Most foreigners visiting Ireland would have to go through it’s capital, Dublin. It is considered as one of the top thirty cities in the world for being enriched in terms of culture, economy, education and industry.
If you’re a tourist, hoping to drive around, car insurance is one of your necessities. You can easily get cheap car insurance Ireland online at theaa.ie; from there you can get the best car insurance quote from different agencies to ensure that you have maximum coverage.
If you want to drive around further and get a glimpse of the countryside without getting too far, below are some of the places within an hour’s drive from Dublin:
- Lough Tay. Also known as the Guinness Lake, it is a scenic lake located on a private property in Wicklow Mountains. It has a grandeur view of a lake surrounded by rolling mountains and most easily viewed from R759 or Wicklow Way.
Getting a view of this lake is quite easy and does not necessary require payment or permission. The white sand surrounding the lake was imported by the Guinness family to add glitter to the already beautiful scene.
Photo from visitwicklow.ie
- Glendalough. Known as Gleann dá Loch or the “Valley of Two Lakes”, a glacial valley located in Wicklow, it is famous for having a monastic settlement in the 6th century. As you see the mist rise up as the morning comes, you’ll feel peace and solemnity with the birds chipping and the leaves falling down the trees.
You can stroll around and see stones which are remnants of Ireland’s golden age – the round tower, the cathedral, St. Kevin’s House and Church and many others. If you’re looking for a monastic adventure, then this place is for you.
Photo from thejournal.ie
- Powerscourt. Located in Enniskerry, County Wickow, Ireland, it is a large country estate noted for the grand facade of its house and it’s landscaped gardens. The estate is owned by the Slazenger family, the owner of sports goods of the same brand.
Enjoy a stunning variety of flowers, trees and shrubs. The gardens range from different themes, from Japanese gardens to Italian ornates, and it took 150 years to develop it and is continuously maintained until now.
Photo from visitwicklow.ie
- Howth Head. Easily accessible by car or by train, this is easily one of the most popular destinations for day trippers. You can walk around the cliff to enjoy a scenic view of the coast as well as large colony of birds – seabirds, razorbills and skylarks.
If you’re a hiking fan, there are many trails and summits you can choose from. Otherwise if you’re just up for viewing, the Snowdon, Slieve Donard and Wicklow Mountains are visible during the clearest days.
Photo from irishmirror.ie
- Mount Usher Gardens. Not just another tourist destination filled with beautiful flowers, this spot located in County Wicklow is run by Avoca, an Irish family-run lifestyle and catering company. It is themed with a Robinsonian style, its design is centered in water, making it as an essential of its garden featuring a variety of plant species, trees, shrubs and flowers including magnolias and camellias.
Equipped with an ample parking space, you can also spend the day to eat lunch as it also has a cafe filled with locally sourced ingredients which is open all year.
Photo from pinterest.com