10 Stunning Places to Visit in Ireland
10 Stunning Places to Visit in Ireland
Planning your dream trip to Ireland? Hoping to see all the best sights and some hidden gems? Keep reading for 10 Stunning Places to Visit in Ireland!
Welcome to Ireland – where the grass really is greener on the other side. This stunning country may be small, but it more than makes up for its size with its natural beauty, Celtic history, and lots and lots of castles!
But the real secret behind what makes Ireland so special is its people. There’s nothing quite like sipping a pint of Guinness at the pub around the corner with the most welcoming locals in the world. Ireland is the perfect destination for any travelers’ first trip to Europe and these 10 Stunning Places to Visit in Ireland are just waiting to be discovered!
1. Cliffs of Moher
Rising dramatically out of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most breathtaking sights. These stunning limestone sea cliffs stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast and reach a height of over 700 feet. Also known as the site where Voldemort hid his Horcrux in Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince, there’s a reason why this geographical wonder is voted Ireland’s favorite tourist attraction each year.
Several hiking trails stretch along the coastline of these majestic cliffs, with each bend and turn revealing an even more stunning view. If visiting on a tour bus, be sure to turn right at the visitor center for the best short hiking trail with rewarding views of the cliffs.
Note that the Cliffs of Moher are notorious for their dreary weather, so try to time your visit on a sunny day, but have a raincoat handy just in case!
2. Dublin
Ireland’s capital and largest city is home to pubs, museums, and even castles. Visit the Guinness Storehouse Factory to learn about its Irish brewing history and say “cheers” with the best pint of Guinness you’ll ever taste.
3. Ring of Kerry
Located in the southwest peninsula of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is one of Europe’s great scenic drives. With roughly 100-miles of everchanging scenery, this route is a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The road winds through medieval castles, pristine beaches, mountainous terrain, and stunning landscapes. While it takes approximately 3.5-hours to complete this joyride, you should allow enough time to stop and enjoy the stunning viewpoints and charming towns along the way. This is one of the most well-traveled tourist routes in Ireland and is not to be missed!
4. Connemara National Park
Looking for some unspoiled wilderness right here in Ireland? Look no further than Connemara National Park, meaning ‘Inlets of the Sea’. Extending some 12 square miles of scenic views, this national park is best explored by hiking to its sparkling lakes, rugged coastline, and grassy hills. Entrance is free and you can follow 3 main trails, each leading to the park’s most breathtaking views.
Be on the lookout for roaming sheep and ponies – you can even pet the ponies at the Connemara visitor center.
Don’t miss the iconic Kylemore Abbey located inside the park, which is the next stop on this list!
As Oscar Wilde once said, “Connemara is savage beauty.”
5. Kylemore Abbey
Nestled between a calm lake and a wooded hillside lies one of Ireland’s most famous castles. Built between 1861 and 1868, this gothic mansion was constructed by Michell Henry, a wealthy member of Parliament. He and his wife, Margaret, decided to build their dream home at the exact spot where they fell in love – quite the romantic gesture. The Henry’s spared no expense, and the final bill of the build is said to have been 1.5 million pounds!
After World War I, the residents of Kylemore Abbey were a bit different than their previous owners. In 1920, nuns from Belgium sought refuge and proceeded to run an all-girls boarding school here until 2010. Not a bad spot for a schoolhouse, huh?
Today, the abbey’s doors are open to the public to explore its beautiful and unique history. You can book a guided hike to a viewpoint overlooking the abbey and the tranquil lake for an unforgettable view.
6. Skellig Michael
Staying with the movie/TV theme, this otherworldly-looking island is better known as the Luke Skywalker island. Featured in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, you may recognize this rugged island as Luke Skywalker’s hideout location in the films. In fact, the adorable, real-life local birds – called puffins – were the inspiration behind the entire species of Porgs in Star Wars – how cool!
In real life, it’s home to a 6th-century Gaelic Christian monastery and is at the top of many traveler’s Ireland bucket lists. However, only 180 people are allowed to visit this remote island daily, so booking a tour in advance is essential.
7. Dingle
Between its live traditional music and its fresh seafood, Dingle is the quintessential Irish town. Located in southwest Ireland about 2 hours from Ring of Kerry, the town of Dingle is the gateway for exploring the stunning Dingle Penisula. Known for its pristine sandy beaches, rugged scenery, and rocky islands, the Dingle Penisula is a magical destination that makes it feel like you’re living in an ancient legend.
If spending the night here, don’t miss staying at the Milltown House Guesthouse, a luxury B&B run by one of Ireland’s best (and most hospitable) tour guides.
8. Galway
If you’re an Ed Sheeran fan, you may best know Galway from his 2017 song “Galway Girl.” Galway is probably better known as the ‘Cultural Heart of Ireland’. With its street performers, university students, and international art festival, Galway is the spot where locals flock for a fun weekend getaway.
While you’ll feel a small-town vibe from Galway, it’s interesting to know that it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe, with over 75,000 residents. This city is a melting pot of old meets new and is best visited for its traditional pubs, stone-clad cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.
9. Kilkenny
Also known as “Ireland’s Medieval Capital”, Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most popular heritage towns. Lined with Georgian streets and Tudor-style homes, Kilkenny is compact, making it easy to explore its medieval gems on foot.
Its colorful history dates back to the 6th century, yet is impressively preserved, with the Kilkenny Castle being the city’s focal point. The castle was ranked amongst the 10 most beautiful castles on the planet in 2019 and is often called the “most fairytale-esque castles of the world”!
10. Blarney Castle
It’s only fair to end this top 10 list with one more castle – the famous Blarney Castle. Visitors flock to this castle not for its stunning beauty, but rather for one unique reason: to kiss the Stone of Eloquence. According to legend, kissing the stone gives the kisser ‘the gift of the gab’.
To reach the stone, you must climb to the top of the castle, lie down, bend backward, and then kiss the stone. This unique experience ensures that you’ll never again be lost for words!
Alright, there are 10 Stunning Places to Visit in Ireland. Are you inspired to visit the Emerald Isle yet? Let me know in the comments!