TOP ATTRACTIONS
Irish weather has a habit of changing many times in the course of a single day … sometimes a single hour . We all know that it is partial to dropping a few splashes on visitors , so here ’ s a list that combines the indoor with the outdoor , which means you get to decide where you go when you can drag yourself away from Ireland ’ s magical golf courses .
There are over 300 major indoor attractions to choose from , across the length and breadth of the country … not counting the ever-popular activities such as shopping and the 17,000 public houses , many of which are centres for the ‘ performance arts ’ in themselves . Outdoor attractions are too many to count , but we ’ ve tried our best .
CLIFFS OF MOHER : Ireland ’ s second most popular pure visitor attraction produced a top 20 finish in the New Seven Wonders of Nature awards in 2011 . Arrive before 11am to avoid the crowds , which can see 147 coaches trundle through in any day , and up to 45 at a time . The visitor centre is handy on a wet day but the site stretches for miles so be sure to explore as far as you can and , no matter how crowded it gets , you can always find somewhere quiet to contemplate these beautiful cliffs which rise up to 700 feet .
DUBLIN ZOO : Strategically located in the Phoenix Park , the zoo is an old family favourite . Sundays are busy … and have been since the zoo opened in 1831 .
EPIC IRELAND : The centre celebrates Ireland ’ s contribution to world culture through its emigrants , in 22 multimedia galleries . It is due to open in May , near the Custom House on Dublin ’ s quays .
a creationist interpretative panel .
GIANT ’ S CAUSEWAY : Famed far and wide , these hexagonal rock formations in north Antrim , alongside the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Bushmills Centre , make a great day excursion . Check out the nearby centre , which , pandering to local Presbyterian sensibilities , has
GUINNESS STOREHOUSE : Named Europe ’ s leading visitor attraction at the World Tourism Awards in Sardinia , 2015 , the Storehouse at Dublin ’ s St James ’ s Gate is , not surprisingly , Ireland ’ s most visited attraction by some distance . It is also the third most visited brand attraction in the world . The architecture is impressive , guiding visitors around a giant pint to a viewing area and sample bar at the top , where visitors can look out over the city .
KILDARE VILLAGE : In essence , this is a shopping centre but , with 2.3m visitors , Kildare Village ranks as Ireland ’ s most visited destination . It has expanded from 60 retail outlets to 96 , with two restaurants , 400 new parking spaces and a pedestrian link to the adjacent Tesco . It also has a smart tourist information centre . Pop up attractions change by the season , in a bid to turn the village into a more ‘ enhanced retail ’ tourist experience .
KILMAINHAM JAIL : For the 1916 centenary this is where you can discover the heart of the rebellion against colonial rule … as well as its five predecessors .
KYLEMORE ABBEY : This park and magnificent faux-castle are rather popular with the French . The banner from the Battle of Ramillies hangs in the front hall .
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