There are a number of wonderful places to visit in Ireland. Here are some of them. Boyne Valley, Downhill Beach, Down Cathedral, and Doon Fort are just a few. There are many other places to see and experience during your trip. Visiting all of them will surely make your trip to Ireland a memorable one.
Boyne Valley
Slane is one of the most fascinating spots to see in the Boyne Valley. This is a prehistoric megalithic site that dates back more than five thousand years, making it one of the most ancient in Europe. Besides being an interesting site in itself, it is also part of a large group of prehistoric sites, known as the Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne.
The Boyne Valley is a beautiful destination with stunning scenery, delicious food, adventure activities, and historical sites. It is a great place to get close to nature and experience the rich culture of Ireland. However, keep in mind that some sites and visitor attractions have limited capacity.
The Boyne Valley is famous for the Battle of Boyne (1690), where William of Orange defeated James II. It is also a place of rich heritage, with monuments visible at every turn. Some of these monuments date back 5,000 years, and are even older than the pyramids. At Drogheda, you can visit the 13th century Barbican, where you can see the views of the Boyne Valley. You can also dine at the Scholars Townhouse Hotel, which has a fine restaurant with two AA rosettes.
Nearby is the Hill of Slane, which is said to be the site where St. Patrick’s Easter fire was lit. It is also a site of a great religious significance, dating back to prehistoric times. It is believed that King Laoire, the King of Tara, did not convert to Christianity, but allowed St. Patrick to minister in the pagan lands. A second historic site of note is the Battle of the Boyne. Here, William of Orange defeated James II in 1690, paving the way for the continuation of Protestantism in Ireland.
Gap of Dunloe
If you want to experience the beauty of a glacial valley in Ireland, you should drive through the Gap of Dunloe. This narrow mountain passageway is 7 miles long and is located between the MacGillicuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain ranges. Its stunning mountain views are complemented by five glacial lakes. It is a day trip that is sure to delight nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Gap of Dunloe is a short drive from Killarney. From Killarney, you can take the N72 (Ring of Kerry) to reach the gap of Dunloe. A 15-minute drive from the town, you’ll reach the picturesque Gap of Dunloe.
You can explore the Gap of Dunloe by car or on foot. Driving through the Gap of Dunloe is a great way to take in the breathtaking panoramic views, but the roads are very narrow and you’ll have to drive through some horses to get to the viewpoints.
Bike tours are another popular way to explore the Gap of Dunloe. Several tour companies offer bike-on-boat tours, which take you through the lakes of Killarney National Park. The boat ride lasts around 1.5 hours, but you can also opt for a shorter tour that takes you to Lord Brandon’s Cottage.