The moment you step into Ireland, your eyes are blinded by the lush landscapes, painted in varying shades of green. The famed Emerald Isle has dramatic and wild landscapes ranging from rugged cliffs, crinkly coastlines, azure beaches, vast meadows, peat bogs, and far-flung islands among some of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
Add romantic towns with towering castles peppered with rich history, fascinating traditions, lost cultures, intriguing stories, and lively people with a great sense of humour and you realise there is more to the country than just the famed “luck of the Irish”. Get awed by the elemental Cliffs of Moher, feast on sweeping views along the Wild Atlantic Way, visit Castle Cahir and Skellig Michael, drive around the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, and listen to stories at Kylemore Abbey. Here is a list of some of the beautiful places in Ireland for your next holiday.
Best time to visit scenic and beautiful places in Ireland
While summer from June to August is the high tourist season, the best time to visit Ireland is during spring from March to May, and in the fall from September to November, when the landscape comes alive with vibrant colours and the crowds are relatively less. However, thunderstorms and rains are quite common throughout the year, especially in late autumn and winter.
Most beautiful and scenic tourist places in Ireland
Cliffs Of Moher
Cliffs of Moher | Image credit: Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock
Breathtaking and wild, the towering Cliffs of Moher rise majestically above the Atlantic Ocean from 400 to 700 feet, stretching along the County Clare coast for almost 14 km. Soak in the sweeping views of the azure ocean and the picturesque Aran islands from the 19th-century O’Brien Tower. You can also head to the Main Platform or the North Platform for panoramic views, but if you are a bird watcher flock to the South Platform to see colonies of puffins on Goat Island. Explore The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk to the villages of Doolin and, a moderately difficult hike that can be anywhere between 8km- 20km. Don’t miss the Enchanting Evening Experience for spectacular sunsets in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
Best time to explore: April to September
Best places to stay: Doolin Inn, The Falls Hotel and Spa
How to reach: Shannon Airport is approximately 64 km away from the Cliffs of Moher.
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Rock of Cashel
Rock of Cashel | Image credit: Piotr Machowczyk/Shutterstock
Wrapped in legends and perched high on the limestone outcrop, this medieval cluster of monuments has been the seat of the Kings of Munster whom St Patrick converted. Locals believe that St Patrick’s Rock landed in Cashel when the saint banished Satan from a cave in the mountain called Devil’s Bit. The Hall of the Vicars houses the original cross of St Patrick while the Romanesque Cormac’s Chapel has some of the most medieval frescos as well. Don’t miss the guided tours that also include the Gothic Cathedral, the Round Tower, Tower House and the Abbey. Located in Tipperary, the views from the Golden Vale are mesmerising, Explore the charming town of Cashel, visit the Heritage Centre and Folk Village and the Bru Boru Heritage Centre where you can watch some traditional dance performances.
Best time to explore: Throughout the year, but peak season in summer
Best places to stay: Cashel Palace Hotel, Rockville House
How to reach: Shannon Airport is the closest and is 73 km away.
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Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park | Image credit: Lyd Photography/Shutterstock
Hike around the towering oak woodlands of the Killarney National looking for endemic herds of wild red deer, walk around the reflective lakes and admire the picturesque 20 metre high Torc Waterfall. While the 15th-century Ross Castle and Victorian Muckross House and Abbey are crowd favourites, lose yourself in the Killarney House and Gardens. Located in County Kerry at the foothills of Mac Gillycuddy’s Reeks, there are walking and cycling routes along the park like Knockreer Circular Path, Lakeside Path, and Mining Trail and you can also take a boat ride as well. A wonderland of lakes, forests, waterfalls and mountains, Killarney National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
Best time to explore: June to August
Best places to stay: The Lake Hotel and Aghadoe Heights Hotel
How to reach: The closest airport is at Kerry which is 17 km away.
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Ring of Kerry
Ring of Kerry | Image credit: D. Ribeiro/Shutterstock
Drive along the scenic route, meandering past rugged mountains, coastal villages, medieval castles, historic sites, lakes and meadows in the Iveragh Peninsula, located in County Kerry. The journey is the destination as you take in the spectacular views of the Atlantic between Waterville and Caherdaniel and drive past Killarney National Park and historic sites like Skellig Michael. Stop by Ladies View, explore Derrynane Beach, visit Ring Forts, potter around hamlets like Sneem and Kenmore and discover icons like Moll’s Gap and Gap of Dunloe. You can even cycle along the route, hike around the rugged paths, star gaze at night, and discover hidden beaches in this most picturesque route which includes some of the most beautiful places in Ireland. The entire route is 179 km and can take anywhere between 3-5 days or you can opt for guided tours as well.
Best time to explore: May to August
Best places to stay: Iveragh Heights B&B, Muckross Park Hotel &Spa
How to reach: The closest airport is at Kerry which is 37 km away.
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Dingle Peninsula
Dingle Peninsula | Image credit: mikemike10/Shutterstock
One of the most beautiful places in Ireland, Dingle Peninsula looks straight out of a picture postcard with vast empty meadows dotted with sheep, rolling hills and rocky coves and coastal cliffs. Protruding into the azure ocean like a large green thumb, it is one of the stops in the incredible Wild Atlantic Way. Take a ferry to the Blanket Islands which once housed a community of Irish Writers and explore the Heritage Museum while looking out for seals and puffins. Lose yourself in the panoramic views of Sybil Head or Brandon Point, head to Inch Beach or Coumeenoole Beach, and stop by at Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory and the scenic Minard Castle. Potter around the fishing town of Dingle, soaking in the friendly vibes and enjoying a drink in the atmospheric pubs or be in high spirits at the Dingle Distillery.
Best time to explore: June to August
Best places to stay: Dingle Skellig Hotel, Castlewood House, Dingle
How to reach: The closest airport is Kerry Airport at Farranfore which is 57 km from Dingle town.
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Also read – Explore Dingle – Irish Port Town Has Rugged Trails, Sandy Beaches, And A Vibrant Pub Scene
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey | Image credit Dawid K Photography/Shutterstock
Head to the hauntingly beautiful landscape of Connemara dotted with a stunning fjord, lakes, bogs and wetlands, rocky coastline and pretty towns that look straight out of a fairy tale world. Located right in the heart of the dense woodland on the shores of the Pollacapall Lough is the Neo-Gothic castle of Kylemore Abbey, run by nuns and oozing with an old-world charm. Surrounded by gardens, there are guided and walking tours around the Abbey. Hike around Connemara National Park, especially around Diamond Hill which is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland and explore Connemara Heritage and History Centre while you are here. There are also full-day castle tours which will include Aughnanure, Clifden, and Ballynahinch besides Kylemore Abbey.
Best time to explore: June to September
Best places to stay: Letterfrack Farmhouse, Kylemore Pass Hotel
How to reach: The closest airport is at Knock which is 82 km away.
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Wild Atlantic Way
Wild Atlantic way | Image credit: Monicami/Shutterstock
If you want to experience some of the most beautiful places in Ireland then traverse through the 2500 km coastal Wild Atlantic Way, the crown jewel of Ireland that takes you through nine counties Dramatic is an understatement as you cruise through the cliffs with the ocean for company, snaking from the windswept Malin Head in Donegal to Mizen Head in Cork, crossing icons like Sligo, Galway, Clare and Kerry.. You can drive at your own pace, anywhere between 5 days to a week. taking in the scenic beauties, pausing to explore some of the breathtaking destinations and losing yourself in pretty towns and hamlets. The route includes the Ring of Kerry, Connemara National Park, Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, Donegal Bay, and West Cork among legendary destinations. While you can drive on your own, there are guided tours as well.
Best time to explore: June to September
Best places to stay: Benners Hotel, Dingel, Galway Bay Hotel,
How to reach: The closest airports are Shannon at 177 km and Cork at 155 km.
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Aran Islands
Aran Islands | Image credit: Gabriela Insuratelu/Shutterstock
Take a ferry from Galway and you will be in a world of ruins and fortresses from the pre-historic era in the windswept Aran Islands. Inis Mor, with over 50 monuments is the largest of the three islands while Inis Meain is remote and rocky. The fishing village vibe of the smaller Inis Oirr draws tourists who take a cruise to see the dramatic views of the Cliffs of Moher. There is a sense of nostalgia and timelessness in these islands, stepped in tradition and history. Do not miss the breathtaking views from the ancient fortress of Dun Aonghasa and the ruins of Dun Duchathair that are perched precariously on the cliffs. The Wormhole or the Tidal Pool at Inis Mor is another crowd favourite besides the Well of Enda, a spring with mystical properties.
Best time to explore: May to June although July- August are the peak season
Best places to stay: Aran Islands Hotels, Aran Islands Camping and Glamping
How to reach: The closest airport to Galway City is at Shannon which is 65 km. The ferry to Aran Islands is approximately 90 minutes from Galway City.
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Skellig Michael
Skelling Michael | Image credit: Pusteflower9024/Shutterstock
Take a cruise from Portmaghee Marina off the coast of the Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry to see the remains of a 6th-century monastery, a UNESCO Heritage Site perched on a rocky outcrop in an emerald-tinged island. Climb 600 steps cut into the rock face to reach the summit of a 215 feet high rock called Skellig Michael where Christian monks lived for almost 600 years until the medieval times. You can see the monastic buildings, including oratories and beehive cells in this twin-peaked crag, Star Wars movies were shot here, where the sacred site was showcased as Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Temple. Feast on the stunning views of the Atlantic, Look out for the puffins and razor bills nesting and relax at Saint Finian’s Bay Beach.
Best time to explore: May to September
Best places to stay: Devane House, The Moorings
How to reach: The closest airport is at Kerry which is 15 km away.
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Cork
Cork | Image credit: Travel-Fr/Shutterstock
Head to the Rebel City on the River Lee, a microcosm of “Real Ireland” and one of the most beautiful places in Ireland with a blend of traditional and hipster vibes. Visit the Blarney Castle and if you kiss the stone, you will have the gift of the gab. The English Market, Cork Butter Museum, Elizabethan Fort, Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Blackrock Castle, Cork City Gaol, and Red Abbey Tower are some of the historic sites but to get a flavour of the pretty idyllic villages and lush landscapes, step outside the city into County Cork. There are day trips to Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry and traditional hamlets like Sneem. Drive around the Ring of Beara Route, lose yourself in the pristine Warren Beach, and stop by picturesque towns and villages like Cobh, Kinsale, Union Hall, Eyeries, Glandore and Baltimore. And for the adventurous, the Ballycotton Cliff Walk should be on your itinerary.
Best time to explore: May to August
Best places to stay: Imperial Hotel, Ballymaloe House
How to reach: Cork airport is 6 km from city centre and is near most of the iconic destinations in County Cork.
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(Feature Image Credit: PhotoFires/Shutterstock)
Related: Best Places To Visit In Ireland — Dark-Sky Park To One Of Europe’s Highest Sea Cliffs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some must-visit natural attractions in Ireland?
Cliffs of Moher, Sliabh Liag, Killarney National Park, Connemara National Park, The Burren, Lough Glencar Waterfalls are some of the must-visit natural attractions in Ireland.
Are there any picturesque coastal towns worth visiting?
Clifden, Galway, Kinsale, Skerries, Cobh, Bangor, and Lahinch are some of the picturesque coastal towns worth visiting in Ireland.
What are the most scenic drives in Ireland?
The Wild Atlantic Way, The Ring of Kerry, Inishowen 100, The Slea Head Drive, Copper Coast, and Waterford are some of the most scenic drives in Ireland
What are some iconic landmarks in Ireland?
Cliffs of Mosher, Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny Castle, Muckross Abbey, Skellig Michael are some of the iconic landmarks in Ireland.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser known beautiful places in Ireland?
Caves of Kesh, Dunmore Cave, Doolough Valley, Malahide Castle, Poolbeg Lighthouse, Three Castle Head, Bull Rock, and Serpent’s Lair are some hidden gems and lesser-known beautiful places in Ireland.
What are some of the best locations to explore Ireland’s rich cultural heritage?
Dublin, the capital, Cork, Galway, Aran Islands, Skellig Michael, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Aughnanure Castle. Cahir Castle, Ballyhack Castle are some of the locations where you can explore Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
Are there any picturesque islands worth exploring in Ireland?
Aran Islands, Achill Island, Clare Island, Tory Island, Sherkin Island, Saltee Island and Inishbofin are some of the picturesque islands to visit in Ireland.
Are there any activities besides sightseeing in these beautiful destinations?
You can hike around coasts and national parks, go on scenic drives, do bird watching, visit museums, forts and castles, head to distilleries and relax in the countryside.
