(VNF) - From its rich Celtic culture to the breathtaking beauty of its varied landscapes, Ireland is a travel destination that lives up to its nearly mythic reputation.

Whether spending the night in an ancient castle, cycling along a coastal headland or viewing Celtic artifacts at a world-class museum, Ireland casts a spell of enchantment on every visitor.

Galway

West Ireland’s largest city, Galway is best known for its art galleries and shops, most of which are located along the winding lanes and cobblestone streets of the city’s charming medieval quarter. With several live music venues and a thriving pub scene, Galway is considered a major center for traditional Irish music as well. The harbor city is also known as one of the few places left in Ireland where the Irish language is still spoken on the streets. Full of fun, history and culture, Galway is an ideal destination for any visitor seeking a true Irish travel experience.

Aran Islands

Located off the west coast of Ireland at the mouth of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands of Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer have attracted visitors for centuries. Isolated from the mainland, inhabitants on the islands have maintained a more traditional lifestyle than in other parts of Ireland, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich past. With no more than 100 vehicles allowed on Inishmore, the largest of the three islands, horse-drawn buggies carry visitors by stone farm cottages to enjoy spectacular views from limestone cliff tops. Inishmore has a 2,000-year-old stone fortress perched atop a 90-meter (300-foot) cliff that’s well worth exploring too.

Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula encompasses the westernmost tip of Ireland, offering visitors the appeal of a far-away destination with the convenience of a nearby town. The landscape is dotted with remnants of Bronze Age settlements, prehistoric stone markers and more than 500 monastic stone huts. The monks who dwelt in the so-called beehive huts, or clocháns, helped keep learning alive during the Dark Ages. Surfing and windsurfing are popular activities on the peninsula’s beaches. With fine restaurants, good accommodations and a lively pub scene, Dingle Town offers fun and relaxation at the end of the day.

Glendalough

Just a few km to the south of Dublin lies Glendalough, a monastery founded in the sixth century by St. Kevin, a hermit monk who figures prominently in traditional Irish legends. Once a chief pilgrimage destination in Ireland, Glendalough continues to attract visitors from around the world. Situated near two lakes in a glen surrounded by forests, visitors are drawn by the area’s scenic beauty as well as its rich history. The largest structure in the monastery is an unfinished ninth-century cathedral, but it’s the Round Tower that many visitors find the most striking. Equipped with a pull-up ladder, the 30-meter (110-foot) tower served as a last-resort refuge during Viking raids.

Dublin

The capital of Ireland, Dublin is home more than a third of the nation’s population. Unlike other major European cities, there’s a laid-back atmosphere in Dublin that makes it feel less like a metropolis and more like a small town. While there are plenty of cultural attractions to delight the most avid sightseer, unplanned rambles through the city can be just as rewarding. Book of Kells housed at library at Trinity College is a must-see for lovers of art and literature. From historic cathedrals like Christ Church and St. Patrick’s to the Guinness Storehouse and the pubs in Temple Bar, Dublin is a city that invites exploration.

Giant's Causeway

Situated at the base of steep cliffs on the northeast coast of Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a natural rock formation that does indeed look as if it were fashioned by giants. The honeycomb formation of more than 37,000 hexagon-shaped basalt columns appears too geometrically perfect to have been shaped by nature. It took 60 million years of tectonic plate movement, lava flows and erosion to fashion the stepping-stone columns into their present shape. Cliff-top trails offer great views of the rocks, and a flight of steps leads down to sea level. A nearby visitor center also offers walking tours and trips by van to the site.

Killarney National Park

Located in southwest Ireland in County Kerry, the Killarney National Park was established in 1932 when the Muckross Estate was donated to the country. The Victorian Muckross House now serves as the park’s visitor center, and the estate’s extensive gardens are popular attractions in the park. For many visitors, however, the park’s three lakes are the biggest draw. Populated by swans and otters and surrounded by forests inhabited by Ireland’s only native herd of red deer, boat trips on the lake offer encounters with wildlife as well as scenic views. A broad network of surfaced paths invites exploration by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage.

Bru na Boinne

Remnants from Ireland’s ancient past are found all over Ireland, but the Brú na Bóinne mounds in Boyne Valley are not to be missed. Three of the 5,000-year-old burial mounds have been fully excavated and are open to visitors: Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. With its carved granite boulders and white quartz façade, Newgrange is the most striking. A central passage leads to vaulted chambers where cremated remains and grave goods from at least five people were found. The mound of Knowth is best known for its 250 decorated stones, some of which appear to be local maps. There is no public access inside Dowth, but visitors can climb the mound to enjoy the view.

Ring of Kerry

The most popular scenic drive in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is a more than 160 km (100 mile) long highway that runs along the coastline of the isle’s picturesque Iveragh Peninsula. Most visitors start and end their tour in the busy town of Killarney; savvy travelers choose the less-crowded pretty village of Kenmare as a base. Sights along the Ring include Ireland’s tallest mountain Carrantuohill, several pristine lakes, a medieval monastery and the prehistoric Staigue Fort, which features thick stone walls constructed without mortar. Several seafront towns and resorts along the route boast sandy beaches, making them charming side destinations when the weather is warm.

Cliffs of Moher

No visit to Ireland is complete without spending some time enjoying the view from on a high cliff overlooking the Atlantic, and the Cliffs of Moher take this experience to breathtaking new heights. Rising nearly 210 meters (700 feet) from the shoreline, the stretch of cliffs attracts almost one million visitors each year making it one of the most popular places to visit in Ireland. Understandably, access to the cliffs is restricted in windy weather. Boat tours offered at the pier in Doolin give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the cliffs from a different perspective.

( Compiled by VNF )