Famous Landmarks in Ireland

Updated On: April 22, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, offering so much to see and explore. Many famous and historic landmarks in Ireland are a must-see when you are visiting.

Many of these are of natural beauty, from ancient castles to stunning waterfalls to beautiful caves. You name it, and you’ll probably find it in Ireland. Whether you’re travelling north or south, you will be amazed by the significant landmarks in Ireland.

Keep reading to discover all the unmissable landmarks you must see up close on a trip to Ireland. We promise it will be worth it.

Famous Landmarks In Ireland To Discover

Ring of Kerry

First on our list of famous Landmarks in Ireland is the impressive Ring of Kerry. It is a tourist trail around County Kerry that offers visitors a chance to see the beautiful, unspoilt landscape of Ireland. There is no denying its beauty, as it has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. It is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that makes people want to return again and again.

The 179km route allows visitors to see stunning beaches, medieval ruins, loughs, mountains and more. It provides classic views of the Irish countryside and has become one of the most popular destinations.

Taking the time to drive around the route will not be quickly forgotten. Exploring this scenic route of the ‘Ring of Kerry’ is a day well spent. On the way, you can stop at and enjoy sites such as Killarney National Park and Staigue Stone Fort.

Giants Causeway

Located in the north of Ireland, you will discover another famous landmark known as the ‘Giants Causeway’. On the north coast, the world-famous causeway was built from Basalt columns caused by a centuries-old volcano eruption. The Irish landmark was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1986. It was also named in a Radio Times poll in 2005 as ‘the fourth greatest natural wonder in the UK’.

Today, the attraction is owned and run by the National Trust and is possibly the most prominent tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. The site offers an exciting history and incredible views.

There is also a visitor’s centre where people can further explore the stories and legends surrounding the Giant’s Causeway. Enjoy the marked-way trails, coastal scenery, and the innovative audio guides available in many languages. This is a must-see, especially for tourists coming to the area. Incredible scenery that will leave you feeling inspired. Check the Giant’s Causeway out in the video below; if this doesn’t make you want to plan a trip, I don’t know what else!

Dunluce Castle

This next Irish landmark isn’t far from the one we previously mentioned: the Medieval Dunluce Castle. Located on the Antrim Coast, the iconic ruins offer a fascinating history worth exploring. The castle was built in 1513 on the beautiful coastal cliffs of Antrim by the McQuillan family. In the late 1500s, it was taken over by the MacDonnell family, who made sure that they left their mark on the castle.

The castle’s location offers stunning views and has inspired many works of art. Dunluce Castle was used as a filming location for the popular television show Game of Thrones. Many show fans may now be more interested in visiting the site because of their love of the show.

It is also thought to have inspired some landmarks in the brilliant C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, a popular children’s film series created by Lewis, who is one of the most influential Irish writers of his time and continues to be.

Check out the footage we captured on a visit to Dunluce Castle:

Cliffs of Moher

You can’t come to Ireland without visiting Ireland’s most famous natural attraction, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. The cliffs are always on top of every list of places you can’t miss out on during a visit to the Emerald Isle. No image will ever do this attraction justice; you need to be there and experience the unique beauty for yourself.

The best way to explore the cliffs is through the Cliffs of Moher Hiking Trails or check out the visitor centre. The visitor experience centre was created in 2007 due to the cliffs’ popularity. It is located midway along the cliffs and offers a viewing area, pathways, and the O’Brien Tower, a piece of 19th-century history once used as a viewing tower.

There is also an information centre to learn more about the Cliff of Moher and its history. This is probably one of the most famous Landmarks in Ireland and is bucket list-worthy.

Glenariff Falls

Next, go to Antrim to explore Glenariff Forest Park, where you’ll be met with gorgeous landscapes, peaceful walks, and three spectacular waterfalls.

The Waterfall trails first opened at Glenariff over 80 years ago and lead you through a National Nature Reserve. The waterfalls provide the perfect backdrop for every photographer’s dream, as does the rest of the forest park.

The forest covers over 1,000 hectares, which people can explore and check out its planted woodland, lakes, and outdoor recreational spaces. This Irish landmark also has a visitor’s centre, exhibitions, and interactive displays.

The Glens of Antrim

Another famous landmark in Ireland is the’ Glens of Antrim‘, located in the region of Antrim. This attraction is top-rated in Northern Ireland, and many tourists make their way to the Glens.

Altogether, nine Glens of Antrim overlook 80km of stunning coastlines and glacier-gouged valleys.

The Glens also include grasslands, forests, mountain peaks and castles, making it even more impressive. The nine glens are Glentaisie, Glenshesk, Glendun, Glencorp, Glenaan, Glenariff, Glencloy, and Glenarm.

The Glens of Antrim offer some of the most scenic views in Ireland and greater Europe. The best way to experience the Glens is to jump in a car and immerse yourself in their surroundings. As you make your way around the tourist attraction, you’ll notice the colours of the landscape constantly changing—it really is beautiful.

Check out our trip to the beautiful Glens of Antrim below; as we mentioned, it is the perfect road trip:

Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

Do you want to uncover one of the finest show caves in Ireland and Europe? Then, a trip to Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh should not be missed. A lively tour guide will take you through the cave’s fascinating underworld of rivers, passages, and chambers.

Learn all about how the caves came to life and their incredible history. The caves lay untouched for thousands of years. A French explorer named Edouard Alfred Martel was the first person to uncover them. You can find out more about his discovery at the visitor’s centre.

There are designated walkways that allow you to get up close and personal with the cave’s undeniable beauty, as well as a boat ride that takes you along the cave’s subterranean river. The Tours of the Marble Arch Caves last around 75 minutes and are suitable for everyone, young and old.

Once you have completed the tour, you can visit the information exhibition centre, where you can view beautiful footage of the Geopark. This is located in the visitor’s centre, which also offers a gift shop with a range of items on display. If you’re not quite done exploring yet, take a lovely walk around the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve.

Newgrange

Next on our list of famous landmarks in Ireland is another World Heritage site, the Prehistoric monument known as Newgrange. Located in Dromore in County Meath, Ireland, the circular Stone Age Tomb, which covers one acre, was built by Stone Age farmers and is one of the oldest passage tombs found in Ireland.

97 kerbstones surround its base. One of the most impressive stones is the ‘Entrance Stone’, recognised as one of the greatest examples of European Neolithic Art.

Inside the tomb are long passages and a cross-shaped chamber with three alcoves. Newgrange is a place of astrological and religious importance. Access to the historic landmark is only available through guided tours.

One of the main things that Newgrange is known for is the gorgeous illuminations within the passages and chambers caused by the winter solstice sun. Above the Newgrange entrance is a roof box opening that helps create these beautiful sun illuminations into the tomb. Every year, many people gather at the attraction just to see the Winter Solstice Sun.

Blarney Castle and Gardens

Ireland is known for its tremendous and stunning castles, and Blarney Castle is one of the best medieval castles found here. That’s why it is considered one of the famous landmarks in Ireland. It is mainly known for being the location of the ‘Blarney Stone’.

The Legend of Blarney Stone

The famous stone is built on the walls of the battlement of Blarney Castle. It has become a popular attraction in its own right. Many fascinating legends surround the stone. Legends say that those who kiss the stone will obtain the gift of eloquence. You’ll have to visit the stone to find out if this legend is true.

But the famous stone is only one of the attractions at Blarney Castle. The Castle grounds have many attractions, from its ancient trees and beautiful parkland to one of the best gardens in Ireland.

There is a lot to see in the gardens, from the Poison Garden, where you will discover some of the most toxic plants in the world, to the Herbaceous border, which features a range of colours and herbs. It is beautiful to walk through.

You can also check out the native wildlife in the area. Blarney Castle was the first estate in Ireland to be known as a ‘Wildlife Estate,’ a recognised award from the European Landowners’ Organisation.

There is so much to see and appreciate at Blarney Castle and Gardens. Make your way to the top of the castle for the best views of the parkland and gardens.

A trip to Blarney Castle won’t be quickly forgotten. There’s something about ancient Irish castles that takes you to another world, and Blarney Castle does just that. So make sure it’s on your list of landmarks in Ireland to visit.

Skellig Island

Next is the magnificent site of Skellig Island, found on the Portmagee coast in County Kerry, Ireland. These two small rocky islands are the third Natural Heritage Site we have mentioned on our list of Famous landmarks in Ireland.

Skellig Michael is one of the two islands that rises 714ft above sea level and offers impressive coastal views. For hundreds of years, the island has been renowned as an important site for breeding seabirds in Ireland.

To visit Skellig Island, you can take two tours: a landing tour and an eco-tour that goes around both islands. The tours are always very popular, and it’s best to book in advance.

Skellig Island is also known for being used as a filming location in the Star Wars films, which has increased the number of tourists visiting the area. Our Irish landscapes make for the perfect filming backdrops, and it’s great to show them off to the rest of the world.

Lough Neagh

It is worthwhile to visit the largest freshwater lake in the North of Ireland and the British Isles. This unique lake is a place where you can immerse yourself in the history and heritage surrounding it. It covers an impressive 153 square miles.

In Irish legends, it is suggested that Lough Neagh was created by Finn MacCool, who took out the lough basin and hurled it towards his Scottish rival. The piece of land fell into the Irish channel and is believed to have formed the Isle of Man.

It is a great place for birdwatching, with people coming from far and wide to check out the variety of birds flying over its shores during the summer and winter months. The Whooper Swan, considered one of the most majestic birds, comes in during the winter.

Dingle Peninsula

This is one of the most beautiful places you might visit, located on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. You definitely don’t want to forget your camera on a trip to the Dingle Peninsula. It is where land meets the ocean. The Dingle Peninsula is a 30-minute drive that runs from Tralee to Slea Head. It offers a maze of country lanes, ancient landscapes, mountains, and unforgettable ocean views.

Points of interest include Inch Beach, which is a great spot for surfing, fishing, and swimming. It is also known as a great place to enjoy some stargazing. There is another hidden gem here, ‘Beal Ban Beach ‘, mainly known by the locals. When you take a trip there and see the views, you’ll understand why locals didn’t want anyone to know about this area.

Dingle Peninsula is one of the most picturesque places in Ireland, with photo opportunities at every corner of the drive. There is also a famous bottlenose dolphin that you might even catch a glimpse of.

Powerscourt Waterfall

Continuing our list of famous landmarks in Ireland is the highest waterfall. Powerscourt Waterfall is an impressive 396ft high and is set in one of the country’s most gorgeous parklands. It is located at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains and just 5km from the Powerscourt Estate and Gardens.

On your drive up to the waterfall, you will be greeted by a variety of trees, including Pine, Beech, and Oak. Some of these trees were planted over 200 years ago and are very beautiful. The waterfall isn’t short of impressive, and visitors are welcome during the summertime to enjoy picnics and BBQs.

There is also plenty of wildlife at the waterfall to appreciate, including various birds such as Cuckoos, Rabid Owls, and the Willow Warbler. If you are travelling with a family, there is a children’s playground to keep the young ones entertained on a trip to this attraction.

Benbublen 

Next, on our guide to famous landmarks in Ireland is ‘Benbulben’, located in County Sligo. It is one of the most incredible rock formations you’ll ever come across in Ireland. This landmark is part of the Darty Mountains, giving Sligo Town the most stunning backdrop.

The captivating rock formation was created during the Ice Age when vast parts of the earth were under glaciers. It was once just a prominent ridge, but when the moving glaciers cut into the world, they left a unique formation known now as Benbulben.

Benbublen is often considered one of Ireland’s most distinctive mountains. Although people can’t climb Benbulben as there is no official trail, you can enjoy the loop walk around Benbulben, which also offers lovely views.

The Aran Islands

One of Ireland’s more famous landmarks is the Aran Islands, which are made up of three unique Islands located on the west coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands offer a true Irish experience, where all the locals speak Irish in a beautiful Celtic setting with historic churches and dramatic cliff edges.

The three islands found here are called ‘Inis Mor Island’, ‘Inis Meain Island’, and’ Inis Oirr Island’. The island of Inis Mor is the biggest of the three and a very popular destination in Ireland. It is home to over 50 Christian Monuments and Celtic mythological heritage sites.

All the islands are remarkable landmarks in Ireland, each offering its own unique character and charm, full of interesting things to be discovered.

The Dark Hedges 

Make sure this famous Ireland landmark is on your list of places to visit in Northern Ireland. Any Game of Thrones fan will not want to pass by this Irish location made famous by the hit HBO TV show.

It’s one of the most unique attractions with its captivating avenue of beech trees, initially planted in the 18th century. It’s a very popular landmark, and tourists come here to get an iconic picture of the road where the trees overlap. The park has now become the most photographed natural attraction in Northern Ireland.

Trinity College

While in Dublin, a must-see is the gem of Trinity College, a gorgeous building filled with an incredible history. It is undoubtedly one of those iconic landmarks in Ireland that will leave you in awe. Not only is it the architecture subline, but it is also home to one of the world’s most famous manuscripts, ‘The Book of Kells,‘ located in the stunning Trinity College, which you also can’t pass up visiting.

Ring of Gullion

You’ve made it to the last famous landmark in Ireland for you to put on your Irish bucket list, the Ring of Gullion. It is another Area of Outstanding Beauty because of its unique geological landform that you won’t find anywhere else. It is home to the world’s first ring dyke to be geologically mapped. The Irish landmark has also been voted into the Top 100 Geosites in the UK and Ireland.

The Ring of Gullion is filled with history, culture, and beauty, attracting geologists from around the world. The unique ring dyke formation has puzzled and inspired many people over its time. It is one of those sites you need to experience and immerse yourself in its surroundings.

This list doesn’t even scrape the barrel of famous landmarks in Ireland. There are so many more worthy sites worth exploring, including The Burren, Ailwee Caves, and The Sperrin Mountains, to name a few. Ireland is like no other place; hopefully, the scenery and landscape will inspire you.

Have you ever been to any of these famous Landmarks in Ireland? We would love to hear about your experience

Worthy read about places and attractions in Ireland:

Mesmerising Beauty of County Sligo| The Beauty of County Limerick| Waterford Ireland’s Oldest City| The Unendowed and Rich History of County Down| County Leitrim: The Most Brimming Gem of Ireland| Clare and the Irish Wonder of the Atlantic| Fun Things to do in Northern Ireland