With nearly 7 million international tourists visiting Ireland in 2022 alone, the country offers a kaleidoscope of options for visitors to explore. Its scenery, atmosphere, and quality of life offer a lifetime experience that keeps visitors returning.
Ireland has been crowned Europe’s Best Travel Destination for nine consecutive years during the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Award, beating off strong competitors like Greece and Croatia. In 2019, Dublin, the country’s capital, came out as the 50th most visited city in the world.
Ireland’s Multicultural Appeal
One of the things that opens up the Emerald Isle is its multiculturalism, characterized by activities such as gambling, music events, Irish dances, etc. Gambling, for instance, is an ancient practice dating back to times when Celtic rituals incorporated several forms of divination and games of chance. Practitioners could carve dice out of bones, wood, and stone and use them to determine players’ destinies at ceremonies.
Over the years, the gambling scene has continued to transform. During the 20th century, land-based casinos became popular, allowing players to meet and engage in different games, including roulette, poker, and blackjack. As technology has continued to evolve to include online counterparts, so has the consumption of these games. The convenience offered by these online casinos allows players to engage with different games at any time. That is why many new online casinos based in Ireland add numerous variants to their offerings, including multiple slots, to cater to a wider audience.
Ireland’s museums and historic sites have also contributed to its growth as a tourist destination. Top museums like the Little Museum of Dublin are open to history and anthropology enthusiasts who will find captivating ancient Irish stories. In other museums, such as the National Museum of Ireland, you will discover archeological displays dating from 7000 BC to the 20th century. For art enthusiasts, the Museum of Literature, founded by the University College Dublin, offers appealing art by renowned characters, including James Joyce.
The ring forts, wedge tombs, and standing stones left by the Celtic tribes continue to intrigue history enthusiasts. By 700 BC, these more than 300 tribes, each with their King, had begun to mingle and mix in Ireland. Their heritage, including language, music, and dance, continues to live on and on, appealing to visitors from different walks of life.
The country’s passage tomb at Newgrange, dating back to 3200 BC, takes visitors through a journey of 5000 years of history. This passage becomes even more fascinating during the winter solstice when rays of sunlight go through it to illuminate the inner chamber.
Ireland’s Natural Beauty
Ireland’s majestic and beautiful land and seascapes leave a lasting inspiration that keeps you wanting to discover more. Among the country’s most astonishing natural wonders, the Cliffs of Moher, stretching for 5 miles, reach 702 feet at their highest point. The attractive scenery of this wonder has appeared in several films, including The Mackintosh Man. Surprisingly, Ireland’s diversity has not stopped inspiring contemporary films, including the Vanishing Triangle series.
An unusual geological landscape, The Burren National Park, exists nearby, allowing exploration of the area’s karstic limestone. Other places that will inspire you include the 1500 miles of Ireland’s windswept Wild Atlantic Way. This drive offers unforgettable experiences with its eye-catching cliffs, hidden bays, attractive towns, and charming beaches.
Ireland has diverse cultural, scenic, and historical backgrounds that appeal to multiple tastes. This explains why the country consistently ranked as Europe’s top destination and continues to draw the attention of millions of tourists.