In recent years, with the favorable policies of the Irish government towards Chinese students, the number of people immigrating to Ireland for study has been increasing. Through studying in Ireland, more and more people have fallen in love with this country. What is the charm of Ireland? Let’s explore together with the editor and visit some of its most famous attractions!
For some reason, Ireland always gives a delicate and exquisite feeling. This island nation, with an area of just over 70,000 square kilometers, is small but refined. The traces of a long history are left here, and the enchanting scenery captivates people's eyes, while passionate dances leap into people's hearts.
If you were to describe your impression of Ireland, what would it be? The passionate Riverdance, Guinness stout, Oscar Wilde, Westlife, or the romantic prohibition of divorce? Clearly, this emerald isle has more to offer than just beautiful scenery. Ireland boasts over 5,000 years of history, and the Irish are descendants of the first inhabitants of the European continent. It also has its own unique language, Gaelic, even though it remains the only English-speaking country in Europe outside of the United Kingdom. Perhaps for many who have visited Ireland, the initial trip was just a side visit after going to the UK, but upon leaving, they find themselves deeply enchanted. The history, culture, and traditions of this country are rich in charm.
National Treasure Library
In 1592, Queen Elizabeth I of England built the "Holy and Indivisible Trinity College" to "civilize" Ireland. For over 400 years, it has been a world-renowned educational center. Famous writers such as Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde graduated from here. The college consists of two square courtyards, and the European architectural style of the 17th and 18th centuries gives it an elegant atmosphere. The most famous feature of Trinity College is its library, which is on par with the British Library and the University of Oxford Library, and is the oldest and largest research library in Ireland, housing many national treasure-level books. The library building itself is also quite spectacular, mostly wooden structures with soaring arched ceilings and neatly arranged bookshelves; indeed, this is the library of Hogwarts.
Admission: €9 for adults, €8 for students and seniors
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Emerald Isle
Grasslands and pastures occupy 80% of Ireland's total area, earning it the name of the Emerald Isle. St. Stephen's Park is the most famous park in Ireland, with lush trees, green lawns, artificial lakes, and waterfalls. Since its opening to the public in 1880, it has maintained a traditional Victorian layout, with vibrant flowers blooming in spring and summer. Every year on June 16, St. Stephen's Park holds St. Patrick's Day celebrations, where thousands of people gather to revel, dancing and singing to the accompaniment of large concerts. Horse-drawn carriages are also available for touring Dublin city, and the National Museum and National Gallery nearby are also worth a visit.
Cliffs of Moher
The grandeur of the Cliffs of Moher can only be truly appreciated in person; any description falls short. Located on the west coast of Ireland, about an hour's drive from Galway, the cliffs were formed by geological movements and the erosion of the Atlantic Ocean over thousands of years. Viewed from above, the sheer cliffs appear to have been cleaved by some divine force, and upon closer inspection, they reveal layers upon layers of geological formations, like a grand tome chronicling the Atlantic's tumultuous history. The highest point of the cliffs is about 200 meters above sea level, making it the highest cliff in Europe. Many films have been shot here. In "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," the scene where Harry and Dumbledore stand was filmed at the Cliffs of Moher.
Admission: €6 for adults, €4 for students
The Youngest Church
Galway is a tranquil little city filled with artistic atmosphere, not considered a popular tourist destination in Ireland, and it does not have many attractions. Galway Cathedral can be regarded as a must-visit site in Galway. It is the youngest stone church in Europe and the largest building in Galway. It was once the site of an old city prison, and the current Galway Cathedral was built on the prison's ruins in 1958. The style of the entire church is not uniform; the dome and columns are Renaissance-style, while the rose windows and mosaic facade are influenced by Christian art. However, what attracts visitors is the church choir. Since the church was built, performances have been held during major holidays. In addition to traditional hymns, there are also performances of traditional Irish music.
Riverdance
Riverdance is one of the most popular performances in Ireland. Each performance lasts about 2 hours, but Riverdance tours around the world every year, with only a limited time in Dublin, so if you want to watch it, you must pay attention to the performance schedule in advance.
River Liffey Boat Tour
The River Liffey divides Dublin into two parts, the south city and the north city, with most of Dublin's attractions concentrated in the south city. If you want to take in the cityscape of Dublin, a boat tour might be a good choice. The boat travels from Dublin Bay's port all the way to Phoenix Park, with commentary on Dublin's history and culture.
€14 for adults, €12 for students