Google Maps reveals most reviewed Irish attractions
To celebrate its twentieth anniversary, Google Maps has revealed the platform’s most reviewed tourist destinations in Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
From spectacular natural attractions to historic sites and heritage gems, Ireland has much to offer the traveller. Here are the top 10 visitor attractions that people seek out on Google Maps.
Topping the list with 32,854 reviews are the majestic Cliffs of Moher, the most visited natural attraction in Ireland. The cliffs stretch for 8km along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare and rise to 214m at their highest point. Every year more than a million people come to marvel at the sheer rock face and take in the panoramic views from O'Brien's Tower. The Cliffs of Moher are part of a UNESCO Global Geopark that also includes the unique landscape of the Burren, one of the island’s top eco destinations. Their imposing beauty has attracted the attention of movie makers, and they featured in Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince.
A must-see attraction, the Book of Kells Experience received 14,884 reviews. This ninth-century illuminated manuscript is one of Ireland’s national treasures and is brought to life through a world-class digital exhibition in Trinity College Dublin. Visitors first view a page of the Book of Kells in the Old Library, before moving to the Long Room, considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Although most of the books have been removed for conservation the library is still impressive and currently exhibits the illuminated artwork, Gaia. The second stage of the experience is in the Red Pavilion where visitors take a 360° immersive journey filled with stories, sights, and sounds inspired by the ancient manuscript and the Old Library’s precious collections.
Just behind the Book of Kells with 14,431 reviews is the historic Rock of Cashel, the atmospheric ruins of medieval buildings that represent 1,000 years of history. The cluster of buildings, including a round tower, Cormac’s Chapel with its 800-year-old frescos and a Viking sarcophagus, are perched on a dramatic limestone outcrop. The Rock was the location of significant historical events involving high kings, St Patrick and ecclesiastical power struggles. Guided tours and an audio-visual exhibition explain the history and significance of the buildings and site.
Hook Lighthouse, Hook Head, Co Wexford
The world’s oldest operational lighthouse, Hook Lighthouse in Ireland’s Ancient East, received 8,235 reviews. The 800-year-old lighthouse with its distinctive black and white stripes was built by a medieval knight and has many stories to tell. These are revealed on a guided tour that features life-sized hologram figures that recall the history of the site back to the fifth century. Visitors can climb the 115 steps to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy wonderful 360o views over the sea and surrounding landscape.
Another of Ireland’s most popular natural attractions made the top five on the list, with Torc Waterfall receiving 7,091 reviews. The waterfall is a captivating beauty spot in the heart of Killarney National Park and is known for its tranquillity and lush surroundings. Like many places in Ireland it comes with its own legend, this one featuring the Irish warrior Fionn MacCumhaill and a wild boar (torc is the Irish word for boar). The waterfall is one of many must-see sights on the famous Ring of Kerry, a circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula.
Coming in at number six is another waterfall, this time the highest one on the island. The 121m-high waterfall is part of the stunning Powerscourt Estate, whose gardens were voted third best in the world.
Housed in one of Dublin’s landmark historic buildings, Dublinia tells the fascinating history of Viking and medieval Dublin through interactive exhibitions and with the help of costumed guides.
One of Galway city’s historical gems, the Spanish Arch was built in 1584 but is an extension of the twelfth-century Norman town wall. It sits where the river meets the ocean and is a popular place for people to spend a relaxing afternoon.
A third waterfall joins the list at number nine. This one is famous for its connection to Nobel laureate W B Yeats who mentioned it in his poem The Stolen Child. The waterfall is close to Glencar Lake and can be viewed from a beautiful wooded walk.
Blarney Castle and Gardens, Blarney, Co Cork
A kiss of the Blarney Stone is said to give you the gift of eloquence. The magical stone is part of 600-year-old Blarney Castle and millions of people have climbed to the top of the castle to kiss the world-famous stone.