Go Wild Magazine Ireland

21/04/2025

Google Maps reveals the most reviewed Irish attractions.


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.

1. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

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.

2. Book of Kells Experience, Trinity College Dublin

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.

3. Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary

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.

4. Hook Lighthouse, County 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.

5. Torc Waterfall, County Kerry

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 KerryOpens in new window, a circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula.

6. Powerscourt Waterfall, County Wicklow

Coming in at number six is another waterfall, this time the highest one on the island. The 121 m-high waterfall is part of the stunning Powerscourt Estate, whose gardens were voted third best in the world.

7. Dublinia, Dublin

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.

8. The Spanish Arch, Galway City.

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.

9. Glencar Waterfall, County Leitrim

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.

10. Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, County 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.

21/04/2025

Hole in One for Northern Ireland as Rory McIlroy wins the Masters ahead of Royal Portrush hosting The Open in July


After a dramatic final playoff, Rory McIlroy became the first Irish golfer to win the Masters, and the sixth ever to win the ‘Grand Slam’ of all four men’s majors (US Open, PGA, the Open, and the Masters).

For a small island on the edge of Europe, Ireland is a powerhouse when it comes to golf, with world-class courses in some of the most spectacular locations on the planet. It’s not surprising that McIlroy first honed his skills in Northern Ireland.

Rory McIlroy joined the Holywood Golf Club aged seven, their youngest ever member. Set high in the Hollywood Hills of County Down, the club boasts a picturesque 18-hole parkland course, with stunning views over the Belfast Lough and the Antrim Coast. Just a short drive from Belfast City Centre, the course has an unrivalled location.

The Club is just one of several world-class golf courses in Northern Ireland, a region that boasts over 90 courses, ranging from gentle links and parkland courses to challenging championship courses. These courses ensure that both seasoned golfers and beginners can find the perfect green.

McIlroy also has a long history with the Royal County Down Golf Club, a notoriously challenging course which he credits as the course that taught him how to plan shots and be more methodical in his game as a teenager. Located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve, it is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, in the seaside town of Newcastle. The picturesque links course stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, offering a dramatic panorama as well as an unforgettable golfing experience.

McIlroy’s historic Masters victory looks set to create even more interest in the return of the Open Championship to Royal Portrush later this year. More than 250,000 people are expected to flock to the Co Antrim course in July to see the best golfers in the world in action when The Open returns. The reception when Rory McIlroy steps onto the first tee at Royal Portrush in July will undoubtedly be incredible, especially as everyone will be looking to see if he can beat the course record of 61, which he set himself at just 16 years old!

Situated in the Causeway Coast & Glens area of outstanding natural beauty, Royal Portrush Golf Club is nestled in a triangle of giant sandhills which present magnificent views in all directions — the hills of Donegal in the west, the Isle of Islay and Southern Hebrides in the north, with the iconic Giant’s Causeway and the Skerries in the east. Also loved by acclaimed Irish golfers Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry, the courses are overlooked by the ruins of the 13th century Dunluce Castle, giving name to Royal Portrush’s famous Dunluce Links, one of the most challenging golf courses in the world.

Throughout Northern Ireland there are many iconic courses, including Ireland’s oldest golf club, Royal Belfast, which dates from 1881. The charming links layout overlooks Belfast Lough and was chosen by Padraig Harrington, who won the Open Championship title in 2007 and 2008, as one of his top 30 courses. Over in the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands the championship Faldo course at Lough Erne Resort, designed by six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo, combines outstanding scenery with holes that will test and delight players of all abilities; whilst Royal Portrush’s neighbouring course - Portstewart Golf Club on the north coast - is home to three fine true links golf courses with the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, golden beaches and rugged coastline.

19/04/2025

Still WOW

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The Burren Smokehouse Competition for 2025
Win a stay in a 4* hotel in Ireland & much more

This competition is organised by Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare V95 HD70, Ireland. Business Registration Number: 133261

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