Ireland is a wonderful place to visit. For many, the biggest drawback is the high cost of airfare. However, one of the best things about Ireland is the number of great attractions that are free. I have put together a list of some of my favorite free sites.
Located beyond Killybegs in southwest County Donegal are the highest sea cliffs in Europe. More wild and striking than the better known Cliffs of Moher, this could well be the best scenery in Ireland. Though more people are catching on to how special this place is (thanks to the
Wild Atlantic Way), it still is not heavily touristed. I don't think I've every been anywhere more beautiful than Sliabh Liag on a sunny day. Also not to be missed is the
boat trip below the cliffs.
Nice alternative to: The Cliffs of Moher
Somehow it took me 15 years to make my first visit to this castle. After seeing it mentioned in a couple of "must-see" lists, I figured I would track it down. You can image my surprise when I found out there is no admission charge. One of the better preserved castles in Ireland, this is perfect for (and popular with) families as the children can roam around and play. There are no guided tours available, but it has all the features of the castle you dreamed of as a child.
Derry is perhaps the best tourist city in Ireland. As a flash point in Irish history, Derry has a lot to offer the visitor. As one of the few towns in Europe that still has it's city walls intact, it provides a nice opportunity for that experience. It is possible to do the needed research (before you leave home) to give yourself an excellent self-guided tour of the walls (and thus Derry itself), but guided tours are available for those interested. After walking around the walls, it is very easy to walk down the stairs from the walls into the Bogside neighborhood (made famous as both a no-go zone for the British military during The Troubles and as the site of the "Bloody Sunday" massacre during a 1972 civil rights march.
This was the highlight of my first trip to Ireland. In 1997, the internet was not full of tourist information and in many ways that made travel more exciting. We had purchased the Collins Touring Map (which is very good) partially because it identifies places that a tourist might find interesting. We entered Ireland through the ferry in Wexford and I saw a monastery marked on our map in the village of Kells. I assumed (erroneously) that was the the home to the famous Book of Kells. When we arrived we were surprised to find that it was a different Kells, but pleased to discover we were all alone at this majestic, heavily fortified monastic site. Even though it is more visited now than it was 20 years ago, you still might find yourself as the lone visitor when you arrive and it is totally free!
I have passed this site many times without stopping as I was speeding along to one of the many other nearby sites. That was a big mistake as this monastery includes many features that are unique, including a tower house castle incorporated into the walls and a completely intact cloister (which I have not seen anywhere else in Ireland). In addition, across the field there is another beautiful medieval church that is also free. Parking in town was very easy and there is no charge to one of Ireland's most impressive abbeys. It is easy to imagine people actually using these cloisters due to the completely intact structures.
Located near beautiful Rosscarbery, the is one of the finest Stone Circles in Ireland (if not the finest). The circle is still complete (which is rare after thousands of years of land use) but it also has a Fulacht Fiadh (a communal cooking pit) located a very brief walk away. This site is very popular with tourists, so unlike may of the sites on this list you aren't likely to be alone but you will not regret the visit.
Carrowkeel
I am unsure of how I ended up with no photos of this incredible site, but I did. It takes a little bit of effort to get to this site which is located just outside of Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo, but it is worth the trouble. Located on top of a mountain overlooking Lough Arrow, the moutaintop is full of Newgrange style burial chambers. One of them contains the only known roofbox besides the one at famous Newgrange tomb. While the roofbox at Newgrange is aligned to the Winter Solstice sunrise, this one is aligned to the Midsummer sunrise. Again, if you spend some time doing the research before you leave for your trip, this could be a very rewarding visit.
Grianan Alieach
Despite visiting the site more than once, I again inexplicably have no photo (though I will have one in July). This is perhaps the best example of a stone ring fort in Ireland. Overlooking the city of Derry and Lough Swilly, this was one of the royal sites of ancient Ireland. Located near Burt, the site is very easy to find and access.
Many of my trips to Ireland have been the type with two or three attractions per day and a fair bit of distance to be covered in between. Thus, climbing a mountain often did not sound appealing. However, once I did I changed my mind. If you are going to only climb one, I recommend Croagh Patrick (where St. Patrick is said to have spent the 40 days of Lent once). The climb is very doable and elderly people routinely complete the pilgrimage barefoot, but it is a significant climb and the last 10 meters/yards require
climbing scrambling over some loose stones. The reward at the top is spectacular though and you will have others all along the way to provide inspiration as needed. It will take take a fit person about 1 1/2 hours to reach the top (it is slightly faster to return) so it takes up most of the day. For a smaller commitment though, Knocknarea near Sligo is also very rewarding. It is an easy, gradual 30 minute climb to the top of Knocknarea. When you reach the top you see the giant cairn that is featured in the picture. The mound is said to cover the tomb of Queen Maebh. There is a nice carpark and a portable toilet in the carpark (at least in summertime). This view from here is pretty impressive!
Dublin Museums: Chester Beatty Library. National Museums, National Gallery
Dublin is an expensive city, but fear not. There are a number of wonderful, free museums available that would easily fill a day or two. The Chester Beatty Library contains a world renowned collection of medieval artifacts including a stunning collection from the Middle East. The National Museum of Archaeology was a pleasant diversion for me one stay as I was available to spend two mornings taking in the exhibits which contain everything from one of the world's finest prehistoric collections, some interesting items from ancient Egypt as well as exhibits on modern Ireland. For anyone with even a mild interest in art, the National Gallery is great. In addition to some of the world's most famous paintings, there are also plenty of impressive Irish artists on display. You could easily spend a few days taking in only the city's free attractions and have a very enjoyable stay.
Although not known for "beach" weather there is a reason that surfers from all over the world flock to Ireland. There are amazing, white, sandy beaches on all of Ireland's coasts. Some of them are absolutely breathtaking. Of all of them, the one that stopped me in my tracks was An Trá Bán (The Silver Strand) near Glencolmcille, Co. Donegal. At the bottom of a cliff sits this shallow horseshoe shaped beach. The water is often warm enough to swim in comfortably and lacks the scary undertow that is present at many of Ireland's pretties beaches. There is also a nice carpark that also has a portable toilet in the summertime.
