2011’s top ten heritage sites in Ireland - must visit tourist attractions – PHOTOS

As a biased Kerryman, what about the multitude of views on the Ring of Kerry such as Ladies View and the view of Kenmare Bay from Coomaciste Pass ?

After my trip in April I have to say that all mentioned here are fabulous to visit and I would go back in a heartbeat!

AH, They forgot Tallaght, Ballymun, Finglas, Swords and of course Sheriff street, the jewel of North Dublin. However, I will remind all those who will drop in to Ireland for a visit please do NOT forget to spend a few days in Rathkeale, County Limerick. You'll see a live exhibition of the ancient Irish sport; "bare knuckle fighting". Heck with a little luck some of the natives might just let you take part in this unique sport. Don't forget to purchase a DVD of the latest Irish produced movie: "Knuckles" as well.

Move the castle Jacersagain? I know you're joking.

I agree w/ ellenfromcork. As one living in Ireland, I’ve been to most of these spectacular places but not all yet. My faves are Newgrange (I always bring my American friends there and to the nearby Knowth & Dowth mounds which are part of the Newgrange mound complex; still, I never tire of visiting it), the Burren (love walking through it, especially in list misty rain, getting out of the car and clambering up its little hills and fields, photo’ing the amazing flowers nestling in clefts of the rocky landscape) and my best of all, Glendalough (that’s Irish for Glen of Two Lakes; pity the photo doesn’t show the lakes and gorgeous scenery around them, they’re beautiful... no wonder St. Kevin founded his monastery there... it’s so peaceful and quiet, even with visitors all over it. BTW, for those who do not know, Glendalough is in the Wicklow Mountains, so you get both birds with the one stone, or three if you pull into Powerscourt and its nearby waterfall). The Rock of Cashel is on the old Dublin-Cork road (you don’t see it from the new D-C motorway). While driving the old road, I used to always hold my breath for the stunning view of it suddenly popping into view when driving around the bendy old road. I miss that...they should move the castle nearer the new motorway for all to see.

To go to Newgrange is to connect to the roots of Ireland and what we were before all the outside influences took over. I would say every Irish person should make a trip there and and feel what once was.

The only ones I haven't been to are 7 & 10. I can testify to the magnificence of the rest. It is a shame what happened to Tara. All I can say is, I was there before they disturbed the ancient, sacred ground.

Number 6 & 7 are still on our list - but of course this Top Ten only scratches the surface, doesn't it? Byways, lanes, getting lost and finding something not in the guide book, chance meetings with someone willing to share local knowledge at a post office or tea shop - these are part of Ireland's great tourism attractions as well.

Still have to get to the Rock of Cashel and Tara. One place I highly recommend for a visit are the walls of Derry/Londonderry. A good walk on the walls of Derry is also good exercise.

5-The Hill of Tara;--that's the place where they built the turnpike over the historic site. I will never again spend a dollar in Meath after how they betrayed their stewardship of the Hill of Tara.