An important part of visiting Ireland is experiencing the rich cultures and traditions. With this in mind we have compiled a top 20 of visitor attractions for your trip to Ireland. So make sure to take time away from the pubs to visit the best Ireland has to offer....

1. Trinity College 

 Ireland's first university, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth. The magnificent campanile must be one of the most-photographed buildings in Dublin. And the Old Library is home to one of the most famous books on earth, the splendid "Book of Kells". More Info www.tcd.ie

2. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

Built in 1220 to honour Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. More Info www.stpatrickscathedral.ie

3. Guinness Storehouse

Located in the heart of the St James’s Gate Brewery, GUINNESS STOREHOUSE® is Ireland’s No. 1 international visitor attraction. Their staff will be pleased to welcome you and bring alive a real segment of Irish history. More Info www.guinness-storehouse.com

4. Kilmainham Jail and Museum

One of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from 1780s to the 1920s. More Info http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/KilmainhamGaol/

5. Bunratty Castle

At Ireland’s premier visitor attraction you are invited to explore two wonderful experiences – the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle and 19th century Bunratty Folk Park. More Info www.shannonheritage.com 

6. Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. More Info www.cliffsofmoher.ie

7. Clonmacnoise

An Early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. More Info www.heritageireland.ie

8. Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. The Community of nuns, who have resided here since 1920, have a long history stretching back almost three hundred and forty years. More Info www.kylemoreabbey.com

9. Giant’s Causeway

The coastal scenery adjacent to the causeway is some of the most beautiful and awe inspiring you are likely to find anywhere. The majestic cliffs and inaccessible bays combine with myth and legend to inspire. More Info www.northantrim.com

10. Old Bushmills Distillery

Despite its name and as ancient as it is, 'Old Bushmills' is not just an old distillery. It's alive, proud of its 400 year heritage and looking towards the future. More Info www.bushmills.com

11. Muckross House

Situated in Killarney National Park Muckross House and Gardens are amongst the most popular of Irish visitors attractions. More Info www.muckrosshouse.ie 

12. Powerscourt

Powerscourt is one of Europe’s great treasures and Ireland’s most famous House & Gardens. Gracing the Wicklow mountains, 20km from Dublin city centre, Powerscourt is a heritage property with a surprising difference. More Info www.powerscourt.ie

13. Glendalough

For thousands of years people have been drawn to 'the valley of the two lakes' for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. More Info www.glendalough.ie

14. Dunbrody

Dunbrody was a 19th Century three masted sailing ship that brought many emigrants from Ireland to North America during and after the Great Famine. More Info www.dunbrody.com

15. Irish National Stud

Established in 1946, the Irish National Stud combines an active role in the development and promotion of Irish bloodstock with its role as one of the country's major tourist attractions. More Info www.irish-national-stud.ie

16. Rock of Cashel

Cashel is home to the iconic Rock of Cashel. One of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Ireland and one of the most visited.More Info www.cashel.ie

17. Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north-west of Co. Donegal. It is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes. More Info www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie

18. Belleek Pottery

Established in 1857 Belleek Pottery holds a very special place in the cultural and commercial heritage of County Fermanagh. Nestling on the banks of the River Erne this imposing building is home to the world famous Belleek Fine Parian china and also to one of Irelands top five visitor attractions. More Info www.belleek.ie

19. Newgrange

Newgrange was constructed over 5,000 years ago (about 3,200 B.C.), making it older than Stonehange in England and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. More Info www.newgrange.com

20. Blarney Castle & Blarney Stone

Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. More Info www.blarneycastle.ie