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04th Mar 2019

50 Places In Ireland You Need To Visit Before You Turn 50

James Fenton

 

While most of us feel like it’s miles away, the big five-o will roll around sooner than you think.

Even though there is such incredible beauty in every corner of Ireland, it’s hard to find time to see it all without careers, families and other things getting in the way.

To help you, here’s our list of ’50 places in Ireland you should visit before you turn 50.’

1. Newgrange, Co. Meath

A neolithic tomb which draws hundreds of visitors every year for the winter solstice.

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2. Kinvara, Co. Galway

A delightful port village. Home of the Cruinniú na mBád (“gathering of the boats” festival) which takes place in mid-August.

 

 

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3. Achill Island, Co. Mayo

There’s no better reason to get off the mainland for a few days.

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4. Clifden, Co. Galway

A bustling town at the heart of Connemara.

 

5. Rock Of Cashel, Co. Tipperary

A must-see if in Tipp.

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6. Father Ted’s House, Co. Clare

Ireland’s most famous house?

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7. Skerries, Co. Dublin

A north County Dublin seaside haven.

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8. Derrynane, Co. Kerry

One of the highlights of the Ring Of Kerry.

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9. Dunmore East, Co. Waterford

The jewel in the crown of the Déise County.

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10. Clonakilty, Co. Cork

An integral part of the charm of West Cork.

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11. Derry

An underrated cultural hub.

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12. Spanish Arch, Galway City

There’s no better place when the sun is out.

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13. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Co. Antrim

Are you brave enough to cross it?

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14. Downpatrick Head, Co. Mayo

An area of unrivaled coastal beauty.

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15. Blarney Stone, Co. Cork

Pucker up to one Ireland’s most famous landmarks

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16. Killiney Hill, Co. Dublin

Featuring some of the best views of the capital.

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17. Cuilcagh Way, Co. Fermanagh

A captivating walking route full of natural history and wildlife.

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18. Carlingford, Co. Louth

A favourite for adventurers around the country and beyond.

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19. Slieve League, Co. Donegal

At nearly 2,000 feet, the views at the top make everything worth it.

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20. Strandhill Beach, Co. Sligo

A surfer’s paradise…

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21. Inis Oírr, Co. Galway

The smallest of the world-famous Aran Islands.

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22. Mount Druid, Co. Westmeath

Ideal if boutique camping is your thing.

 

23. Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny

A scenic village on the River Nore.

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24. Croke Park

Whether for a sporting event or a sold-out gig, everyone should experience one of the world’s most famous stadiums right here on our doorstep.

25. Torc Waterfall

One of the landmarks of the Kerry Way walking tour.

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26. Guinness Storehouse

A day in Dublin isn’t complete without it.

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27. Lahinch, Co. Clare

Take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

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28. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

An ancient monastic settlement in the heart of the Garden County.

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29. Portrush, Co. Antrim

Idyllic views of the Northern Coast.

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30. Adare, Co. Limerick

A picturesque heritage town.

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31. Tollymore Forest, Co. Down

Take a scenic walk through some beautiful woodland.

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32. Dalymount Park, Dublin

The home of Irish soccer.

 

33. Hellfire Club, Co. Dublin

According to legend, a hangout of 18h century satan-worshippers now offering fine views over the whole city of Dublin.

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34. Carrick-On-Shannon

Not just for stags and hens.

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35. Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

From the Irish meall-bhaigh, which roughly means ‘treacherous coast.’

 

 

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36. Lough Tay, Co. Wicklow

Otherwise known as ‘Guinness Lake’.

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37. Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo

One of Ireland’s most famous mountains with spectacular views from the top.

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38. Blessington, Co. Wicklow

Home of the famous lakes.

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39. Malin Head

The most northern tip of the country.

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40. Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh

A perfect spot to get away from it all.

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41. Glasnevin Cemetary, Dublin

The tour is like a ‘walk of fame’ for legendary figures from Irish history.

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42. Dog’s Bay, Co. Galway

One of Ireland’s most spectacular beaches.

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43. Donnelly’s Hollow, Co. Kildare

A natural amphitheatre.

 

 

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44. Dingle, Co. Kerry

A busy town and home of Fungi, arguably Ireland’s most famous dolphin.

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45. Barack Obama Plaza, Co. Offaly

Has to be done.

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46. Coral Beach, Co. Galway

In beautiful Carraroe.

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47. Rosses Point, Co. Sligo

At the entrance to Sligo Harbour.

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48. Kinsale, Co. Cork

One of Ireland’s most scenic spots.

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49. The Great South Wall Walk, Dublin

You won’t regret a Sunday stroll to the lighthouse.

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50. Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim

One of Northern Ireland’s most famous attractions.

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READ NEXT: 20 Stunning Under-The-Radar Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List

 

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