37 Most Beautiful Places In Ireland [With Pictures!]
Here’s a list of the Most Beautiful Places In Ireland, I had to stop somewhere so here’s 37 but I could easily have listed thousands!
I’m in love with Ireland. I’m blown away every time I explore this beautiful country. I lived in New Zealand before and I loved the landscape, mountains, and hiking trails and never thought another country could compare, but Ireland exceeded my expectations!
I have traveled all around Ireland on cycling trips, hiking trips, driving routes, and boat tours, and I’m still amazed by the beauty of Ireland on every adventure.
37 Most Beautiful Places In Ireland:
3. Dingle
4. Dunquin
6. Sliabh Liag (Slieve League)
9. Malin Head
10. Arranmore Island
11. Cliffs of Moher
13. Lahinch
14. Giants Causeway
16. The Dark Hedges
17. Dunluce Castle
18. Garnish Island
19. Cobh
20. Kinsale
21. Blarney Castle
22. Mizen Head
23. Bru Na Boinne
24. Hill Of Tara
25. Trim Castle
26. Westport
27. Achill Island
28. Ashford Castle
29. Croagh Patrick
31. Malahide Castle
32. Wicklow Mountains National Park
33. Glendalough
35. Kylemore Abbey
36. The Aran Islands
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37 Most Beautiful Places In Ireland
1. Killarney National Park – Most Beautiful Places In Ireland
Killarney National Park is famous for its beautiful lakes, woodlands, and surrounding mountains. The national park also has some incredible architecture such as Ross Castle, Muckross House, and Muckross Abbey.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
Photo Credit: @hannes_becker
2. Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is an island off the coast of County Kerry. It has beehive-shaped huts that were used when it was a monastic settlement.
Parts of the Star Wars franchise were filmed on this beautiful island.
Where To Stay:
- Atlantic Sunset in Portmagee.
What To Do:
- Go on a boat tour to Skellig Michael.
Photo Credit: @ftn_charlotte
3. Dingle
Dingle is a traditional fishing town, known for its delicious seafood, colorful buildings, and vibrant nightlife.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Go on a Dingle Sea Safari.
4. Dunquin
Dunquin Pier is a picturesque spot along the Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula. The rock formations jutting out from the sea make for an incredible picture.
Where To Stay:
- Old Irish farmhouse in Ventry.
What To Do:
Photo Credit: @irelandtravel.ie
5. Gap Of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is an area of incredible natural beauty with mountains, lakes, and rivers. This is a great place for a bike ride or boat tour close to the town of Killarney.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
Photo Credit: @cariocatrips
6. Sliabh Liag (Slieve League)
Sliabh Liag Cliffs is a stunning location in Donegal. The cliffs are almost three times higher than the famous Cliffs of Moher.
The viewpoint at Sliabh Liag offers an incredible image of the sea and cliffs.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Go for a Slieve League cliffs cruise.
Photo Credit: @laurenofireland
7. Glenveagh National Park
Glenveagh National Park is a stunning area of natural beauty in the heart of County Donegal. It is the second-largest national park in Ireland.
The park includes beautiful lakes, mountains, and Glenveagh Castle.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Go for the Highlights Of the South Donegal Day Tour.
Photo Credit: @wildirishwanderer
8. Grianan Of Aileach
Grianan Of Aileach is a stone hillfort at the top of Greenan Mountain in the Inishowen Peninsula of Donegal.
It is a really cool historic location and it also offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Go for the Donegal Coast and Castles Day Tour.
9. Malin Head
Malin Head is the most northerly point in Ireland. It is also a stunning area with amazing views of the sea, cliffs, and the surrounding green fields.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Visit Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point.
Photo Credit: @creatingcalm_withclaire
10. Arranmore Island
Arranmore is a beautiful island off the coast of Donegal with amazing sea cliffs and sandy beaches. The island is part of the Gaeltacht so most of the inhabitants speak Irish.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Sail around the island with Arranmore Charters boat tours.
11. Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher is one of the most famous natural attractions in Ireland. There is a visitor center and many paved pathways and official viewpoints for you to enjoy the scenery.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Visit the famous Cliffs of Moher.
Photo Credit: @burrennationalpark
12. The Burren National Park
The Burren is an area with a rocky landscape, unique flora, and fauna along with a rich history and traditions.
There are also a lot of archaeological sites located in the Burren, most notable is the Poulnabrone Dolmen.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Go on a Guided Walk of the Burren.
Photo Credit: @kirbyyyy
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13. Lahinch
Lahinch is a beautiful seaside town in the west of County Clare.
Lahinch has an incredible beach that’s great for swimming and surfing and the views around Liscannor Bay are incredible.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Go for a swim or surf at Lahinch Beach.
14. Giants Causeway
The Giants Causeway is another world-famous natural attraction in Ireland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s made up of hexagonal basalt columns.
These strange stone columns create a very unique landscape.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Go on a Giants Causeway Tour.
Photo Credit: @turismoirlanda
15. The Nine Glens Of Antrim
The Nine Glens of Antrim is an area of beautiful valleys and scenic drives. They make up part of the Causeway Coastal Route.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Check out the Nine Glens of Antrim.
Photo Credit: @theplanetd
16. The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees that were planted over 200 years ago. They line the entrance to Gracehill House.
The scenic avenue was even used to depict ‘The Kings Road’ in Game of Thrones. It is now a popular tourist attraction in County Antrim.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Check out The Dark Hedges from Game of Thrones.
Photo Credit: @thelife.of_reilly
17. Dunluce Castle
This is a medieval castle that is now in ruins. It can be accessed via a bridge and has steep cliffs around all sides.
It is a beautiful location on the coast of County Antrim.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Check out Dunluce Castle.
Photo Credit: @lukecabrahams
18. Garnish Island
Garnish Island is an island located in Glengarriff Bay in County Cork. It is a tourist attraction with beautiful walled gardens and a martello tower.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Visit the beautiful gardens of Garnish Island.
Photo Credit: @hessionmarie
19. Cobh
Cobh is a seaport town on the south coast of Cork. It was previously known as Queenstown and was a departure point for the Titanic in 1912.
The town had a big emphasis on shipbuilding in the past. It was also a strategic naval location due to the natural protection of its harbor.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Check out the Cobh Heritage Centre.
Photo Credit: @palantje
20. Kinsale
Kinsale is probably the most colorful town in Ireland. Its buildings are painted bright colors such as pink, yellow, and blue.
The town has a lot of great cafes, bars and restaurants. The town also offers some stunning views of the harbor and marina.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
Photo Credit: @anaebrea
21. Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is most well known for the Blarney Stone. Also known as ‘the stone of eloquence’, it is said to give those who kiss it the ‘gift of the gab’ or the gift of eloquence.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
Photo Credit: @luisteix
22. Mizen Head
Mizen Head is the most southerly point in Ireland. It has amazing cliff scenery and sea views.
The Mizen Peninsula also has some beautiful villages such as Schull, and Crookhaven.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Take a Tour of Mizen Head.
Photo Credit: @valeriewalsheartist
23. Bru Na Boinne
Bru Na Boinne, also called the Boyne Valley Tombs, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area has many archeological sites such as the passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
Photo Credit: @tourismireland
24. Hill Of Tara
Irish stories and traditions identify the Hill of Tara as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland.
It is a very significant location in Irish history and mythology.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
Photo Credit: @toms_tours
25. Trim Castle
Trim Castle was built in the 12th Century and is located on the bank of the River Boyne.
It is an incredible architectural structure with stone rings surrounding it along with many other defensive features.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Go on the Castles and Whiskey Tour.
Photo Credit: @grr_travels
26. Westport
Westport is a beautiful town in County Mayo. It is designated as a heritage town and is one of the only planned towns in Ireland.
There are tree-lined promenades and stone bridges dotted around the town.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Visit Westport House And Gardens.
Photo Credit: @mayoandbeyond
27. Achill Island
Achill Island is the largest of Ireland’s islands. It has a rich history with many megalithic tombs and forts all over the island.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Visit the famous Keem Bay.
Photo Credit: @ashfordcastle
28. Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle is a Medieval and Victorian Castle located in Cong, County Mayo.
It has been renovated and expanded over the years and is now a 5-star hotel.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
Photo Credit: @ugniusbra
29. Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is a mountain in County Mayo that has been a pilgrimage site for many years. It is associated with St. Patrick and there’s even a church on the summit.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Climb the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick.
Photo Credit: @thefilmingtourist
30. National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin is a beautiful area with a range of flora and garden styles. It also has several notable architectural structures throughout.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Wander around The National Botanic Gardens.
Photo Credit: @malahide_castle
31. Malahide Castle
Malahide Castle is located in Dublin and was built in the 12th Century. There are also 260 acres of parkland around the castle.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Explore the stunning Malahide Castle and Gardens.
Photo Credit: @caitlynsarahdavis
32. Wicklow Mountains National Park
The Wicklow Mountains National Park has some beautiful scenery and incredible hiking trails.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Explore the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Photo Credit: @viktoriiakychan
33. Glendalough
Glendalough became an important monastic settlement over 500 years ago. It is now a popular tourist attraction with stunning walking trails and you can even explore the old buildings of the monastery.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Check out the Glendalough Music and History Walking Tour.
Photo Credit: @amandavilam
34. Powerscourt Waterfall
Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall is a beautiful location in County Wicklow. You can even see the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain from the gardens.
The Waterfall also has a great picnic area.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
- Visit the beautiful Powerscourt Waterfall.
Photo Credit: @kylemorebbey
35. Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens is a beautiful location in County Galway.
The abbey’s architecture and the gardens’ design offer stunning views and a great place to explore.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
Photo Credit: @jamesatruett
36. The Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are made up of three separate islands called Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer.
The islands offer amazing views of stone walls, green fields, and coastal landscapes.
You can even hear the locals speaking their native Irish.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
Photo Credit: @connemara_national_park
37. Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park offers stunning views of castles, coastlines, woodlands, and mountains. It has everything you need to experience the beauty of Ireland.
Where To Stay:
What To Do:
FAQs On The Most Beautiful Places In Ireland:
Where Is The Richest County In Ireland?
Dublin is the richest county in Ireland. It has the largest disposable income in Ireland, amounting to €27,958 per person. Cork is the second wealthiest county in Ireland. Counties bordering Dublin and midlands counties, such as Longford, Offaly, and Laois, have much lower incomes. Donegal and the midlands have the lowest disposable income.
What Is The #1 Thing To See In Ireland?
The Cliffs of Moher is the #1 thing to see in Ireland. The famous cliffs in County Clare are Irelands most visited natural attraction. The beautiful cliffs attract up to one million visitors per year. The cliffs stretch across the Wild Atlantic Way for 5 miles and reach 702 feet at its highest point.
What Is Ireland’s Oldest City?
Waterford City is Ireland’s oldest city. It is over 1100 years old. It was founded by Vikings from Norway in 914 AD. The Vikings held Waterford until 1170 when the Anglo-Normans captured the city and expelled them. The city is now a vibrant, modern destination that still maintains its historical charm with architecture and museums.
What Is The One Thing Not To Miss In Ireland?
One thing not to miss in Ireland is a dive into Dingle Town. Dingle is a traditional fishing town in County Kerry. It has brightly painted buildings, stunning sea and mountain views, and a bustling food and drink scene. Dingle is the epitome of quaint Irish towns and exactly what tourists would envisage.
With this list of the 37 most beautiful places in Ireland, you can plan out your next trip to the Emerald Isle.
There is so much to see in Ireland even beyond this list that it would take a lifetime to see everything Ireland has to offer!
Although Ireland is tiny compared to many other countries, it is full of beautiful locations, quaint towns, and bustling cities. It has everything you could ask for.
If you want to visit Ireland you can check out these articles for more information on this beautiful country.
