Landmarks are something that makes a region or country distinguishable from others. Ireland is no slouch whenever it comes to having historical landmarks that are famous and sought after.
The earliest evidence of human existence here in Ireland can be traced back to 33,000 years. Since then, the Irish have cultivated a rich history of religion, customs, and much more over the many different eras of man.
The island of Ireland can be found to the west of the United Kingdom and has long fought for its independence. Through the upcoming landmarks you will learn of the cultural impact the desire for Irish independence has on its landmarks and geography.
Let’s take a closer look at the many famous landmarks that are seen across Ireland that tell us about its incredible history, culture, and progress that it has made over the course of time.
Famous Landmarks in Ireland
1. Cliffs of Moher
Have you ever wanted to see a breathing site near the sea that you will remember forever? Many people head to the seaside in order to experience one of the most breathtaking landmarks in all of Ireland.
One of the most popular tourist attractions here in Ireland has to be the Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs can be found off the southwestern edge of the region of Burren. These cliffs run 8 miles and stretch upwards of a max height of 214 meters in some areas.
Many people love to just take in the seaside view from this place and disconnect from it all. You can find people here at all hours of the day as they soak in the seafoam spray of the ocean and let the wind blow in their hair.
2. Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim off the northern coast of Ireland is an incredible sight to take in. This landmark is a result of an ancient volcanic eruption that covered around 40,000 basalt columns.
It is stated in Irish mythology that Fionn MacCumbhaill had used his skills to build the Giant’s Causeway to take on the Scottish mythological giant Benandonner.
This incredible landmark just shows how rich Ireland’s history is when it comes to its geography and shows us the continuous rivalry between the Scottish and the Irish predates us by centuries.
Visitors are able to traverse the basalt columns here and soak in the sights closer.
3. Rock of Cashel
Speaking of the cultural impact on geography, the Rock of Cashel has one that is tied deep into Irish myth. It is no secret that Irish Catholicism has deep roots in the culture of Ireland in its geography and its people.
In the Irish Myth of St. Patrick, it is here at the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick himself had banished Lucifer from a cave. This would eventually lead to the landing of the rock here in Cashel. This ancient cathedral was constructed around 1235 and 1270.
It has been cited as one of the more religious places for many people in Ireland and its tourists and is constantly viewed to this day.
Irish myth tells incredible stories and its amazing to see all of them baked so deeply into the geography around Ireland.
4. Newgrange
One of the oldest landmarks here, the Newgrange, is a tomb that has been around for 5,200 years.
This landmark, which is located in the Boyne Valley, houses an ancient stone passage that is considered to be the symbol of Ireland’s ancient east.
Not many people know this, but this landmark is in fact older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt and is culturally rich in many ways.
Ancient Ireland was a very agrarian society and so many ancient farmers built this landmark painstakingly stone-by-stone over the course of many years. The chamber has three nooks and is over 85 meters in diameter.
5. St Patrick’s Cathedral
Did you know that St. Patrick’s Cathedral is in fact the tallest church in all of Ireland? This church was established in 1171 and is still standing strong to this day.
The St. Patrick’s Cathedral is considered to be the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The religious importance of St. Patrick’s cathedral cannot be overstated as many people flocked to it for its two remembrance events that happened in the 1900’s.
Two Irish Prime Ministers had their funerals hosted here. Prime Minister Douglass Hyde, who died in 1949 and Prime Minster Erskine Childers in 1974.
To this day, mass is still held at St. Patrick’s cathedral and is safely kept by the society that built it.
6. Kilmainham Gaol
The Kilmainham Gaol has an incredible history attached to it. This prison was used to imprison some of the most prominent figures in Irish history. People such as Charles Stewart Parnell was imprisoned here during his life.
This landmark opened in 1796 and was to serve as the new Gaol for the people of Dublin. Though the majority of the people who were held inside of this prison were street criminals, the Kilmainham Gaol also held a lot of political prisoners who were constantly provoking Irish independence.
The leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, which included the aforementioned Charles Stewart Parnell, Countress Markievics and Anne Devil to name a few, were executed here by a firing squad.
This jail was preserved as a national landmark in the 1960’s to preserve its historical impact.
7. Blarney Stone
Almost everyone has heard the name Blarney Stone at some point or another in their lives whether it has been through movies, cartoons, or different types of media.
Blarney Castle is a castle that was built in 1446 by The King of Munster, Lord Dermot McCarthy. The Blarney Castle acted as an impenetrable medieval stronghold that would repel its attackers successfully.
However, the inside of Blarney Castle houses the legendary Blarney Stone. Through ancient myth and folklore tales it is stated that if you kiss the Blarney Stone you will receive the gift of eloquence and/or flattery.
This stone attracts visitors from all over the world who want to try their attempt at becoming more eloquent by simply kissing the blarney stone. The word Blarney also has associations with the words clever and coaxing talk.
8. Skellig Islands
Have you ever wanted to see islands that are completely uninhabited by any people? With the world being as populated as it is today, it is hard to imagine that any piece of land out there could be completely uninhabited by animals or humans.
This is where the Skellig islands come in to blow our minds and show us that not everywhere on earth has humans or animals inhabiting any given piece of land. The Skellig Islands can be found whenever you tour the Ring of Kerry.
These two islands are rocky and devoid of any living creatures on them. However, on one of the islands lies a Christian Monastery that can be found on top of the rock. In Irish tradition, many Catholics would seek solitude on their journey to become closer with god.
The Monastery fits this bill as it is completely isolated from the rest of the world and is a place where many monks would come to build their connection with god alone.
9. An Post, General Post Office
The legendary An Post acts as the state-owned post office for all of Ireland. This service provides “universal postal services” to all parts of Ireland, which includes all types of deliveries such as EMS (international express-mail services) and next day delivery services.
The building itself is incredibly crafted and shows off one of the most breathtaking architectural feats in modern day Ireland. There is a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and the post-service part of the building still functions to this day as the primary way to send and receive mail in Ireland.
Many people come to the An Post in order to see pieces of history that have been collected from parts of Ireland and put on display. This is a must-visit if you come to Ireland.
10. Guinness Storehouse
Whenever you think of Guinness, you think of Ireland. Opening in the early 2000s, the Guinness storehouse has had over a record breaking 20 million visitors.
This is a must-visit stop for tourists who want to understand the importance of a good brew and Irish culture.
The entire center of the storehouse is built around a glass atrium that is stylistically shaped like a pint of Guinness.
The upper portions of the Guinness storehouse host a gravity bar where patrons can get breathtaking views of Dublin while enjoying a fresh pint of Guinness.