Ireland's Top 10 visitor attractions for 2020

Spring, summer, autumn or winter, the place named Ireland's Favourite Visitor Attraction by Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020

"I've been multiple times - rain, sun and wind - and every time they deliver," readers said. "They exhilarate, leave you awestruck and with the distinct reminder of how small we are in this vast world."

"Majestic" and "mesmerising" were words used to celebrate not just the 700-foot views, but the geology: rocks that form the Cliffs of Moher were made some 300 million years ago. Here is a "breathtaking" natural wonder, you said, "the highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way" and a dose of "pure, unspoilt rugged beauty".

Attracting some 1.6 million visitors a year, this is no hidden gem. Last summer, Irish Independent readers voted them one of Ireland's Seven Wonders. Others go even further. "I did the Great Ocean Road in Oz and thought the Cliffs of Moher were more spectacular," you said.

FINALISTS: Top 10 Visitor Attractions for 2020

Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin

Glendalough, Co Wicklow

Giant's Causeway, Co Antrim

Dublin Zoo, Dublin

Tayto Park, Co Meath

Newgrange, Co Meath

Bunratty Castle, Co Clare

Slieve League, Co Donegal

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin

While crowds and day-trips can be a challenge, others highlighted the "great set-up", accessibility and management of its "non-invasive" visitor centre.

Judges noted that efforts are ongoing to adapt and evolve sustainably - dynamic pricing is designed to spread visitor flow over the day, a summer shuttle service aims to reduce traffic and spread business over the surrounding towns and, last year, O'Brien's Tower re-opened following a restoration. A cliff walk from Doolin is another brilliant development... not least with local farmer Pat Sweeney as a guide.

"I don't care how touristy they have become, they are still very impressive," one reader said.

Others cited an emotional connection ("they make me feel like I am home"), or the "magical, mystical, moon-like karst" that has served as a location for movies including The Princess Bride and Harry Potter, or the power of nature in bringing "visitors of all nations" together - "hearing people in all languages and none, feeling and reflecting wonderment".

"You feel like you are at the edge of the world."

Please check our Cliffs of Moher & Aran Islands Bicycle Holiday

More News

Apr 16European Cycle Route of the year

The Royal Canal Greenway - 2022 European Cycle route of the year

Mar 07EBike Hire on The Royal Canal

Midlands Cycle Hub now renting and selling EBikes on the Royal Canal.

Dec 04Christmas gift vouchers now available

Order a gift voucher with Midlands Cycle Hub

Nov 22Midlands Cycle Hub - What we offer

Midlands Cycle Hub - What to expect

Aug 22Independent Newspaper includes Midlands Cycle Hub / Discover Ireland

Midlands Cycle Hub is now part of the Discover Ireland brand as per recent advertisement in Independent newspapers.

Aug 15The Famine Way | Bike Hire

Midlands Cycle Hub continue to promote The National Famine way all year round.

Jun 20Irish Times Article on Famine Way and Midlands Cycle hub

Irish Times Article Discussing Midlands Cycle Hubs new drop off points

Jun 05Midlands Cycle Hub included in Independent Newspapers 20 best things to to this weekend.

The Great Outdoors are calling as the country opens up after lockdown, writes Pol O Conghaile - Irish Independent

May 27Knights on Bikes

Morning outing with Deirdre and Bartle from Knights and Conquests Granard.

May 22Clondra Included in Irish Times 32 county cycle trails

Midlands Cycle Hub - Bike Hire / 32 great Cycling routes in Ireland - One in every county

Apr 11Outdoor Activities Re-Opening

Outdoor Activities to re-open 26-April - Midands Cycle Hub - Bike Hire to Open May 26th

Apr 04Midlands Cycle Hub - Bike hire, Launching May 26th , Book now

NEW! Bike Hire Service - Midlands Cycle Hub Clondra, Co Longford - launching May 26th for Traffic free Cycling on the Royal Canal - Now taking bookings