Small in size, Ireland, often nicknamed the “Emerald Isle”, has a lot to offer. Why “Emerald”? Perhaps you already knew it. It refers to the bright green that colours its many meadows, the dark green of its spruce forests and the yellowed green of the dune reeds that cover its sandbanks. If Ireland were a colour, it would undoubtedly be green!
No other country offers as many shades of green: apple green, jade green, lichen green, and you have to see it to believe it. Even by the sea, whether north, south, east or west, you will always find shades of emerald green in the ocean.
Further reading: Good Friday in Ireland – Alcohol Ban and Easter Traditions
Why visit Ireland?
Ireland certainly does not lack postcard-perfect landscapes: breathtaking cliffs, magnificent lakes and endless beaches.
According to Daniel, a teacher at Castleforbes College, the most spectacular landscapes are in the West. Maybe Daniel is a little biased, being from Limerick. But perhaps not! When you think of the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, stretching 8 km and rising more than 200 m high, considered among the tallest cliffs in Europe.
Ireland is also the land of lakes. County Cavan alone has more than 360. The largest of them all, Lough Neagh, located in Northern Ireland west of Belfast, covers around 396 km². Lough Corrib north of Galway, Lough Gill in County Sligo, Lough Erne and the lakes of Killarney are among the best known, but there are many less touristy ones that are just as wonderful.
Don’t wait any longer to discover the best of Ireland! The school’s team, with the support of its local teachers, invites you to explore Ireland’s most beautiful routes. Here are 15 experiences you should not miss if you are visiting the land of the four-leaf clover.
1. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
A grand site dominated by a rocky wall nearly 8 km long. The area welcomes around 900,000 visitors each year. Its Visitor Centre takes you on a virtual journey not to be missed!
2. The Aran Islands, County Galway
The Aran Islands must be earned! To get there, you must make an effort and brave the choppy sea from Clare or Galway. Once you set foot on Inishmore, the trip is well worth it and the change of scenery is total. Also discover Dun Aengus, a fort over 2,000 years old, a tribute to the imagination, perseverance and skill of Celtic builders.
3. Ardmore, County Waterford
Head south in the County of Waterford and discover the coastal village of Ardmore, which offers a beautiful crescent-shaped beach. To the north, along the cliff, is one of the oldest Christian sites in Ireland, also a pilgrimage route. Whatever the season, visitors are relatively few; you will therefore fully enjoy these fantastic landscapes in complete tranquillity.
4. Connemara, County Galway
Who has never heard of Connemara and its famous lakes? In the heart of its isolated valleys, nature bursts through its hills, flowers and streams. Inland, the landscapes are even more impressive… Make a detour to appreciate the remarkable beauty of the site.
5. Glendalough, County Wicklow
Located south of Dublin, the ruins of Glendalough give a good idea of what the monastery founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century was like. The two lakes that make up the site only enhance the beauty of this heavily wooded setting.
6. Cork
Beautiful collections of art galleries, museums and gourmet restaurants are waiting to be discovered. Very rich in culture and gastronomy, Cork is a city where it is truly pleasant to live. Lovers of local beers will also be well catered for. Do not forget to visit the fabulous English Market and the covered market.
7. Carrick-a-Rede, Co. Antrim
The famous rope bridge of Carrick-a-Rede is a place not to be missed: a 16-kilometre walk during which you will see cliffs, islands, sandy beaches and ruined castles… One for true walking enthusiasts only!
8. Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
Stretching over more than 10,000 hectares, it is one of the six largest national parks in Ireland. It is home to one of the last remaining primary forests in the country. Landscapes of great beauty, where the light is absolutely unique. You can explore it on foot, by bike, by boat or even by horse-drawn carriage. More info: Killarney National Park.
9. Kilkenny
An impressive castle and a splendid medieval cathedral are the main highlights. Add to that pretty little colourful houses, elegant shops and excellent local beer, and you will have a great overview of the medieval town of Kilkenny.
10. Black taxis tours, Belfast
A trip to Ireland would not be complete without discovering the republican and loyalist murals of Belfast in Northern Ireland. With plenty of humour, the driver-guides of Belfast’s “black taxis” will tell you numerous anecdotes and, above all, will give you a real sense of the tragic history behind them.
11. Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim
A true mystery, its first admirers could not imagine that it was simply a natural volcanic phenomenon. For them, only giants could have created this paved path that disappears into the sea. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a real wonder that deserves to be seen at least once in a lifetime. All details at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/giants-causeway
12. Derry / Londonderry
The second-largest city in Northern Ireland, Derry is steeped in history. Here you will discover 17th-century ramparts, built to protect the first Protestant inhabitants, as well as the new bridge spanning the River Foyle, a symbol of the city’s desire to look to the future as a creative and, above all, highly dynamic place.
13. Slieve League, Co. Donegal
Less famous than the Cliffs of Moher, the cliffs of Slieve League are nonetheless considered among the highest in Europe. When the waves crash against the rocks and the ocean reflects the last rays of the sun, the spectacle becomes almost unreal.
14. Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo
Overlooking Westport Bay and rising to an altitude of 763 m, Croagh Patrick is the sacred mountain of the Irish. In 441, Saint Patrick is said to have spent 40 days and 40 nights there, praying and fasting. From the summit, the view is breathtaking.
15. Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry
They saved the best for last… Ring-shaped, the Ring of Kerry follows the coastline for 179 km. Throughout this county, you will discover everything that is most beautiful about Ireland: dizzying cliffs, peaceful lakes, typical villages and towns full of history.
After all this, you will have understood that Ireland is far more than just a few cliffs and pubs on the corner. It is a country where every bend in the road, every hiking trail and every small town has a story to tell. Whether you come for a road trip, a language stay or a few days to switch off, you will always find a patch of greenery, a welcoming pub or a breathtaking view to remind you why you fell in love with the Emerald Isle.
And if you want to make the most of your trip by boosting your English, feel free to take a look at our English courses in Dublin and come and see us at Castleforbes College. Who knows, your next great Irish experience might start in the classroom, sharing a good laugh with your teacher and your new international friends.
