Welcoming and wonderfully rich in culture, Ireland, the "Emerald Isle," is sure to put a sparkle in your eye. You will love it's friendly people, laid-back culture, often-tragic yet fascinating history, and it's rugged, romantic landscapes. This pick of Ireland's best is sure to guide you on your way.
1. Killarney National Park
Fanning out from the vibrant town of Killarney in County Kerry, Killarney National Park is a wonderland of mountains, lakes and woodlands. Wildlife in the park's sprawling 10,236 hectares includes Ireland’s only remaining wild herd of native red deer (living here continuously for 12,000 years), as well as fish, rare insects and birds like the white-tailed sea eagle. Beyond the park boundary, don't miss the glorious Gap of Dunloe, a majestic mountain pass most entertainingly explored by jaunting car (pony-and-trap) helmed by a charismatic jarvey (driver).
2. Cliffs of Moher
So many superlatives have been used to describe these magnificent cliffs it's hard to find the right words. Vertigo-inducing and awe-inspiring spring to mind and they are indeed both of these things as well as being utterly wild and ruggedly beautiful. This is Ireland's most visited natural attraction and with good reason. About one and a half hours by car from Galway, in neighbouring County Clare, the cliffs are visited by close to a million people from across the globe each year. They stretch for eight kilometers along the Atlantic and rise some 214 meters at their highest point. Take a walk along the trail to experience the raw power of nature at its most majestic.
3. St Stephens Green
St. Stephens Green is a picturesque city centre public park located at the top of Grafton Street, Dublin's main shopping area. This superbly designed park features brilliantly kept gardens and plants and has a large lake which houses many ducks and birds. The park contains many statues and memorials that play homage to such notables as James Joyce, Yeats, and Robert Emmet.
4. National Museum of Ireland
Dublin is renowned for its tremendous culture and art. The National Museum of Ireland has a total of four centres that celebrate the heritage of Ireland and provide insights into Ireland’s great past. The museums focus on archaeology, decorative arts & history, country life, and natural history. The museums provide an unforgettable introduction to the history of Ireland.
5. The Rock of Cashel
Don’t let the unassuming name fool you: the Rock of Cashel is no mere rock. Standing proudly on a green hill rising from County Tipperary's plains, it's a historic treasure trove of ancient religious structures including a 12th-century Romanesque chapel and a 13th-century Gothic cathedral. But its history dates back much further – for more than 1000 years it was a symbol of power and the seat of kings and churchmen who ruled over the region.
6. The Ring of Kerry
If in Kerry, take the time to explore what is arguably Ireland's most scenic route, the Ring of Kerry (Iveragh Peninsula). Of course you can start anywhere along the way, however most set out from either Kenmare or Killarney ending, naturally enough, back in the same spot. The entire journey non-stop could take under three hours, but that's unlikely to happen. En-route there's a feast of jaw-dropping Atlantic Ocean views, stunning islands to visit, wild sweeping mountains, and many picturesque villages. This area of astounding natural beauty boasts a range of outdoor pursuits including golf, water sports on pristine beaches, cycling, walking, horse-riding, and terrific freshwater fishing and deep-sea angling. For history enthusiasts, there are Ogham Stones, Iron Age forts, and ancient monasteries, all set against a canvas of striking landscapes.
7. Kylemore Abbey
You must visit in Ireland is Kylemore Abbey, founded in the Kylemore Castle for Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I. The castle was originally built as a private home by Mitchell Henry as a gift to his wife, whom later tragically died at a reasonably young age. Henry never remarried and built a small cathedral on the castle grounds in her loving memory. It’s as beautiful as the photo suggests and an absolute must visit for a road trip through Ireland.
0 komentar:
Post a Comment