When people think about Ireland, they think of rolling green fields dotted with sheep, ancient castles and village churches. They imagine windswept valleys and craggy cliffs pounded by the raging Atlantic. Cliches of welcoming locals enjoying rounds of pints at the pub often spring to mind. It has a friendly, informal, communal reputation that puts visitors at ease. While the country and its culture is certainly more complex than that, it is a lyrical land seeped in history and breathtaking beauty. From Northern Ireland to the Republic of the south, a trip to the Emerald Isle should be on everyone’s wishlist. Take a look at some of the stunning sights that await you there. Warning: this might make some Irish expats long for home.
1. Giant’s Causeway
Some 40,000 basaltic columns are found in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. These gigantic stepping stones are featured in Irish legends of Finn MacCool.
