Free

The fact that all these places are completely free to visit does not in any way make them inferior – some of the most popular visitor attractions in Ireland are on this list.

If you are traveling to Ireland on a tight budget, this is definitely a page you need to print out and take with you.

Brochures from a wide range of tour operators including those offering special interest tours, castle tours or walking and cycling tours which you can have sent to you free.

Glendalough in Co Wicklow with its famous round tower was one of the most important Christian monastic settlements in Europe.

It is a mystical and beautiful place to visit and is located in the heart of the Wicklow National Park, one of the most scenic areas in Ireland and a magnet for hill walkers.

A nice local museum, with a wide range of exhibits primarily related to Cork city, its history and in particular some of the famous Cork people who are important to Irish history and culture.

There is a pleasant garden outside and a good restaurant.

Killykeen is a large forested area beside Lough Oughter in Co Cavan, which as well as good walks has an interesting ruined castle on an Island and a number of ancient megalithic structure, the largest of which is the Gartnanoul Court Tomb.

The park is in the care of Coillte, the Irish Forestry Board, and is also a popular area with anglers and bird watchers. Admission to Killykeen is free.

This is the main museum of the four branches that comprise Ireland’s National Museum and the primary repository for archaeological objects dating back as far as the Bronze age.

The museum is home to over two million artefacts, among them many treasures from the monasteries, including beautiful work in gold and precious stones.

Known as the ‘dead zoo’ to Dubliners this is an amazing collection of animals, insects and birds in a beautiful and historic museum building. Sadly it is closed at present for renovation, following the collapse of an old staircase, but it will reopen some time in 2009 – we’ll keep you posted.