I recently returned from exploring the magical country of Ireland and I was blown away by the scenic vistas and breathtaking natural wonders. If you want to get off the beaten path and out into nature on your next trip to Ireland then this list is for you, as I’ve compiled my 10 favorite scenic destinations in all of Ireland.
- Giant's Causeway
- Carrick-a-Rede & Dark Hedges
- Slieve League Cliffs
- Malin Beg & Silver Strand Beach
- Mount Errigal & Eagle's Rock
- Downpatrick Head
- Cliffs of Moher
- Aran Island
- Derryclare Lough
- Gap of Dunloe
- Kerry Cliffs
- Skellig Islands
Giant’s Causeway
Located in Northern Ireland, approximately a 3-hour drive from Dublin, Giant’s Causeway is one of Ireland’s most iconic attractions. This breathtaking destination is renowned for its rugged cliffs and over 40,000 basalt columns, perfectly formed into hexagonal shapes that stretch along the coast.
According to legend, the causeway was created by an Irish giant to traverse the Northern Sea. During my visit, I began by hiking above the cliffs, taking in the stunning views before making my way down to the causeway. I was awestruck by the bizarre rock formations, and it was exhilarating to walk among them, marveling at the natural forces that shaped this unique landscape.
While exploring the area, I recommend hiking to other scenic spots along the coast, such as the natural amphitheater. One particular rock formation that caught my attention was the “Chimney Stacks” on the cliffs – a truly remarkable sight.
Carrick-a-Rede & Dark Hedges
After visiting the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway, you can head over to Carrick-a-Rede, a picturesque bridge that connects the mainland to a tiny island. The turquoise waters below were a sight to behold, perfectly complementing the lush green cliffs.
Just a 20-minute drive from Carrick-a-Rede lies the Dark Hedges, a hauntingly beautiful avenue lined with over 90 ancient beech trees. Planted over 250 years ago, this spot is steeped in legend, including the ghostly apparition of the Grey Lady, who’s said to wander the road, especially at night. The atmosphere is undeniably spooky, making it a must-visit for anyone drawn to the mysterious and unknown.
Slieve League Cliffs
The Slieve League Cliffs are a breathtaking natural wonder in Northern Ireland. Standing at an impressive 601 meters, these cliffs are among the highest in Europe. The sheer scale of the cliffs is awe-inspiring, and the views from the various lookout points are simply astounding.
A winding path follows the cliff’s edge, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. I visited the cliffs at sunset, but for the best lighting, I recommend visiting at sunrise. The golden light of dawn casts a warm glow on the cliffs, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
Malin Beg & Silver Strand Beach
Just a 30-minute drive from the Slieve League Cliffs is the charming village of Malin. This picturesque village is home to one of Ireland’s most stunning beaches, the Silver Strand. This horseshoe-shaped beach is nestled between lush green cliffs, creating a breathtaking tropical oasis. The ocean temperatures may be chilly, but the scenery is undeniably exotic.
A scenic stairway leads down to the beach, where you can stroll along the sand and explore the surrounding grassy cliffs. Malin also boasts a historic Napoleonic signal tower, built over 200 years ago. This tower offers another vantage point of the Slieve League Cliffs, providing a unique perspective on these natural wonders.
Mount Errigal & Eagle’s Rock
Mount Errigal stands tall as the county’s highest peak, reaching an impressive 751 meters. For the adventurous, a 4 km hike to the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
While there, be sure to visit Eagles Rock, Ireland’s highest freestanding tower which stands at an impressive 330 meters. A 6 km hike leads to the top of the plateau, revealing a beautiful and rugged area.
Downpatrick Head
Downpatrick Head, located on the Wild Atlantic Way in North Mayo, is a distinctly shaped headland home to an impressive dun Briste sea stack. During World War II, a lookout post was built here, bearing the markings “Éire 64.” These markings were used by American aircraft to identify neutral Ireland. The word “Éire” is the Irish word for Ireland, adding a fascinating layer of history to this site.
Cliffs of Moher
Located on Ireland’s stunning West Coast, the Cliffs of Moher are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Emerald Isle. Standing 214 meters tall and stretching for 14 kilometers, these natural wonders are a sight to behold.
To experience the cliffs without the crowds, consider parking at Garen’s Path, a short walk from the cliffs. The visitor center is another option, but be prepared for more people.
As I stood at the edge of the cliffs, I was awestruck by their sheer size and scale. The drop-off into the ocean is dizzying, and the views are simply breathtaking. For the more adventurous, a hike to Hag’s Head offers even more spectacular views.
O’Brien’s Tower is another highlight of the cliffs, and if you time your visit right, waiting for sunset is an absolute must. The golden light casts a magical glow over the cliffs, making for an unforgettable experience.
Just a short drive from the cliffs lies Doonagore Castle, a 16th-century tower house with a unique and fascinating history. Be sure to add it to your itinerary for a glimpse into Ireland’s rich past.
Aran Island
Off the coast of Galway, the Aran Islands are a must-visit collection of three islands, with Inishmore being the largest. To get to the islands, take a ferry from Rossaveel or Doolin, which is close to the Cliffs of Moher.
The islands are covered in recognizable stone walls made from limestone, which are literally everywhere. While on the island, rent a bike or walk around to explore the rugged landscapes and historical sites of the Aran Islands.
Derryclare Lough
Another beautiful place to visit on the nearby mainland is Derryclare Lough. Located about an hour’s drive from Galway, this scenic lake is a great spot for photography and worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature.
Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a breathtakingly scenic mountain pass located at the southwestern tip of Ireland, about a four-hour drive from Dublin.
The Gap of Dunloe is a thrilling drive, but if you’re not comfortable with narrow, winding roads, you can also park and walk. We parked near Kate Kearney’s Cottage and hiked up.
One of the highlights of the Gap of Dunloe is its picturesque bridges. The Wishing Bridge is just a short walk from the parking lot. I was blown away by the sheer size of the mountains, which towered above us, covered in a lush, dark green landscape.
Kerry Cliffs
Not too far from the Gap of Dunloe you can find the Kerry Cliffs, a hidden gem despite standing over 300 meters high. Though much less popular, many people prefer the Kerry Cliffs over the Cliffs of Moher, and it’s easy to see why. The cliffs boast a unique color palette and distinctive finger-like formations that stretch into the sea. With numerous viewpoints and a stunning landscape, the Kerry Cliffs are a must-visit destination.
Skellig Islands
As I finalized my Ireland itinerary, one destination stood out as the main reason I wanted to visit: the Skellig Islands.
Located off the coast of County Kerry, these two islands are truly out of this world. The only way to reach them is by boat, and I chose to go with Skellig Michael Voyage, departing from the charming town of Portmagee.
The hour-long boat ride was no joke, with rough seas adding to the adventure. But as we approached the island, I couldn’t contain my excitement. We disembarked and began our ascent up the island’s path, reaching the iconic stairs that lead to the top of the monastery. The stairs themselves were a marvel, with hundreds of puffins burrowed into the surrounding slopes. Their cute faces and curious nature only added to the experience.
As we climbed the 618 stairs to the monastery, the history of the island began to unfold. The monastic settlement dates back to the 6th century, with monks from St. Fionan’s community living simple lives on this isolated island. The beehive huts they built from stone are a testament to their ingenuity, designed to withstand the harsh Atlantic weather.
Reaching the monastery, I couldn’t help but wonder what life must have been like for those 12 monks who called this island home. After exploring the monastery, we hiked back down, battling the strong winds that sweep across the island.
Our boat then took us to the northern side of the island, followed by a stop at Little Skellig. This uninhabited island is home to one of the largest colonies of Northern Gannets in the world. The sheer number of birds was awe-inspiring, and the smell… well, let’s just say it’s a memorable experience!
Overall, the Skellig Islands are one of the coolest places I’ve ever visited. If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, I highly recommend adding this destination to your itinerary. You can choose between a landing tour or a boat tour around the island, but trust me, the landing tour is the way to go.
So there you go, my recommendations for the 11 most beautiful places that everyone travelling to Ireland should be sure to check out, especially if you’re a nature lover like me. If you want to take a closer look at these spots, be sure to check out the video below:
If you want to take your trip beyond Ireland and explore the rest of the British Isles, be sure to check out my 30 favorite places to go in the UK.
