Ireland is full of stunning landscapes, from rolling green hills to dramatic coastlines and ancient castles by peaceful lakes.
You can explore rugged cliffs that are lashed and carved by the Atlantic Ocean, walk through lush forests, or visit charming villages with cobbled lanes. Ireland has something beautiful to offer everyone.
Let’s dive into some of the most breathtaking places in Ireland, where every view feels like it belongs in a picture.
I just spent two weeks in Ireland, and I can’t wait to go back!
Beautiful Places In Ireland
Slea Head Drive, Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula is a fabulous finger of mountainous land that just out into the Atlantic Ocean.
National Geographic once described it “was the most beautiful place on earth.”
Pretty much all the roads are scenic. But the most beautiful drive of all is the Slea Head Drive. It’s 31 miles of sheer loveliness.
You take it west from the town of Dingle (also very cute and colorful!). You’ll know you’ve reached the start of the drive when you see the shrine with a white cross.
You’ll be rewarded with ancient beehive huts, stunning beaches, and views of the Blasket Islands.
A couple stops are Star Wars filming locations — Sybil Head and Dunmore Head.
They appeared in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and served as part of the backdrop for the planet Ahch-To, where scenes featuring Rey and Luke Skywalker were filmed.
And you can stop along the way to feed sheep and hold a baby lamb.
One of the most photographed locations on the peninsula is Dunquin Pier. It features a winding path down to the water, with stunning views of the Blasket Islands.
If it’s a clear day and you’re feeling brave, you can access the Slea Head Drive via the Conor Pass, which takes you from Tralee to Dingle.
It’s a super narrow road though and parts of it are on the edge of a cliff. In Dingle, they actually sell “I survived Conor Pass” magnets.
You can also get to Dingle on a guided tour from Killarney. Or you can explore on a sea safari if the weather cooperates.
Valentia Island
Valencia Island can be accessed as part of the Slea Head Drive. After you pass Portmagee, you cross the causeway onto the island. (You can also visit via a sea safari.)
It’s a delightful place with tiny patchwork fields, fine cliffs, and a subtropical garden. The Island provides some of the best views of the Skellig Islands, especially Skellig Michael.
Once you’re over the bridge, you land in the little fishing village of Knightstown. There are some great pubs and restaurants here.
If hiking is on your agenda, head to Brae Head or the Fogher Cliffs (for which there’s a small fee).
Another fascinating thing to see on the island are the Tetrapod Footprints.
About 380 million years ago, a four legged vertebrate went for a stroll across some soft sand and left footprints behind. They hardened and left behind an invaluable historical record.
Killarney National Park
Spanning over 26,000 acres, the Killarney National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
It’s a stunningly beautiful area has packed with lakes, mountains, forests and history.
Your first stop should be Ross Castle, the medieval tower home of an Irish chieftain.
The castle has a stunning setting on the shores of Lough Leane. Ireland’s highest mountains, the Macgillycuddy Reeks rise in the distance.
A bit further down the road is Muckross Abbey and the Muckross House and Gardens.
The abbey is a 15th century ruin with a cloistered courtyard and giant yew tree in the middle.
The house is a Tudor style mansion built in the 19th century. Its gardens will wow you and make you feel like you’re doing something wrong at your own place by comparison.
Your next stop is Torc Waterfall.
It’s not the grandest waterfall in the world. But its uber-green parkland setting is appealing and there are plenty of walking trails though moss covered trees.
Finally, you can stop at Ladies’ View.
The story goes that when Queen Victoria visited Killarney, her ladies scoped out the area and decided this was the most beautiful spot.
The viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Gap of Dunlop and the Upper Lake, one of the three Lakes of Killarney.
You can explore this area by car on your own, in a jaunting car, a boat cruise, or even on horseback.
Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a picturesque mountain pass that stretches about 8 miles through the rugged MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain range.
It dates back 2 million years, when it was formed by ice movement between the mountains.
The road is narrow and winding and very busy in the summer months.
You can see it by hiking, driving, or taking a horse drawn carriage called a “jaunting car.”
I don’t advise driving really. You may get stuck behind a jaunting car and the roads are very narrow.
If you want to hike or hire a jaunting car, park near Kate Kearney’s Cottage. You can also book a guided walking and boat tour.
Along the way, you’ll see five beautiful lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough, each connected by the River Loe.
Slieve League Cliffs
Ireland’s landscapes are stunning, and Slieve League Cliffs are a highlight you won’t want to miss!
Standing almost three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher, these cliffs are among Europe’s highest sea cliffs.
Just over an hour’s drive from Donegal, the journey to Slieve League is part of the adventure.
The winding, sheep-dotted road can be thrilling. But don’t let the narrow paths intimidate you. The drive is well worth it for the breathtaking views.
Before reaching the cliffs, stop by the charming Slieve League Visitor Centre. You can book a coach tour or enjoy a coffee at Ti Linn Cafe.
At the fork in the road, go left for the viewing point or right for a hike on Pilgrim’s Trail. The viewing point offers amazing sights, but be cautious near the edge due to high winds.
If you plan to hike, bring a warm jacket and sturdy boots. The One Man’s Pass trail is for experienced hikers only.
It’s narrow and rocky but offers incredible views of the Atlantic. Enjoy the adventure and the spectacular scenery!
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are the most visited natural attraction in Ireland, drawing over 1 million visitors per year. They soar over 700 feet high.
The main path is 5 miles long, well-maintained, and fenced off. Other paths have been closed recently due to erosion and unsafe cliff edges. (And too many people getting too close to the edge!)
Though the Slieve League Cliffs are higher, what sets Moher apart is their utter sheerness. You’ll feel as if you’ve reached the end of the world.
The cliff have been around for quite awhile. They were formed 320 million years ago.
The cliffs boast an extraordinary diversity of birds, which swoop and soar in the wind. If you’re an amateur ornithologist, you may want to bring some binoculars to see them up close.
To see the cliffs from a different angle, you can take a boat tour to see them from the water.
These tours offer a unique perspective of the cliffs, allowing you to appreciate their sheer height and dramatic formations up close.
The boat tours typically depart from nearby locations such as Doolin Pier, located just a short drive from the cliffs. If you’re prone to sea sickness, bring some dramamine!
Since 2007, there has also been a Visitor Centre. The exhibitions inside bring to life the area’s geology and wildlife. There’s also audio visual displays, rest rooms, and a gift shop.
You can drive to the the cliffs or go on a guided tour from Dublin or from Galway.
Kilkee Cliffs
The Kilkee Cliffs, located along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare, offer stunning coastal views similar to the Cliffs of Moher but without the large crowds.
These cliffs are less commercialized, providing a more serene and natural experience with breathtaking vistas of rugged coastline, sea arches, and crashing waves.
The Kilkee Cliff Walk is a scenic trail offering up stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic coastal landscape. The full loop walk is approximately 5 miles long, starting and ending in the cute town of Kilkee.
The trail is well-marked and relatively easy. It taks about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
Along the way, you’ll pass notable features like the Diamond Rocks, Pollock Holes (natural rock pools), and various sea stacks and arches. The walk is suitable for most fitness levels too!
Howth Cliff Walk
The Howth Cliff Walk is a fantastic and easy hike for those looking for an easy day trip from Dublin.
This 3.5 mile loop takes you along stunning cliff tops with sweeping views of the Atlantic, Dublin Bay, and Ireland’s rugged coastline.
Along the way, you’ll spot Baily Lighthouse and Howth Harbour Lighthouse, and you might even see Ireland’s Eye with its bird sanctuary.
Start your hike from the DART train station in Howth and follow the green arrows. If you’re up for more exploration, the trail offers options like the longer purple trail near Baily Lighthouse or a scenic walk through Howth Village on your return.
While hiking, you’ll also encounter historical sites like Martello Tower, built to guard against French attacks in the Napoleonic Wars, and Balscadden House, where poet W.B. Yeats once lived.
Don’t miss a visit to St. Mary’s Abbey, a 15th century site where the bells once guided fishermen home.
If you’re not driving, you can visit on a guided tour from Dublin.
The Ring of Beara
The Ring of Beara is a lesser-known alternative to the famous Ring of Kerry, but it’s equally stunning and I preferred it.
The ring loops around the Beara Peninsula, stretching from towns like Kenmare (in County Kerry) and Castletownbere (in County Cork).
It covers a distance of about 85 miles.
When driving this ring, you’ll traverse the Healy Pass as part of the route.
The pass offers dramatic, high-altitude views and is a key highlight of the drive. But you want to do this on a clear day!
I saw the pass described as a “dangerous” road because it’s so narrow.
But we were almost the only ones on it even during high season. And there were no endless caravans of tour buses like on the Ring of Kerry.
Along the way, you’ll see gorgeous beaches, cliffs, and a jagged coastline.
Glanagleenty Forest
Glanagleenty Forest is located in County Kerry, near the towns of Glenbeigh and Tralee. It’s a serene and picturesque area known for its lush greenery and tranquil walking trails.
The forest is part of the larger Glenbeigh Forest Park, which offers visitors a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the natural beauty.
The forest has several well-maintained trails that allow you to explore its diverse landscape, from dense woodlands to open areas with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
As you walk through the forest, you’ll encounter picturesque spots with views of the nearby mountains and the surrounding countryside.
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands, located off the western coast of Ireland, are a trio of rugged islands known for their stunning landscapes, ancient stone forts, and vibrant Gaelic culture.
The best words to describe them are remote and untouched. There’s a refreshing lack of modern day trappings.
People have been on the Island for 5,000 years. They left their mark in the form of megalithic tombs.
The most impressive of the stone first is Dun Aengus. It’s semicircular and sits on the edge of a precipice plunging down to the Atlantic.
There’s a rectangular stone slab. But, much like Stonehenge, no one really knows for sure what its function was. Though you can imagine all sorts of nasty sacrificial things.
The best way to get around the Aran Islands is by biking or hiking. You can hire bikes on all three islands.
If you are hiking, plan on it taking most of the day. There are plenty of well marked paths and scenic trails.
On Inis Mór (the largest island), you can also hire a jaunting car.
>>> Click here to book a boat cruise of the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher
Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael, also known as Great Skellig, is a dramatic, steep-sided island off the coast of County Kerry.
It’s renowned for its ancient monastic settlement, founded in the 6th century. Stone beehive huts cling to the cliffs, offering up breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Skellig Michael is not only a place of historical and spiritual significance but also a popular filming location. It was famously featured as a remote hideaway in the Star Wars film The Force Awakens.
You’ll want to book a guided tour to see it all. But know that high winds or extreme rain could result in a cancellation.
Kerry Cliffs
The Kerry Cliffs are located near the town of Portmagee on the Skellig Ring, which is part of the scenic Ring of Kerry route.
The cliffs are at about the halfway point of the Ring of Kerry. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to get there from Killarney.
There is a small fee to access the Kerry Cliffs, totally worth it. The parking area is near the entrance.
After parking, a short walk will take you to the designated viewing areas, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean, and the nearby Skellig Islands.
These cliffs rise about 1,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, offering some of the most dramatic and breathtaking coastal views in Ireland.
Bromore Cliffs
The Bromore Cliffs, located near the town of Ballybunion in County Kerry, are a must visit hidden gem in Ireland.
These cliffs are less known than some of Ireland’s other famous cliff sites, providing a more peaceful and almost entirely private experience.
Like the Kerry Cliffs, there is a small fee of 3 euros to access the cliff walk. But you’ll be wowed by rock formations, sea stacks, and rugged cliff edges.
A well-marked looped walking trail runs along the cliff tops, offering visitors easy access to some of the best viewpoints.
Bromore Cliffs are home to a variety of seabirds, including gulls, cormorants, and the occasional puffin.
Connemara National Park
Few places in Ireland are more beautiful and evocative than Connemara. It’s a wild, remote, and alluring landscape. You can wander around its mountains, bog, lakes, and rugged coasts.
Connemara is in western Galway. It’s bounded by the narrow fjord of Hillary Harbor, Lough Corrib, Galway Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Connemara National Park is a teensy bit of this area and just chock full of breathtaking scenery. And you’ll enjoy it all the more if you pack your hiking shoes for the walking trails.
The park is largely centered around Diamond Hill. The views from the slopes and summit are priceless.
There are also some megalith tombs in the park that date back 4,000 years.
The Visitors Center has exhibitions on the local flora, fauna, and geology. There are even some cute little Connemara ponies there.
Best of all, it’s all perfectly free. And, if you’re not driving, you can take a guided tour from Galway.
Adare
When I think of beautiful places in Ireland, I am usually thinking about nature, not cities.
But Adare is just too cute to leave off this list, and many consider it the most beautiful village in Ireland. It’s a popular place for weddings.
Adare is tiny, but still packs a load of stuff in terms of historical sites, gorgeous thatched homes, and great pubs.
For a whirlwind tour of the sites, start on the eastern end and check out Desmond Castle. Nearby is another imposing ruin, that of the Franciscan Friary, which dates from 1464.
Over the bridge is the entrance to the perfectly preserved Augustinian Friary.
On the Main Street, you’ll find a collection of thatched cottages dating from the 1820s.
Today, they house tearooms, crafts shops, etc. And you will definitely be photographing them!
After your stroll, you can relax in the town park or sit down at one of the pubs. I had a nice meal at Aunty Lena’s, which won pub of the year in 2023.
Deck of Cards, Cobh
Cobh (pronounced Cove) is a lovely little town just east of Cork. What draws people in is the so-called “Deck of Cards.”
It’s two different streets adorned with colorful houses. They look like a deck of cards stacked up against each other on a hill.
The joke is that if the house at the bottom were to collapse, then all the others would fall down too, something like a deck of cards.
Go up to the higher street directly across from the St. Colman’s Cathedral. You have to take the picture over the brick wall. But it can be done, even if you’re short.
Cobh was also the final port that the ill-fated Titanic stopped in. You can follow the Titanic trail or go on a historic guided walking tour.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the most beautiful places in Ireland. You may find these other Ireland and UK travel guides useful:
- 1 day in Belfast itinerary
- guide to Giant’s Causeway
- guide to the Rock of Cashel
- guide to Blarney Castle
- guide to St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- 3 days in London itinerary
- 5 days in London itinerary
- Best day trips from London
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