irish tourist attraction stone

19 Best Places to Visit in Ireland

Written by Shandley McMurray and Meagan Drillinger Updated Jul 26, 2022

For a relatively small island, Ireland certainly packs in its visitors. This happening holiday destination attracts close to 11 million tourists each year.

Finding the best place to visit it Ireland is usually they're top priority. And boy does the Emerald Isle have some impressive attractions to please its visitors. We're talking verdant landscapes; rolling hills; medieval castles; vibrant music; and folk so congenial, you'll strike up a lifelong friendship.

Ireland is also admired for its charming villages and bustling cities that are bursting with interesting things to do, see, and eat. From unbeatable tourist attractions like Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol to the breathtaking sight of Giant's Causeway and Killarney National Park , Ireland is one of the world's best vacation spots, with a ton of stellar places to visit.

With so many towns and cities to tour, it can be difficult to choose which stunning places should top your itinerary . We've chosen 17 of the best Irish destinations to help whittle down your list. Plan your sightseeing with our list of the best places to visit in Ireland.

4. Aran Islands

5. killarney national park and killarney, 6. the ring of kerry and the iveragh peninsula, 7. galway city, 8. the cliffs of moher, 9. giant's causeway, 10. dingle & the dingle peninsula, 12. limerick city, 13. kilkenny, 14. westport, 16. coleraine, 17. kinsale, 18. connemara loop, 19. donegal, map of places to visit in ireland, frequently asked questions, when is the best time to visit ireland, what is the best way to get around ireland, what is a good itinerary for first-time visitors to ireland.

No trip to Ireland is complete without a stop in its lively capital. The biggest city in Ireland, Dublin is actually small when compared with other capitals. What it lacks in size and population, however, it makes up for with a large (and long) history, and an intimacy you won't find in other metropolitan cities.

Dublin isn't the most beautiful city, but what it lacks in cleanliness, it makes up for in effervescence. The laid-back vibe and cobblestone streets at the heart of this vibrant spot make it a truly magical place. The locals (and if you're uber lucky, Bono) will be happy to chat you up if you stop for a "convo."

Then they'll direct you to learn more about the city's expansive history in its stellar museums (like the unique and unforgettable Kilmainham Gaol, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum , and The Little Museum of Dublin ). Don't miss the breathtaking Christ Church Cathedral or iconic Dublin Castle .

One of the best aspects of Dublin's diversity and multiculturalism can be found in its tasty fare. Luckily for us foodies, the list of restaurants is even more extensive. Looking for a great curry? You'll find hundreds. How about sushi? They've got that, too. Fish and Chips? Obviously!

• Read More: Best Attractions & Places to Visit in Dublin

One of the best places to visit in southern Ireland, Cork follows Dublin as the Republic of Ireland's second largest city. It's also on par with the capital for being highly cosmopolitan. Wander the historic streets to soak up cool vibes emanating from small cafés, eccentric shops, unique museums (that means you, Cork Butter Museum ), and lurid art galleries.

Once again, we arrive back to food. The city is jammed with phenomenal restaurants. Think of a food you'd like to eat, then take your pick! That said, the covered English Market set in the heart of the city is a must-visit. You'll be hard-pressed to find fresher, more delicious treats (think, artisan cheeses, local fish, and scrumptious cakes). They've been in business since 1788, so they know how to do a market right.

While you're in Cork, set aside time for a day trip to Blarney Castle . One of the most popular attractions in Ireland, this relic was built almost 600 years ago. It is home to the infamous Blarney Stone, a.k.a. the Stone of Eloquence. If you kiss it while hanging upside down, you'll be gifted with eloquence - a better ability to communicate and speak.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cork

In times of old, Belfast was a location non grata. Once an industrial powerhouse (its shipyard produced the doomed Titanic ), this capital of Northern Ireland became feared. Today, Belfast has become a big tourist draw.

In addition to the Titanic Belfast museum (the most popular tourist destination, designed to commemorate the sinking of the infamous ship), the city boasts an opera house, botanic gardens, and a zoo, as well as many other attractions.

The Ulster Museum is a wonderful spot to while away a few hours. The largest museum in Northern Ireland, this unique building houses artifacts, specimens, and art that outlines the "human history" of Ireland. It occupies about 90,000 square feet within the Botanic Gardens.

A fun place to spend a few days, Belfast offers a rich cultural scene-from visual arts displayed on the streets to impromptu concerts. The shopping is on par with any European metropolis and there are too many good restaurants to choose from.

Plan your trip to coincide with the city's annual Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in the first week of May. It spans about 11 days and brings culture (in the form of drama, poetry, music, art, and street theater) to the neighborhood.

• Read More: Best Attractions & Places to Visit in Belfast

Want a truly Irish experience? Immerse yourself in life on the Aran Islands. A popular spot for day-trippers from County Galway (a ferry leaves from Rossaveal ) and County Clare (ferries depart from Doolin), those who want to thoroughly explore these three unique islands opt to stay longer. Visitors with deeper pockets can opt for a 10-minute flight to the area.

Inis Mór is the largest island, Inis Meain is the most rural, and Inis Oirr is the smallest. All three are located in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way — 2,574 kilometers of Ireland's most beautiful Western coastline stretching from Derry in the north to Kinsale in the south.

The scenery here is harsher and more desolate than that found in the verdant fields and mountains on the rest of the island. Jagged cliffs rise from the Atlantic to meet grazing sheep and cows. You'll also find ancient forts and impressive archeological remains — some of the oldest in Ireland.

Kilronan is the only village between the three islands. It's tiny and sits on Inis Mór. Locals speak Irish and English, which helps enhance the authentic Celtic charm. With a few bed and breakfasts and a smattering of restaurants, you won't be overwhelmed by the modern choices afforded by big cities like Dublin and Cork. Instead, you'll be able to sit back, relax, and soak up the Gaelic lifestyle along with unbeatable scenery.

Don't relax too much, though, or you'll miss Dun Aonghasa , a 14-acre prehistoric stone fort built atop 91-meter cliffs on Inis Mór.

Read More: From Galway to the Aran Islands: Best Ways to Get There

County Kerry (on the southwest corner of Ireland) is home to the much-visited Killarney. Those who come here are in search of something a metropolitan high street doesn't have on offer: serenity.

Take a look around, and you'll be graced by lakes, waterfalls, and mountains. Miles of trails are calling, and only comfortable sneakers (or hiking boots) will get you to your destination.

With more hotel rooms per capita than any Irish city, town, or village (Dublin excluded), Killarney knows how to accommodate its endless supply of visitors. Rest here while touring the spectacular Ring of Kerry or use it as a place to refuel after spending a full day exploring Killarney National Park . Don't miss the city's main attraction, Ross Castle.

Whether you choose to tour the park by foot, bike, boat, or jaunting car (picture a horse and buggy, and you're getting close), an active day in the park will leave you famished and exhausted. Killarney's restaurants value locally sourced food, and many offer lively music to help keep you moving.

After a good night's sleep (and perhaps a massage from a local spa), you'll have the energy to hike the Gap of Dunloe , head out fishing, or visit the Torc Waterfall .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Killarney

When it comes to breathtaking scenery, the Ring of Kerry has it all. Dramatic seascapes, majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, mysterious woodlands, and colorful homes pepper this captivating 179-kilometer route circling the Iveragh Peninsula.

Along the way, visitors will pass the Ring of Kerry's most famous (and spectacular) attractions , including the Gap of Dunloe , Torc Waterfall , Muckross House , Molls Gap , Ladies View , and Derrynane House . Charge your camera and be ready to get finger cramps from clicking; it's impossible to visit this magical landscape without taking a zillion photos.

Also passed en route are the adorable small towns of Beaufort , Killorglin , Glenbeigh , Caherdaniel , Sneem , Kenmare , Cahersiveen , and, of course, Killarney . You'll want to schedule extra time for a few nights' stay in these sweet villages to soak up their history and ambience.

Visit between April and October to add the Skellig Ring to your trip. A car ferry is available at that time from Renard Point , taking visitors to this scenic 18-kilometer route that passes Portmagee , Waterville , and Valenita Island .

The artsy vibe found in Galway City is second to no other on the Emerald Isle. An eclectic mix of old world versus contemporary metropolis, you'll find ruins of the town's medieval walls strewn around unique tourist shops and restaurants teeming with life.

Dull is not a word you'll ever find associated with Galway City. Listen closely and you'll hear a bagpipe (or two). You'll probably see people dancing in the street. Speaking of the street, that's where you'll find buskers and theater performers strutting their stuff.

Walk along one of the stone bridges stretching across the River Corrib , and find your way along the promenade to Galway Bay , which is lined with quaint and colorful houses.

Like Killarney, Galway is also a jumping-off point for other, more organic destinations. Connemara National Park , a 5,000-acre wonderland filled with bogs, mountains, forests, and grasslands offers four main walking trails that will keep travelers busy for hours.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Galway

There are few natural Irish landmarks as impressive as the beguiling Cliffs of Moher. Rising high (214 meters at some spots) above County Clare's west coast in all their rugged glory, it's easy to see why these enthralling sea cliffs have become one of the best places to visit in Ireland.

From atop the cliffs, which stretch south to Kerry and beyond, visitors are treated to unbeatable vistas of the Atlantic Ocean waves crashing upon the rocky shore below, with the lovely Aran Islands looming in the distance. Walking along them is by far one of the best things to do in Ireland.

So beloved by tourists, the area has adapted to its fame by adding a visitor center, on-site theater, gift shop, two cafés, and facilities. To get here, follow the Doolin Cliff Walk . The 19th-century O'Brien's Tower offers phenomenal views. It was restored in 2019 and is open to visitors through guided tours.

Protected since 1979, this spectacular area is a part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark and as such, plays host to a variety of Ireland's beautiful creatures, including over 35 types of birds.

Giant's Causeway is a captivating place where nature leaves you gob-smacked. Situated at the base of giant basalt cliffs, the Causeway consists of more than 40,000 massive, hexagonal-shapred black columns sticking out of the sea. In a nod to this attraction's unique name, these majestic forms look as if they were, indeed, placed there by giants.

Actually created through multiple volcanic eruptions, moving tectonic plates, and erosion over 60 million years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a geological marvel. It's visited by tourists looking to soak up historic legends, enjoy breathtaking views, and feel small for a while. A less-than-one-kilometer walk will get you to its base, where you can explore this wonder up close, jumping over the stones, and measuring their girth first-hand.

The Giant's Causeway Visitor Center is the place to go if you're looking to unearth the legend of Fionn mac Cumhaill (a.k.a. Finn McCool), a giant who built a stepping-stone path (the Causeway) to Scotland in order to fight his equally large enemy, the Scottish Benandonner.

This quaint, hilly city is the capital of the Dingle Peninsula . A highlight on any tour of the Wild Atlantic Way , this famed peninsula boasts things you've likely never seen (like beehive huts) and beauty you'll be hard-pressed to surpass (that point where the azure waves crash against jagged cliffs to reveal secret sandy coves).

It's no surprise, then, that so many tourists choose to rest their weary heads (and feet) in this charming spot, especially on weekends and during the summer.

Perched above Dingle Bay , the Irish-speaking town faces the Blasket Islands . If you look closely enough, you might be able to spot Fungi, the town's unofficial mascot. Most head here to enjoy all that the coast has to offer (i.e. lounging, walking, and surfing). Cumeenoole Beach shouldn't be skipped!

Non beachgoers can hike uphill to the ancient Eask Tower . Their reward: unparalleled 360-degree views of dramatic and unforgettable scenery. Shoppers will enjoy eclectic stores selling everything from clothes to jewelry to hardware.

Officially known as Londonderry, Derry is the second largest city in Northern Ireland. It's most well-known for its stunning Atlantic coast and well-preserved ancient walls (dating back to the 17 th century, they surround the old city and are worth a tour). Derry also has significant ties to the Bloody Sunday massacre of 1972, which took place in its Bogside section.

Recently, the historic city had a major makeover, taking it from "ok" to "wow." One of the upgrades included Peace Bridge , a pedestrian and cycle bridge, which crosses the River Foyle . It opened in 2011. Since then, the bridge has become an icon used as a backdrop for concerts, New Year's celebrations, and more.

The city also worked hard to redevelop its waterfront. Wander the busy streets, pop into the unique shops, or grab a bite in one of the city's highly rated restaurants. You can't miss the modern buzz emanating from this bustling town.

Be sure to enjoy the Causeway Coast Route (by car or train) while you're in the area. Little can beat the magnificence of the impressive scenery, adorable villages, and unspoiled beaches.

Limerick is about to hit the big time, trust us! After a historic economic downturn, the city suffered for years. Lately, however, this vibrant town that hugs the River Shannon where it meets the Atlantic has been given a second, more upscale and glitzy chance.

Named Ireland's first City of Culture, Limerick received a much-needed revamp. New and improved quays, riverside walks, and public bicycles helped boost this quirky city towards a bright and shiny future. Lovely Georgian buildings hobnob with eccentric art galleries and the stunningly restored Milk Market , where food and fun combine in the form of pop-up restaurants, art exhibits, and concerts.

Of course, rugby still reigns as the sport of choice (for playing, watching, and loudly arguing about). You can avoid all that at King John's Castle , the 800-year-old heart of the city that received an extensive refurbishment to make it the most interesting, interactive, and fun castle you'll visit.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Limerick

An hour and a half from Dublin, Kilkenny spans both banks of the River Nore . Like, Derry, Kilkenny's medieval ties link closely with the new and exciting advances of today. Also known as the "marble city," this picturesque town is as delightful as it gets. It boasts a wide array of inviting restaurants and quaint cafés, along with shops to please those in need of a little retail therapy.

Kilkenny offers a slew of attractions, the most popular of which is the Medieval Mile , a scenic trail of narrow lanes that links many of the historic buildings (including Saint Mary's Cathedral and Kilkenny Castle , Rose Garden, and Park ).

Wander through the secret passageways, soak up the culture at one of the city's many festivals, or get lost in the maze created by Norman alleyways. Feeling creative? Unleash your inner artist by painting the castle grounds or capturing the juxtaposition of modern-day Ireland mixed with the crumbling, yet essential walls of yore.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kilkenny, Ireland

No one gets bored in Westport. Located in County Mayo on Ireland's west coast, Westport is a charming city often used as a base for adventurers. Play a round of golf, cycle the winding scenic trails, hike through the fields, or take the kids to Pirate Adventure Park at Westport House . Not enough adventure for you? Set out on a fishing trip, go sailing, or take a cool dip off the beach.

An hour and a half from Galway , this remote city is sometimes referred to as the Riviera of the Wild Atlantic Way . Surrounded by rugged countryside, the town also boasts 50 miles of pristine beachfront overlooking the magnificent Clew Bay . Head to Oyster Beach (near Murrisk ) for a relaxing horseback ride along the sand, or jump off the pier at Old Head (20 minutes away from town) while gazing up at the impressive Croagh Patrick .

Once you brush off the sand, head into town. Peruse the shops along the mall or take a romantic stroll across the stone bridge crossing the tree-lined bank of the Carrowbeg River . You won't be lacking in restaurant choices, so choose one that suits your taste.

An hour away, you'll find Achill Island , a remote island with three of Ireland's most beautiful, unspoiled, and best beaches . Bordered by dramatic cliffs, Keem Bay is the place to go for water sports and snorkeling. If you're feeling up to it, you can bike here along the 26-mile cycle path called the Great Western Greenway .

An adored rest stop for adventurers, Sligo is a friendly and picturesque coastal seaport. Located in the northwest of the island, near the border with Northern Ireland, Sligo is comfortably nestled between Donegal and Galway . That makes it an ideal place to rest your legs while touring the Wild Atlantic Way .

Like many of the captivating towns on this list, Sligo exists in the sweet, magical spot where the land meets the sea. The result is an oasis of mountain peaks, salty ocean spray, and sandy dunes that inspire even the least artistic of us to get creative.

Staying here is a treat. Where else can you ride the waves at the beach in the morning and visit an ancient castle backed by the most dramatic, craggy cliffs in the afternoon? Did we mention the adorable shops and plentiful restaurants?

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Sligo

You'd be amiss not to visit this delightful town on the Irish north coast, also known as the "capital of the Causeway Coast." A prior winner of prestigious awards like "Best Kept Town," "Ulster in Bloom," and "Best Kept Large Town in Northern Ireland," you're in for a treat while staying in this lovely spot.

While many are impressed by its new shopping center, Coleraine's charm oozes from its perfectly tended gardens and pretty town square (a.k.a. "the Diamond"). Local golf courses abound-with 14 golf clubs and courses located just outside the city. Most, however, come to walk, hike, or bike to appreciate the breathtaking views along the River Bann .

Carve out a couple of hours for a hike to Mountsandel Wood , a Mesolithic site dating back over 10,000 years. It's the earliest known settlement in the country and is thought to be Ireland's oldest archaeological site.

When your legs are sore from all that walking, make a pit stop at the Wee Cottage , a small, unique restaurant decorated with everything from trolls to teapots. Order a scone-you'll thank us! It's located right near Dunluce Castle , making it a perfect place for afternoon tea.

Another reason to visit Coleraine: it's only 12 miles from the Giant's Causeway .

It may be small, but this colorful seaside town is bursting with charm. A mere 40 minutes from Cork, Kinsale was once a medieval fishing port. Today, its impressive marina plays host to boats that are larger than your first apartment. Ogle the yachts before making your way along the Scilly Walk (a nice coastal walk) to Charles Fort , a star-shaped, 17 th -century artillery fort originally built to guard Kinsale Harbour .

Desmond Castle sits in the center of town. Built in the early 16 th century, this three-story tower house is hard to miss. Used to contain mainly French prisoners of war, it's known by locals as the "French Prison."

While roaming the charming streets, you'll notice a bevy of fun shops and other points of interest peppered throughout. Perhaps our favorite part about the town center, however, is its vast array of restaurants serving delectable food. Once dubbed the "Gourmet Capital of Ireland," you can't leave Kinsale without enjoying a meal (or 10).

Read More: Top-Rated Things to do in Kinsale, Ireland

Of all the drives in all the world, Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is one that will stay with you forever. This 2,600-kilometer route is one of the longest defined coastal highways in the world, along which are many of the best places to see in Ireland.

Among the scenic drives that can be done off the Wild Atlantic Way, the Connemara Loop is likely one of the most beautiful, cultural, and historic. Connemara is a section of County Galway — one of its most remote, wild, and rugged. The loop takes travelers on an ever-changing scenic journey around mountains, across bogs, past lakes, beaches, and forest. Along the way, you will pass through charming villages and coastal towns, as well as through one of the largest Irish-speaking communities in Ireland.

The loop will take travelers through towns like Maam Cross, Lettergesh, Tully Cross, Letterfrack, the Inagh Valley, and beyond. The entire loop is 85 kilometers and is considered part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Be sure to visit Connemara National Park, Diamond Mountain, Kylemore Abbey, and many other epically beautiful and historic attractions.

Tucked all the way up in the northernmost corner of Ireland, County Donegal is a spectacular spot that is often skipped over for places in the south. But Donegal is stunningly beautiful, raw, wind-swept, and packed with history, making it one of the true undercover gems of Ireland.

The Wild Atlantic Way begins (or ends) here in Donegal. Throughout the county, visitors will be spoiled with views of rivers, lakes, beaches, and mountains. Because tourism numbers are much lower here than in other parts of Ireland, this is one of the best places in the country to absorb its local history and ancient traditions.

Donegal is where you can find one of Ireland's largest Gaeltachts (Irish-speaking areas). It is truly steeped in centuries-old traditions and culture. It also is a strikingly beautiful place, marked by salty fishing villages like Killybegs, rolling green fields, and ancient heritage.

Worth a visit is Malin Head, the most northern point in all of Ireland. It is webbed with coastal walks that offer jaw-dropping views over the Atlantic. You'll also find the Stone Fort of Grianan of Aileach, which is a stone fort that dates back more than 3,500 years. Another fantastic stop in Donegals are the Slieve League Cliffs, which are said to be even more incredible than the Cliffs of Moher — and far less crowded.

Ireland is fairly mild (in comparison to other European countries) and quite rainy year-round. If you're hoping to enjoy more outdoor time, the best time to visit Ireland is in the summer .

While you'll still need to pack a brolly (umbrella) and wellies (rainboots), traveling during the summer - a.k.a. June to September - means less of the wet stuff, more sunshine, and higher temperatures. Highs range in the low to mid 60s with lows hovering around the high 50-degree mark in July and August, so you'll want to pack a sweater.

June offers visitors up to 17 hours of sunlight, plenty of time to enjoy the bevy of outdoor activities on offer. In summer, you'll have to pony up higher fees, as this is the most popular time to visit Ireland.

The Emerald Isle's most captivating attractions lie far outside city boundaries, which makes traveling by car the best way to get around Ireland .

While taking a bus can save you money, you won't have the advantage of being able to pull over at incredible scenic spots along the route, and will be at the mercy of the bus's route and schedule.

Trains are also available to transport visitors across the country, but their stops are limited and again, leave you without the option of veering off your route to admire spectacular sights.

Feeling extra energetic? Ireland's twisty roads are well traversed by bicycles, and there are plenty of cycle paths to be found in the countryside.

First-time visitors to Ireland should plan a round-trip adventure starting (and ending) in Dublin, and taking in some of the country's best places to visit in between.

In terms of where to travel, here's the best itinerary for first-time visitors to Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Kinsale, Killarney, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dublin . The entire trip will involve about 13.5 hours of driving, broken up over multiple days.

First stop: Dublin . You'll want to spend at least two days here before moving on to Cork . One day will do here before you drive to Kinsale , which is so adorable, you'll have to spend the night. Next, head to Killarney , where you can visit Killarney National Park and tour the spectacular Ring of Kerry . You should plan at least one night or, better yet, two, to get the most out of this destination. Next up is Dingle and the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula . Charge your camera! A night or two will do. The Cliffs of Moher is your next stop and again, you'll want to take a ton of photos. On to Galway for a day or two and then back to Dublin .

Schedule two weeks to get the most from your trip. The added time means you won't have to rush through any of the spots you'll fall in love with at first sight. And be sure to rent a car, as this is the easiest way to travel in Ireland. Stay in B&Bs for the most comfortable and authentic Irish experience.

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Ireland Highlights: Some of the best places to visit in Ireland for people who want to get off the beaten path are the small towns. For ideas on where to go, check out the top-rated small towns in Ireland . Another highlight of the country are the castles. If you have your heart set on visiting some of these historic structures, see our guide to the top castles in Ireland . And if you happen to be looking for the best places to go fishing in Ireland , we've got that covered as well.

More on Ireland

Have you kissed the Blarney Stone? Top Irish tourist attraction reopens

Blarney castle & gardens is using who-approved bacteria-killing spray to ensure the ancient tourist attraction in co cork can safely welcome visitors..

One of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions, The Blarney Castle & Gardens, has reopened its Blarney Stone attraction after COVID-19 restrictions. 

It's said that kissing the Blarney Stone will give you the gift of the gab but after the outbreak of COVID-19, the staff at Blarney Castle & Gardens had much more to worry about. However, having been on lockdown since March the Blarney Stone is open for business once again. 

From June 29th, Ireland has entered "Phase 3" of its roadmap to recovery from COVID-19. This means that restrictions have been lifted but rigorous guidelines remain in place.

Read more:  The beauty and danger of Blarney Castle's Poison Garden

For the first time in the Blarney Stone's 600 year history, the coronavirus had shut down the tourist attraction but those running the castle and garden have been working tirelessly to make sure that those visiting can feel free to kiss the Blarney Stone once more. 

The Blarney Castle & Gardens team will now use a cleanser, which is World Health Organization approved and kills 99.9% of germs that may be on the stone. This spray has been tested on the stone and has proven its effectiveness in killing bacteria/viruses but also that it is safe for people to come in contact with.

In case you wondered, this is how you kiss the Blarney Stone, upsidedown:

The new spray will be used between visitors, allowing just one minute's drying time between guests.

The person holding people kissing the stone will be wearing a protective face shield and gloves. The gloves will be changed/cleaned after each person.

The mat people lie on, and the bars they hold will be cleaned after every person.

There is a hand sanitizer unit located just after kissing the stone so people can clean their hands after holding the bars.

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The staff members holding people kissing the stone will be temperature checked daily before starting work.

In order to maintain social distancing within the castle, the number of people in the building will be limited.

There will be numerous hand sanitizer stations throughout the castle, before entering the stairs and also leaving, meaning people can clean their hands if they have used the handrails.

Blarney Castle & Gardens, in Cork.

A staff member at regular intervals throughout the day will spray the stairwells, handrails, and rope with anti-bacterial cleanser.

Owner Charles Colthurst "We believe this is a significant introduction of measures to help make this 600-year-old tradition as safe as possible.

"There are some very difficult times ahead in the tourism industry but hopefully this is the start of our journey over the coming years to try and grow our visitor numbers back to similar levels before the COVID situation.

"We hope to see you all very soon, whether it is to step back in time and learn the famous history of Blarney Castle or explore the world-class gardens that we have on offer."

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32 Of The Most Famous Landmarks In Ireland

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

There’s an almost never-ending list of famous landmarks in Ireland.

Some, like the Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle are famous the world over while others, like Jerpoint Abbey, don’t receive half the credit they deserve.

In this guide, we’ve pulled together a clatter of Irish landmarks that are famous across the globe along with ones that many people aren’t familiar with.

Table of Contents

The most famous landmarks in Ireland

Photos via Shutterstock

Now – a quick disclaimer – this isn’t a definitive list of all of the various monuments in Ireland. That would be a  very  long list.

This article contains what are arguably the most famous landmarks of Ireland. Dive on in!

1. The Cliffs of Moher (Clare)

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are easily one of the most recognisable natural landmarks in Ireland, and they’re a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way . 

They stretch for an impressive 14km (9 miles) along the rugged Clare coast in a region known as the Burren. At their highest point, the Cliffs of Moher reach a lofty 390 feet above the choppy Atlantic below.

Although you can visit them on foot via the visitor centre, one of the more unique ways of experiencing Moher is via a boat tour from either Doolin or Galway City.

2. Rock of Cashel (Tipperary)

Few monuments of Ireland look as fairytale-like as the magnificent Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary.

A hot-spot on Ireland’s tourist trail, the Rock of Cashel is frequently referred to as ‘St. Patrick’s Rock’.

It’s believed that St. Patrick converted King Aenghus during the 5th century. That wasn’t it’s only claim to fame, though.

The area was once the seat of the High Kings of Munster! Many of the structures that are still visible to this day date back to the 12th and 13th century.

3. Monasterboice High Crosses (Louth)

One of the more historical landmarks in Ireland are the Monasterboice High Crosses in County Louth.

Monasterboice is the site of a 5th century monastic settlement and it boasts what is arguably the most impressive of the many Celtic Crosses in Ireland – The Cross of Muiredach.

It’s one of three High Crosses located in the grounds. There’s also two 14th century churches and an ancient round tower (pictured above) which was used to spot approaching attackers.

4. Newgrange (Meath)

Our next stop is the ancient Boyne Valley to see one of the most ancient monuments of Ireland – Newgrange .

Part of the world-famous Brú na Bóinne  complex alongside  Knowth , Newgrange is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to 3,200 BC.

Many archaeologists believe Newgrange was constructed to serve an astronomically-based religion. 

Every year, on the winter solstice, a beam of light shines through a roof-box at the entrance of Newgrange and illuminates the interior with sunlight.

The event requires people to enter a ‘ticket lottery’ with thousands of people from across the globe itching to see one of the most impressive Irish landmarks on its big day.

5. The Skellig Islands (Kerry)

Jutting out of the Atlantic off the coast of Kerry, the Skelling Islands (Skellig Michael and Little Skelling) are two of the more unique natural landmarks in Ireland.

Skellig Michael is the better-known of the two thanks to its appearance in a Star Wars movie. It’s also the only one you can visit.

Home to a thriving bird population, an early Christian Monastery from the 6th century and numerous beehive huts that were once home to monks, the Skelligs are like something from another world.

6. The Giants Causeway (Antrim)

The Giant’s Causeway topped the list in our guide to the most famous landmarks in Northern Ireland for good reason.

As was the case with Newgrange, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO Heritage site and it is believed that it dates back over 50 million years!

The most unique features of this spectacular corner of Ireland are the 40,000+ black basalt columns that jut proudly out of the sea.

Set against the green cliffs of the Antrim Coast , the columns are a sight to behold and give the impression that you’re walking in another world.

7. Benbulben (Sligo)

Few of the natural landmarks in Ireland deliver a stop-you-in-your-tracks moment like Sligo’s table-top-like Benbulben.

Part of the Dartry Mountain range, the very distinctive Benbulben was created by different responses to limestone erosion.

You’ll see it from afar from many parts of the county and its unique appearance never fails to catch the eye.

It’s best seen on the brilliant Benbulben Forest Walk which takes the guts of 2 hours and which offers a good eyeful of the mountain from close up.

8. Christ Church Cathedral (Dublin)

Christ Church Cathedral is one of the more major landmarks in Ireland due to it being one of the first attractions many tourists visiting the capital explore.

Located right in the heart of Dublin City Centre, the cathedral was founded by a Viking king during early 11th century, making it nearly as old as the city itself!

Manuscripts date Christ Church Cathedral to its current location at around 1030. The current cathedral was rebuilt in 1172 .

9. Dun Briste (Mayo)

You’ll find the towering sea stack known as Dun Briste at Downpatrick Head in County Mayo.

It, along with many of the North Mayo coast’s attractions, is one of many natural Irish landmarks that tourists tend to miss.

The surrounding cliffs at Downpatrick Head, with their unique rock formations, are a staggering 350 million+ years old.

When there’s a strong wind and the waves are crashing against the cliffs, this place make you feel like you’ve reached the place where Ireland ends.

10. Slieve League (Mayo)

After Moher, the Slieve League Cliffs are arguably one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland located on the Wild Atlantic Way.

They are some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs and the views on a clear day are outstanding.

You’ll find them in Donegal a short spin from the county town. You can (during the off-season) drive right up to the viewing point.

11. The Burren (Clare)

The Burren National Park in County Clare covers an area of around 1,500 hectares while the wider Burren region boasts 200 sq km and includes everywhere from the Aran Islands to the Cliffs of Moher.

Although it’s one of the more popular places to visit in Ireland , many people that visit the Burren leave underwhelmed, as they rock up (terrible pun, I know…) without a good plan of action.

If you follow the Burren Drive , you’ll visit everywhere from Doonagore Castle and Father Ted’s House to Doolin Cave , Poulnabrone Dolmen and the Aillwee Caves .

12. Kylemore Abbey (Galway)

The fairytale-like Kylemore Abbey in Connemara is arguably one of the most Famous landmarks in Ireland thanks to its appearance on a million+ postcards. 

Built in 1867, the magnificent Kylemore Abbey has witnessed its fair share of romance, tragedy and innovation over the years.

Kylemore is now home to the Benedictine nuns, who’ve been living there since 1920. A visit here is one of the more popular things to do in Galway , and the place gets mobbed at times.

If you can, try and arrive either when it opens or in the hours before it closes.

13. Hook Lighthouse (Wexford)

If you’re looking to experience historical landmarks in Ireland, look no further than County Wexford’s Hook Lighthouse .

Located on the wild Hook Peninsula , Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world.

In fact, there has been a lighthouse of some shape or form in this point since the 5th century when a Welsh monk called Dubhán established a monastery just north of Hook Head.

14. Jerpoint Abbey (Kilkenny)

Few monuments of Ireland are as impressive to visit as the ancient Jerpoint Abbey in County Kilkenny.

If you’re not familiar with it, Jerpoint Abbey is one of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys in Ireland and it dates to the 12th century.

The abbey thrived for hundreds of years until King Henry VIII brought in a Dissolution of the Monasteries act around 1536.

Fast forward to 2024 and the abbey is a joy to ramble around, despite the fact that much of it is in ruin.

15. Croagh Patrick (Mayo)

Photos courtesy Gareth McCormack/garethmccormack via Failte Ireland

A peak steeped in Irish mythology and history, Croagh Patrick is one of the most popular hikes in Ireland thanks to the other-worldly views it offers on a fine day.

You’ll find it a handy spin from Westport Town where pilgrims have been making the ascent to its summit for hundreds of years.

It’s a challenging climb to the top that takes the guts of 4 – 5 hours. However, the views of Clew Bay and its  many  islands make the effort well worth it.

16. Muckross Abbey (Kerry)

Muckross Abbey was founded in 1448 and it’s one of the more popular stops along the Ring of Kerry .

Its history is a turbulent one and the abbey was destroyed and rebuilt many  times.

The friars that lived in the abbey were regularly subjected to raids. They were also persecuted by Cromwell’s forces, like many others.

Now, even if you’re in no way interested in old ruins, the abbey here is worth a visit. Mainly thanks to the ancient yew tree that stands right at its centre.

17. Mizen Head (Cork)

Mizen Head in West Cork is the southern most point on the island of Ireland and it’s a great (but  very  windy!) place to visit at any time of year.

One of the reasons that the mighty Mizen Head is one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland is due to the fact that it was often the last bit of Europe that many of those on transatlantic shipping journeys laid their eyes upon.

You’ll find it on the wild and remote Mizen Peninsula where it’s home to a mini-museum, a signal station and a bridge that you can cross while gazing out at the surrounding cliffs.

18. King John’s Castle (Limerick)

You’ll find King Johns Castle in Limerick City where it’s strategically located on King’s Island, overlooking the waters of the River Shannon.

Similar to many Irish castles , King John’s is situated on an ancient site that was once home to a Viking settlement.

The building of the castle was ordered, unsurprisingly enough, by Kind John around 1200 and it’s believed to be one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe.

19. The Guinness Storehouse (Dublin)

Photos © Diageo via Ireland’s Content Pool

The Guinness Storehouse is another of the most famous landmarks in Ireland. It’s Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction, anyway!

Standing proudly at St. Jame’s Gate over near Dublin’s Phoenix Park, the factory is located on the same site where Arthur Guinness took out 9,000-year lease in 1759.

You can take either a self-guided or a guided tour here and both finish up in the impressive Gravity Bar where you’ll be treated to exceptional views of Dublin City and beyond.

20. Glendalough Monastic Site (Wicklow)

Glendalough Monastic Site is a fine spot for a stroll at any time of year and it has been attracting pilgrims, tourists and locals for thousands of years.

The Monastery was founded during the 6th century by St. Kevin as a place where he could escape from the world.

He lived for a short time in a cave at the Upper Lake which is now known as St. Kevin’s Bed. In the Monastery, you’ll find a round tower, a cemetery and some ruins.

21. Carrauntoohil (Kerry)

Carrauntoohil is, at 2,407 feet in height, the highest mountain in Ireland.

It’s part of the MacGillycuddy’s mountain range and the most well-trodden route up it is via the Devil’s Ladder from Cronins Yard.

This isn’t a hike to take lightly. The trail takes roughly 6 hours to complete but the terrain is difficult and conditions can change in an instant, so great care is needed.

22. Fanad Lighthouse (Donegal)

Fanad Lighthouse in County Donegal is an impressive sign, especially at sunrise or sunset.

It was built after a Royal Navy frigate was wrecked close by at the latter end of 1811, taking 250+ lives with it.

Despite its prominence, many other ships have been wrecked nearby, including the S Empire Heritage which went under in 1944.

23. The Free Derry Corner (Derry)

Left and bottom right photo: The Irish Road Trip. Top Right: Shutterstock

The Free Derry Corner is one of the more historical landmarks in Ireland and you’ll find it in the Bogside in Derry.

Although it’s not very old, the corner is synonymous with the the city’s turbulent past.

The story of the Free Derry Corner began on January 5th 1969 when a local activist painted ‘You are now entering Free Derry’ on the corner.

Images of the corner have be seen in history books, documentaries and on many news reports over the years.

24. The Deck of Cards (Cork)

The Deck of Cards in Cobh is one of many famous landmarks in Ireland that gained its fame from social media.

The ‘Cards’ are a row of colourful houses that are set against the backdrop of St Coleman’s Cathedral and the nearby harbour.

Seeing them from the view on the left above can be both dangerous and tricky, as the view pictured is taken from on top of a high wall.

25. Rock of Dunamase (Laois)

The Rock of Dunamase in County Laois combines history with glorious valley views.

The location was chosen for its strategic position overlooking the surrounding area and ‘the rock’ was built on a site of an early Christian settlement.

The Rock of Dunamase was part of a dowry (things of value brought by a bride to her marriage) when the daughter of the King of Leinster married Strongbow, a Norman in 1170.

The castle thieved until 1650 when it was destroyed by Cromwell’s troops. It now stands in ruin.

26. Glencar Waterfall (Leitrim)

Few natural landmarks in Ireland have inspired as much creative minds as Glencar Waterfall in Leitrim.

If you’re familiar of the works of WB Yeats, you’ll remember the mentions of Glencar Lough and it’s waterfall.

Today, it’s one of the more notable attractions on the Wild Atlantic Way and it can be found a short stroll from the nearby car park.

27. Dun Aonghasa (Galway)

Few natural landmarks in Ireland have received as much attention as Dún Aonghasa in 2024 (Achill Island’s Keem Bay got its fair share of limelight, too!).

The fort on Inis Mor was one of several Banshees of Inisherin filming locations due to its dramatic coastal location.

Dún Aonghasa was originally constructed c.1100BC. Some time later, around 700-800 AD, it was re-fortified.

If you visit, the craggy cliffs, the immense power of the wind and the crash of the waves below will send shockwaves through your senses.

28. Sean’s Bar (Westmeath)

Photos courtesy Sonder Visuals via Ireland’s Content Pool

Dating back to 900AD, Sean’s Bar in Athlone Town in County Westmeath is the oldest of the many  pubs in Ireland .

It’s a short stroll from both Athlone Castle and the banks of the River Shannon and it’s age was verified during an excavation in 1970.

During the ‘dig’, walls that were built using the wattle and daub technique were discovered and it’s believed that they date back to the 9th century.

29. Reginald’s Tower (Waterford)

Photos courtesy Waterford Museum of Treasures via Failte Ireland

Reginald’s Tower stands proudly in the centre of Waterford City where its now a Viking museum that showcases the city’s rich history.

The 16m-high round tower is the oldest civic building in Waterford and it is thought to have been built between 1253 and 1280.

It’s believed that the tower has named after one of the area’s Viking rulers – Raghnall Mac Gilla Muire – and it was used as a lookout tower.

30. The Dunbrody Famine Ship (Wexford)

Photo left: Via Failte Ireland. Others ©Tourism Ireland

The Dunbrody Famine Ship is another of the major landmarks in Ireland thanks to its location close to Rosslare Harbour, which is the arrival point for many getting the ferry to Ireland.

You’ll find it in the town of New Ross. Now, if you’re not familiar with Famine Ships, they were vessels that took people from Ireland during the Famine to far-off lands.

The original Dunbrody Famine Ship was constructed during the mid-19th century and in 1845 it left Wexford for Quebec.

The replica was built in the 90s thanks to the JFK Trust and the skill of local ship builders.

31. Dun Chaoin Pier (Kerry)

We’re off to the Dingle Peninsula , next, to one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland thanks to  endless  social media posts.

The very unique Dun Chaoin Pier on the Slea Head drive is located in the village of Dun Chaoin, a short spin from Dingle Town.

It is the departure point for the Blasket Island Ferry and you’ll find parking near the little ticket hut (never drive down the winding path!).

Now, you don’t have to be getting the ferry to enjoy this place – you’ll be treated to a view of it and the Dingle coast from the grass above.

32. Birr Castle (Offaly)

One of the more unusual historical landmarks of Ireland can be seen in the grounds of Birr Castle in Offaly.

The site has been home to fortresses since 1170 and, interestingly enough, the current castle has been inhabited by the same family that purchased it way back in 1620.

It’s on the grounds that you’ll find what was once the biggest telescope in the world. It was built in the 1840s and, for many years, people travelled from all over the world to use it.

What famous Irish landmarks have we missed?

This is  by no means  an exhaustive lists of all of the various landmarks and monuments of Ireland.

It excludes the like of Kilkenny Castle, Loop Head Lighthouse and plenty of other historical landmarks in Ireland.

If there’s one you feel that we need to add sharpish, shout away in the comments below.

FAQs about the monuments of Ireland

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are the most notable landmarks in Northern Ireland?’ to ‘What major landmarks in Ireland are a must-see?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are 5 famous landmarks in Ireland?

You could argue that the most famous Irish landmarks are the Cliffs of Moher, the Guinness Storehouse, Slieve League, the Rock of Cashel and the Skellig Islands.

What is Ireland’s most famous landmark?

This is an impossible question to answer with any real degree of accuracy but we can make a strong assumption that the Cliffs of Moher and the Guinness Storehouse are two of the major landmarks in Ireland.

What is the oldest landmark in Ireland?

If you’re looking to visit very old and famous landmarks in Ireland, look no further than Newgrange, the Rock of Cashel, Muckross Abbey and Monasterboice.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Staigue Fort

Staigue Fort is probably the finest example of a stone fort in Ireland and is about 2500 years old. It is built of stone common to this district and is almost circular, 27 metres in diameter. The wall almost 4 metres (13ft) thick at the base and 2 metres (7ft) thick at the top. The north side is still perfect with some of the old coping stones, 90cm (3ft) long, still in position. The wall is 5.5 metres (18ft) high on the north and west sides. It has a square-headed doorway and inside are two small chambers. One on the west side and another on the north. The stairways, which are probably the most interesting feature of the fort, run inside the wall almost to the full height of the wall, and these stairs lead to narrow platforms on which the fort's defenders stood. The fort holds a dominant place in the folk culture of the Iveragh Peninsula.

It is situated three miles from Sneem and it stands on a low hill in an amphiteatre of rugged hills open to the sea on the south. The interior of the fort is reached through a 1.8m (6ft) high passage roofed with enormous double lintels. Access to the ramparts is gained by a series of steps in the shape of the letter X. The fort is surrounded by a large bank and ditch, still very obvious on the north side. Staigue Fort shows great skill in building. No mortar was used, the stones were not dressed and it is similar in style to the Grianan of Aileach in Co. Donegal. The dating of this site is difficult but it may have been built in the centuries preceding St Patrick, during the Celtic period. Dr Peter Harbison, however, suggests that the earliest possible date for construction is probably around the first century BC.

During the 19th century its construction was in turn assigned to such unlikely groups as Phoenicians, Cyclopeans, Danes, and Arch-Druids, while equally implausible theories were put forward concerning its purpose. Local lore has it that the inhabitants were small in stature and they came here in search of ore. There is evidence that copper was excavated in the surrounding countryside.

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Famous Landmarks in Ireland you should visit

By: Author LetsGoIreland

Posted on Last updated: May 9, 2022

Table of Contents

• 1 Famous Landmarks in Ireland
• 2 Skellig Islands
• 3 Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne 
• 4 Guinness Storehouse
• 5 Cliffs of Moher
• 6 Ha’Penny Bridge Dublin
• 7 Poulnabrone Dolmen in the Burren
• 8 Blarney Castle
• 9 Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kells
• 10 Rock of Cashel
• 11 Dún Aonghasa on the Aran Islands
• 12 The Spire of Dublin
• 13 Killarney National Park, County Kerry
• 14 Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin
• 15 Gallarus Oratory on Dingle Peninsula
• 16 Kylemore Abbey, County Galway
• 17 Hill of Tara, County Meath
• 18 Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dublin
• 19 Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland
• 20 Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

Famous Landmarks in Ireland

Ireland is known for its beautiful landscapes, rugged coastlines, lively culture and rich history. This unique combination leaves a footprint on the landscape which can be seen in the diversity of the landmarks in Ireland. 

A landmark is a distinguishing natural or manmade feature, object or structure of significant aesthetic, historical or cultural importance. 

In Ireland, remarkable landmarks are found throughout the country so it is difficult to narrow down the list to just a few. This post introduces you to the unmissable Irish landmarks that you will find nowhere else in the world. 

Top Dublin landmarks are included in this article, as well as famous landmarks in Northern Ireland. 

Please note that the numbers do not indicate any particular order or ranking. We think that all of these landmarks are well worth visiting and should be added to your bucket list!

What to know what Ireland is famous for? Read here for some interesting insights!

Skellig Islands

The two, rocky, steep-sided islands off the south west coast of Ireland were once thought to be the edge of the known world. Today, the larger of the two islands, Skellig Michael (Scelig Mhichíl) is one of the most famous of all Irish landmarks for its historical and environmental importance and more recently, its otherworldly appearance in the Star Wars Episode VII “The Force Awakens”. 

Sometime between the 6th and 8th centuries, the first monks settled on Skellig Michael and built the iconic bee-hive huts as part of a Christian monastery. 

The isolated nature of the location, roughly 12 km off the coast of County Kerry , has helped to preserve the early Christian settlement in remarkable condition, which resulted in the island being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Both Skellig Michael and the smaller island, Little Skellig are home to protected seabirds such as Storm-petrels, Puffins, Guillimots and Kittiwakes and are important internationally recognised breeding areas.

In recent times, Skellig Michael has become even more well known due to its use as a filming location for Star Wars and the smaller of the islands, Little Skellig was also featured in the Harry Potter Film .

Due to the sensitive nature of settlement and the protected seabird colonies, visitors are only allowed to visit Skellig Michael during the summer months and strict visitor quotas apply. 

If you do wish to visit, make sure you book a place on the ferry boat to Skellig Michael well in advance to ensure that you will be able to enjoy the wonder of this amazing landmark. 

Skellig Michael landing tour boats depart from Portmagee, Caherdaniel or Ballinskelligs Pier in County Kerry. In Portmagee you will also find the Skellig Experience where you can learn more about Skellig Michael and its rich history. 

Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne 

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Brú na Boinne Complex in the Boyne Valley, County Meath. The area in and around the River Boyne has been a focal point of human settlement in Ireland for over 6,000 years, resulting in a rich archeological history. 

The most famous of the Irish landmarks in Brú na Bóinne are the three passage tombs of Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange that were built about 5000 years ago during the Late Stone Age period. (Yes, they are older than the Egyptian pyramids!) 

Newgrange is the one of the most recognised historical landmarks in Ireland. This neolithic monument has a unique alignment that allows sunlight to enter the burial chamber only in the days around the winter solstice. 

The megalithic art on the entrance stone and the standing stones around the large mound is truly exquisite. Depictions of spirals, chevrons, triangles and arcs can be seen in the intricate ancient carvings.

The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre provides additional background and information about the site and guided tours of the passage tomb are available. It is also possible to apply there for the draw to be one of the lucky few to be inside the tomb for the occurrence of the winter solstice. 

Guinness Storehouse

One of the things Ireland is most known for is its famous beer Guinness. It is therefore no coincidence that one of the most popular landmarks in Ireland is the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. In fact, it has been the most visited attraction in Ireland for several years with over 1.7 million visitors in 2018. 

Arthur Guinness founded Guinness in 1759 and started his brewery in St. James’s Gate in Dublin, where Guinness is still produced today. 

The Guinness Storehouse visitor center building is situated next to the St. James’s Gate Brewery and extends over seven floors detailing the brewing process, as well as the history and marketing concepts of this hugely successful company. 

Reviews of this attraction often state that visitors highly enjoy the Gravity Bar on top of the Guinness Storehouse. This is where they will experience unbeatable views of the Dublin City skyline along with a perfect pint of the Irish “Black Stuff”, if they so wish. 

For more tips about the Guinness Storehouse read our other article here. 

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are undoubtedly one of the most internationally famous Irish landmarks and a highly popular tourist attraction in Ireland. 

Situated on the west coast of the country in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are just one of the star attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive. The cliff edge stretches about 8 km (5 miles) along the Atlantic Ocean coastline coast and reaches 214 meters (702 feet) at the highest point. 

The view of the towering wall of rock looks particularly stunning at sunset, when the rays of the sun illuminate the rockface. 

A modern visitor center has been built to enhance the Cliffs of Moher visitor experience and provide more background and information about the geography and geology of the area. 

Due to their unique geology the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher have been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark .

Visitors often plan a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher in combination with a visit to the nearby Burren. Tour buses to the Cliffs of Moher depart daily from the main cities including Dublin, Galway and Cork.

The cliffs have also been used as filming locations for both Harry Potter and the Princess Bride movies . 

Ha’Penny Bridge Dublin

The Ha’Penny Bridge is arguably one of Dublin’s best loved landmarks and one of Ireland’s best known bridges. Built in 1816, this iconic pedestrian bridge spans the River Liffey.

The cast iron bridge arches elegantly 3 meters over the river, has a 43 meters span and is 3.5 meters wide. Decorative lamp posts add to the special charm to this landmark.

It was built by the Liffey ferry operator William Walsh, who decided to construct a bridge rather than repair his aging ferries. A toll of half a penny was charged to cross the bridge until about 1919, hence the name “Ha’Penny”. The official name of the bridge is the Liffey Bridge.

As the bridge is very centrally located in Dublin City and close to Temple Bar, it is popular with tourists, as well as Dubliners alike with tens of thousands of people traveling across it each day. 

Movies such as Far and Away (1992) and Michael Collins (1996) also feature this bridge.

Poulnabrone Dolmen in the Burren

The Poulnabrone Portal Dolmen is an iconic landmark located on the karst limestone pavement of the Burren, County Clare. Undoubtedly this megalithic monument is one of the most famous of Irish portal tombs and is designated a National Monument of Ireland. 

Not only is the structure of the monument highly impressive, but the lunar-like rocky surroundings make it a very striking feature on the landscape and a popular destination for tourists and photographers alike!

The portal dolmen of Poulnabrone stands almost 2 meters tall and has a capstone roughly 3.5 meters in length. It consists of upright stones and topped by a slanted capstone. The large stone behind the tomb is thought to have been another capstone that has since collapsed. 

Given the basic tools and equipment (ropes, pulleys and ramps etc.) that were available at the time this was built, it is even more impressive that such portal stones could be maneuvered into place and still remain standing to the present day. 

In 1986, the Poulnabrone dolmen site was excavated and the human remains of about 22 individuals, both adults and children were found in the burial chamber . Along with the remains, other ancient artifacts such as pendants, beads, a polished stone axe and pottery were found in the burial chamber.

Blarney Castle

Situated in the south west of Ireland, a short distance outside Cork City is the Blarney Castle, home of the internationally famous Blarney Stone. Originally dating back to about 1200, the castle has a rich history and was occupied by Cormac MacCarthy, the King of Munster in the 12th century.

Many tourists travel especially to Cork to visit this popular Irish tourist attraction. The experience of kissing the Blarney Stone, by hanging backwards over a high drop, is one of the main highlights. All of those who complete this act of aerial acrobatics is said to receive the gift of eloquence for life…. Try it for yourself and see!

Furthermore, the grounds surrounding the castle are exceptionally well maintained and a wonderful place to explore. There are several different gardens including an arboretum, Poison Garden and a Fern Garden. 

Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kell s

On College Green, right in the center of Ireland’s capital is Trinity College Dublin, the oldest university in the country. The beautiful 18th-century monuments and buildings, as well as gardens and sports grounds make the university a lovely place to wander around and explore. 

Former Trinity students include Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Bram Stoker, as well as the female presidents of Ireland Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese to name but a few.

Sally Rooney, the author of Normal People also studied here and many parts of the hit series were filmed on the campus.

The Book of Kells is probably one of the highlights of Trinity College Dublin, with hundreds of thousands of visitors flocking to see this unique medieval illuminated manuscript each year. 

Thought to date back to about the 8th century, this national treasure was kept for many years in the Abbey of Kells in County Meath, hence its name. 

It contains the four Gospels of the New Testament exquisitely decorated with illustrations and ornamentation. The Chi Rho page and the cover page of each of the Gospels are exceptionally ornately decorated.

In addition to viewing the manuscript itself, visitors also have access to the Long Room, arguably one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The old library has a wooden barrel vaulted ceiling and its rows of bookshelves and busts are remarkably striking.

Rock of Cashel

For more than 1,000 years, the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary has been a site of great importance in Ireland and it is now one of the highlights of Ireland’s Ancient East historical trail. 

The rocky outcrop commands excellent views over the lower lying areas, making it a very strategic location that was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. It is even said to be the spot that Saint Patrick converted King Aenghus to Christianity.

Around the 12th century, the site was given to the church and over the following centuries the number of buildings at the location continued to expand.

They include a round tower (unfortunately not accessible to the public), as well as an architecturally significant 12th century Romanesque chapel, a 13th century cathedral, a 15th century Tower House and the Hall of the Vicars Choral.

A wander around the nearby less well known, but highly impressive Hore Abbey, as well as Cashel town is also worth it.  

Dún Aonghasa on the Aran Islands

Off the west coast of County Galway lie the three islands of Inis Mór (Inishmore), Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) and Inis Oírr (Inisheer), known collectively as the Aran Islands. 

The largest of these islands, Inis Mór, is home to one of the most impressive promontory forts in the world, Dún Aonghasa. This prehistoric stone fort is literally perched on the edge of a cliff edge 100 meters above the crashing waves of the wild Atlantic Ocean. 

Earliest settlement at Dún Aonghusa is thought to date back over 3,000 years. The structure has been modified and fortified through the Bronze Age and Iron Age. Originally, the fort was probably oval in shape, but over time parts have collapsed into the sea, giving it its current D-shape. 

The defence system of the fort consists of four concentric walls that are up to 4 meters thick in places. The outermost wall encompasses an area of about 6 hectares (14 acres), making it a large ruin by prehistoric standards. 

In addition to the walls, there is also a field of up-right rocks, known as a “Cheval de frise”. While some of the walls and steps have been restored, other parts, including the up-right rock field are very well preserved. 

As well as having a tour of this heritage site, it is really worth spending some time exploring the unique scenery and culture of the Aran Islands. 

The rocky landscape, somewhat similar to the Burren in County Clare, is framed by miles and miles of stone walls. The Irish playwright, John Millington Synge, was particularly fond of the islands. During his visits, he collected folklore and learned Irish, which is still predominantly spoken on the islands today. 

The Spire of Dublin

One striking landmark in Dublin City centre is “The Spire” or the “Monument of Light” (“Túr Solais” in Irish). This stainless steel, needle shaped monument stands 120 meters tall, with the base measuring 3 meters in diameter and the apex just 15 centimeters. 

An international competition was held to select the design for the monument, which was won by the London-based Ian Ritchie Architects.

It is a relatively modern addition to the Dublin skyline having been completed in January 2003. Situated on O’Connell Street at the site of the former Nelson Pillar, this landmark has pride of place in the capital. 

As usual, the Dubliners were quick to christen the monument with some creative monikers such as the “Spike” and the “Stiletto in the Ghetto”.

Killarney National Park, County Kerry

In the south west of Ireland lies County Kerry, home to Killarney National Park. This incredibly scenic landscape was designated as the first national park in Ireland in 1932 and recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1991. 

The park is highly regarded internationally for its ecological value in terms of its flora, fauna and unique woodland areas. It has a broad diversity of bryophytes (mosses and liverworts), as well as several very rare, protected species including the Killarney fern. Native red deer (as well as the non-native sika deer) are also found within the park. 

Undoubtedly, the Lakes of Killarney are one of the park’s main highlights. On the shores of one of the lakes, Lough Leane, lies the idyllically situated Ross Castle.

For amazing views of the landscape that was greatly influenced by the ice age, head to Ladies View for an unparalleled vista. 

In the park, there are several wonderful walking trails of different difficult levels suitable for all abilities. 

Other places that should not be missed within the park include 19th century Muckross House and Gardens, Muckross Abbey and the picturesque Torc Waterfall.  

Killarney town is only a short distance away from the park, as is the famous Gap of Dunloe. While in the area, it is also possible to take a trip around the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most scenic driving routes.

Kilmainham Gaol , Dublin

From both a historical and architectural point of Kilmainham Gaol (pronounced “jail” and often misspelled as Kilmainham Goal) played a central role in the Irish civil war. 

Located near the Phoenix Park on the outskirts of Dublin City, this is definitely a very important historical landmark.

Nearly all of the main freedom fighters (such as Robert Emmet and Charles Stewart Parnell) and the rebel leaders of the Easter Rising (including Patrick Pearse and Thomas MacDonagh) were incarcerated and many executed in this prison. 

In fact, Ireland’s first president, Èamonn de Valera, was one of the last prisoners to leave the prison before it closed.

In addition to its important place in Irish history, this building has also been used as a filming location for several different films, including “The Italian Job”, “In the Name of the Father” (1993) and more recently, “The Wind that Shakes the Barley” (2006). U2 also featured the building in their video for the song “A Celebration”. 

Tours of Kilmainham Gaol museum are available, enabling visitors to learn more about the history and view the impressive interior prison architecture of this famous national monument. Be sure to book your tour a day or two in advance. Only a limited number of people are allowed per tour and this is a popular attraction.

Gallarus Oratory on Dingle Peninsula

One of Ireland’s most unusual looking landmarks is one that dates back to about the 12th century. Gallarus Oratory, on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, is a small stone building with a very distinctive appearance, thought to have been used as a small church or oratory.

Dry stone masonry was used to create a corbelled vault that resembles an upturned boat. The precise positioning of overlaid stones created sloping sides that ensure that the rain and elements are kept out of the structure.

The interior of the building is very dimly lit as the only light comes from the doorway at the entrance and a single round window on the rear wall

Kylemore Abbey, County Galway

One very photogenic Irish landmark is Kylemore Abbey in Connemara National Park, County Galway . 

Built as a private home by Mitchell Henry and his wife Margaret Henry in the 19th century, the stunning Kylemore Castle is a popular attraction along the Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive. The reflections of the building in Lough Pollacapall add beauty to this particularly picturesque landmark.

In 1920, Benedictine nuns from Ypres in Belgium founded an abbey on the grounds of the castle after their own abbey was destroyed by bombing during the First World War. The gothic church and Victorian walled garden have been restored and maintained by the nuns down through the years. Kylemore Abbey was also home to a boarding school for girls until it closed in 2010. 

Visitors can experience tours of the Abbey to learn more about its rich history and enjoy wandering in the gardens.

Hill of Tara, County Meath

The area in and around the Boyne Valley in County Meath was a hotspot of activity during the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. The Hill of Tara, the ancient Seat of Power of Ireland, can attest to this fact. This famous mound has a rich archeological history and is the source of many fanciful Irish myths and legends dating back over 3,000 years. 

Today, the most recognizable feature of the Hill of Tara is the raised circular earthen mounds are still visible on the landscape. During its high time in the late Stone Age and early Iron Age, the Hill of Tara was the inaugural site of the High Kings of Ireland, with significant importance as an entrance to the otherworld in Pagan belief. 

One of the most intriguing ancient monuments is the standing stone Lia Fáil- or Stone of Destiny, one of treasures of the Tutha de Dannan which is said to cry out when the rightful high King touches it.

In the surrounding area there are a number of other monuments also dating to this period, the oldest being a passage tomb named The Mound of Hostages. Other monuments hidden beneath the surface have been discovered using aerial photography and geophysical survey work.

More information about this fascinating ancient site can be found in the The Hill of Tara Visitor Centre.

Samuel Beckett Bridge , Dublin

The second of Dublin’s famous bridge landmarks is the Samuel Beckett Bridge. This contemporary bridge was opened in 2009 and links Sir John Rogerson Quay to the Docklands area of Dublin City. 

The stunning design, created by the Spaniard, Santiago Calatrava, and has won several international awards. The slender design of the structure was inspired by the Irish harp, which has been the national symbol of Ireland for centuries. 

At its highest point, the steel pylon reaches 46 meters (151 feet) above the River Liffey. The bridge is 124 meters (407 feet) long and 27 meters (89 feet) wide and is open both to pedestrians and vehicular traffic. The structure rotates through 90 ° degrees to allow taller vessels to pass. 

It is named after the Dubliner, Samuel Becket, who was the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969. 

Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland

Not only is the Titanic Belfast one of the most modern and interesting visitor attraction in Northern Ireland , the spectacular architecture of the building makes it one of the best Belfast landmarks. 

The museum is situated on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the actual RMS Titanic vessel was built for the White Star Line Company. In a nod to the heritage of the area, this part of Belfast City has been renamed the Titanic Quarter.

Designed to resemble the prows of a ship, the elaborate Aluminium outer structure of the museum is inspired by the maritime influences.

The Titanic visitor experience is second to none, with state of the art galleries and interactive exhibits enabling you to explore the world of Titanic in depth, from the ship building process through the disastrous maiden voyage and the underwater remains.

Giants Causeway , Northern Ireland

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim is undoubtedly a very impressive landmark and probably the best known of all the Northern Ireland landmarks. Legend has it that it was built by the Irish warrior Finn McCool in order to fight the Scottish giant Benandonner!

The 40,000 or so dark basalt columns create intricate landscapes of staircases along the Antrim coast. This natural phenomenon was created by volcanic activity over 50 million years ago.

Visitors travel from all over the world to view this incredible place and experience the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre. In fact the Giant’s Causeway is the most popular attraction in Northern Ireland. It received about 1.5 million visitors in 2019. 

So there you have it! We will continue to add to this list over time. 

If you want to learn about what Ireland is known for, as well as facts about Ireland and some famous people in Ireland then read our post here!

9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

 Sir Francis Canker/Getty Images

In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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90+ Moscow tourist attractions: what to see in Moscow, Russia

A huge list of the best Moscow tourist attractions.

Before the pandemic I used to visit Moscow every year. I would usually go there for a week, and I would still find new places to visit and things to do. Many people don’t realise how huge Moscow is and how many tourist attractions are there. Unfortunately, not all of these fantastic places are maintained, some are abandoned and can be enjoyed from outside only. Still, Moscow has attractions to satisfy the taste and requirements of any tourist and here I have a huge list of more than 90 places.

But let’s start with one of the most famous Moscow landmarks: the Kremlin!

NB : the post is very long, so just go to the table of contents and click on the section that interests you.

The Kremlin and its surroundings

The Kremlin should be in every list of Moscow tourist attractions 😊 You can easily spend a day exploring it and the surroundings.

1. The Kremlin : here you should definitely visit the Cathedral Square with its ensemble of old churches. Their interior is truly amazing with painted icons and graves of famous Russian rulers (in the Archangel Cathedral) – as Ivan the Terrible, for example. You can climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to see the square from above. Then there is the Armoury Chamber with its huge collection of royal regalia and gifts and everyday objects and the Diamond fund with, well, diamonds and other jewelry.

2. The Mausoleum . Frankly, despite visiting Moscow so many times, I have never been to the Mausoleum. Somehow, the thought of seeing Lenin doesn’t seem appealing to me, but, maybe, you want it. The entrance is free, at least.

3. The Red Square is the first place where every tourist goes. It is the center, the heart of Moscow and many tourist attractions are located there.

4. GUM is a huge shopping center on the Red Square. It is quite expensive, so not so many people go there for shopping. Still, it is a fancy place. In addition, there is a huge supermarket there and the famous canteen Stolovaya 57, so go there for a quick lunch.

5. Kilometer Zero of Moscow is at the Resurrection (Voskresensky) Gates at the Red Square. It symbolises the beginning of all roads in Russia. It is a square with a circle in the center: the edges have depictions of animals.

6. Aleksandrovsky Garden is at the Kremlin walls. It has amazing flower beds, fountains with fairytale sculptures, and there are lots of benches to rest your feet. The garden is famous for the monuments of the wars in 1812 and 1941-1945. And the eternal flame is here.

7. St Basil’s Cathedral is the most famous one in Moscow. Its colourful onion domes are easily noticed from afar. Ivan the Terrible ordered its construction to commemorate the capture of two cities, Kazan and Astrakhan. Now it is a symbol of Russia alongside other notable monuments.

8. Kazan Cathedral is another church on the Red Square. It’s not as lavishly decorated as St Basil’s, but it is a functioning church, so everyone can go inside. It’s not the original church, but a reconstruction: the original one was destroyed by Stalin’s order.

9. Change of guards happens every hour at the eternal flame in Aleksandrovsky Garden. It is quite a show with soldiers marching and music playing and many tourists gather at the spot to see it.

10. Monument to Vladimir the Great is a recent addition to the list of tourist attractions of Moscow: it was mounted in 2016. Vladimir the Great is one of the greatest rulers of Kievan Rus. The monument is 17,5 meters high and is located close to the Kremlin.

Parks and gardens

11. Zaryadye is not far from the Kremlin on the historical Varvarka Street. In addition to being a park, its floating bridge offers spectacular views of the Kremlin, the Moskva River, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and one of Stalin’s skyscrapers.

12. Gorky Park : shadowy alleys with benches to rest, fountains with music, a roller-skating rink, a pond with boats: Gorky park has everything! You can rent bicycles, skateboards, rollers, boats, and have some fun!

13. Sokolniki Park is huge and has numerous activities on offer like skateboarding, roller-skating, bicycles, ping-pong tables, a swimming pool, etc. Sometimes concerts and performances are held there.

14. Museon is next to Gorky Park and is famous for its weird sculptures and statues of Soviet rulers.

15. Aptekarsky Ogorod or the Apothecary Garden is the most famous garden in Moscow. It was founded by Peter the Great as a place to grow medicinal herbs, but expanded its collection of plants greatly.

16. Ermitazh Garden is one of the most beloved in Moscow. It was opened in 1894 and offered open-air concerts. Today performances and art exhibitions are held in the park. There are a couple of theaters in the territory and classes for kids.

17. Yekaterininsky Park is a monument to garden art. It has amazing flower beds and a huge pond with boats for rent. There are designated places for doing sports and a covered stage for live performances.

18. Patriarch’s Ponds are surrounded by trees today, but about 300 years ago it was a marshy place. At the end of the 17th century these marshes were dried and three ponds were dug. Later two of the ponds were filled up and trees were planted around the remaining one. The ponds became famous because namely here Mikhail Bulgakov’s masterpiece ‘The Master and Margarita’ starts.

19. Ostankino Park is now a part of VDNKh. It is huge and has plenty of facilities like bicycle tracks, paths for horse riding, open-air gyms, and the biggest open-air skatepark in Europe. Naturally, locals love it and it’s always full of people.

20. Clean Ponds : in the 17th century the place was called ‘Filthy marshes’ or ‘pagan marshes’ (depends on the interpretation). Later it was cleaned and nowadays it is a long pond which turns into a skate-rink in winter. Quite often artists put their paintings alongside the pond for passers-by to see. And there is an amazing song by famous I. Talkov about the place.

Did you know that there are more than 400 museums in Moscow? Of course, you can’t visit them all, so here I have a list of the most well-known and beloved ones in the city.

21. Tretyakov Gallery has several buildings, one of them dedicated to the 20th century art of Russia and the Soviet Union, and the other one to the Russian art at much earlier period till the 19th century. The latter one exhibits Vasnetsov’s, Shiskin’s, Serov’s, Ayvazovsky’s masterpieces. The vaults of the museum house a huge collection of old icons, the majority from the 14th century.

22. State Historical Museum : the dark red building of the museum on the Red Square is hard to miss. It houses huge collections of gold artifacts, manuscripts, jewelry, ceramics, old books, religious paintings, historical costumes, etc. Its coin collection has more than 1,7 million units!

23. Just like Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is the right place for art lovers. There are about 700,000 exhibits in the museum collection, including masterpieces of Matisse, Renoir, Picasso, Degas, Rubens, etc. It includes a huge collection of sculptures and archeological objects.

24. The Archaeological Museum of Moscow is an underground museum and is dedicated to the archeological diggings in the city. There are about 2,000 exhibits from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic ages.

25. Moscow Museum of Modern Art . It is the project of the famous Zurab Tsereteli and his private collection is the core of the museum. There are numerous paintings and sculptures by the artists of the 20th century, including those of Picasso, Dali and Miro.

26. State Darwin Museum . This huge museum houses a collection of 400,000 exhibits, mostly stuffed animals. From what I have seen kids enjoy it immensely.

27. The Orlov Museum of Paleontology : as the name suggests, it houses everything related to paleontology. There are more than 5,000 exhibits from the Precambrian, Palaeozoic, Mezozoic and Caenozoic ages: ammonites, reptiles, skeletons of dinosaurs, etc.

28. The Museum of Cosmonautics is not far from the VDNKh and its collection includes technical devices, documents, personal belongings of cosmonauts, pictures, paintings, stamps, coins, etc.

29. The State Museum of Oriental Art was founded in 1918 to preserve the cultural heritage of the Eastern republics of the Soviet Union. Now it houses huge collections of Japanese, Korean, Arabian, Indian art in addition to those of the Soviet republics. In 2017 the famous Russian painter Nicholas Roerich’s collection was handed over to the museum.

30. Bulgakov Museum : the museum is dedicated to the famous writer Mikhail Bulgakov, the author of ‘The Master and Margarita’. It includes about 3,000 exhibits: letters, documents, pictures, furniture and personal belongings.

31. Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines : do you want to play an old Soviet arcade game? Just go to this museum! At the entrance you buy coins/tokens that you can use to play on any machine inside the museum.

32. Victory Museum on Poklonnaya Hill is dedicated to soldiers who fought and fell during the war of 1941-1945. It has several thematic halls, panoramas and a memory book.

33. Military exhibition on Poklonnaya Hill : this is another museum on Poklonnaya Hill and has a huge collection of military equipment, including tanks, planes, artillery, etc.

34. Museum-panorama “Battle of Borodino” : this museum is dedicated to one of the most famous battles of 1812 during the war between the Russian Empire and France. It is interesting that both sides claimed later that they won this battle.

Other places

35. Varvarka Street : there are some magnificent churches on the street and some historical buildings like the Old English Court, the oldest office of another country in Moscow, and the Chambers of the Romanov Boyars exhibiting the residential and household interior of the 16th-17th centuries.

36. VDNKh or the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy or All-Russian Exhibition Center is one of the most popular places in Moscow. It was built in the 1930-ies to showcase the achievements of the Soviet Union in the field of agriculture. Every building has its own style and was to either represent a Soviet republic or house a specific collection. The highlight is the fountains with famous sculptures like the Friendship of Peoples and the Stone Flower on the central alley. And, I guess, everyone is excited to see the replica of the famous Vostok rocket.

37. Moscow Planetarium is the oldest one in Russia. It houses multiple exhibits and replicas, but my favorite parts are the hall with a huge dome for watching movies and the exhibits on the roof.

38. Poklonnaya Hill : its name can be translated as bow-down hill and the monuments and park on it are dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). Wait here until it gets dark: the fountains and columns get illuminated with red color, which is a magnificent sight.

39. Monument to Peter I on the Moskva River designed by the famous Zurab Tsereteli is 98 meters high. It is quite noticeable, but while it looks imposing, not everyone likes it. They even wanted to dismantle it and move it to another place, but it proved to be too expensive. By the way, this monument was in the top 10 of the ugliest ones in the world according to Virtual Tourist platform.

40. Krutitskoye Podvorye . This is the place where the spirit of olden times still lives: the buildings are old, it is quiet and cosy here. This courtyard belonged to Krutitsky Metropolitans, and a couple of churches from the 17th century are preserved along with palaces and houses.

41. Izmaylovsky Kremlin . You just have to see the colorful buildings, which replicate terems, houses in the traditional Russian architectural style. The Kremlin is packed with museums, there are several places to eat, so you won’t starve there. The biggest part of the Kremlin is a flea market with dozens of stalls with souvenirs, matreshkas, coins, boxes with traditional ornaments, furs, paintings, clocks, amber, shawls, clothes, books, icons, Soviet times items.

42. Stalin’s Bunker in Izmaylovo was built in the 1930-ies. There is a 17 kilometer long underground road that leads from the bunker to the center of Moscow. There is another bunker in Taganka.

43. Bolshoi Theater is one of the most well-known opera and ballet theaters in the world. It’s located not far from the Red Square, so just take some time to see it. If you are lucky to get tickets, lucky, because you should buy them long in advance, then you will see some of the best performances.

44. Metro tour . Moscow metro is one of the most beautiful in the world, it’s a fact. You can see everything here: stucco, paintings, sculptures, chandeliers, gilded walls, vibrant colours… some stations are true masterpieces! Pay a visit to Mayakovskaya, Kievskaya, Novoperedelkino, Komsomolskaya, Rasskazovka, Elektrozavodskaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square), Novoslobodskaya, Novokuznetskaya, Arbatskaya, etc.

45. Trubnaya Square/Tsvetnoy Boulevard is a magnificent place! Just make sure you go there in summer when everything is green and flowers are blooming. The boulevard is famous for Nikulin’s Circus. I have not been to the circus, so I like the boulevard for its park with circus-related sculptures and arches with blooming flowers and the views from the nearby Trubnaya square.

46. Strastnoy Boulevard is one of the most important streets in Moscow. It is a nice area with an alley and monuments. And there are many notable buildings along the boulevard.

47. Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow: it starts at Smolenskaya metro station and runs almost till the Red Square. Arbat is full of fancy buildings and restaurants.

48. Alley of the rulers of Russia  is a place to see all the rulers at once. It is a small exhibition of busts hidden from the eyes of tourists. When I was there, I saw only three other people around. This is the place to see Ivan the Terrible, Alexander Nevsky, emperors from the Romanov family, Lenin and Yeltsin.

49. Triumphal Arch at Poklonnaya Hill was erected in the 1830-ies to commemorate the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812.

50. Moscow Mosque . The first mosque was built in 1904, but in 2011 it was demolished to erect a new one. Now it is a huge building with vibrant colors and minarets of different sizes. By the way, they used 12 kilograms of leaf-gold to decorate the dome and minarets.

51. In Russia there were many merchant courts ( gostinyy dvor in Russian), where people used to sell their goods. The one in Moscow was built in the 17th century, but it suffered a lot during the years, especially during the siege of Moscow in 1812. Now the building doesn’t house shops anymore, it is used for exhibitions.

52. Eliseyevskiy Supermarket isn’t a simple supermarket, it’s an experience. The interior is amazing, with intricate decoration, columns, chandeliers. Some people visit it like a museum. There are rumours that they want to close the supermarket, because it’s unclear who the actual building belongs to.

53. The teahouse on Myasnitskaya Street is a special building as well. It is easily recognisable thanks to the pseudo-Chinese decorative elements on its facade. At the beginning of the 20th century it was a tea shop and had apartments for rent. Now the first floor is a shop and they still sell tea there.

54. Bogdan Khmelnitsky (Kievsky) Pedestrian Bridge : this pedestrian glass-covered bridge offers stunning views of Moscow. And, naturally, it is more beautiful at night, when the lights are on.

55. Zhivopisny Bridge : this bridge is famous for its bright red arch, which is very photogenic at night.

Panoramic decks

56. Sparrow Hills : this panoramic deck is right in front of the Moscow State University building. From here visitors can see the famous Luzhniki Stadium, Stalin’s skyscrapers, Moscow-City, etc. Getting there requires a bit of effort: first you have to get to Vorobyovy Gory metro station which is under the bridge and then follow a path up the hill. Frankly, it is better to follow the crowd after exiting the station.

57. Deck at the Academy of Sciences is closer to the city center and offers views of Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow-City, the Kremlin, the statue to Peter I, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Frankly, this view is much better than the one from Sparrow Hills. Getting here is easier: just get to Leninsky Prospect metro station and follow a straight road to the deck.

58. Moscow City is a group of skyscrapers at the riverfront. Every skyscraper is built in its own fashion and has a name. Many of them are higher than 330 meters! The highest one is Vostok Federation Tower: it is 374 meters high! The 360 panoramic deck in the above-mentioned Federation Tower offers stunning views of Moscow.

59. Ostankino Tower : this place offers the farthest view of Moscow and it is not a wonder: the panoramic deck is at about 330 meters height. Personally, I prefer the other three decks, as this one is quite far from the city center.

Estates and mansions

As you probably know, Peter the Great moved the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg in 1712, so, naturally, many noble families built estates in the new capital, and the royals erected palaces there. Still, there are some in Moscow, and you should definitely see them.

NB: I have another post on some of the residences below with more information: click here to read it.

60. Kolomenskoye : before Peter I moved the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg, Kolomenskoye was the main royal residence. Michael I Romanov loved the place, but it was his son Alexis I the Quietest who built a magnificent wooden palace. While almost all the buildings in the area were erected in the 16th-18th centuries, the wooden palace is not the original one: Catherine the Great ordered its demolition to build another palace. The one visitors see now is an exact modern replica built between 2008-2010. However, the majority of the objects inside the palace are authentic.

61. Izmaylovo under the Romanovs started as a farm and a production unit and included glass and brick plants, bee garden, linen manufacture, livestock, etc. In addition, they built churches, towers and a wooden palace. According to some historians Peter the Great was born in Izmaylovo. Anna of Russia opened a zoo there, the biggest one in the empire, and tigers and lions lived there. During the reign of Catherine the Great many buildings were demolished, and many years after that Nicholas I ordered to build an asylum for the military. Some of the gates, churches and the asylum can still be seen today. Izmaylovo estate is close to the Izmaylovsky Kremlin I mentioned above.

62. Tsarytsyno is strongly associated with Catherine the Great. Though St Petersburg was the capital of the country during her reign, Catherine the Great bought Black Mud manor, renamed it into Tsaritsyno (tsaritsa is czarina is Russian) and ordered the construction of a huge complex. She died before the construction finished, and her son wasn’t interested in the project.

63. Liublino is located quite far from the center of Moscow. In 1800 a rich merchant Nikolay Durasov bought the place and built a palace in the form of a cross. It is luxurious, with exquisite furniture, silky drapes, columns, but what makes it special is its decoration. Nicholas Durasov adored theater so he decorated his home with scenes from ancient mythology. Just lift your head up, look at the ceilings and walls and you will see the muses, Apollo, Cupid, Gratiae…

64. Kuskovo Manor was a summer residence of the Sheremetev family, one of the wealthiest in the Russian Empire. There are many buildings in the complex, including the palace itself, kitchens, the Dutch house, the Grotto with naval decorative elements, the Italian house with some exhibits and the Great Stone Orangery. The main palace is built right in front of a pond. The decoration is rich, with tapestries, colorful fabric wallpaper, chandeliers, furniture. One of the most beautiful parts of the palace is the Mirror Hall.

65. Vorontsovo estate belonged to many people, including Ivan the Terrible. The place was first mentioned in the 14th century and since then changed owners frequently, until it was gifted to N. Repnin in the 17th century: he and his heirs erected the main buildings of the estate. At the beginning of the 19th century the place was rented out as summer residences and one of the tenants planned to build a dirigible there, but it didn’t work out. During the Soviet period it served as a collective farm, prison, then a scientific institute. Many buildings were either destroyed or reorganized, so not much is left of the original estate. Nowadays Vorontsovo is more of a park with different facilities, but some buildings are still there to see like the entrance gates, service premises and the church.

66. Kuzminki-Blachernae was a huge residence that belonged to Golitsyns, one of the most prominent noble families in the Russian Empire. The complex included numerous buildings, but at the moment almost all of them are in decay. The main palace burnt down in 1916, and after the revolution they gave the estate to the Institute of Experimental Veterinary. Many buildings were converted into laboratories and administrative premises, but the place is abandoned now, except one building that houses a museum.

Monasteries

Monasteries in Russia weren’t only places for religious ceremonies and monastic life. No, many of them were built to serve as fortifications to defend the city, and sometimes the defenders would find shelter behind its walls. That’s why don’t be surprised when you see thick walls: if it weren’t for church domes, one would think that it is a proper fortress. All the monasteries and convents were extremely important and the rulers of the country would usually donate money to build additional premises and decorate the churches.

The ones I mention below are very old. Some of them were used as prisons for the members of the royal family, some served as shelters during wars, others had facilities to care for the wounded, but many of them were located outside the city walls and served as a barrier: during attacks they would take the first blow giving Moscow time to prepare. Nevertheless, when the Soviet rule came, they all shared a similar fate.

67. Novodevichy Convent is the most famous one in Moscow. It was founded in 1524 and the buildings are still preserved. Many noble women took monastic vows and ended up living in the convent, some were forced to do it. During troublesome times, the royals hid there. The monastery was rich: for example, at the beginning of the 18th century 15,000 serfs belonged to the convent. Its cemetery is well-known as well, some notable people are buried there, so many people visit it just to see the graves. The convent was declared a UNESCO site.

68. Novospassky Monastery was founded in 1490, but became popular after the Romanovs came to power as it was their family burial vault. Before Peter I moved to St Petersburg, it was a burial place for many noble families like Naryshkins, Sheremetevs, Trubetskoys, etc., but during the Soviet times many graves were brought to ruin or moved to other places. The monastery was turned into a prison, and later was given to the NKVD.

69. Donskoy Monastery : this red-walled monastery was founded in 1591 after the victory over a Crimean khan, but many buildings were added later by tsars and noble people. During the siege of Moscow in 1812 soldiers were stationed there and they ruined the monastery and stole many valuables. Many famous people are buried in its territory, including Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. When the Soviets came to power, they turned it into a museum.

70. Conception Convent or Zachatyevsky Monastery: the fate of this monastery wasn’t easy. It was founded in the 1360-ies, but its main cathedral was built at the end of the 17th century. This very cathedral was later destroyed to erect a neo-gothic one. During the Soviet times it was turned into a prison, the cathedral and other premises were demolished, so after the collapse of the USSR they had to build a new one. Now the main church of the monastery, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God, is a recent addition.

71. Vysokopetrovsky Monastery is hidden behind walls and few people, even fewer tourists, know of its existence. Founded in 1315 by Metropolitan Archbishop Peter, its first churches were wooden, the stone ones were built later. In 1812 the French ransacked the monastery, they passed death sentences here and buried people at the bell tower. In the 1920-ies monks organised a backstreet monastic community here, but some of its members were later executed. The Soviets opened a library, a plant and shared flats in the monastery. It would be fair to say that restoration works started during the Soviet rule.

72. Andreevsky Monastery : the fate of this monastery is weird, frankly. It was founded in the 17th century, but there weren’t many monks there. In 1724 Peter I ordered to move the monks to Donskoy Monastery, and turn Andreevsky one into an orphanage and prison. Later it became a home for the insane and an asylum. In the meantime, some churches of the monastery were still active, and in 1991 it became a fully functioning monastery when all its churches opened.

73. Danilov Monastery : the monastery got its name because its founder was Daniel of Moscow, one of Alexander Nevsky’s sons. It was founded in 1282, but shortly after that it was moved to another place. Ivan the Terrible gave the place a new life and ordered to build a new church close to Daniel’s grave. Because the monastery was at the epicenter of many battles, it was ransacked often. During the Soviet times it was turned into a warehouse and Charles Crane, an American businessman, bought its bells and took them to Harvard University, but they were returned in 2008.

74. Sretensky Monastery was founded in 1395. Initially, there was only a church, but, according to a legend, an icon from the church helped to avoid the invasion of khan Tamerlane, so the ruler of the country ordered to build a monastery around it. It was enlarged during the next centuries, but in the 18th century it lost its significance and fell to decay, but the situation changed in the middle of the 19th century when the area was renovated. By the end of the 19th century it was the most famous monastery in Moscow. During the Soviet times some of its premises were demolished, icons were handed over to museums, and the rest of buildings were given to the NKVD. A new cathedral was built in the 21st century, but to do it they had to demolish some of the remaining buildings.

75. Ivanovsky Convent : it was founded as a friary, but was later turned into a convent. It served as a kind of prison as well for royal wives. When the capital was moved to St Petersburg, the convent fell into neglect, in 1812 it was burned and restored in 1865 only. Soldiers wounded during Russo-Turkish war would be sent to the convent. During the Soviet times it was given first to the NKVD and turned into a concentration camp, and later to the Department of Internal Affairs. Even nowadays, when many buildings are restored and religious services are held, some of the premises still belong to the department.

76. Simonov Monastery was named after boyar Stepan Khovrin, who donated lands to start it. He later became a monk and took Simon as his monastic name. Just like in the case of the monasteries above, the new buildings were added gradually, and the monastery was quite rich: at the end of the 17th century about 25,000 serfs belonged to it. During the reign of Catherine the Great it was turned into a sickbay, but the place was later restored. During the Soviet times many buildings were blown up to build a Hall of Culture.

Personally, I am a big fan of the Slavic church architecture. The churches are so vibrant, have intricate decorative elements, and just please the eye. Whenever I go to a Russian city, I dedicate some time to exploring churches. If you aren’t like me, just skip this section, but, maybe, a couple of pictures will change your mind 😊

77. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour : this is the main cathedral in Moscow, and you definitely have to see it. Its white walls and golden domes are seen from afar, inside it’s vibrant and bright. For a price you can climb up to its dome. In addition, get to the bridge nearby: the views of Moscow are stunning!

78. St Clement’s Church : this red and white church with blue and golden domes is located at Tretyakovskaya metro station relatively close to Tretyakov Gallery, so you might as well spend some time to admire its colors. It is built in Baroque style, which is unusual for Moscow, and is dedicated to Clement, a Roman pope, which is surprising as well.

79. Cathedral of St Nicholas in Klenniki is relatively close to the Kremlin, but if you are not in the area, there is no need to go to specifically see it. My hotel (I loved it, by the way), was nearby, and I passed by the church a couple of times a day. The church was built in 1657, but was damaged a lot in fires, so was constantly restored and renovated.

80. Temple of the Holy Trinity in Ostankino : this one you should definitely see! It is not far from the Ostankino Tower and VNDKh, so you can easily do it. The church was built at the end of the 17th century, and its distinctive feature is its decorative elements. It’s a monument of old Russian cult architecture.

81. All Saints Church in Kulishki : this one is really close to Zaryadye Park, so you can walk another 200 meters to see it. Its architecture is quite interesting as well, when you look at the windows, you can easily recognize old Russian style. When the Soviets came to power, they wanted to demolish the church, but used it for state security needs.

82. Resurrection Church in Kadashi Sloboda : this is another church not far from Tretyakov Gallery. It has peculiar architecture, and some parts of its facade are different from the other churches. It was ransacked in 1812, and during the Soviet times it housed the archive of the KGB. But today, after being restored, the golden domes of this red- and orange-walled church are seen from afar.

83. The Church of St. Vladimir in the Old Gardens : if you come to visit Ivanovsky Convent, this church will be across the road. The original church was built in 1516, but was rebuilt in the 17th century and lost almost all of its original elements. In 1980 a fire destroyed the books and frescoes and it was restored later. Today it is hard to miss this church with white walls.

84. The Church of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple in Barashi isn’t far from the Clean Ponds I mentioned above. It was built in Naryshkin’s baroque style in the 17th century and was richly decorated. During the Soviet times they handed the most previous icons over to Tretyakov Gallery and wanted to demolish it, but changed their mind and turned it into an electrical goods plant.

85. The Church of Deposition of the Robe on Donskoy : this church is close to Donskoy Monastery and Gorky Park, so you can as well go to see it. The stone church in Moscow baroque style was built in 1680 and was restored at the end of the 19th century. Interestingly, it didn’t close during the Soviet rule.

86. The Church of the Epiphany in Elokhovo : this one is quite far from any other Moscow landmarks, so it is unlikely you will go to see it 🙂 Unlike the churches I mentioned above, the walls of this one aren’t red, but light blue. It is said that Alexander Pushkin was baptised there.

Amazing buildings in Moscow

If you are into architecture or old Russian architectural style, you can spend some time looking for these buildings. Unfortunately, they can be enjoyed from the outside only (as far as I know, but I may be wrong), but if you are not far from them, why not have a look? 😊

87. House of Pashkov : it will be really hard to miss this white colossus not far from the Kremlin and the monument to Vladimir. It was built at the end of the 18th century and was later turned into a university. Now it houses the Russian State Library and it is possible to visit it during a tour : it is expensive and it looks like they accept groups only.

88. Egg house on Mashkov Street : this truly weird building looks like … an egg and was inspired by Faberge eggs. It was built in 2000-2002, so it is a relatively new addition to the architectural masterpieces of the city. Because it is weird, many people don’t like it and criticize the architect. And, frankly, it looks totally out of place. Nobody lives there: as the architect himself claims, the house isn’t very comfortable. If you have about 409 million rubles, you can buy it 😊

89. Arseny Morozov Mansion : the first owner of the building Arseny Morozov was inspired by Pena Palace in Sintra. Some say that Casa de las Conchas from Salamanca served as an inspiration as well, because there are shells on its façade. In any case, you won’t miss this snow-white building on Vozdvizhenka Street. By the way, the building was so weird for its times, that it was called ‘a fool’s house’. I think it is amazing!

90. Apraksins-Trubetskoys House at the Clean Ponds: the first owner of the baroque building was Count Apraksin, but it was later sold to the Trubetskoy family, hence the name of the mansion. In 1861 it became a school where some famous people like C. Stanislavsky studied. During the Soviet period the mansion was turned into an apartment building and then into a student dormitory. Now it could use some kind of renovation.

91. Volkov-Yusupov Chambers : unfortunately, this amazing building in Bol’shoy Khariton’yevskiy Pereulok (relatively close to the Egg house) isn’t open to the public, so you can see its façade only. It was turned into a museum for a couple of years, so it was possible to see its lavish interior, but not anymore. Now this building with red walls is hidden behind a neglected garden.

92. Stalin’s Seven Sisters or skyscrapers are 7 buildings commissioned by Stalin. There should have been 8 of them, but they didn’t finish the last one. These monumental buildings are a representation of the so-called Stalinist empire architectural style and are easily recognizable as they are so different from the surrounding cityscape. Sparrow Hills are a nice place to see them: actually, one of these skyscrapers, the building of Moscow State University, will be behind you 🙂 Another one you will see from the bridge in Zaryadye Park.

93. Averky Kirillov Chambers : if you come to see the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, just cross the Patriarshy Bridge and turn left. After about a hundred meters you will see an old house with red walls which can easily go unnoticed because of the huge buildings nearby. It belonged to Averky Kirillov, a notable merchant and state official. Built in the middle of the 17th century, it boasted exquisite decoration, but time and new owners didn’t spare it. It housed the Russian Institute of Culturology, but I am not sure what is there now.

Are there any other tourist attractions in Moscow that I missed? Tell me about them in the comments! 🙂

What to do in Moscow for free

Travel tips for visiting moscow, where to eat in moscow, russia, manors and royal residences in moscow, my top 10 places to see in moscow, architectural gems of moscow, how to spend a perfect day in moscow, like it pin it.

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