Top ten historical sites to visit in Ireland - SEE PHOTOS

Re edmundburke: Kitty O'Shea's pub for the Parnel connection???

I would call this the top ten sites of Irish antiquity, as opposed to historical sites. By "historical site", one refers to a site of intrinsic historical importance. Thus, Ceide Fields, Newgrange, Tara, and Cashel all appropriately belong on the list, as they are sites of profound importance in Irish history. Many of the others on the list, like Blarney Castle, really do not. I would choose the following as key sites in Irish history: Derrynane (Daniel O'Connell's home), Kinsale (1603 invasion and battle), Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin (oldest Irish cathedral and Viking settlement site), Lissadell House (Yeats and Countess Markovitz connection), the Humbert Way (Mayo to Longford)("Year of the French" 1798 invasion march), Dublin Castle (HQ of the Occupation), GPO Dublin (need I explain?), Kilmainham Jail (jailing of Irish patriots and execution of martyrs of '16), Bank of Ireland (18th cent. Irish Parliament), Trinity University (historic college and Book of Kells),and St James Gate, Guinness Brewery (industrial history). All the foregoing have a real connection to significant events in Irish history, unlike Blarney Castle, the site of nothing of historical importance. I would mention a site with a connection to Parnell, but I know of none (however, Kilmainham qualifies as his cell can be seen there.) Many other site could be added, such as those connected to St Patrick in Armagh and the many Famine sites, but my imperfect memory and lack of time prevent me from going on.

It is Cormac's Chapel.

Yes, the ancient history is where it's at! I'm so thankful to all of the Irish people who helped preserve and retore these world treasures. I hope these sites, and many others will not be further encroached upon. By the way, it's Cormac's Chapel at The Rock of Cashel.

Love Ancient Irish History. I have been to all the places mentioned. Big shame they put a highway/motorway through Tara. I was so dissapointed that they were able to do that. Great story, Thanks.

Remember Newgrange is much older then Stonehedge in the UK. Have only been to one of the other sites mentioned here besides Newgrange. Got to try to get to them all some day. Off to the "old sod" in October. While I have lots of relations to visit and family history research to do I am planning on trying to be a tourist in the North. Only been to the North once and that was short train trip to Belfast to do family history research there