THE CLIFFS of Moher in Co Clare have topped a new poll of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks.
Located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region and spanning roughly 14 kilometres (9 miles), the cliffs remain a must-see for anyone visiting the Emerald Isle.
The Cliffs of Moher came in top with 67% score from a survey of 2,000 people conducted by hotel group Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels Ireland and UK.
The Giant’s Causeway in Co Antrim was voted the second “must see” landmark with a 59% score just ahead of Newgrange in Co Meath which earned a 58% rating.
The Giant's Causeway in Co. Antrim (Picture: Tourism Ireland)Other notable entries included the Ring of Kerry (45%) and Kilmainham Gaol, in Dublin (38%) which completed the top five.
There were also points for each of the following:
- Hill of Tara - 32%
- Blarney Castle, County Cork - 30%
- Dublin Castle - 28%
- Molly Malone Statue, Dublin - 28%
- Bunratty Castle - 27%
- English Market, Paul Street, Cork - 23%
- Poolbeg Chimneys - 23%
- Custom House, Dublin 19%
- Daniel O’Connell, Dublin - 15%
- Spire of Dublin - 14%
- The colourful houses of Cobh- 9%
- Cork City Gaol - 6%
- Holy Trinity Church, Cork - 5%
- Swiss Cottage, Co. Tipperary- 4%
- Anna Livia, Dublin - 2%
- Lewis Glucksmann Gallery in Co. Cork - 2%
- Universal Links on Human Rights, Dublin - 2%
- Mr. Screen Dublin - 1%
The research also focused on some of Ireland’s most unusual sights, with Nearly two in five (37%) of respondents naming the Spire on Dublin’s O’Connell Street as Ireland’s oddest landmark.
Cliffs of MoherOther well-known Dublin landmarks on the oddball list including the contentious Poolbeg Towers (AKA the Pigeon House on 19%), Anna Livia - a bronze monument located in Croppies Memorial Park in Dublin (10%), and the Mr Screen statue, which was formally on Hawkins Street next to the Screen Cinema (9%).
