We may not be able to jet off to Ireland just yet, but we can dream — and chart out where to go when travel eventually resumes. The writers behind the Ireland Before You Die travel site have chosen 10 must-sees, all showcasing the country’s spectacular landscapes and rugged vistas, with not a single pub stop among them. Here are the top five, with some additional tips for what to see while you’re there and how to catch a glimpse from home. Find the rest at IrelandBeforeYouDie.com.
1 The Ring of Kerry
This 110-mile loop is one of Ireland’s most famous routes, a day-long drive on the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland, where the landscape includes emerald hills, gorgeous coastline, ancient stone forts and small villages. It’s one of travel guru Rick Steves’ must-see destinations, too. You’ll find a drone’s eye view of that landscape here:
2 The Giant’s Causeway
This stunning geologic formation on the Antrim coast is made up of 40,000 basalt columns. Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site was built, legends say, by an Irish giant intent on fighting a Scottish giant. Scientists say the strange interlocking columns stem from a volcanic event some 60 million years ago — a wonder of nature, rather than a giant named Finn McCool.
National Geographic’s Giant’s Causeway video explores the geology behind what some call the eighth wonder of the world.
3 The Cliffs of Moher
A long hiking path winds its way along the top of these spectacular, towering seaside cliffs, which are one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. Drone footage — with a very dramatic soundtrack — will make you feel like you’re right there.
4 Glendalough
The monastic settlement in this beautiful “valley of the two lakes” dates back to the late sixth or early seventh century, but there is evidence of human activity here that goes all the way back to the neolithic period. Absolute Visuals’ cinematic take on the landscape puts you in the middle of it.
5 Skellig Islands
These rugged Atlantic islands about 8 miles off the coast of Kerry are uninhabited now, but a sixth-century monastery sits atop Skellig Michael. If you can get yourself to the island — crowds are capped at 180 per day in non-pandemic times and the boat takes a very wave-buffeted hour to traverse the distance — 600 steep stairs lead up to the monastery at the top. And if it all looks strangely familiar, you’ve clearly seen “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” This is where Luke Skywalker’s hermitage scenes were filmed.
Peter Fox Photography’s drone take gives you a bird’s-eye view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Psst, the stairs look even steeper from the sky.)
