10 Must-See Historic Places in Ireland

By Lorie Castro

Ireland is a history lover's paradise. With enchanting castles, ancient ruins, and historic abbeys, it is a must-see destination for anyone enthusiastic about history.

Bru na Boinne: Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth, Ireland. Source: Heritage Ireland,  https://heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-knowth-and-dowth/.

A land rich in captivating history and legends, Ireland is a must-visit for history lovers. Here, travelers can meander through prehistoric ruins, climb Celtic fortresses, walk medieval streets, absorb the Viking influence, and ascend the winding staircases of long-standing castles. With so many awe-inspiring historical places to see in Ireland, visitors will quickly feel transported to an age when kings, monks, Vikings, soldiers, and rebels shaped Irish history. Read on to learn about ten of Ireland’s must-see historic destinations.

Book of Kells at Trinity College

Page from the Book of Kells. Source: National Trust for Scotland, https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/the-book-of-kells.

Imagine the thrill of gazing at one of the world’s oldest books, written in about 800 CE. The Book of Kells is housed at Trinity College in Dublin and is one of the most awe-inspiring sights a history lover can behold. Early monks wrote the Gospel text on calfskin, lavishly decorated with intricate designs and gold leafing. The Book of Kells is renowned not just for its priceless literary value but also for its artistic beauty. Elaborate and brightly colored drawings of animals, figures, birds, and calligraphy-styled letters make the book a stunning piece of art.

Scholars believe the book came from Iona, Scotland, where a monastery once stood. In 806 CE, Vikings raided the community, leaving dozens dead and forcing the surviving monks to flee. They settled in Kells, Ireland, and either brought the completed book with them or finished it at Kells. Unknown scribes are credited for writing the text, which consists of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Unfortunately, scholars believe that many pages were lost in the early years.

            The Book of Kells is a must-see on everyone’s trip to Ireland. This cultural treasure is a silent witness to hundreds of years of history. While at Trinity College, be sure to tour the beautiful campus and library. Founded in 1592, it is Ireland’s oldest university. 

Kilmainham Gaol

The East Wing of Kilmainham Gaol. Source: Heritage Ireland, https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/kilmainham-gaol/.

            One of Ireland’s more popular attractions is the old prison. When Kilmainham Gaol was built in 1796, it was considered a modern prison. It was built on a hill believed ideal for drainage and air circulation. The limestone and granite prison walls were over three feet thick. Later, the east wing was replaced with a central viewing area and skylight, which was more in keeping with Victorian standards.  

Over the years, it would go on to house many high-profile political prisoners. However, the majority were criminals convicted of robbery, assault, rape, and murder. Many hungry people were jailed for stealing and begging during The Great Famine. The prison cells swelled, holding up to five inmates per cell. A great many of those prisoners were women and children suffering from starvation. The prison had limited food, and the overcrowding led to outbreaks of dysentery. About 4,000 Kilmainham Gaol prisoners were transported to Australia because of overcrowding.

            Ireland saw a significant amount of strife and rebellion throughout its history. Troubles with the English government lasted decades and led to outbreaks of violence. Irish rebels who participated in the 1867 Fenian Rebellion and the1916 Easter Rising Rebellion were housed at Kilmainham Gaol and then executed in the prison yard. Kilmainham Gaol currently stands as a memorial, a symbol of strength and independence. Visitors can tour the prison and visit the museum.

Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, Ireland. Source: Heritage Ireland, https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/the-rock-of-cashel/.

Set high on a rocky hill in County Tipperary and steeped in myth, the Rock of Cashel historic site consists of numerous medieval buildings. There is a chapel, abbey, cemetery, round tower, and a five-story tower house. This location was home to the ancient Kings of Munster. Legend says that Saint Patrick visited in the 5th century to convert King Aengus to Christianity. He is said to have baptized the king at the Rock of Cashel. It would go on to become a Christian seat of power in Ireland. Many people were killed in the 17th century when the English sacked the religious site. Though it has fallen victim to time, it is still considered one of Ireland’s treasures.

The structures date back to the 12th-15th century. Cormac’s Chapel, one of the older buildings, still contains colorfully painted Romanesque frescos on the walls and a large, elaborately carved stone sarcophagus. Visitors may see carved heads, vaulted ceilings, arched doorways, and lancet-style windows throughout the ruins. The Round Tower is 92 feet tall and would have offered epic views. No matter, though, the Rock of Cashel is perched high over the city of Cashel and offers beautiful vistas from every angle. With its rich history, the Rock of Cashel is a must-see.

Bru na Boinne

Bru na Boinne Visitor Center, County Meath, Ireland. Source: Heritage Ireland, https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-knowth-and-dowth/.

            The incredible World Heritage prehistoric Neolithic ceremonial sites of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth in County Meath, Ireland, date to 3200 BCE. These ancient sites are so old that they predate Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The prehistoric megalithic art here is some of Europe’s finest and most significant. The petroglyphs of geometric shapes, animals, and spirals amaze the observer. Located about thirty miles north of Dublin, these were the sites of religious, social, economic, and funeral happenings.

          Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth are three large burial mounds that feature both above and below-ground elements. The above-ground areas consist of monuments, rock walls, ringforts, and petroglyphs. Built entirely of stone, these sites may have served as calendars. Newgrange is nearly 300 feet across, with an entrance that illuminates only once a year during the winter solstice; visitors vie to see light rays pierce the roof-box entrance and illuminate the chamber for seventeen minutes. There are underground passageways and tombs in these prehistoric mounds. The ancient farmers who lived here built these structures entirely of stone with a long passageway with art and chambers inside.

The ancient people excelled in engineering and architecture and had spiritual connections to astronomy. To visit the sites is to step back in time. These sites are steeped in history and have a magical connection to the past that draws in visitors from around the world. 

National Museum of Ireland-Archeology, Kildare Street

National Museum of Ireland-Archeology in Dublin. Source: Historic Hotels of Europe, https://historichotelsofeurope.com/inspire-me/experiences/museums/national-museum-of-ireland-archaeology/.

            No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street. This museum is home to the bog mummies, Viking treasures, ancient gold, weapons, and medieval and monastic artifacts. The museum itself is an architectural beauty, built in 1820 with mosaic tile floors, marble columns, and a rotunda modeled after the Pantheon.

            One of their most popular displays is the Ardaugh Chalice. This silver chalice was part of a hoard of alter relics found in County Limerick. The craftsmanship is impressive; it has exquisite details and is inlaid with gold. Another finely crafted artifact is The 'Tara' Brooch. This small Celtic brooch dates back to at least 700 CE and is embellished with ornamental decoration of gold, glass, and amber. Perhaps the most moving displays is that of the bog mummies. Encased respectively in glass, these mummies, such as Clonycavan Man, date back to about 300 BCE and are riveting. Victims of sacrifice, the features of the bog mummies are exceptionally well-preserved due to the conditions of the bogs where they were found.

            This museum is full of various fascinating ancient relics and treasures. It offers a unique experience and allows visitors to feel connected to Ireland’s rich history. A visit to the museum is an educational and awe-inspiring experience that cannot be missed.

Blarney Castle and Gardens

Blarney Castle, Ireland. Source: Pixabay, https://pixabay.com/photos/blarney-castle-castle-ireland-550111/.

            Whether or not the visitor plans to kiss the famous Blarney stone, a trip to the castle and gardens is a must in Ireland. Located in County Cork, the Blarney Castle and Gardens is steeped in history that dates from 1314. At that time, the King of Munster, Cormac McCarthy, supported Robert the Bruce with troops who gave the Blarney Stone as a gift of thanks. Whether truth or myth, the stone was built into the castle in 1446, where it remains today.

            The castle witnessed a Cromwellian-era attack in which the inhabitants fled into underground caves. Curious visitors can enter the damp caves if they dare. The tower house fortification has walls that are 18 feet thick and spiral staircases. Though in a state of ruin, visitors can traverse through the banquet hall, bedrooms, dungeon, and kitchen with murder holes.

            The Blarney Gardens are a stunning network of paths that take the visitor past 300-year-old trees, an ancient Druid settlement, a witch’s kitchen, waterfalls, bridges, endangered plants, and unique stone circles and rock stacks. With the castle as a backdrop, the garden tour appeals to both history and nature lovers and is not to be missed.

            Kissing the Blarney Stone requires some flexibility and agility. Still, if a visitor chooses to do so, legend says that they will obtain the gift of eloquence. Additionally, the climb to the top of the castle offers rewarding views. The Blarney Castle is a must-see historic site in Ireland.

Staigue Stone Fort

Staigue Fort, County Kerry, Ireland. Source: Heritage Ireland, heritageireland.ie/unguided-sites/staigue-stone-fort/.

If the visitor ventures into the County Kerry countryside, they can be rewarded with a unique historic experience that should not be missed. Staigue Stone Fort, an ancient stone ring fort, was built by an elite family, possibly as far back as 300 BCE. Located in a stunning valley, a footpath meanders to the fort where one can enter and explore.

A protected monument, the Ring Fort is a circular defensive fortress used to protect the inhabitants and their animals from attack. Built entirely without mortar, the ringforts are an architectural marvel. With walls that are 18 feet tall and 13 feet wide, the craftmanship is inspiring and formidable. The fort features steps built into the walls that visitors can climb, enabling them to reach the top where a peaceful, nearly unchanged valley surrounds them. At ground level, there are two small cells built into the fortress walls. Rich in history, Staigue Stone Fort is an impressive relic from the past and worth visiting.

St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower

St. Canice’s Cathedral and Tower, Kilkenny, Ireland. Source: St. Canice Cathedral, https://www.stcanicescathedral.ie/news

            St. Canice’s Cathedral is a lovely historic cathedral in Ireland. This significant religious site stands in the popular medieval town of Kilkenny and was completed in 1285. St. Canice’s Cathedral was known to have one of the most remarkable stained-glass windows in Ireland. However, like many Catholic houses of worship, St. Canice’s Cathedral was sacked during the Cromwellian era. Soldiers pulled down, broke, and burned the famous East Wall window. Today, visitors can see a replica of the original East Wall stained-glass window that is based on original drawings. Visitors can also view the original stained-glass shards at the National Museum of Ireland-Kildare Street. The elaborate tiles, medieval tombs, hand-carved angels, and animals that sit atop the pews are a must-see.

St. Cathedral is a unique destination for its impressive church and Round Tower. It is one of only two climbable round towers in Ireland. Standing seven stories tall (100 feet) with only a two-foot foundation, it is remarkable that it still stands. Built possibly as early as 800, it was used as a lookout point for Viking raiders, who were known to target religious sites at the time. Today, visitors can climb the 121 steps to the top of the round tower for 360-degree city views.

Muckross Abbey

Muckross Abbey, Killarney National Park. Source: Eileen Coffey, Heritage Ireland, https://heritageireland.ie/unguided-sites/muckross-franciscan-friary/.

Muckross Abbey lies in splendid ruins, nestled in the stunning Killarney National Park. Despite its weathered state, it remains a must-see destination for travelers. Regardless of its name, the site was actually a medieval Friary built in 1448. The Catholic Friary was sacked during the Protestant Elizabethan era in the late 16th century and again in the 17th century by Cromwell’s army. Those who weren’t killed were forced to flee. The site was then abandoned.

The visitor will enjoy meandering through the stone archways and into the vaulted cloister of old hallways, living quarters, the church, and a courtyard. The tall lancet-style windows look out over the exquisite beauty of Killarney’s mountains and trees, just as they have for centuries. One of the main attractions is the large, ancient yew tree that is centered in the courtyard. It is said to be at least 400 years old and possibly one of the oldest in Ireland. There are tombs and a cemetery for those who like walking through old graveyards. Muckross Abbey is free to visit, and while you are there, a visit to the National Park is worth your while.

Guinness Storehouse and old St. James Gate

Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Source: Pixabay, https://pixabay.com/photos/dublin-guinness-tram-tramline-77282/.

            Nothing says Ireland like a tour of the historic Guinness Storehouse and the old St. James Gate. The story of Guinness begins with the visionary thinker and talented brewmaster Arthur Guinness. Born in 1725 in Ireland, he spent his youth submerged in brew-making. As an adult, he began brewing ale and porter. Guinness purchased an old brewery site and made history when he signed a 9,000-year lease, securing the business for his descendants. This has been the home to the iconic Guinness beer company since 1759.

            Guinness was an innovative man. He made his dark porter with a higher alcohol content and hop than other brews. This helped it withstand long sea voyages to the Caribbean, enabling it to become a popular export item. It would eventually be shipped all over the world. He used Clydesdale horses to transport the beer to barges. The business became so successful that eventually, the brewery doubled in size and added a railroad to the premises with eight miles of track.

            The Guinness Storehouse will immerse you in Guinness beer history. The iconic St. James Gate outside the brewery, which was once the medieval entrance to the city, is a perfect place for a Guinness photo. For marketing enthusiasts, the Guinness Storehouse displays its history of advertising. Additionally, the 360-degree view Gravity Bar overlooks Dublin and is the perfect place to enjoy one of the world’s most famous and illustrious beers.

            Ireland’s fascinating history will stick with you long after you have left the Emerald Isle. The epic stories of the Irish people linger within the ruins and castles, calling you back again and again. Ireland's history is rich in timeless charm and mystique, making it a must-see destination.

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