A Gallery Of Ireland

Highlights of Ireland that live long in the memory.

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East Ireland
West Ireland
South-West Ireland
Northern Ireland

Powerscourt Estate

A visit to this grand Palladian mansion, framed by sweeping Italianate gardens, offers an immediate glimpse into the stark contrasts of wealth and society in 18th-century Ireland. Designed by Richard Cassels and constructed between 1731 and 1743, Powerscourt evolved continuously over the following centuries, undergoing significant enhancements throughout the 1700s and 1800s. Its story took a dramatic turn in 1974 when a devastating fire left the house in ruins, prompting an extensive restoration effort that continues. As a result, access for visitors today is limited to the ground floor.

Glendalough

An ancient monastic settlement, Glendalough—meaning Valley of the Two Lakes—invites visitors to wander not only through the serene hills of Ireland’s East, but also through the rugged landscapes of early Irish history. Founded in the sixth century by St. Kevin, who first came to the valley as a young boy before returning to establish his monastery, Glendalough quickly became a place of spiritual significance.

References in St. Kevin’s writings to battles with “knights” are now understood as metaphors for his own struggles with temptation. As his reputation for holiness spread, so too did the number of his followers.

Newgrange

More than a thousand years older than Stonehenge, Brú na Bóinne is an extraordinary Neolithic complex built as a burial and ceremonial centre for the elite who once ruled this ancient landscape. Spanning a vast area, it is best known for its three principal monuments—Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth (the latter currently closed to visitors).

Newgrange itself predates not only Stonehenge but also the Egyptian pyramids. Constructed between 3200 and 3100 BC, it contains approximately 200,000 tonnes of stone and earth, stretching 279 feet at its widest point. The 547 stones that form its inner passage and chambers were transported from locations up to 5 km away, with some believed to have been brought from as far as 20 km.

Cliffs Of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are among the most celebrated highlights of any Ireland tour—and with good reason. Towering 702 feet (214m) above the Atlantic and stretching for 9 miles (14km), these dramatic sheer cliffs form a striking, unbroken line against the relentless ocean below. Few places in Ireland offer a more breathtaking view of the sea or a more unforgettable setting for a sunset. And it’s a haven for birdlife. Watch out for Puffins, Razorbills and Common Guillemots.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is not only one of Ireland’s most striking architectural treasures, since 1920 it has also served as the home of the Benedictine Sisters in Ireland. To this day, it remains a living, working abbey where the community of sisters live, pray, and welcome visitors from around the world.

Among Kylemore’s many highlights are its remarkable Victorian Walled Gardens, lovingly restored in 2000 and now open to the public. As a true heritage garden, it is maintained using traditional Victorian methods, with only plant varieties and seed strains from the 1800s cultivated within its walls.

Galway

Galway, often called the city of the Tribes, is one of Ireland’s most beloved destinations, celebrated for its cobbled streets, warm-hearted locals, and deep sense of history. Set where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s energy centres around 18th-century Eyre Square, home to a lively mix of shops, pubs, cafés, and restaurants.

Visitors are captivated by Galway’s brightly painted pubs filled with traditional music, its legendary street performers who bring the city to life, and the vibrant calendar of festivals that make Galway a cultural hotspot throughout the year.

Killarney

Killarney is the quintessential Irish tourist town—vibrant, welcoming, and often the first destination added to an itinerary after Dublin. For more than 250 years, it has been greeting travellers drawn to its charm, scenery, and lively atmosphere. As the ideal base for exploring County Kerry and the stunning Killarney National Park.

Killarney’s town centre is compact, and during the summer months traffic can be quite busy, making it a place best enjoyed on foot. For visitors seeking a touch of culture, the heart of Killarney National Park is home to one of the region’s most impressive stately homes, Muckross House. Just a mile away lies Muckross Abbey, a striking historic site that served its community for two centuries before being destroyed by Cromwell’s forces in 1652.

Ring Of Kerry

Ireland’s longest circular driving route showcases some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery—glittering lakes, sweeping beaches, secluded glens, ancient castle ruins, offshore islands, towering mountains, and the vast Atlantic stretching out to the west. For first-time visitors, a journey around the Ring of Kerry is an essential experience, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich heritage.

The route can also be explored by bike or even on foot. Long-distance walkers will recognise the 230km Kerry Way, Ireland’s longest way-marked trail, which winds through towns such as Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem, and Kenmare.

Dingle

Dingle has a kind of magic that’s hard to bottle, and that’s exactly why it stands out for visitors. It’s not just another stop on the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s a place where scenery, culture, and personality all collide in a way that feels unmistakably Irish and wonderfully authentic.

Visitors are drawn to:

Sweeping Atlantic views
Rugged cliffs and hidden coves
Pristine beaches like Inch and Coumeenoole
The famous Slea Head Drive, one of the most scenic routes in Europe

Giant's Causeway

Giant’s Causeway Located on the north Antrim coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity approximately 60 million years ago. Irish legend tells it was built by the giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill as a pathway to Scotland. It’s Northern Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction and a truly unique natural wonder.

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle A dramatic medieval ruin perched on the edge of the basalt cliffs along the Antrim Coast, County Antrim. Dating back to the 13th century, it was once the seat of the powerful MacDonnell clan. Part of the castle famously collapsed into the sea in 1639. Its striking clifftop setting has made it one of the most photographed landmarks in Ireland and is said to have inspired locations in Game of Thrones.

Titantic Belfast

Titanic Museum, Belfast Opened in 2012 — the centenary of the sinking — the Titanic Belfast museum stands in the Titanic Quarter, on the very slipways where the RMS Titanic was built by Harland & Wolff. The iconic six-storey building with its angular design mirrors the ship’s hull. Nine interactive galleries tell the story of Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage, the construction of the Titanic, its ill-fated voyage, and its discovery on the ocean floor. It has won numerous awards including “World’s Leading Tourist Attraction.”