This European island is the third largest island in the continent, and the twentieth largest in the planet. It is divided into two: the Republic of Ireland which is about 83% of the island and the rest of the island is under Northern Ireland which is a piece of the United Kingdom. In the year 2005, Ireland was hailed the best place to live in terms of the quality of life, as studied by The Economist magazine. It is also home to thousands of animals and plants in which some of it is found only in this country.
Carrauntoohil
Carrauntoohil is the highest point in Ireland, found in County Kerry. It has the highest point of 3400 feet; it beats all four mountains in Wales and in England. This is the primary mountain in the Macgillycuddy Reeks and has ragged rock formations such as sharp edges that make it a unique mountain. It is believed that the peaks are formed because of the glacial erosion that occurred on the last ice age, and has slowly made these forms that can be seen now. Tourists can enjoy the long climb and be awed to see the majestic view that this mountain provides.
River Shannon
This is the longest river in Ireland, stretching a length of 161 miles in the south to meet the Atlantic Ocean. It splits the western Ireland to the Southeastern areas of the country. It possess abundant life under its waters and around the river, making it a great place for tourists that wants to see wildlife while taking a boat to travel the long road of the river. There are also ancient ruins scattered on the areas of River Shannon that is an important piece to uncover the past of Ireland. The name Shannon came from the Celtic goddess Sionna.
Giant’s Causeway
This is one of the most amazing structures that nature has made, with its unique polygonal columns of basalt layers. The Giant’s Causeway is the only wonder in Northern Ireland that is declared as a World Heritage Site. There are more than 50,000 columns that are joined together in uniform. These wonderful formation dates back for over 60 million years ago, following three volcanic activities that caused lavas to rise up from the fissures and forms three layers of basalts. Erosion then took part on making the patterned shapes of the basalt that we now see. Popular names for the Giant’s Causeway are Chimney Stacks, The Harp, The Organ and the Camel’s Hump.
Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is among the most wonderful place in Ireland that one has to see. It is popular for the unique structure of monasteries that were built during the 12th century by the monks. This is an important piece of religious value and a natural wonder at the same time because it is a monastery located in an island far from the main land. And because of the inaccessibility of this place, the flora and fauna that has lived in the area is preserved as well as the structures that the monks built themselves. Dolphins, sea birds, seals and puffins are among the animals that thrive around Skellig Michael and activities such as diving and fishing are the popular things to do near the area.
Murlough National Nature Reserve
This is Ireland’s first nature reserve, declared on the year 1967. It contains a landscape made up of wonderful dunes. Its environmental importance made it a national reserve, with the wonderful beach that resides here; rich animals such as butterflies and vast floras including the wild flowers; and an important path for migratory birds. Tourists can take pictures on the nature and wildlife that Murlough National Nature Reserve offers.