs Bay, before further around at Sneem, brightly coloured houses and quirky statues provide some great photo opportunities, whilst it's also a good place to have lunch. James Scanlon was a local sculptor who designed 'The Way the Fairies Went' sculptures to celebrate Sneem's victory in the 1987 National Tidy Town's Competition... they're an impressive sight - which have become known as 'the pyramids of Sneem'! Additionally, after more scenic views, stopping by for a sheepdog show is my personal highlight of first exploring the west coast of Ireland. Their hearing is astonishing and their loyalty to the farmers is heartwarming - we were told how they don't get treats for their work - they get a lovely pat and simply being told they're a "good dog" means a lot!

Wrapping up at Killarney - a jaunting experience (horse ride with carriage) is a timeless experience being pulled along a horse drawn carriage whilst admiring views of the lakes. Before joining a ride, Ross Castle is well worth a look at by the water, whilst St Mary's Cathedral in Killarney is one of the grandest places of worship in Ireland. Construction of this Catholic place of worship began in 1943, before the Gothic Revival style building opened in 1955. Killarney's lakes are very popular for enjoying the tranquil atmosphere by the water, and a jaunting ride past these from Ross Castle to St Mary's is very memorable for visitors. From Killarney to the rural delights discussed, the variety of sights to see and explore make the Ring of Kerry a highlight of the Republic of Ireland.

3. Cliffs of Moher

The magnificent 200 metres high (214 metres at the highest point!) Cliffs of Moher is the most renowned 'natural wonder' of Ireland, and is located on the coastline of county Clare. The sheer scale of these cliffs is quite something to admire, and they make not only a good stop on a big island trip, but also somewhere feasible by day-tour from Dublin, with them sitting at a similar longitude to the nation's capital. These famous Cliffs of Moher start just south of Liscannor, and stretch out approximately 10 kilometres up the coast to near the village of Doolin, at the Fisherstreet.

The flora and fauna of the Cliffs of Moher makes it a sight changing all year round. Springtime bloom brings its beauty, whilst May is the height of breeding season for the puffins! At least eight species of sea bird inhibit the rocky cliffs, and alike the flora - they are tough and resilient to survive facing the elements that the Atlantic Ocean brings. Some of the birds are migratory and can only be seen at certain times of the year, however the likes of Herring Gulls, like to winter there and stay put in Ireland. I love how the Cliffs of Moher guidebook, describes the birds at Moher... "a bird's equivalent to New York, a cosmopolitan mix of species, each with its favourite resting places" - it's such a good comparison.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience opened in February 2007 and has enabled the site to have the facilities to responsibly welcome visitors to this site. Alike Stonehenge's visitor centre - it's made the future of tourism there sustainable with the car parks a good distance away from the cliffs themselves. Golf buggies are available at Moher for those who would like a lift to the viewpoint by the iconic O'Brien's Tower, which was built in 1835. There are food facilities, toilets, information and a gift shop to explore - all of which are remarkably built into the ground - utilising the natural contours of the landscape to not need to build upwards and create an eyesore at this rural sight. I think the visitor experience engineering is a fine example of responsible eco-friendly construction - it's recognised as part of the overall UNESCO Geopark complex.

4. Galway

Located on the western coast of the island of Ireland, about an hour and a half's drive north from the Cliffs of Moher, Galway is one of the nation's liveliest places - full of character and spirit. Regarded by many as Ireland's 'cultural capital' - its energy can be felt walking down the High Street as its many pubs have live music playing, or as was the case when I visited in March - the 6 Nations Rugby was on with Ireland vs Scotland! Galway was the European Capital of Culture in 2020, and many people may have heard of the Galway Races, whilst the Galway International Arts Festival means it lures a wide variety of people to this city on the banks of the River Corrib. In the heart of the atmospheric Latin Quarter is a historic pub named after a highly significant moment of British history: The Kings Head. It's said that the executioner of Charles I was given this property as payment. The story dates back to the 1649 execution of the British monarch, however prior to the pub's name being as it is known today - the building dates back 800 years to the 13th century as a permenant fixture of the city.

Just a few minutes walk from this famous public house, is one of Galway's beautiful places of worship: Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church. Inside this 12th century church is a colourful blue and yellow ceiling, stained glass windows and lots of information signage for those wishing to delve into the history. Further inland to the north, along the banks of the river, is the mint green dome of Galway Cathedral. This cathedral is built on the site of a former prison, and is a relatively recent addition (completed in 1965) compared to the historic Latin Quarter. Back towards the water front, is another historic landmark of Galway - the Spanish Arch. It's said that this arch by the sea actually was partially damaged by the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, however it still stands to this day - overlooking many people enjoying fish and chips by the sea on a sunny day, as the River Corrib flows southwards into the Atlantic Ocean. This city in the north west of Ireland, Galway, has a population of approximately 85,910, and like the upcoming town of Donegal - is an urban hub in a county of the same name.

5. Donegal Town

We finish up in the region of Ulster, in the northernmost county on the island of Ireland: Donegal. The town of Donegal completes our journey around '5 of the Best... Ireland' - it's one of the nicest town centres in the country. The Irish Gaelic term 'Dún na nGall' is the origin of the name Donegal - and this effectively translates into 'Fort of the Foreigners'. It's believed that 'foreigners' is most likely to be a reference to 9th century Viking raiders in the region! Interestingly, whilst Galway City is the administrative capital and 'county town' of County Galway, Donegal Town is not the county town of Donegal. This honour is given to nearby Lifford to the north east - right on the border with Northern Ireland. Donegal Town is much smaller than Galway City, as it is home to about 2,749

residents (less than 5% of Galway's populous). This small town atmosphere is reflected in the more relaxed pace to life in Donegal. There's a plethora of interesting sights to see which can easily entertain visitors for a few hours exploration, whilst it also makes a great lunch stop with many inviting pubs and cafes - particularly around the town centre 'triangle' area. One of the bars that I particularly recommend popping in to see the amazing pub-related decor, is the McCafferty's Bar. Also in the central area of town is Donegal Castle, which was refurbished in the 1990s after falling into disrepair. Adjacent to the castle too, is the picturesque Gothic Revival style, Church of Ireland. This church was stuck by lightning in 2017, but the stonework and spire was repaired back to its fully glory in 2019.

Following Quay Street south from the town centre, offers views of the River Eske. Continuing a short walk south brings visitors to the evocative graveyard of Donegal Abbey. This was founded in order to accommodate the arrival of Franciscan monks. And the story of this links to two historical figures (1427--1505) that are both known as Red Hugh O'Donnell. The first of these prominent figures was the Lord of Tyrconnell (now County Donegal), and it was his wife, Nuala, who invited the Franciscans to Donegal. The second Red Hugh O'Donnell (also known as Hugh Roe O'Donnell II) is perhaps more famous, despite only living to the age of 29 (1572-1602). There is a statue of him nearby in the coach park which was put there as a commemorative memorial in 2007 - he was an Irish Celtic Irish Chieftain and also the Lord of Tyrconnell from 1592 until he died. He represents the fierce Irish spirit of resistance to English over-lordship, and is therefore revered today as a symbol of Irish nationalism and as a regional folk hero. Living in the late 16th century as a descendant of the O'Donnell clan, he led the Irish lords during the Nine Years' War of 1593 to 1603, which was effectively the Irish with Spanish support, against the English government. It was during a siege of Donegal in 1601 that the Donegal Abbey (also known as the 'Franciscan Friary') was left in ruins. I have a huge respect for the people who have Ireland for their enduring spirit under occupation and oppression during British rule; I'm glad the Republic of Ireland today has its long deserved freedom.

By Aaron Woodruff

Lessons & Joys of Travel

04/07/2026