One of the reasons why the Thai people enjoy travelling in Ireland is because its topography and terrain is so strikingly different from the tropical landscape found in their own homeland. Think about it, low brooding clouds blown by a chilly wind overhead and a damp, emerald green meadow laced with heather underfoot. As far as the eye can see there’s nothing but rolling grassland, bisected by a maze of low stone walls, punctuated by craggy rock outcroppings, the odd flock of sheep or two and the occasional quaint hamlet. Nothing could be more different from the blazing sun and high humidity of rice paddies, verdant jungles and forested highlands of ‘The Land of Smiles’. Some of the top scenic destinations that every Thai tourist should see in Ireland include:
The Giant’s Causeway
This World Heritage site is Northern Ireland’s top tourist destination. According to local legend, the Giant’s Causeway was built by the Celtic King Finn MacCool to cross the sea, but modern day science tells us that these strangely symmetrical basalt columns were formed long before the king’s time – some 55,000,000 million years before to be exact. The hexagonal shaped vertical columns of basalt, inexplicitly point the way towards Scotland which can be seen on the distant horizon across the Isle of Man on a clear day. Despite its remote location, the Giant’s Causeway is one of nature’s most remarkable sights. It’s accessible by car and shuttle bus, and definitely among the top ten scenic sites to be seen on the Emerald Isle.
Glendalough
Glendalough, the valley of the two lakes, is one of the most rewarding day trips any tourist can make from the city of Dublin. The journey through the Wicklow Mountains has been described as “nothing but splendid” and the setting of Glendalough as “spectacular”, making the location of this early Christian monastic site truly one of Ireland’s most beautiful. Nestled between two tranquil lakes visitors and lovers of both history and architecture can explore the twin round towers of St. Kevin’s Kitchen, which in actuality is a church, and the surrounding cathedral ruins. If you don’t fancy either history or architecture, you can’t help but marvel at the raw beauty of the lakes, the valley and the surrounding hills.
Cliffs of Moher
If you find yourself in the west of Ireland, whatever you do, don’t pass up the Cliffs of Moher. There you’ll find an undulating meadow leading up to the Atlantic Ocean that suddenly ends in a breathtaking drop of more than 650 feet straight down to the rocks below. The area has been labelled one of the most stunning coastal areas in Europe. Even though it’s difficult to take your eyes off of the natural landscape, be sure to check out the spacious visitor center and the fascinating “Atlantic Edge” multimedia exhibition.