Top 10 must visit sites in Ireland

:our list of the top ten best Ireland sites we saw on our trip.

1. Aran Islands : Inis Oirr Ireland

2. Cliffs of Moher : Doolin, Ireland

3. Cashel Castle : Cashel, Ireland

4. Ring of Kerry : Kenmare to Cahersiveen to Kilorgen, Ireland

5.  Drombeg Stone Circle : Drombeg, Ireland

6. Gallarus Oratory : Dingle, Ireland

7. Ha'Penny Bridge : Dublin, Ireland

8. Saituge Fort : inbetween Sneem & Caherdaniel, Ireland

9. Tempal Chaomhain : Aran Islands Inis Oirr

10. Inch Beach / Inheydoney Beach : Dingle, Ireland / Clonakity, Ireland

11. The Pubs... Next post...

1. Aran Islands : Inis Oirr Ireland

The Aran islands are simply put in the land away from today. They are so far removed from the Irish mainland each islands story is unique and fascinating. Our horse and buggy carriage ride through Innis Oirr on a sunny day was the best we spent in Ireland. This is the kind of landscape lovers propose to each other, repeat there vows and fall deeper in love.

2. Cliffs of Moher : Doolin, Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher are perhaps the most touristy location that made this list. But the raw beauty and power of mother nature couldn't be more present than on the western coast of Ireland. Home to puffins, seagulls, seals, dolphins, sharks and countless other seaside dwelling creatures this location is absolutely breathtaking. 

3. Cashel Castle : Cashel, Ireland

The Cashel castle is one of the most scenic ruinous castle in Ireland. St. Patrick's rock smaller ruinous to Castle is an added bonus right down the hill. Just google images for the Cashel Castle and you will be blown away. This a must visit located conveiently between Dublin and the Irish Southen coast off the M7 motorway.

4. Ring of Kerry : Kenmare to Cahersiveen to Kilorgen, Ireland

The ring of Kerry is also another very touristy location on the southern coast of Ireland. But again the beauty on a sunny day of the ring of Kerry cannot be beat or replaced by any other hidden gem that I know of in Ireland. Scenic stops like this "Holy Well" pepper the vistas on this Irish coast line.

5. Drombeg Stone Circle : Drombeg, Ireland

The drawback circle was by far one of the most magical areas that Ireland has to offer. The naturally growing foxglove lives up to its Irish lore for being at home for fairies. Any Irishman who loves dancing and singing around campfire rings will be taken back by this ancient settlement

6. Gallarus Oratory : Dingle, Ireland

The Gallarus Oratory is for anyone coming to Ireland in search of religious discovery. The Gallarus Oratory is the oldest still standing church in Ireland with one door and one window it can comfortably fit 10 to 20 people for small intimate services. The view outside this window in any weather will be enough paralyze where you stand transporting you back in time with fields of green and the old way of Irish life. This a great stop in the rain as the Gallarus Oratory will stay completely dry even though they uses absolutely no mortor.

7. Ha'Penny Bridge : Dublin, Ireland

The Ha'Penny bridge pronounce [Hay-Penny] is a must stop for anyone traveling in the Dublin Ireland. The Ha'Pennt Bridges is in the heart of Dublin connecting north and south dunlin over the river Liffey. This historical bridge is a poets dream and references can be found throughout Irelands rich literary history. It is a must stop for newlyweds and lovers young and old. A fairly new tradition of putting a lock on the Ha'Penny bridge is also found in neighboring European countries such as Prague and Paris.

8. Saituge Fort : inbetween Sneem & Caherdaniel, Ireland

The Saituge Fort is along the Ring of Kerry yet it preserves a second spot on the list for it is one of the best ring forts found in Ireland. You also won't find any tour busses here as the road is absolutely one of the smallest roads in Ireland. 

It was most likely built in the early centuries A.D. before Christianity came in Ireland. The walls are 6 m high and 4 m stick it without any mortar in the area encloses over 30 m in diameter. The fort would've been home to a Cheiftan family of high status.

9.  Tempal Chaomhain : Aran Islands Inis Oirr

This 9th-century church is very similar to the Trinity Church at Kevin's Glendalough. It has sunken down into the graveyard that once surrounded it. I couldn't imagine a more beautiful burial ground than this. If you are interested in early Irish Christian churches this a beautiful stop on the first Aran Island. 

10. Inch Beach : Dingle, Ireland

Inch beach is Ireland's biggest southern beach right next to Inheydoney beach. We stopped at both beaches and the breathtaking moments are when you see the ocean right next to green pastures. Look around for an Irish leprechaun gave such as the one we found here.

10. The Pubs... Next post...