Situated in the North Atlantic, Ireland is remarkably one of the most epic destinations to travel to in Europe. The island/country is jam-packed with a rich history, natural scenery, and culture. And it doesn’t matter what you end up doing in Ireland. You will always find adventure hidden or open in plain sight in every destination you head to in the country. With thousands of things to do here, visitors will find the bustling cities exuding a loud and vibrant culture in Galway or Dublin, for example, whereas on the flip side, there are off-the-beaten paths that open to uninhabited grasslands, sea cliffs, and ancient castles. If you are after some of the marvelous structures in the country, check out some of the best famous buildings in Ireland.
1. Cahir Castle, Tipperary
One of the largest castles and most notable tourist attractions in the country, Cahir Castle sits on the island of River Suir. Established in 1142 by the Prince of Thomond, Conor O'Brian, Cahir Castle is well-preserved and situated in the city center, consisting of several courts, with the innermost court nestling in the north and the keep towards the south. The castle has still held its tower, keep, and most of the other walls that act as a defense.
Cahir Castle
Address: Castle St, Townparks, Cahir, Co. Tipperary, E21 P652, Ireland
Website: Cahir Castle
Opening hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
2. The Custom House, Dublin
Built in the 18th century, The Custom House lies on the banks of River Liffey and has taken inspiration from neoclassical Irish architecture. Nestled within the same estate are plenty of government buildings including Planning and Local Government and Department of Housing. Cradling between two renowned bridges of Ireland, Talbot Memorial Bridge, and Butt Bridge, this attraction is easily recognizable and is renovated to allow easy and continued access.
The Custom House
Address: North Dock, Dublin 1, Ireland
Website: The Custom House
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
3. Irish House of Parliament, Dublin
Irish House of Parliament, also known as the Parliament House was the first home to the Parliament of Ireland, after which, it gave shelter to the Bank of Ireland. Famed as the first purpose-built, two-chamber parliament house around the globe, Irish House of Parliament, offered seats to both the lords and the commons of the Kingdom of Ireland for most of the 18th century. This was followed until the Act of Union 1800 was terminated, when Ireland merged with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
Irish House of Parliament
Address: College Green, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Website: Irish House of Parliament
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4. Dublin Castle
Take some time off to tour the city of Dublin. You won’t be disappointed. One of its most visited attractions, Dublin Castle, along with being a tourist attraction, is also a conference center and a government complex, boasting a combination of culture, history, and stunning fortified architecture. This castle hails back to both medieval and Viking eras. It was the British government’s seat of power until 1922. Today, this attraction is used as a historical site to allow locals and visitors to learn more about its importance.
Dublin Castle
Address: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Website: Dublin Castle
Opening hours: 9:45am - 5:15pm (daily)
Tip from tour guide
This bust of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, adorns the crypt entrance to the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle. On April 23, 1014, he was killed in the aftermath of his victory over the Vikings of Dublin. The Battle of Clontarf, as it was known, checked the power of the Vikings, but did not lead to their expulsion from Ireland, contrary to popular belief. The surname O'Brien derives from him.
Ireland Tour Guide
Diana M
Hi there! I am Diana :) My passion in life (next to my loved ones) is travelling and meeting new people, showing others the beauty of the world, art in various forms. My private guided day tours are experiences that are unique and are a great way to do an interesting activity without being overwhelmed. You get to do something only few other travellers would get to do and a chance to gain a loc... Read more
Tours by Diana
5. Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin
One of the most infamous prisons in the country, Kilmainham Gaol is now a museum that is being managed by one of the agencies of Government of Ireland, Office of Public Works. The Irish leaders and many other revolutionaries from the 1916 Easter Rising were incarcerated and executed in the prisons of Kilmainham Gaol by following the orders of the UK government.
Kilmainham Gaol
Address: Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 RK28, Ireland
Website: Kilmainham Gaol
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 4 - 9 USD
6. Muckross House, Killarney
Nestled right in the heart of Killarney National Park, Muckross House is a 19th-century mansion famed for its serene beauty. Overlooking a lake, the place features its own farm and is renowned for its horse-rode jaunting cars that traverse through the estate and nearby waterfalls and forests. As you explore the mansion, make sure to check out the arts and crafts, too. The whole place exudes an old Victorian vibe that will take you back in time.
Muckross House
Address: The National Park, Dromyrourk, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Website: Muckross House
Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)
7. Four Courts, Dublin
A renowned building for the legislature in Ireland’s Dublin, Four Courts is the main building among the Court of Appeal, Irish Supreme Court, High Court, and Dublin Circuit Court, all following a set of similar functions. The name Four Courts weren’t named for the buildings nestled inside. It was named so because of the four residents - Chancery, King’s Bench, Exchequer, and Common Pleas who used to live here. The initial construction of the courts began in 1779, after implementing the designs of Thomas Cooley, and post his demise, James Gandon, the architect, took over the construction and turned it into the current facility that is loved by the nation and worldwide.
Four Courts
Address: Northside, Dublin, Ireland
Website: Four Courts
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
8. Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin (from USD 12.46)
A timeless location of prayer and worship. Established over 1,000 years ago and dating back to the medieval, Christ Church Cathedral serves as a pilgrimage site for Christians from all over the globe. Christ Church Cathedral, in 1152 was conjectured into an Irish Church. A renowned Viking church in the country, it features lofty ceilings, stunning center, a crypt, and many other significant elements that embody both the political and religious parts of Ireland’s history.
Christ Church Cathedral Entrance Ticket & Self-Guided Tour
9. An Post, General Post Office, Dublin (from USD 15.0)
One of the top attractions in Dublin, An Post, General Post Office is renowned as the quintessential building that dominates the main thoroughfare of the city. The largest building on the block of O'Connell Street, the post office boasts a striking exterior made of wood and brass elements made to match the refurbished interior of the building. One of the best examples of Georgian architecture, the building brings out the history of the rebellion which the country lived through.
Dublin: General Post Office Entrance Ticket
Duration: 2 hour
10. Powerscourt House & Gardens, Dublin (from USD 9.0)
Boasting some of the best picturesque views in the country, Powerscourt House & Gardens has taken a proud spot among the top gardens in the world, according to the National Geographic Magazine. Overlooking the remarkable Sugarloaf Mountain, the renowned site is nestled 30 minutes away from Dublin’s downtown and is an amazing spot to unwind and relax. The Italian- and the Japanese-style garden is lined with statues and ponds. Powerscourt House & Gardens also features a wide range of stores providing Irish goods and a terrace cafe.
Skip the Line: Powerscourt House and Gardens Admission Ticket
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Marvel at the architecture in Ireland
From parliament to ancient castles, churches to banks, each building in Ireland has so much to share. Check out these famous buildings in Ireland for memories that last a lifetime.
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