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Dublin, capital city of Ireland - The River Liffey flows through the center of this historic Irish city, and there are plenty of bridges spanning the watercourse, including the  famous 19th-century Ha'penny Bridge.

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Temple Bar, Dublin - The Republic of Ireland's vibrant and colorful capital is also the country's largest city. And there is no better way to get acquainted with the destination than to take a stroll through the Temple Bar area with its plethora of pubs.

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Guinness Storehouse, Dublin -

Located in the legendary St. James's Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is where to embark on a guided tour of the brewery, which concludes with a complimentary pint of the world-famous beer.

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St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin - Founded in 1191, this hallowed building is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. It's one of the most revered places of worship in the country.

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St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin -

Open to all, visitors will be suitably impressed with the cathedral's splendid interior. The choir (pictured) is especially ornate in its design.

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The Book of Kells and Trinity College, Dublin -

A must-see on any Dublin sightseeing itinerary is The Book of Kells Exhibition, which is part of Trinity College's Old Library & Long Room tour.

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The Book of Kells - The Book of Kells is a priceless and lavishly decorated illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin containing four Gospels of the New Testament. It's believed to have been created c. 800 CE.

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Dublin Castle - Dating back to 1204, this city landmark served as the seat of the British government's administration in Ireland until 1922.

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Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin -

This former jail, now an engaging museum, has a dark past. Incarcerated under dreadful conditions, many prisoners were executed within its walls. The facility was decommissioned in 1924.

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National Museum Dublin - Allow a good couple of hours to browse the outstanding collections of art, natural history, and archaeology housed in this first-class cultural institution. Look out for the late 11th-century Breac Maodhóg, or Irish reliquary, with its bronze saints (pictured).

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Francis Bacon Studio-Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin -

In 1998 the studio of Dublin-born Francis Bacon (1909–1992), celebrated for his abstract figurative works, was moved from London to the Hugh Lane Gallery. Every item is on gloriously chaotic display.

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St. Stephen's Green, Dublin -

A bust of James Joyce, a garden dedicated to Yeats (replete with a sculpture by Henry Moore), and a memorial to the Great Famine are just three of the cultural features embellishing the city's most famous green space.

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The Little Museum of Dublin -

The city's very own people's museum is crammed with a collection of quaint and quirky artifacts donated entirely by the citizens of Dublin. Themed exhibition space includes a floor dedicated to Irish rock band U2.

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Malin Head, County Donegal - The most northerly point of the island of Ireland is characterized by a rugged coastal landscape, some fine though rather windswept beaches, and a picnic spot on the very last headland before Greenland!

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Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry -

If you've seen 'Ryan's Daughter' (1970) you'll remember the schoolhouse that was home to Robert Mitchum's and Sarah Miles's characters. The set was preserved after filming wrapped up and today it stands in dilapidated glory near Dunquin.

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Killarney National Park, County Kerry - The first national park in Ireland is a hiker's and nature lover's paradise. The last surviving indigenous herd of red deer in Ireland makes its home in the Killarney Valley. The merlin, one of Ireland’s rarest birds of prey, also breeds here.

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Newgrange, County Meath - Renowned the world over, this prehistoric monument consists of a large circular mound with an inner stone passageway and chambers. It's part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Newgrange, County Meath -

If you visit just once make sure it's on the shortest day of the year, around December 21, when the monument's passages and chambers are illuminated by the winter solstice sun.

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Cliffs of Moher, County Clare -

One of Ireland's most spectacular natural wonders, the cliffs run for about 14 km (9 miles) and reach a maximum height of 214 m (700 ft). 

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Carrauntoohil, County Kerry - For a real adventure and a taste of the wild outdoors, gear up and head for the summit of Carrauntoohil, at 1,038 m (3,405 ft) it is Ireland's highest peak.

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Ballymastocker Bay, County Donegal -

Arguably the most beautiful beach in the country, this gorgeous wedge of blonde sand and the water it's lapped by has been awarded a Blue Flag for its top-notch eco-credentials.

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Blarney Castle, County Cork - Kissing the celebrated Blarney Stone is one reason to visit this handsome medieval stronghold. But make sure you linger afterwards and discover the nearby Blarney House and its extensive grounds, which include a garden dedicated to poisonous plants.

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The Claddagh, County Galway - The historic neighborhood of the Claddagh unveils itself along the banks of the River Corrib, outside the city of Galway.

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Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary - A historical site of great significance, the wonders that exist in and around this collection of medieval ecclesiastical buildings include a number of elaborately carved Christian crosses.

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King John's Castle, County Limerick - On a clear evening make your way to the banks of the River Shannon and marvel at the illuminated fortifications of King John's Castle at Limerick. This is one of the best preserved Norman castles in Europe.

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Kylemore Abbey, County Galway - As romantic places to visit go, this picturesque Benedictine monastery, founded in 1920, is hard to beat. It stands over a lake in the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara.

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Skellig Michael, County Kerry -

Accessible only during the summer months, the twin-pinnacled crag known as Skellig Michael cradles the remains of an ancient Gaelic monastery. The island is one of UNESCO's more mysterious World Heritage Sites. 

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Mizen Head, County Cork - Ireland's most southwesterly point is noted for its dramatic, weather-worn cliffs that form the isolated Kilmore Peninsula.

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Dunmore Cave, County Kilkenny - The site of an alleged massacre of women and children by Viking marauders around 928 CE, Dunmore Cave still retains a sinister air. The cave system is open to the public. Pictured is the 'Market Cross,' one of the large calcite formations Dunmore is known for.

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Drombeg stone circle, County Cork -

Known locally as the Druid's Altar, this miniature Stonehenge is one of the most visited megalithic sites in Ireland.

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The Aran Islands, County Galway - A group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway, the untamed windswept Aran Islands are known worldwide for their distinctive knitted sweaters.

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Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal -

Blessed with a staggering natural beauty, the park is wilderness personified where craggy mountains lean over pristine lakes that front native oak woodland.

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