One of my favourite things about Ireland is all the historic, ancient sites scattered throughout the country. I visited as many as I could during my
Ireland road trip (it was impossible to see everything of interest) but here are a few of my favourites:
Bru na Boinne- A collection of passage tombs that are older than the Egyptian pyramids. You can go inside the chamber at Newgrange and at Knowth you can admire some fantastic examples of megalithic art on the tomb's kerbstones.
The Rock of Cashel- A ruined fortress scenically located atop a green hill. Remains include include a large 13th century stone cathedral and a cemetery with several beautiful high crosses. Across the road is the abandoned
Hore Abbey which is also worth visiting if you enjoy exploring ruins.
Glendalough- A former monastic settlement in the Wicklow mountains. The picturesque site includes a round tower, ancient cemetery, and stone church.
Cahergall and Leacanabuaile- Ringforts that can be visited with a short detour off the
Ring of Kerry. Cahergall is large and restored, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the top of its walls. Leacanabuaile is smaller but you can see the walls of its interior rooms.
Dún Aengus- A prehistoric fortress that stands precariously at the edge of a high cliff. It can be visited during a day trip to
Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands.