Every town in Ireland has at least one viable attraction, many of which are free to enter, but of course, not all. With the dollar and the euro nearly equal in value (one USD equals .95 euros), fees for popular sights can run very high and it becomes difficult to judge which options are worth the cost. Whether your interests lie in history, art, maritime, nature, food and drink or shopping, get the most bang for your buck at any of these 10 Emerald Isle attractions.
1. The Skellig Experience, County Kerry
Though the Skellig Islands (pictured above) are one of the most expensive options on the list, the ancient monasteries built into the cliffs of Skellig Michael and the wide array of wildlife (sharks, whales, dolphins, puffins, gannets and other sea birds) awaiting you make it worth the splurge. The ticket price includes a trip through the visitor center and a two-hour guided cruise around the islands. Tickets are 30 euros for adults and 17.50 euros for children.
2. Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
There was a general outcry when this medieval church started charging admission a few years ago, but the crowds kept coming as it is one of best and most important historic and religious buildings in Dublin. In addition to the sanctuary itself, decorated with fine stained glass and an enormous pipe organ, the dark and eerie crypt below houses the treasures, relics and stone tombs of some of Ireland’s earliest legendary figures, including Richard “Strongbow” de Clare. The cathedral is also a short walk from many other famous Dublin sights, including Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse. Tickets are six euros for adults and two euros for children.
3. Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre, County Meath
Newgrange is a Stone Age monument and temple older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. What looks simply like a large grassy mound actually houses a stone passageway that leads to multiple chambers and European Neolithic art. Visitors can enter the temple with a guide to see the long entrance passage, “roof box” and cross-shaped chamber, which was once used for rituals and burials. The nearby Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre provides a user-friendly and informative exhibit as well as a meeting point for tours of the temple. Adult admission for a guided tour of the megalithic tomb as well as entrance to the visitor’s center is six euros. Visitors should arrive early for scheduled tours and allow two to three hours for the entire excursion.
4. Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
Located of the beaten path on Ireland’s northernmost point in County Antrim, Giant’s Causeway is a natural phenomenon of extraordinary hexagonal rock columns that lead down to the sea. This spot offers one of Ireland’s best scenic views as well as several hikes of varying difficulty. The nearby towns of Bushmills and Coleraine are filled with locally owned cafes, pubs and B&Bs, perfect for warming the weary sightseer. Tickets are nine pounds for adults and 4.50 pounds for children.
5. Cycling the Great Western Greenway, County Mayo
Take in views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick while getting exercise on the traffic-free Great Western Greenway. Clew Bay Bike Hire provides the bikes and gear as well as some fantastic self-guided tour options. We recommend The Artisan Adventure, which combines a trip down the Greenway with stops at local food producers where you can prepare your own lunch while learning about the modern Irish food culture. The Greenway is free but bike rental averages about 40 euros per person.
6. Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum, Dublin
