The Best Free Attractions in Ireland

Did you know that two of Ireland's top attractions, the Hill of Tara and Glendalough, are actually free to visit? The entrance fee applies only to the local heritage center, not the attraction itself. This might not be immediately obvious to most visitors. And is amongst the best-hidden secrets of the Irish tourism industry. The same applies to many other sites, a short "reconnaissance" of the area could save you several Euros.

Forget the Cliffs of Moher and head further north. Europe's highest sea cliffs are at Slieve League (County Donegal, 595 meters). High hills as part of spectacular coastal scenery are a trademark of Achill Island (County Mayo). Near Achill Head you'll find Croaghaun (665 meters), further northwest Slievemore (671 meters).

You do not have to pay for a tour to see the famous political wall-paintings of Belfast - just walk, it is safe! The neighboring West Belfast areas of Shankill (strictly Loyalist) and Falls (staunchly Republican) provide splendid murals and the experience of communities living next to but totally isolated from each other. Round off your Belfast experience with a look at the splendid Ulster Museum.

Ireland has a large number of designated "Heritage Towns", all providing a fascinating glimpse of times past. Trim for instance provides a whole medieval townscape with only the castle actually charging visitors. Monastic remains, a round tower and high crosses recommend Kells to visitors. And Birr is famous for Georgian architecture.

This is one of the largest megalithic cemeteries in existence. Queen Maeve's Tomb on Knocknarea (near Sligo) is unexplored but surrounded by myths and legends. The views from both locations are breathtaking ... so is the ascent.

Why waste money on some spectacular but ultimately artificial evening entertainment with a "traditional" twist? You can have the same for free in literally hundreds of pubs up and down the island! Many pubs host free sessions that usually bring out the best local talent. For the price of a pint you can listen in - see this listing of traditional sessions in Ireland's pubs for details, times, and places.

If hiking in Ireland tickles your fancy, why not use one of the many waymarked ways? These range from easy local walks to the epic Ulster Way. But take note that camping without the explicit consent of the owner is illegal, even on public land.

Ireland's National Parks are free to enjoy for everybody, entrance fees only apply to special attractions. Especially parks like Killarney and Connemara are firm favorites with tourists - and quite rightly so. A great alternative up North are the Forest Parks like Glenariff in the Glens of Antrim.

Marine mammals of all sorts and sizes can be observed near Ireland's shoreline - dolphins, whales, orcas and seals. Regular visitors also include the giant basking sharks, smaller sharks may even swim around your ankles when you are wading out. All you need to bring is time and maybe binoculars. And these natural encounters will leave Fungi the Dingle Dolphin looking like a very poor cousin.

Ireland's Patron Saint has been commercialized in many ways, but you can still follow in many of Patrick's holy footsteps for free: The two cathedrals of Armagh, Downpatrick Cathedral with his (reputed) grave, the site of his first church at Saul.