Ireland, often referred to as the Emirald Isle, is a land steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its lush green landscapes to its charming villages and vibrant cities, Ireland offers something for every traveller.
Why are tourists attracted to Ireland? But what is it about this small island that attracts tourists from all corners of the globe? Let’s explore the 9 reasons why Ireland is such a popular destination on earth.
Natural Landscapes
Its unspoiled environment and beautiful natural scenery is the main attraction for tourists. Ireland is not only famous for its locals, their natural beauty is breathtaking! Being located in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, the seascapes will be the treat of your eyes. The rocky coastal area has spectacular cliffs with picturesque beaches. The green rolling hills, rugged seaside cliffs, and dense forests will blow your mind. The Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, the Burren, Gap of Dunloe are the most famous sites of Ireland.
Besides, if you are a hiking enthusiast then Ireland can be the best place for you. It has more than 40 national parks where outdoor lovers always pay their visits.
The interesting fact is, UNESCO World Heritage Sites designates many outstanding places in Ireland. Places like Brú na Bóinne, Skellig Michael and the worldwide famous Cliffs of Moher are a few examples of it.
If you don’t want to hike then climb a cliff, paddle a kayak, go for a road trip, castle hunt or simply enjoy beach games with friends. There are so many activities you can do and enjoy the most!
Best vacation packages
Talking about beaches, Keem Bay in Co Mayo has been voted 11th in the “Big 9 Travels” best beaches in the world 2021. Ballymastocker Beach in Donegal was the 2nd Most Beautiful Beach in the world by the British Observer. So why not give these beaches a shot?
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Amazing locals and their Craic
This is the Irish people who make Ireland special. They always offer a warm welcome to visitors and guests.
Irish communities have a strong sense of solidarity and mutual support. This is why they see guests as a virtue. They also have a strong tradition of hospitality which is maintained for generations. People tend to be more open, and willing to help one another. And this fosters a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The Irish are popular for their “craic”. You will experience their fun sense of humour for sure.
If you are staying in B&B and small hotels or visiting pubs after evening, you can get in touch with the locals. Irish people just love chatting and whenever you enter a local restaurant or pub, they will talk to you just like a close friend. And like this, they can absolutely make your day!
Rich Heritage and Culture
One of the biggest appeals of visiting Ireland is its rich heritage. This country has a large historic background that keeps its culture alive. From ancient Celtic ruins and mediaeval castles to historic churches and museums, the country is filled with fascinating landmarks and attractions. You can immerse yourself in Ireland’s cultural heritage through attending traditional music sessions, exploring ancient sites, or visiting the bustling streets of Dublin. If you are a beer enthusiast, you can also visit the Guinness Storehouse, a museum dedicated to the history and process of making Guinness.
From the cultural perspective, Ireland also differs from any other country. In some areas of this island, you will still hear the locals speaking Gaelic as their first language. To explore more, you can give a try to the Irish Set Dancing, play Gaelic football, or join the local festivals.
History, Castle and Fairy tales!
Ireland has a rich and vibrant history that dates back thousands of years. From ancient Celtic ruins and medieval castles to historic churches and museums, the country is filled with fascinating landmarks and attractions. Wherever you are exploring ancient sites like Newgrange, or visiting the bustling streets of Dublin, you can find history colliding with modernity.
But Ireland’s rich history is both fascinating and tragic. Ireland was the first colony of Britain and the Irish lived under them for more than 700 years! Ireland got their independence by rebelling against British rule with huge loss of life.
It’s also one of the few countries where you can find authentic and unspoiled medieval ruins. Places like Carrickfergus Castle, Kilkenny Castle, and many more have remained the same since medieval times.
While exploring the history, you will encounter thousands of castles. Want to know the exact number? It’s 30000!! 30,000 castles and ruins are surviving throughout the country. Interesting thing is, while visiting these ruins, you can even stay in castles overnight! Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle, Belfast Castle, Dublin Castle and Dunluce Castle are the most famous castles here.
In the literary field, Ireland will surprise you! The mythical Ireand has many places where many fairy tales are born. Kilkenny Castle and Ballynahinch Castle are the most beautiful and authentic fairy-tale castles in Ireland.
Pub culture and Iconic drinks
No matter what your tastes in a drink are, Ireland can charm you with its variety for sure! Here you can find samples of the finest, locally distilled Irish spirits with the best pubs in the world! Ireland has the world’s oldest pub named “Sean’s Bar” in Athlone, dating back to 800 AD. The pub has been pulling customers for a mind-blowing 1,100 years and tourists are still paying their visit here.
This is currently the best-selling alcoholic drink in Ireland. One of the world’s most popular and well-known beer brands, Guinness, has been serving around since 1759. Also as I mentioned before, the Guinness Storehouse is the most popular tourist attraction in the country. More than 1.7 million visitors are coming to this storehouse each year. Guinness in Ireland is often said to taste significantly better than anywhere else. You could also visit the isle’s oldest whiskey distillery at Bushmills or Micil in Galway.
Music and Festivals
Ireland hosts some of the best music events throughout the world. The local musicians are maintaining their tradition throughout creating traditional music and folklore for the future generation.
Also after the evening, the air gets filled with the lively strains of traditional Irish music in the pub. you can enjoy live music with the locals.
One interesting thing to mention is “The Electric Picnic”! Music lovers from around the world gather here and to revel in the eclectic lineup of artists from every imaginable genre.
You will experience an unforgettable fusion of sound and spectacle from rock to pop to folk and electronica.
Beside the music, Ireland’s festival calendar has also been growing immensely with lots of events across the country. St. Patrick’s Festival, Galway International Arts Festival, Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival are some of the most famous programs throughout the year.
Food
Ireland is known for hearty, filling meals beside producing alcohol. If you’re a foodie, then you’ll love the food in Ireland. They have the tastiest and most diverse cuisines in the world. They produce world-famous beef and brew delicious beers that are sold around the globe.
With the warm hearty Beef and Guinness Stew, flavourful Seafood Chowder is the most popular dish. Also be sure to try out a full Irish Breakfast along with some Irish soda bread. The Tayto Sandwich is also a real treat!
One of Ireland’s go-to traditional foods is their stews. This stew is famous to many people because they have meat, potatoes, and molasses in its flavors. The lesser-known boxty, Irish potato pancake is also worth mentioning! If you are staying at B&Bs and other accommodation, you may be able to try the full Irish breakfast.
Beside the local specials, Asian and European’s mouth watering cuisines are also here. When you are travelling in small fishing villages along the west coast, please try to order some seafood. Because Ireland has the freshest seafood in the world!
Don’t forget that the cities, like Dublin, Belfast, Galway and Cork, have plenty of fine dining restaurants. These places focus on local and seasonal produce to give you a modern taste of Ireland.
Ireland’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture. And that makes the country a truly irresistible destination for tourists. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning scenery, intrigued by the country’s ancient history, or simply looking for a warm welcome, Ireland has something for everyone. So discover the magic of the Alfa Isle on your own and make your story
