List of tourist attractions in Ireland facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Ireland is an amazing island with lots of cool places to visit! It's split into two parts: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This list shows you some of the most popular spots that welcome over 100,000 visitors each year. Get ready to explore ancient castles, stunning natural wonders, and exciting cities!

Exploring Ireland: Top Tourist Spots
- Amazing Adventures Across Counties
- Discovering Ireland's Counties
See also

Exploring Ireland: Top Tourist Spots

Amazing Adventures Across Counties

Some of Ireland's best adventures stretch across many counties. These routes let you see a lot of different places on one trip!

The Wild Atlantic Way: This is a super long coastal road trip. It goes along the entire west coast of Ireland. You'll see amazing cliffs, beaches, and charming towns.
Ireland's Ancient East: This route takes you through the eastern and southern parts of Ireland. It's full of history, ancient sites, and beautiful gardens.
Ireland's Hidden Heartlands: Explore the middle of Ireland with this route. It's known for its peaceful lakes, rivers, and green landscapes.

Discovering Ireland's Counties

Now, let's look at some cool places in specific counties!

Antrim: Giants and Castles

Antrim is in Northern Ireland. It has some truly unique places.

Antrim Castle and Gardens: A historic castle with beautiful gardens to explore.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: A thrilling rope bridge connecting the mainland to a tiny island. It's a fun challenge!
Belfast: This is the capital city of Northern Ireland. It's the second largest city on the island.
- Titanic Quarter: Here you can find Titanic Belfast. It's a fantastic museum about the famous ship, the Titanic. You can also see the SS Nomadic, a ship that helped passengers get to the Titanic. The W5 science museum is also here, full of hands-on exhibits.
- Ulster Museum: Located in the lovely Botanic Gardens. This museum has everything from dinosaurs to Egyptian mummies.
Dark Hedges: A magical tunnel of beech trees. It looks like something out of a fantasy movie!
Giant's Causeway: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's an amazing natural wonder with thousands of hexagon-shaped basalt columns. It looks like giants built it!
Old Bushmills Distillery: The oldest whiskey distillery in Ireland. You can learn how whiskey is made here.

Armagh: Twin Cathedrals and Nature

Armagh is known for its history and nature.

Armagh city: This city is important for churches in Ireland. It has two big cathedrals: St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh (Church of Ireland) and St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh (Roman Catholic).
Lough Neagh: The biggest lake in Ireland. You can visit places like Kinnego Marina and Oxford Island National Nature Reserve here.
Slieve Gullion: A beautiful mountain and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Clare: Cliffs and Ancient Stones

Clare is famous for its dramatic coastline.

Bunratty Castle: A large 15th-century tower house. You can step back in time and see how people lived long ago.
The Burren: A unique rocky landscape. It looks like the moon! It's home to ancient monuments like the Poulnabrone dolmen, a prehistoric tomb.
Cliffs of Moher: These are some of the most famous cliffs in Ireland. They are huge and offer incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cork: Blarney and Wildlife

Cork is a large county in the south.

Blarney: Home to Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone. Legend says if you kiss the stone, you'll get the gift of gab (great speaking skills)!
Cork City: The third largest city in Ireland.
- English Market: A historic covered market with lots of delicious food.
Fota Wildlife Park: A large wildlife park where animals roam freely. You can see giraffes, zebras, and monkeys!
Kinsale: A charming coastal town known for its colorful buildings and delicious food.

Donegal: Wild Beauty

Donegal is in the northwest, known for its rugged beauty.

Glenveagh National Park: A beautiful park with mountains, lakes, and forests. It includes Glenveagh Castle.
Malin Head: The most northern point on the mainland of Ireland. It has amazing views.
Slieve League: Some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. They are truly breathtaking.

Down: Parks and History

Down offers many outdoor adventures.

Crawfordsburn Country Park: A lovely park with beaches and woodland walks.
Dundonald International Ice Bowl: A fun place for ice skating.
Kilbroney Park: A beautiful park near the Mourne Mountains.
Tollymore Forest Park: A magical forest park with unique bridges and trees.

Dublin: The Capital City's Wonders

Dublin City is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. It's the biggest city on the island and a hub of culture and fun!

Christ Church Cathedral: A very old and important church in the city.
Chester Beatty Library: A museum with amazing old manuscripts, art, and treasures from around the world.
Croke Park: One of Europe's biggest stadiums. It's home to Irish sports like Gaelic football and hurling. It also has a museum.
Dublin Castle: A historic complex that was once a fortress. Now it's used for important government events.
Dublinia: A museum that brings Viking and Medieval Dublin to life. You can experience what it was like to live in Dublin hundreds of years ago.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: This museum tells the story of Irish people who moved all over the world. It's very interactive and interesting.
General Post Office: An important historical building on O'Connell Street.
Glasnevin Cemetery: A famous cemetery where many important Irish historical figures are buried.
Grafton Street: One of Dublin's main shopping streets. It's often filled with street performers.
Ha'penny Bridge: A charming old pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey.
Kilmainham Gaol: A former prison that is now a museum. It tells the story of Ireland's fight for independence.
National Aquatic Centre: A huge swimming and water park complex.
National Botanic Gardens: Beautiful gardens with plants from all over the world.
National Gallery of Ireland: Home to a large collection of Irish and European art.
National Museum of Ireland: This museum has different locations. You can see ancient Irish gold, Viking treasures, and historical items.
Phoenix Park: One of the largest city parks in the world! You might even spot wild deer here. Inside the park, you'll find Farmleigh Estate and Dublin Zoo.
Guinness Storehouse: Learn all about the famous Irish drink, Guinness. It's a fun and interactive experience.
St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin: Ireland's "national cathedral." It's a beautiful and historic building.
St Stephen's Green: A lovely public park in the city center. It's a great place to relax.
Temple Bar: A lively area with cobblestone streets. It's known for its cultural spots and fun atmosphere.
Trinity College, Dublin: Ireland's oldest university. It's home to the famous Book of Kells, an ancient illuminated manuscript.

Fermanagh: Pottery and Lakes

Fermanagh is known for its beautiful lakes.

Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre: See how beautiful Irish pottery is made.

Fingal: Coastal Charms

Fingal is a county just north of Dublin.

Howth and Howth Head: A lovely fishing village and a scenic peninsula. Great for walks and seafood!
Malahide: Home to the historic Norman Malahide Castle.

Galway: Islands and Wild Landscapes

Galway is on the west coast.

Aran Islands: These islands are in Galway Bay. They are a "Gaeltacht" area, meaning Irish is still spoken here. You can see ancient forts like Dún Aonghasa.
Connemara: A wild and beautiful area with mountains, lakes, and bogs. It's also a Gaeltacht area. It includes Connemara National Park.
Galway City: A lively university city known for its arts and music scene.
Kylemore Abbey & Gardens: A stunning abbey and Victorian walled garden in a beautiful setting.

Kerry: Scenic South West

Kerry is a very scenic county in the southwest.

Dingle: The main town of the Dingle Peninsula. It has a charming harbor and the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium.
Killarney: A popular town for tourists.
Killarney National Park: A huge park with beautiful lakes and mountains. It includes Muckross House and Gardens.
Ring of Kerry: A famous scenic driving route around the Iveragh Peninsula. It offers amazing coastal views.
Skellig Islands: These islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit the ancient monastic site on Skellig Michael. It's a truly unique place.
Tralee: Home of the Rose of Tralee festival and Aqua Dome.

Kildare: Horses and History

Kildare is known for its horse racing and beautiful gardens.

Castletown House: A grand Palladian-style country house.
Kildare town: Visit Kildare Cathedral and the nearby Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens. You can see beautiful horses and amazing gardens.
Newbridge Silverware: A visitor center and museum of style icons.

Kilkenny: Medieval City

Kilkenny is a medieval city.

Kilkenny City: A historic city with St Canice's Cathedral, Rothe House, and the impressive Kilkenny Castle.

Limerick: Castles and Rugby

Limerick is a historic city.

Adare: Often called "Ireland's most beautiful village." It has thatched cottages and historic buildings.
Limerick city: Home to the famous Munster rugby team and King John's Castle.

Londonderry: Walled City

Londonderry is in Northern Ireland.

City of Derry: The only city in Ireland with its original city walls still standing and unbroken. It's sometimes called 'the Maiden City'. The Guildhall, Derry is a beautiful building to visit.

Louth: Medieval Towns

Louth has some well-preserved medieval towns.

Carlingford: One of Ireland's best-preserved medieval towns.
Drogheda: A historic town with interesting sites like Millmount Museum.

Mayo: Mountains and Museums

Mayo is on the west coast.

Croagh Patrick: A famous mountain that people climb as a pilgrimage. It's near Westport.
Museum of Country Life: Learn about how people lived in rural Ireland long ago.

Meath: Ancient Kings and Theme Parks

Meath is full of ancient history.

Brú na Bóinne: This area is home to incredible Neolithic (New Stone Age) tombs like Knowth, Dowth, and Newgrange. These tombs are older than the pyramids!
Hill of Tara: This was once the seat of Ireland's ancient High Kings. It's a very important historical site.
Emerald Park: A fun theme park with rides and attractions.
Trim Castle: A large and impressive Norman castle.

Offaly: Monasteries and Gardens

Offaly is in the heart of Ireland.

Birr Castle: Visit its beautiful gardens and science center.
Clonmacnoise: An ancient monastic site on the banks of the River Shannon. It has old churches and round towers.

Roscommon: Lakes and Forests

Roscommon is known for its natural beauty.

Lough Key: A lovely lake with a forest park.

Sligo: Yeats and Mountains

Sligo is famous for its connection to the poet William Butler Yeats.

Drumcliff: Visit the church and gravesite of William Butler Yeats. It's overlooked by the impressive Ben Bulben mountain.
Sligo town: See Sligo Abbey, an old ruined abbey.

Tipperary: Rock of Kings

Tipperary has important historical sites.

Holy Cross Abbey: A beautiful restored monastery.
Rock of Cashel: An amazing collection of medieval buildings. It was once the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster.

Tyrone: Folk Park Fun

Tyrone is in Northern Ireland.

Ulster American Folk Park: This outdoor museum tells the story of Irish emigration to America. You can see old buildings and learn about pioneer life.

Waterford: Oldest City and Greenway

Waterford is Ireland's oldest city.

Waterford: Home to the Waterford Museum of Treasures. This includes Reginald's Tower and other museum sites.
Waterford Greenway: A fantastic trail for cycling and hiking.

Westmeath: Lakelands and Gardens

Westmeath is in the center of Ireland, known for its lakes.

Belvedere House and Gardens: Historic gardens near Mullingar.

Wexford: Castles and Arboretums

Wexford is in the southeast.

Ferns Castle and Abbey: Historic ruins to explore.
New Ross: Visit the John F Kennedy Arboretum, a lovely place with many trees.

Wicklow: The Garden of Ireland

Wicklow is often called "the garden of Ireland" because of its beautiful scenery.

Glendalough: A very old monastic site from the 6th century. It has an iconic Irish round tower.
Powerscourt Estate: A grand house with stunning grounds and gardens. The nearby Powerscourt Waterfall is also beautiful.
Russborough House: A beautiful example of Irish Palladian architecture, a grand style of building.