Having a monument, a town, a street, a museum, or any area acknowledged as of great importance by UNESCO is a proud moment for any country. If your next holiday is taking you to the western edge of Europe, consider visiting these nine historically, scientifically, or culturally significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland and Ireland.
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UNESCO Sites
1. The Antonine Wall
Let's start with the first of the six World Heritage Sites in Scotland. Marked as the northernmost and the most complex frontier of the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago, the Antonine Wall runs across central Scotland. It was built for Emperor Antoninus Pius.
2. Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Another UNESCO site in Scotland is a Neolithic landscape that includes Skara Brae, a cluster of prehistoric houses; Maeshowe, a passage grave; the Stones of Stenness, with four remaining megaliths from a henge; and the Ring of Brodgar, a large stone circle.
These are monumental masterpieces with great historical significance to the country, giving insights into the lives of thousands of years prior.
3. Bru na Boinne
One of Ireland's UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the area within the bend of the River Boyne, which contains one of the world's most important prehistoric landscapes.
There are three passage tombs: Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth, built approximately 5,000 years ago. Additionally, there are over 90 other monuments in the area. As a result, Bru na Boinne has outstanding universal value. Travel fast with Ireland trains!
4. New Lanark
A small village on the River Clyde in Scotland, New Lanark was awarded the accolade in 2001 for its industrial significance. It was founded in the 18th century and was primarily used to build cotton mills and provide housing for workers.
After the village's ownership fell into the hands of Welsh utopian socialist and philanthropist Robert Owen, New Lanark flourished to its full potential and became an incredibly successful business site.
5. Skellig Michael
The second UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ireland on our list is Skellig Michael, an island in the Atlantic Ocean, best known for its 6th-century Gaelic monastery. It's also famous for the variety of inhabiting species, including gannets, puffins, a colony of razorbills, and grey seals.
Skellig Michael is a challenging site for archaeologists, as it is remarkable that an island with such old buildings remains in such good condition. See for yourself.
6. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
Visiting Edinburgh while in Scotland is a must, and now that you know that the Old and New Towns are widely appreciated, you cannot miss exploring them. Both parts of the city are unique, offering a perfect blend of Medieval times and culture, as well as Georgian town planning.
Generally, Edinburgh is renowned for having one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world. While navigating this part of Europe, consider taking the train from London to Edinburgh for a comfortable transportation option.
7. St Kilda
Another one for Scotland! St Kilda is a group of remote islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, and UNESCO has recognized it for its spectacular landscapes and some of the highest cliffs in Europe.
St Kilda is also a perfect place to visit if you are into birdwatching, as it has one of the largest bird colonies on the continent. The archipelago has been uninhabited since 1930, yet it exhibits signs of at least 2,000 years of human presence on these islands.
8. Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast
A spectacular area of great geological importance, the Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast is a site of naturally formed rocks and columns, creating a pavement of remarkable precision.
Another beautiful fact about this UNESCO World Heritage Site is that, due to the particular shape of the stones, locals have started a legend that these are the footprints of giants walking their way from Ireland to Scotland, hence the name.
9. The Forth Bridge
The Forth Bridge is a 1.5-mile (2.5 kilometers) long, 328 feet (100 meters) high bridge in central Edinburgh. It links the city to the Lothians in the south with Fife and the Highlands in the north.
This bridge is highly significant due to its architecture and clever design. The Forth Bridge might be the most accessible site to visit on this list, so make sure to include it in your plans.
Expand your horizons and knowledge by visiting some, if not all, of these unique sites in Scotland and Ireland. See if you can appreciate and understand why UNESCO recognized them-some places you must see with your own eyes.
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This story is published in partnership with Firebird Tours LLC.
