As 2015 draws to a close, we find ourselves reminiscing on so many wonderful tours with so many wonderful guests, that have fascinated and entertained us and mush as we have them.
To end 2015, we have enlisted the help of our guests and asked them to tell us about their favourite places in Ireland. We have taken guests on hundreds of Private Tours of Ireland, around some of the most breath-taking and scenic vistas that Ireland has to offer. The feedback that we have received throughout 2015 has revealed three favourite destinations.
Here is what our guests have said are the three best places to visit in Ireland:
No. 1 Place to Visit in Ireland – Cliffs of Moher
Climbing from the sea to a height of 214 meters & spanning 5 miles of awe-inspiring walks along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the West of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher is certain to leave your holiday album filled with magnificent images. On a clear day, the Cliffs of Moher offer a stage on which to see a panoramic view of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins, Maum Turk mountains in Connemara, Loup Head, the Dingle Peninsula and the Blasket Islands in Kerry.
Knockardakin on the north platform of the cliffs, is the highest point of the cliffs and stands at 700 feet above sea level. It is also the location of the Tower viewpoint, O’Brien’s Tower which were built by Cornelius O’Brien. The view captures ‘An Branán Mór’: Sea Stack, home of the guillemots and razorbills.
The south platform is an ideal viewpoint from which to see the Puffin colony who make their homes on the grassy Goat Island. It is also a vantage point to spot many other seabirds. The Visitors Centre has a fantastic café on the first floor which has spectacular views of the cliffs. There are also plenty of souvenir & craft shops in which to do some shopping too.
No. 2 Place to Visit in Ireland – Killarney
You cannot talk about Killarney without mentioning Lady’s View. It is one of the most spectacular viewpoints from which to absorbs one of The kingdoms greatest assets – its landscapes. It was named after Queen Victoria’s Ladies-in waiting, in the course of the Queen’s visit in 1861. The breath-taking view takes in the McGillycuddy Reeks & the splendid Purple Mountain Range. Nearby, the 18-meter-high Torc Falls boasts some of the countries most outstanding panoramic views.
Conversely, Muckross House & Gardens, (a Victorian mansion), establishes the kernel of Killarney National Park. Also, Ross Castle, the resplendent 15th century fortress owned by the O’Donoughue Ross Chieftains will transport you into another world entirely.
No.3 Place to Visit in Ireland – The Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head
An escorted private tour of the Dingle Peninsula is a scenic & mesmerizing journey through the Connor’s Pass Mountains to the quaint village of Dingle which offers remarkable views of Tralee.
Dingle Harbor has some of the most striking views in Ireland and our guests tell is that in order to really appreciate them, a boat journey is an absolutely must. You may even be fortunate enough to bump into Dingle Harbors’ renowned 20-year resident, Fungi the dolphin.
The prominent Slea Head has one of the most sought after film locations, Dunquinn Beach. The movie buffs among us will be able to see where the famous Ryan’s Daughter was filmed.Included on this tour is the 7th or 8th century Dunbeg fort, which is the residence of the remarkable BeeHive Huts
Gallarus Oratory is an absolute must see also as it is celebrated as one of the first churches in Ireland.
As this is the last blog of 2015, we would like to take this opportunity to wish our guest, far and near, a Happy Christmas and New year from Mike Ryan and all the team at Executive Tours Ireland. May you have a happy and heathy holiday season and we look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.
All the best,
Mike Ryan