Brú na Bóinne is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape. Its prehistoric passage tombs contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe. Here, you can experience both the expanse of an archaeological landscape and the art inside the tombs themselves. All visits to Newgrange and Knowth begin at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre; from there, a shuttle bus takes visitors to the monuments.

Medieval architecture and monastic heritage

At the Rock of Cashel, the group of medieval buildings includes a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel and a Gothic cathedral. The different architectural styles stand together in one ensemble: the round tower and high cross make a different impression from the two church buildings. Cormac’s Chapel preserves the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland. This allows you to look beyond the architecture to Romanesque wall paintings.

Scattery Island contains the remains of an ancient monastic heritage, including a round tower, a cathedral and several medieval churches. A round tower can therefore be found both at the Rock of Cashel and on Scattery Island, where it is part of a wider group of monastic buildings. Sceilg Mhichíl, also known as Skellig Michael, is an early medieval monastic site on an island and was added to the World Heritage List in 1996. Three landing places are connected by steps to the main monastic remains. The island is also one of Ireland’s important breeding grounds for seabirds.

Parkland, walking trails and Atlantic views

Killarney National Park covers 10,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls. It is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is accessible by train, car and bus. The scenic Old Kenmare Road runs through the park’s uplands and forms part of the long-distance Kerry Way. This presents a vast natural area and a named walking trail as distinct ways to experience the park’s landscape.

On Ireland’s wild west coast, the steep Cliffs of Moher rise 214 metres above the waves. Walking the paths along the 14-kilometre-long cliffs offers views of the wild Atlantic. A raised viewpoint at O’Brien’s Tower offers a different perspective, with views as far as the Aran Islands. The visitor centre at the Cliffs of Moher houses immersive exhibitions. Walking, the viewpoint and the exhibition are three different ways to experience this coastal destination.

An urban perspective

The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin offers a self-guided tour. The Gravity Bar provides a 360-degree view across the city. This offers a different focus from passage tombs, monastic sites and landscapes: here, a self-guided experience combines with views over Dublin.

Would you prefer to focus on archaeological sites and architecture, landscapes and trails, coastal views or an urban perspective? Tailor your search to what you would like to discover on your trip, without assuming a set itinerary.

Discover Ireland’s regions

Discover Ireland’s regions too: Connacht, Leinster, Munster, Ulster.

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