17 Reasons To Visit Ireland In 2017

When many of us think of Ireland, beer and St. Patrick's Day usually come to mind. While those are two of the most significant things The Emerald Isle is famous for, they are not the only ones.

Ireland's most visited natural attraction captures the hearts of up to one million visitors every year. Standing 702 feet at their highest point they stretch for five miles along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, as well as the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara.

Ireland is famous for its unique and exciting festivals. Laugh along with others at the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, listen to music at the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, enjoy delicious seafood at the Galway Oyster Festival, and experience one of Ireland's largest and longest running festivities – Rose of Tralee. But the festival that tops them all is Dublin's St. Patrick's Festival. It is the largest parade in Ireland with an average of 500,000 people attending each year.

Some of the major attractions in Ireland, its gorgeous castles, are frequently visited by tourists. Your trip would not be complete without a visit to Blarney Castle in County Cork; it's one of the most visited castles in all of Ireland. It even contains the Blarney Stone inside of it.

The Ashford Castle provides a majestic backdrop for riders to explore. It offers trail, carriage and pony rides as well as private lessons available for all ages. Ride through woodland paths and along lake shores and see the stunning mountains of Connemara on your horseback riding adventure.

No trip to Ireland is complete without visiting Ireland's No. 1 tourist attraction, the Guinness Storehouse, also known as the official "Home of Guinness." Indulge in rich history, attend unique culinary experiences, and enjoy one-of-a-kind tastings. While you're there check out the Guinness Academy and learn how to pour the perfect pint; enjoy a private tasting by visiting the secret bar inside the Guinness Storehouse by booking the "Connoisseur Experience," and make sure you head to the Gravity Bar for 360-degree views of Dublin.

Stunning landscapes, gorgeous castles and beautiful canals make Galway a very photogenic vacation destination. Visitors flock to the Aran Islands for incredible coastal scenery; tourists love the view from the top of the Cliffs of Moher; and history enthusiasts enjoy exploring the historic sites in The Burren.

Irish music, also known as indigenous music or Irish traditional music, has remained popular through the 20^th and into the 21^st century.

The Aran Islands, also known as "The Islands of Saints and Scholars," offer some of the most spectacular sites in the entire country. Visit Inis Mor Island, the largest of the Aran Islands, and explore Dub Aonghasa. Then make your way to Inis Oirr Island, the smallest of the islands, and indulge in its distinctive charm.

Located in County Donegal, Mount Errigal is known as the most beautiful mountain in the country. It is home to the county's tallest peak and the 76^th tallest in Ireland. Climbers love this mountain because of its incredible views; after reaching the summit they are exposed to One Man's Pass, a short but exposed walk.

Ireland is known for its abundance of historical sites; you can't go anywhere with coming across a piece of history. Make sure that you visit the passage tomb at Newgrange; it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also explore the Hill of Tara, Rock of Cashel, Jerpoint Abbey, and one of Ireland's most important monasteries, Clonmacnoise.

The Lonely Planet named Ireland the friendliest country in the world in 2010, and, according to locals and tourists, not much has changed. A comment on TripAdvisor says: "I have to admit that I found the people the friendliest I've ever met," and another said, "Irish people are in general very nice people to be around, and very friendly indeed. Which contributes to the deadly addiction everybody gets to Ireland!"

Embark on a journey of towns, cities, cliffs, and hidden beaches. The Wild Atlantic Way, a stunning coastal route, is a must-do road trip, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's 1,600 miles in length, making it one of the longest coastal routes in the world. Along the way you will see ancient monuments, stunning landscapes, charming villages, and picturesque towns.

Surfing in Ireland is an experience like no other, especially in Bundoran on the west coast. Beginner surfers may have to sit this one out and instead watch the more advanced surfers take on the enormous waves. The city has hosted the European Surfing Championship several times and is home to the national championships every year.

Photographers adore this park for its stunning scenic views. Admire three waterfalls, walk along trails for incredible panoramic landscapes, go horseback riding, camping, caravanning, and even have a picnic. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, located amongst the parks trails. Some of their most famous trails include the Waterfall Walk Trail, Viewpoint Trail, Rainbow Trail and the walkway that winds through the Glenariff National Nature Reserve.

Laytown Races are popular among locals and tourists. They have been in existence for approximately 140 years. This unique event attracts people from all over the world. Crowds as large as about 11,000 people show up to the event every year. It is the only race event to run on a beach under the Rules of Racing.

Located in the County Wicklow, the glacial valley of Glendalough has become a frequently visited destination among tourists. While there, you will have the opportunity to view abundant wildlife, admire spectacular scenery and learn about Ireland's rich history.

Located in Northern Ireland, Tollymore Forest Park is a popular destination for nature and adventure lovers. Tourists and locals venture to this park because it's "a great place to get away," according to a review on TripAdvisor. While you are there make sure you explore the Gothic-style gate arches, walk along the Shimna River and pass rocky outcrops, grottos, bridges, and caves. Also admire the giant redwoods and Monterey pines.