Most beautiful places in Ireland

Ireland is a land of legend, history and incredible beauty, as can be seen in the many awe-inspiring places we’ve listed below. Many of the most beautiful places in Ireland are found along the Wild Atlantic Way – a trip of a lifetime if you have the time. Others are found inland, with many places to visit in Ireland having fascinating historic links, as well as imposing landscapes.

We’ve picked out some of the best places to visit in Ireland and Northern Ireland, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. Between these highlights, you’ll find warm and welcoming towns and villages, less-frequented pockets of paradise, and fabulous views aplenty – all served up with a dollop of inimitable Irish culture.

Take a look at our list of the best places to go in Ireland below and start planning your beautiful Irish getaway.

Holiday cottages in Ireland

Skip to:

Giant's Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its curiously tessellating geological formations. Comprising approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, it is the result of volcanic activity around 60 million years ago.

Don’t forget your camera when you visit these remarkable hexagonal columns; rising dramatically from the sea, they create a stunning backdrop for your holiday snaps (and have been frequented by curious visitors for centuries).

While science can explain this geological phenomenon, legend has it that the causeway was built by the giant Finn McCool as a pathway to Scotland to confront a rival giant. In fact, the area is rich in folklore and history; delve in while you’re there at the shiny National Trust visitor centre.

Down the road (7.5 miles), another coastal spectacle, this time manmade, is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge which dangles a vertiginous 30 metres above the rocks below.

The Dark Hedges

The hauntingly beautiful scene created by the majestic beach trees of the Dark Hedges in County Antrim makes this section of road an attraction in itself. Planted in the 18^th century by the Stuart family as a scenic entrance to their estate, the trees have grown into a captivating natural archway.

The Dark Hedges gained international fame as a filming location for the popular fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’, drawing fans and photographers alike. The atmospheric setting, especially when shrouded in mist, evokes a sense of mystery and enchantment – you may find yourself re-enacting the escape of Arya Stark from King’s Landing!

It is no longer possible to drive down The Dark Hedges road, leaving it traffic-free for walkers to admire.

Benbulben Mountain

Benbulben Mountain, a striking landmark in County Sligo, is part of the Darty Range and is known for its distinctive, flat-topped profile. At a dizzying height of 497 metres, the panoramic views from the top are something else! Encompassing the surrounding countryside and extending over the Atlantic Ocean, the vistas can be enjoyed, perhaps with a poem by W B Yeats running through your head, as he was buried nearby.

The area is also deeply connected to Irish mythology, but it’s the natural beauty that brings so many hikers and nature enthusiasts, keen to explore the rugged cliffs and diverse ecosystems of the lush woodland and rocky terrain. The top can be reached on a fairly easy walk and it’s well worth the effort.

Connemara

Connemara, in County Galway, is steeped in history and legend, with many considering it to be a place where you can experience the ‘real’ Ireland. The area is home to the largest Gaeltacht, a district where Irish is identified as the first language, in the country.

The landscapes are just incredible; its wild and rugged terrain hemmed in by the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean. Here there are varied habitats, including the peaceful expanse of the Blanket Bogs, bounded by mountains; picturesque rolling hills criss-crossed by dry stone walls; and a coast which resembles a rough torn edge of paper with gorgeous sandy coves and charming towns and villages tucked along it.

Connemara National Park spreads across 2,000 hectares, encompassing some of the famous Twelve Bens mountain range. Elegant Kylemore Abbey is one of the top attractions, home to a Benedictine order of nuns and sitting within a majestic estate. The small Connemara town of Clifden is a great jumping-off point for active adventures.

Galway

Bursting with character, the city of Galway is a hive of activity. Its streets throng with live music, the year is packed with a busy programme of events, and there are myriad beautiful places to explore.

The colourful houses lining Galway Bay provide a striking backdrop for an evening walk to one of the welcoming pubs, while the suburb of Salthill and its long promenade oozes seaside charm. Of course, the much-photographed, 16^th-century Spanish Arch has a historic beauty of its own and is now a favourite spot for buskers and revellers. Galway is widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in Ireland.

Lough Corrib, from which the River Corrib flows into the sea via Galway, is located to the north of the city. The 35-mile-long freshwater lake is home to salmon and brown trout and is studded with pretty islands, making it a fabulous destination for boat cruises and angling.

The Burren

A vast, lunar-like expanse of limestone, pitted with cracks and crevices, The Burren National Park stretches along the coast of County Clare. Harbouring caves and fossils, it’s like a giant’s pavement and provides a habitat for multifarious plants and flowers.

It’s one of those places that makes you feel in awe of nature – it’s not difficult to see why creatives throughout history have been inspired to capture its beauty in poems, prose and paintings.

High up on the plateau is Poulnabrone Dolmen, Ireland’s oldest dated megalithic monument, where the remains of 33 humans were buried over a period of 600 years from 3800 to 3200 BC. The dramatic cavern of Doolin Cave, home of Europe’s largest stalactite, makes a magical addition to your itinerary.

The Burren also hosts several independent businesses, including The Burren Perfumery, the Burren Birds of Prey Centre and the Burren Smokehouse.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are arguably Ireland’s most well-known natural attraction, or at least on a par with the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Dramatic, sheer cliffs plunge down into the tumultuous waters of the North Atlantic. Home to colonies of nesting seabirds, the cliffs are an important breeding site and a designated Special Protection Area.

The cliffs and the fabulous sea views are best admired from the paved pathways and platforms, the highest of which is a dizzying 214 metres above sea level. O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835, provides another fantastic viewing experience; the Aran Islands are visible on a clear day, as well as Galway Bay to the right, and Liscannor Bay to the left.

Explore the exhibitions in the cave-like visitor centre, to better understand the geology, history and wildlife of the area. The 4D Ledge Experience is not to be missed!

Dingle Peninsula

Get ready to catch your breath when you take a trip around the Dingle Peninsula, where captivating landscapes harbour a rich history and culture. Stretching into the Atlantic Ocean, with a mountainous spine, it features dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and rolling green hills, ensuring that whichever way you turn, you’re in for a treat.

The delightful town of Dingle, complete with colourful houses, lively pubs, and mouthwatering seafood makes for the perfect pitstop on your peninsula tour. There are lots of ancient sites to explore too, including beehive huts and the iconic Gallarus Oratory, a well-preserved early Christian church. The highest mountain road in Ireland is also found on the Dingle Peninsula – the Conor Pass – don’t miss it if you love exceptional views.

The Slea Head drive out of Dingle is a good place to start your peninsula adventures; you’ll soon come across some beehive huts, just like those on Skellig Michael which featured in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

The Ring of Kerry

Stock up with car snacks for this fabulous scenic drive around the jaw-dropping Iveragh Peninsula. The Ring of Kerry is renowned for its incredible landscapes, charming villages and rich cultural heritage, spread along the 111 miles of its route – it is undeniably one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland.

Discover picturesque towns – the likes of Killarney, Kenmare and Sneem – taking in the panoramic views of mountains, lakes and the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean along the way. There’s awe-inspiring natural beauty awaiting around every turn; a checklist of impressive natural highlights that together furnish an Ireland trip to remember. If driving feels like the easy option, keen cyclists can take on the Ring of Kerry cycling route (134 miles) along quiet country roads.

Pristine, white sand beaches line the coast, while the characterful towns add a splash of colour to the landscape with their brightly painted buildings. Look up at night and you’ll be treated to yet another dazzling natural display – this time courtesy of the universe. Twinkling stars permeate the darkness here, a designated Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve.

Beara Peninsula

The spine of the Beara Peninsula is formed by the Miskish and Caha mountains, creating a broad spit of land that harbours friendly villages, historic sites and a stunning coastline. It is heralded by many as the most beautiful section of the Wild Atlantic Way. The driving route which encircles the Beara Peninsula is known as the Ring of Beara and is a favourite among cyclists looking for an experience which is as scenic as it is challenging.

Other routes of interest on the Beara Peninsula are Beara Way – a 128-mile-long trail which can be walked or cycled – and the Beara-Breifne Way, which starts in the Beara Peninsula with stamps to collect along its long, meandering route up through the country.

There are lots of attractions to take in while on the Beara Peninsula. One of the most thrilling is a trip on the Dursey Cable Car, which connects the small, uninhabited island of Dursey with the mainland. There are art galleries, gardens and a golf course on Beara, and if you’ve got your sea legs, there are activities aplenty to enjoy off the coast, including kayaking and wildlife watching.

Old Head of Kinsale

Pack a picnic, lace up some sturdy walking boots and put your best foot forward for a walk around the Old Head of Kinsale – a large promontory which rises like a leviathan out of the Atlantic Ocean.

Take in the ruins of an old fort, thought to have been built by the Celts around 100BC, before reaching the iconic black and white Old Head Lighthouse.

If walking isn’t enough of a challenge, take on the Old Head Golf Links course, where there’s a real danger of not sinking your ball into the hole you’re aiming for, but instead sending it to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean! Old Head of Kinsale is a discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way, with the next stop being Timoleague Abbey, 14 miles away.

Waterford Greenway

Those who are looking for a cycling adventure will love the 28.5-mile Waterford Greenway from Waterford City to Dungarvan. The spectacular Comeragh Mountains are a highlight of the route, as well as the varied landmarks which include 11 bridges, three viaducts and a 400-metre-long tunnel.

The route can be explored in sections and is great for active families who want to discover Ireland on two wheels. It is traffic-free, along well-surfaced paths, and there are many interesting stopping points en route, as well as cafes where you can recharge your batteries.

Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel is also known as St Patrick’s Rock. It is a collection of stunning medieval buildings, perched atop a limestone hill. Dating back to the 12^th century, the buildings include a round tower, Cormac’s Chapel, a high cross and a Gothic cathedral, among others.

Unsurprisingly, given its stunning location, visiting the Rock of Cashel is among the top things to do in Ireland. It’s found its way onto our list, because it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Ireland too, affording astounding views of the surrounding countryside, and an unparalleled insight into Ireland’s heritage.

Glendalough

Meaning ‘Glen of Two Lakes’, Glendalough is a glacial valley in County Wicklow. Its two picturesque lakes are surrounded by mountains and lush woodlands, giving it a magical atmosphere. Its charms did not go unnoticed by St Kevin in the 6^th century, who founded a monastic settlement there. The well-preserved round tower, churches and ancient graveyards remain today, and there is no charge to visit.

Glendalough is located within the Wicklow Mountains National Park, with numerous walking trails in the area, including the Wicklow Way. Discover the natural splendour and wildlife, and soak up the tranquillity of this enchanting destination.

Dublin

The capital city of Ireland is Dublin; the country's throbbing heart and a UNESCO City of Literature. It is cool, edgy, culture-filled and colourful, packed with traditional Irish pubs, and overflowing with history.

Walk the cobbled streets of this city by the sea, and you’ll find yourself serenaded by talented buskers, tempted by independent boutiques, or perhaps lured in by the various cultural festivals and events throughout the year. Dublin is a very social city, where the nightlife is buzzing, and days are packed with adventure – within the city and the surrounding area.

Dublin has found its way onto our list, due to the urban beauty throughout the city. Enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar, climb to the peak of Killiney Hill to admire the uninterrupted panoramas and take in the spectacular architecture of the buildings juxtaposed in the Docklands. The Talbot Memorial Bridge over the River Liffey is another striking landmark.

The most beautiful places in Ireland on a map

View all of the best places to visit in Ireland above on this handy map.

<

Stay in one of our holiday cottages in Ireland

Our Ireland holiday cottages offer a comfortable and cosy base, wherever your search for beautiful Irish landscapes takes you. Whether you’re travelling with your family, heading off on a romantic getaway, or organising a big group trip, we’ve got you covered. Browse our entire collection of holiday cottages in Ireland below.

Holiday cottages in Ireland