From the White House to O’Connell Street, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world. Faces and streets are painted green, and leprechaun costumes are dusted off as everyone prepares for a day of Guinness! Beyond the parades, celebrations and publicity stunts however, there’s a wealth of opportunities to discover more about Ireland and its unique cultural attractions. To celebrate the best of the Emerald Isle and the big day tomorrow, we’ve picked out 5 of the top attractions in Ireland, as well as 6 great holiday deals from Irish airports. You’re welcome!

Dun Aengus

Dun Aengus (Dún Aonaghasa) on the Aran Islands is an ancient clifftop fort and one of Ireland’s best-known attractions. The views along the coast are spectacular, and the archaeology of the site goes back to at least 1500 BC. The defensive structures and settlements are expected to receive UNESCO status, in recognition of their cultural and historic significance. If you’re looking for a walk with a breathtaking view when next visiting Ireland, this is a must-visit.

Top Tip: Take walking boots to make sure you’re secure when navigating your way across the terrain.

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Killarney National Park

Another of Ireland’s best-loved natural attractions, Killarney National Park in County Kerry comprises 10,000 hectares of Lakeland-like scenery. Highlights include Ross Castle, an imposing fifteenth-century building which was the last to hold out against Cromwell’s New Model Army. The park’s extensive and stunning landscapes make it extremely popular with walkers during Spring and Summer. If you’re on holiday with the kids, there’s nowhere better to visit and let them run off all their energy!

Top Tip: Take along a homemade checklist and see how much of the wildlife you can spot while you enjoy the park!

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Skelling Michael

In 2015, Skelling Michael, on County Kerry’s Ivereagh Peninsula, was already one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions. Since its inclusion in the latest Star Wars movie however, it has become a site of pilgrimage for fans of the films. This remote site on the edge of Europe has been famously described as an ‘incredible, impossible, mad place’, you can only imagine what it feels like when you’re visiting! It’s also one of the most important breeding sites for Irish seabirds, including puffins, Arctic Terns and Manx Shearwaters. If you’re fans of wildlife, historical sites, beautiful views or Star Wars – add Skelling Michael to your Irish to-do list!

Top Tip: There are no ferries to take you across so make sure you book your place on a private boat in advance!

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Giant’s Causeway

One of the British Isles’ most famous natural attractions, the Giant’s Causeway on Antrim’s North Atlantic coast has been inspiring visitors for centuries. When you plan your trip,  make sure you save time to truly experience all it has to offer.  The Giant’s Boot, the Wishing Chair and the Shepherd’s Steps are just 3 of the best elements this attraction has to offer, but don’t forget to marvel at the wildlife as you go and make time for the Visitor’s Centre, where you can eat, shop and look at the building which has won architectural prizes! If you’re travelling with kids, this truly is a day of adventure for them.

Top Tip: Don’t underestimate the length of time needed to enjoy this. Plan to spend the day there, rather than the afternoon to make the most of all it has to offer!

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Guinness Storehouse

After a tour of windswept natural attractions, you may be in need of some sustenance. The last in our list of Irish attractions is the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, the swanky tourist attraction attached to the old St James’s Gate Brewery in the heart of the city. Visitors are given a potted history of the brewery and told about what makes Guinness good. As well as a free pint, the seventh floor offers spectacular views of Dublin.

Top Tip: Book in advance to get into the fast track queue and to grab 10% off adult tickets.

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We couldn’t recommend Ireland more, it’s such a beautiful country and perfect for family holidays!

If, however, you’re looking for something slightly warmer at this point in time, we’ve put together 6 of the best sunny holiday deals! To continue with the celebration of all things Irish, the deals below all fly from airports around the green country.

(Don’t worry, everyone else can head over to our website to search for holidays flying from all airports. Today is the day for the Irish!)

What are you doing for St Patrick’s Day this year? Let us know and don’t forget to look out for our great travel photos over on Instagram.

Images via Flickr: Felipe Garcia, Tom Fahy, Javier Rioja, Jeff and Neda Fields, Kacper Gunia, Giuseppe Milo