Top Things to do in Ireland
Things to do in Ireland, Ireland: The Best Architectural Buildings
Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Restaurants in Ireland
1. Ballyglunin Railway Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Ozzysix - County Kildare, Ireland
A hidden gem in the west of Ireland, went looking for this as it was one of the locations used in The Quite Man. It is been renovated at present and there are great plans for its future. It was like stepping back in time really enjoy my time there.
2. Glenstal Abbey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Built in 1830 in the style of a 12th century castle as an expansive family residence, with elaborate landscaping of trees and man-made lakes, Glenstal became a Bendictine abbey when the family moved to England in 1920. Today it includes a school of arts and crafts and a new church which houses a collection icons, silver and other treasures.
3. The Irish Workhouse Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 458 reviews
Reviewed By Harrogate2008 - New Romney, United Kingdom
We had a truly interesting visit and our guide was so informative. We would thoroughly recommend a visit.
4. Oratory of The Sacred Heart
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By johanniec19 - Dublin, Ireland
This tiny little Oratory - with the most amazing artwork & decoration by Sister Concepta (Lily Lynch) ... This year 2020 - a hundred years ago that she started decorating the space behind the Statue of the Sacred Heart and commissioned the Studio of Harry Clarke to do the stained Glass Windows too . An inscription on one of the windows read: Pray for All the Donors of this Oratory 1920. But it was built by the Monks Brothers 1919- commissioned by the Dominican sisters as a Peace Memorial after WWI. Dun Laoghaire CountyCouncil organise tours with Heritage Tours on specific dates which can be find under either Spring Heritage or Summer Heritage with a dedicated website to give exact dates & times ( which often varies).
5. Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,110 reviews
A magnificent cathedral that houses Jonathan Swift's remains (he wrote Gulliver's Travels). It is the only remaining cathedral in Ireland with a daily sung services. A small entrance fee is charged for tourists and all money raised goes back to paying for the upkeep of the building.
Reviewed By vijayaraghavans2013 - Chennai (Madras), India
Very large cathedral of the patron saint of Irish Has loads of history and a 'feel' one you step into the cathedral The painted glasses are breathtaking Right off the hop on hop off bus stop and easy to access
6. Glendalough Monastic Settlement
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,114 reviews
This historic site, whose Gaelic name translates to “valley of the two lakes,” consists of the 6th-century monastery founded by St. Kevin and the famous round tower, standing 112 feet high with a base measuring 52 feet in circumference. Visitors: There is a car park at the Visitor Centre. It is recommended to see the informational video at the Visitor Centre before starting your explorations.
Reviewed By 296ashleel
We went on September 25th and it was our first stop after arriving in Dublin. It was the perfect way to kick off our Ireland vacation. It takes a little over an hour to get from Dublin airport to Glendalough (slightly more if you are learning to drive on the opposite side!), so you can definitely do this as a day trip from Dublin. There is parking lot and a small visitor center which contain restrooms. The people at the V.C. desk were able to direct us to the walkway. You can walk around the cemetery and ruins. There were smaller pathways that you could take, so we took one that seemed less traveled. Mainly because there was a large group of students on a field trip which were being quite loud (as high schoolers do). The path we took had benches scattered throughout to stop and really immerse yourself in the quiet and beauty of it all.
7. Guildhall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 954 reviews
The historic Guildhall is one of Derry's most recognisable landmarks, located in the heart of the city since 1890. The Guildhall is a must see visitor attraction with over 20 magnificent stained glass windows representing the history of the city and the Plantation of Ulster exhibition . The newly refurbished and award winning Guildhall provides a unique and state of the art venue for events. The main hall has a capacity of up to 600 standing or 400 seated and provides a stunning backdrop for corporate hire, conferences, events and civil ceremonies. The Whittaker Suite can accommodate up to 60 and is the perfect space for business meetings, functions and civil ceremonies. All spaces are equipped with state of the art technology for sound, audio and lighting.
Reviewed By Fortiche - France, null
Well worth a visit ! The guildhall is beautiful inside and outside. This must see landmark looks like a church, but it is not one.The architecture is stunning (it has been refurbished recently !) The stained glass windows were donated by the Guilds of London, hence the name. It is free to the public. It is gorgeous & educational thanks to the historic exhibit. Let us not forget the huge organ in the main hall ! There is a good café at the back of the building and a nice view of the river and the peace bridge.
8. Ennis Friary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By DGandSAG
We throughly enjoyed admiring the beautiful architectural ruins and reading the informative displays at the Ennis Friary. While there, it was easy to feel that the rest of the world melted away, as we took our time looking closely at the exhibits and ruins and reading all of the informative wall panels. Also, the friendly staff from the National Monuments Service who were on duty during our visit clearly had passions for history and for serving the public. Both staff members deserve a special shout-out, as they were incredibly helpful in explaining the history of the complex and the surrounding parts of Ennis. If you want to experience a peaceful place that transports you quietly back to another time, you'll enjoy a visit at the Ennis Friary.
9. St Fin Barre's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
A stately 19th-century cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Cork.
Reviewed By igal27 - Rehovot, Israel
The walk up to the cathedral through the grounds is very impressive -- the cathedral is imposing and the grounds inviting. The kids enjoyed playing in the grass and walking through the maze. The cathedral from the inside is stunning, well worth a visit.
10. Christ Church Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,411 reviews
Christ Church Cathedral is one of Dublin's oldest buildings, a leading visitor attraction and a place of pilgrimage for almost 1,000 years. Famous for its breathtaking beauty, magnificent architectural features and wonderful floor tiles, Christ Church is also popular as a venue and is host to many high profile concerts throughout the year. It is home to the tomb of Strongbow, leader of the Normans, who captured Dublin in 1170. The Medieval Crypt, the largest in Ireland, extends under the entire Cathedral and contains the mummified Cat and Rat, trapped in the organ in the 1860s. Opening Hours: March and October Monday-Saturday: 9.30-18.00 Sunday: 12.30-14.30 /16.30-18.00 April –September Monday-Saturday: 9.30-19.00 Sunday: 12.30 – 14.30 /16.30 – 19.00 November –February Monday-Saturday: 9.30-17.00 Sunday 12.30-14.30 Please note there may be some restricted access due to services and events.
Reviewed By 611chipm - Colorado Springs, United States
Impressive. Imposing. Beautiful. Worth it! Due to time, we chose this one over St. Pat’s. I don’t feel gipped in any way. Beautiful architecture, well laid out descriptions, awesome crypt, beautiful grounds in the heart of the city of Dublin. If you’re there, worth a stop, for sure!
