TripAdvisor just released its annual Traveller’s Choice Awards, which is a location based list of the best places to visit around the world. Among the categories are the Top 10 Irish landmarks you must see according to the website’s millions of travelers, as well as the Top 10 Destinations in Ireland.
A few of the top landmarks come as no surprise to the masses, with Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin and Blarney Castle & Gardens taking the first and second spots, respectively. Trinity College, Kilkenny Castle, and Muckross House, Gardens & Farms also made the list. However it is a few of the lesser known places that grabbed a spot that has the internet abuzz.
Dun Dúchathair, Arigna Mining Experience, and Leap Castle are three places that beat out other landmarks such as Brú na Bóinne and Skellig Michael, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Though these three sites may not be as popular or well known as other places, the travelers on TripAdvisor feel strongly that everyone should go see them. So let’s explore what they are all about!
Dun Dúchathair, or the Black Fort, is the lesser known counterpart to Dún Aonghasa, and is similarlyg situated on the cliffs of the Aran Islands. It features a terraced wall, stone houses, and a peaceful (quiet) atmosphere. It is a step back to a primitive time to when the ancient Celts roamed the islands.
The Arigna Mining Experience, Co. Roscommon, allows visitors the unique opportunity to experience the world of a coal miner, including the process of coal mining and the impact it had on the community. It covers the 400 years of mining history in the region, leading up to the area’s mine closing in 1990.
Leap Castle, located north of Roscrea, is said to be one of the most haunted places in not only Ireland, but the entire world. It is a perfect place for people to test out their ability to stay cool under some chilly circumstances. It was featured by Travel Channel in one of their Ghost Adventures episodes.
So maybe these landmarks aren’t the typically places to visit, but the fact that they are a bit off the beaten path makes them all the more appealing.
Will you add any of these landmarks to your next trip to Ireland? Let us know!