With ongoing restrictions on international travel putting holiday plans on hold, many can’t wait to get back to exploring the Emerald Isle.
When COVID-19 swept across the globe in early 2020, travel was one of the first things to be restricted. However, as vaccines are rolled out and freedoms are opened up again, here are ten places in Ireland everyone should visit after the pandemic.
From exploring historical sites to marvelling at some of the most stunning scenery the island has to offer, there is plenty to be enjoyed on a trip to Ireland.
- Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary – an incredible piece of history
This historic County Tipperary landmark is definitely one of the places in Ireland everyone should visit after the pandemic.
With many of the buildings built in the 12th-and 13th-centuries still standing to this day, this impressive cluster of Medieval buildings is sure to leave you feeling inspired.
Address: Moor, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
- Spike Island, Co. Cork – a historic and notorious island
Situated just off the coast of County Cork, Spike Island is steeped in over 1,300 years of history, including some of the most troubling pieces of Ireland’s past.
Originally home to a monastery until the 16th-century, the island then became a fortress under British occupancy. In the 18th-century, Spike Island was turned into a prison and is remembered as one of the most notorious prisons in the world.
Address: Spike Island, Co. Cork, Ireland
- Newgrange, Co. Meath – an impressive prehistoric monument
Believe it or not, Newgrange in County Meath actually predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. Dating back to the Neolithic period to around 3200 BC, this prehistoric monument on the north of the River Boyne is a treasure trove for history lovers.
To make your visit that bit more memorable, we advise visiting during the winter solstice. The stunning sunrise leaks into the passage tomb flooding it with light for up to 17 minutes.
Address: Newgrange, Donore, Co. Meath, Ireland
- Glendalough, Co. Wicklow – wander through the garden of Ireland
Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains National Park is truly one of the most stunning natural sites in Ireland.
Known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’, this beautiful national park is not only home to some of the best lakes, mountains, meadows, and valleys Ireland has to offer. Rather, it is also the site of the impressive remains of a 6th-century Christian settlement.
Address: Lugduff, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
- Achill Island, Co. Mayo – home to the stunning Atlantic Drive
Next up on our list of places in Ireland everyone should visit after the pandemic is the scenic Achill Island, off the coast of County Mayo.
Home to the beautiful Atlantic Drive, known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of your surroundings. Must-sees include Keem Beach, Croaghaun Cliffs, and Keel Beach.
Address: Co. Mayo, Ireland
- The Guinness Storehouse, Co. Dublin – pour your own pint
As one of the best things to do in Dublin and home of the famous ‘black stuff’, no trip to Ireland is complete without a walk around the Guinness Storehouse.
Make your way through the different exhibitions that tell the story of the famous Irish stout and how it is brewed. Then, to end your tour on a high, you will head up to the Gravity Bar, where you’ll have the opportunity to pour your own pint.
Address: St James’s Gate, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Slieve League, Co. Donegal – some of the highest sea-cliffs in Europe
Often overshadowed by the Cliffs of Moher, the Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal are one of Ireland’s best kept secrets.
These majestic cliffs in the wild north-west of Ireland stand at an impressive 601 m (1,972 ft) tall, making them some of the highest sea-cliffs in Europe.
Address: Shanbally, Co. Donegal, Ireland
- The Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim – a site of myth and legend
One of the best things to see on Ireland’s north coast is, without doubt, the iconic Giant’s Causeway.
Consisting of over 40,000 interlocking columns of basalt rock with the waves crashing against the shore, the Giant’s Causeway is truly a sight to behold. Plus, this popular attraction is shrouded in fascinating myth and legend.
Address: Bushmills BT57 8SU
- The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare – a Hollywood-famous attraction
As one of Ireland’s most well-known tourist attractions, we couldn’t forget to mention the remarkable Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.
These fantastic sea-cliffs on the west coast of Ireland Ireland are renowned for their natural beauty. Even acting as the backdrop for scenes in various Hollywood movies.
Standing at 214 m (702 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean below, this is definitely one of the best way’s to take in Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Address: Lislorkan North, Co. Clare, Ireland
- The Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry – for breathtaking natural beauty
Topping our list of places in Ireland everyone should visit after the pandemic is the iconic Ring of Kerry. This popular tourist trail stretches 179 km (111 miles) along the southwest of Ireland and is sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget.
Must-see sights on this popular route include Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall, Moll’s Gap, Skellig Islands, and Kenmare, among a multitude of others.
Address: Co. Kerry, Ireland