Top tourist locations to visit in Ireland from TripAdvisor

A new study has revealed Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations based on their number of ‘excellent’ Tripadvisor reviews.

The study, conducted by sports betting and casino site Tonybet, looked at the percentage of ‘excellent’ reviews compared to the total number of reviews on Tripadvisor for top Irish destinations. The destinations with the highest portion of ‘excellent’ reviews were then ranked top to bottom. Only places with 100 reviews or more were considered.

The data revealed Kilkee Cliff Walk in County Clare as the tourist spot with the highest number of ‘excellent’ reviews, making up 91.8% of all reviews. Currently, the walk has a 5-star review on Tripadvisor. During the 3.5-mile walk, visitors can see beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The second highest-rated location is the Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern in Carlingford, County Louth. At the cavern, you can hear the history of the leprechauns left in Ireland. According to Tripadvisor reviews, the location has a 5-star rating, with 89.5% of the reviews deeming it ‘excellent’.

Next in line, Gougane Barra Church in County Cork places third highest-rated. The old church sits on a small island and is said to have been set up by a monk in the sixth century. Visitors have given the church a 5-star rating, with 89% of these leaving the highest review.

Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance in Kinsale ranks as the fourth best-rated spot, with 87.7% of reviews being ‘excellent’. The garden, a memorial to the September 11 attacks, is dedicated to those who lost their lives and was set up by a local nurse who lived in New York City at the time of the attack before returning during her retirement and creating the park.

Gougane Barra Church in County Cork. Credit: Getty Images

The fifth best-rated location is Downpatrick Head in Ballycastle. The cliff area offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and has a 5-star rating, with 85.6% of reviews being ‘excellent’. The coastal beauty is situated in County Mayo and is named after St Patrick, who founded a church, now ruins, on the small peninsula.

Ranking as the sixth most-loved is Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. The peninsula, also known as Corca Dhuibhne, spans 30 miles with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Presently, 85.1% of the location’s reviews of Tripadvisor are ‘excellent’.

Overlooking Dingle Harbour, Eask Tower places as seventh best-rated with 82.4% of reviews being ‘excellent’. The stone tower is located in County Kerry, on the Dingle Peninsula, and has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor.

Next in line, Victor’s Way in County Wicklow comes eighth with ‘excellent’ reviews making up 81.9% of all reviews. The place is home to an Indian sculpture park with plenty of monuments for visitors to see.

Youghal Clock Gate Tower in East Cork places ninth highest-rated, with 81.5% of reviews giving it the highest rating. The clock tower was built in 1777 as a gaol and now proves popular with tourists, securing a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor.

Rounding off the list, Horn Head Loop in County Donegal places tenth. Horn Head Loop is a six-kilometre peninsula visitors can walk along and take in scenic views of the cliffs and surrounding nature. The place has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 80.9% of reviews naming the place as ‘excellent.’

Horn Head in Dunfanaghy in County Donegal. Credit: Ireland’s Content Pool

A spokesperson from Tonybet said: “Ireland has long been known for its beautiful countryside and scenic views. This study has highlighted just some of the many hidden gems that visitors can include in their travels.

“Many of the places on the list are steeped in a rich history that locals are very proud of. Places like Gougane Barra Church have centuries of stories surrounding it, but newer areas on the list, such as the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance offer rich cultural experiences, providing travelers with moments of reflection, whether alone or with loved ones.”

“Overall, Ireland is home to some of the most captivating and beautiful destinations in the world, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical depth and cultural richness that make it a must-visit for any tourists.”