Sightseeing in and near Birr

The Bog Train Tour

The train carries a maximum of 53 people at a time. Along the journey you'll learn more about the boglands, their history, flora and fauna and the fascinating things being found in bogs like thousands of years old bog butter. ... more

Ireland offers sightseeing for every kind of visitor: its spectacular landscape, rich culture and fascinating history provides each traveller to the Emerald Isle with a rewarding, memorable experience.

The Burren's landscape is characterised by a rich variety of swirls, tiers, cliffs, caves, hollows and bare pavements that have been formed by glacial, tectonic and human processes. Explore the Burren Way, the walking route developed between Lahinch and Ballyvaughan in North Clare. It will take you through the shale uplands of the southern Burren and the limestone pavements of the northern part. You will be captivated by the many megalithic tombs as well as barrows, forts and cahers. The castles of Ballinalackan, Doonagore and Newtown are fine examples of medieval remains. Burials mounds and stone tombs, holy wells, ancient cooking places, ruined churches, enclosures and stone walls will also take you back to the country's fascinating past.

Many beautiful waterfalls can be seen throughout Ireland, providing gorgeous sights in the Irish landscape. Powerscourt Waterfall, near Dublin, is Ireland’s highest waterfall, cascading a magnificent 120m into the Dargle Valley. The waterfall thunders down from a hollow cut out by ice over 10,000 years ago, and is fed is by waters from a bog on the mountain tops. See if you can visit the waterfall after rains, when the volume of water becomes spectacular. A nature trail has been created at the base of the waterfall, where you can admire giant redwood trees and hear the calls of beautiful native bird species.

Where sea meets land, steep cliffs provide an awe-inspiring display of Ireland's rugged coastal beauty. Near Lahinch, the Cliffs of Moher stretch for 8km and rise up to 214m above the Atlantic Ocean, making them the highest cliffs in Europe. Like much of Ireland's dramatic scenery, they are guaranteed to take your breath away. You can stand at a safe viewing platform and be mesmerised by the dramatic sight of waves crashing against the towering cliffs. The cliff faces also provide a home to countless birds, so bring your binoculars and see if you can spot the Fulmar (a type of seagull), Kittiwakes and Razorbill.

Another spectacular Irish natural wonder is the Giant's Causeway, a geological formation on the coast near Portstewart, made up of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. The fantastically shaped rocks were formed as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption, and the tops of the columns form stepping stones that lead from the cliffs and disappear under the sea. There are various walks past the most striking features of the area. The rock formations are truly unique, and the area is also a haven for sea birds and rare plant species.

No matter what your interests, Ireland's magnificent sights will leave you spellbound, and you'll return with amazing memories of Ireland's unique and breathtaking attractions.