The ten greatest places to visit in Ireland - SEE PHOTOS
Where dreams and desire do come true - some favorite spots around the country
Published Monday, January 24, 2011, 5:05 AM
Updated Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 8:43 AM
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Shannon River
9. They say that the lakes of Killarney are fair.. and indeed, they are. The County Kerry town was first made famous when Queen Victoria of all people, pitched up there for a vacation back in the 1890s. She knew well what she was doing, not just the lakes, but also the mountains the valleys. the streams make it’ heaven’s reflex’– a must- see destination beloved by Americans.
10. Where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea.... just across the border in County Down lie Warrenpoint and several little fishing villages, all in the shadow of the mighty Mourne mountains, which do indeed sweep down to the sea at this precious spot. The golf courses are magnificent – Ryder Cup star Rory McIlroy grew up here and the scenery is spectacular.
SEE PHOTOS - Greatest spots in Ireland
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Searlit | Jan 26, 2011, 03:02 PM EST
Donegal is not that remote. It is beautiful! I would say that the area around Malin Head is pretty remote. I was looking forward to a nice warm lunch up there after all the wind off the sea, but there wasn't a restaurant in sight.
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mamaginnty | Jan 26, 2011, 11:21 AM EST
At first I thought the pic above was the village of Graiguenamanagh in Co.Kilkenny, very alike. There are so many more beautiful places like that if you get off the motorways.
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Mairin67 | Jan 25, 2011, 11:59 PM EST
Again, why is Donegal "impossibly remote" and "almost inaccessible"? Does James O'Brien ever travel to these places he writes about because to me, he seems pretty darned clueless. I travel Dublin to Donegal (by car and bus) at least twice a year and it is easy as pie and beautiful to boot! Well worth the "impossible" journey.
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connorailish | Jan 25, 2011, 11:01 AM EST
I've been fortunate enough to have seen 8 of the 10 places listed and many others' not listed. It is all so beautiful. So much so I named my son after Connor's Pass a truly breath taking place. My heart is there and I can't wait to return!!
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gretchenkohls | Jan 25, 2011, 03:02 AM EST
I WANT TO GO BACK!!!!!
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emyers7756 | Jan 25, 2011, 01:39 AM EST
I think I want to cry. For I haven't had the chance to see all your glory. My ancestors were from County Kerry so that is the place I wish to see most of all and you paint a most beautiful picture of all of Ireland.One day, God willing, I shall make a venture there.
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CitizenWhy | Jan 24, 2011, 10:43 PM EST
Perhaps Pres. Kennedy was under an ancestral spell when he visited Clare-Limerick-Tipperaryy along the Shannon. That's where his ancestors originated before they were driven out by kin to another area of Ireland. I am surprised you did not include the Wicklow hills and Glendalough where you can climb the heather covered hills and look down on on an unspoiled bowl of a valley. ... And the deep green glens amid amid the stony Burren.
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RAGHNALL | Jan 24, 2011, 06:10 PM EST
Good info. However, we found some great places when we were in Ireland Dec 2010 for a 2 week visit. Finally were able to visit the land of my ancestors.
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CaptainTom | Jan 24, 2011, 05:35 PM EST
We have been to the majority more than once and look forward to seeing the rest.
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Aliciarose | Jan 24, 2011, 04:21 PM EST
Hi James, can I say after reading this that I have been to all those places and loved every minutes. I had my honeymoon in Dingle long before it became a tourist haven. Lunched in the pub not far from Yeats Grave, Dublin, the best city I was ever in, Donegal, beautiful, wonderful shop there that sells tweed, Killarney, well what can you say about the lakes, Stayed on Inishere and Galway, Carrickfergus and the beautiful old castle and walked the Giants Causeway. Lived in Belfast and married there before coming back to OZ. Many happy memories.
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FallsRNat | Jan 24, 2011, 03:08 PM EST
except the parts that are in NI, which is part of the uk
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peterson | Jan 24, 2011, 02:48 PM EST
All of Ireland is AWESOME !!!~
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breffnyblue | Jan 24, 2011, 02:07 PM EST
James-not a bad itinerary for the Tour Bus People who want to 'feel'their ancestry must take the 'roads less travelled where Ireland's soul is... How about that list next? some introductory lines to get you started!...
'Oh to be in Dunnaree....Lovely Leitrim ...Among the Wicklow Hills.... The Midlands once again...
'and as the hare whom hounds and horns pursue pants to the place from whence at first she flew, I still have hopes ,my toils and troubles past, there to return and die at home at last... Alas poor Padraic never did make it
Beannacht Luimh go leir.
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VDDService | Jan 24, 2011, 12:52 PM EST
Ardara, Donegal perfect town to visit "Slieve League" & "The Poisin Valley" History & beauty!! the people are so friendly and welcoming, SLAINTE !!
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