Like the peaks of submerged mountains, these almost barren rocks stand some 16km out in the Atlantic. The smallest, Little Skellig (not accessible), is a nature reserve teeming with puffins and gannets. The largest, Skellig Michael , is the site o..

The road along the Antrim coast takes in some varied landscape. On the sea side are charming villages, vast expanses of shore, high basalt and limestone cliffs, with Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre in the distance. Inland lie the glens, narrow little vall..

A rich habitat for sea birds, Horn Head has high cliffs (180m) on its north coast. To the southwest lies McSwyne’s Gun , a blow hole where the ocean bursts upwards. The narrow road offers fine views west towards the islands of Inishbofin, Inishdooey..

This sober library (1712-1732) is by Thomas Burgh, chief engineer and surveyor general. The wonderful treasury includes some of the library’s most important works including the extraordinary Book of Kells , and illuminated manuscript on vellum (c 80..

Lying east of the lower lake, the ruins of the second monastery are the most important part of the complex. The 30m-high 10C round tower is the most striking feature; it was a watchtower and place of refuge. Beyond the entrance situated 4m above th..

The stretch of valley between Drogheda and Slane, Brú na Bóinne (Gaelic for Palace of the Boyne) is home to spectacular megalithic tombs dating back more than 5 000 years. Some 40 burial places have been identified, but only three have been systemati..

Leaving from Mulrany, Atlantic Drive leads to Achill Island. Once past the bridge and Achill Sound, the road follows the southern coast, where one of Grace O'Malley's dungeons stands. A little before Cashel is the turn-off for Minaun Heights (464m), ..

One of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the country. Several paths lead to the top of this cliff (601m) that runs right down to the sea. Whichever itinerary you opt for, the views are unforgettable. The Pilgrim's Path climbs to the summit and ..

A one-way scenic drive snakes 11km up through the Lough Navar Forest Park to the viewpoint at the top of the Cliffs of Magho. The panoramic view seems infinite, taking in the entire northern end of Lower Lough Erne as far as the Blue Stack Mountains ..

Grounds dominating Strangford Lough provide the superb setting for this residence, built from 1760 to 1775. It is a unique architectural compromise between the tastes of Bernard Ward and his wife Anne. He had a penchant for the rigour of classical ..

Situated by a lake on a gentle slope dotted with great beech and oak trees, this magnificent neo-Classical residence is probably the most beautiful in Ireland. It was designed by James Wyatt and completed in 1798 for the Corry family, counts of Belmo..

A 60m-high limestone outcrop topped by a group of buildings, the Rock of Cashel is Ireland’s Acropolis. Evoking Celtic Christianity and the high kings of Ireland, Cashel’s jewel is Cormac’s Chapel ; the perfectly preserved 28m-high round tower is ma..

The edges of these cliffs are so dangerous that the footpath is protected by railings. There is a sheer drop from these high, dark sandstone cliffs (182m; 8km long) into the Atlantic. The seabirds huddle on ledges or skim over the tops of the waves. ..

Killarney National Park covers 10 000ha, it includes three lakes - Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and Upper Lake, which are linked by the Long Range River - the foreshore and the mountain slopes south and west. The heart of the park is Muckross Estate, d..

On the isle of Inishmore, a footpath cuts through the hill up to the edge of the cliffs (61m), where there is a great drystone fort. It is one of Europe's finest prehistoric monuments, with three lines of defence. Stone stakes are planted at an angle..

St Kevin came to this long isolated valley, in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, to find solitude. Later, he founded a monastery that became a highly frequented pilgrimage centre and still continues to attract hoards of tourists. The «Glen of the T..

This magnificent Palladian mansion stands on gently sloping ground leading down to the waters of Poulaphouca Reservoir, which reflect the Wicklow Mountains lying beyon it. The lawned terraces behind the house are original. The short drive passes the ..

Founded in 545 by St Kieran in the heart of Ireland, this monastery was also the burial place of the Kings of Connaught and Tara. As its renown grew, it was plundered with increasing regularity and finally reduced to ruin in 1552 by English troops ..

Dating from the same era as the pyramids, the mound (1.25 acres²; 80-85m in diameter and 11m high) consists of a cairn of stones enclosed within a circle of 97 kerbstones, some of which are decorated and surmounted by a facing of round granite boulde..

The wild, jagged headland of Connemara, on the west coast of Ireland, juts out into the sea. Mountains, lakes such as Lough Corrib , torrents, undulating bog, outcrops, unspoilt beaches and endless vistas make up this beautiful region. Take the time..