29 Most Beautiful Places in Ireland: See the Emerald Isle

How to Plan A Trip to Ireland

My best trips typically combine a visit to a bucket list sight or city with mostly off-the-beaten-path locations to enjoy fewer crowds. (But don’t miss the Cliffs of Moher here!) Here are a few of my favorite travel planning resources for the Emerald Isle:

1. Little Roads Europe custom itineraries.

Zeneba and Matt are Nashville musicians who travel to Europe five or six times annually seeking out the best values in hotels, experiences, and gourmet meals that don’t break the bank. For an obscenely reasonable fee, they’ll spend an hour on the phone with you to understand your vacation goals and then design your dream itinerary.

They reserve all the hotels, make your lunch and dinner reservations at little known destination restaurants, and are even available by text during your trip if you need them! You can get complete details and prices on a custom itinerary here. Mention Explore Now or Never when you book and save 10 percent!

2. Little Roads Europe Ireland guidebook.

If you don’t want to spring for an itinerary (and you should), get their award-winning Ireland guidebook. It was indispensable on our trip to Ireland. Available as a book or Kindle. You can grab it on Amazon here.

3. Rick Steves’ Ireland guidebook.

Great itinerary inspiration! Also available in Kindle or book. You can get Rick Steve’s Ireland guidebook on Amazon here.

While Kylemore Abbey is the main attraction for many, the church and garden are equally—if not more—impressive. After touring the abbey and learning the history of this unique place, don’t miss out on a chance to wander around the rest of the property.

The church is a short walk along the lake, while the Victorian walled garden will take a bit longer to get to. However, there is a shuttle that runs every 15 minutes or so. If you are lucky, you’ll pick a slow time and have the gardens all to yourself!

Check prices and availability on a full day tour from Dublin to Connemara and Cong to see the abbey here.

Brooke and Buddy | Trailing Away

11. Glen of Aherlow Tipperary

Tipperary’s Glen of Aherlow sweeping vistas are absolutely breathtaking! There are views of the Galtee mountains from whichever viewpoint you choose. The Glen is the perfect place for hikers and walkers as there are many named and looped walks with maps that you can undertake. This is a very rural area with tiny villages and towns to stop at for a pint and a pie.

There’s also a fantastic 25km drive through the Glen that you will find is signposted from Tipperary town. Or you can take a bike ride from Bansha, a 20 km ride to Ballgally, which takes in some of the most scenic Ireland countryside you can imagine.

In Newtown, make time for a pint at the Coach Road Inn. Then drop into the tourist office hidden behind the pub to learn more about the area. The office offers many walking maps and information on all the hikes, festivals, and events that are hosted in the Glen.

You will find great campsites, lots of fishing for perch and brown trout in the River Aherlow, guided walks, fishing tours and dozens of outdoor activities for children. There are holy wells, derelict churches and abbeys and so many off the beaten path places to explore that you could spend your entire trip here!

Faith | XYUandBEYOND

12. Kilkee, County Clare

Staring west onto the rugged Atlantic Ocean sits Kilkee, Ireland. An hour’s drive from Limerick and two hours from Galway, Kilkee is a hidden gem along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Offering travelers some of the most beautiful sunsets in all of Ireland, Kilkee is a popular summer destination for many residents of Limerick. With just 1,0000 year-round inhabitants, Kilkee is as quaint an Irish village as can be. Protecting Kilkee from the strong Atlantic surf is Kilkee’s most notable feature, its horseshoe-shaped bay.

Once considered the premier swimming spot in the UK and Ireland, Kilkee has been a popular seaside destination since the 1820s. One of Kilkee’s most beautiful features are the miles of cliffs traveling along the Irish coast. While shorter than its more famous cousin, the Cliffs of Moher, the cliffs in Kilkee are far less crowded.

Stretching for nearly five miles, the Loop Head Way is a trail along the cliffs that begins and ends in Kilkee. The trail allows unobstructed and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish coastline. While Kilkee is blessed with stunning natural beauty both on land and sea, it’s the people of Kilkee that make it one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.

With a handful of pubs in town, drinking a Guinness at a typical Irish pub is a must in Kilkee. Almost entirely visited by locals, the pubs offer an opportunity to talk about Kilkee and the surrounding area. It’s a welcome change from the touristy pubs found in Dublin and other major tourist destinations in Ireland.

Amber | Food and Drink Destinations

13. Killarney

When people think of Ireland, they usually think of rolling emerald hills, sparkling lakes, wildlife, and friendly locals. Killarney ticks all those boxes and then some!

As Ireland’s oldest national park, and one of the largest natural areas in the country, Killarney not only has natural beauty where you can hike, kayak, and sightsee, but also a quaint traditional Irish town where you can find amazing restaurants, pubs, and the best ice cream shop in the world, Murphy’s.

Killarney is also home to Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey, where you can explore the ancient ruins of the past. Spend a day discovering what life was like for Irish farmers in the 1800s at Muckross Traditional Farms where you can milk a cow, learn to make your own butter, and taste homemade bread! Book a tour of Muckross House next door to see how the other half lived.

Killarney is an incredible place located in the heart of County Kerry and close to some of Ireland’s other most beautiful places. Enjoy a mix of active and cultural activities here for the whole family. It also makes a great base for a trip to Dingle or for driving the famous Ring of Kerry.

Check prices and availability on Killarney and Ring of Kerry day tours here. 

Vanessa |Wanderlust Crew

14. Dingle

Dingle is a small town in southwest Ireland. Not everyone one gets all the way to Dingle. For a small town it has a lot to offer. We stayed in an amazing bed and breakfast with gourmet breakfast (and meals if planned ahead). The small downtown in Dingle has awesome restaurants and a truly Irish feel to it with many pubs and restaurants with live Irish music. The lifestyle is laid back where everyone seems to have the time to greet and talk to each other.

While there is so much to choose from, I would highly recommend a few activities in and around Dingle. A scenic drives of Slea Head showcases a living history museum along with breathtaking views of lush green hills and crystal blue water. While it’s only 26 miles, plan to take half a day. Along the drive, enjoy delicious apple pie at Stonehouse Restaurant.

There are also many hikes in the Dingle peninsula with views of the water and remains of ancient stone structures. Be sure to enjoy live Irish music in Dingle and get ice cream by the harbor. A delicious meal can be had at the Goat Street Bistro. We stopped at the Dingle Pub and the music is something we’ll never forget.

The harbor walk is the perfect spot for amazing photography against brightly colored buildings, perfect for your Instagram account. And our horseback ride along the Dingle beach was thrilling, being somewhat in the water, on the pristine empty beach.

Dingle also offers many water activities like sailing, surfing, and swimming that would be wonderful on warm summer days. There’s so much to do, I’d stay there for at least several days.

You can also see Dingle on a two day guided tour of the Wild Atlantic Way. Check prices here.

Jyoti and Nirmal | Story at Every Corner

 

15. Powerscourt Gardens

Powerscourt house and gardens are in County Wicklow, just a 20 minutes drive south of Dublin.  The house has one of the most beautiful gardens and for that reason its a landmark in Ireland not to miss.

In fact, it was recently voted third in the National Geographic list of the 10 most beautiful gardens in the world. There are 47 acres to explore and several themed gardens which are a must to see when you visit.  The central Italian garden that leads from the house is framed by the view of sugar loaf mountain. 

Everything is symmetrical here, and the boxed hedging and statues are stunning. At the end of the path, two large stone horses lead to the pond, which has a spectacular fountain. From there, there are several paths that you can take.  If you’re here in the spring, the woodland path through the rhododendron garden is spectacular, and the aroma in the air is full of perfume. 

My favorite garden is the Japanese garden. No matter what time of year you visit, it always looks magnificent.  The maple trees are at their most colorful in autumn, but the azaleas bring lots of color in the spring. The pagodas and little wooden bridges over streams are lovely, and the water features are stunning.  On a sunny day, it’s a fantastic place to find a quiet spot and to relax.

The design of the garden began in 1731, and it took 150 years to complete the 47 acres. At the top is the Powerscourt Cafe and if the weather’s okay, it’s a beautiful place to sit outside to enjoy an afternoon tea while soaking in the stunning vistas.

Before leaving the house and gardens, make sure you have a look around the boutique shops in the house. You’ll find some delightful gifts such as jewelry, woodwork, and ceramics…all of which are produced locally in Wicklow.

You can see Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough as a guided Dublin Day trip. Check tour prices here.

Fiona | Passport and Piano

16. Inishbofin Island

Before arriving in Dublin for a bikepacking trip across Europe, we had never heard of Inishbofin, the tiny island off of Ireland’s west coast. But after chatting in a pub with a couple who had just returned, giving their week-long stay glowing reviews, we knew we had to add it to our list.

We soon found ourselves pointing our bikes to Cleggan on the Connemara coast for the 30-minute ferry ride to Inishbofin.  What was planned as a two-day trip turned into two weeks, as we were quickly drawn to the magic of this unique place.

So what gives Inishbofin its magic? Part of the island’s charm is its quaintness. Smaller and less visited than better-known island’s like Inishmor, tiny Inishbofin exceeds expectations.  With a surprisingly good network of quiet country lanes, bog roads, and sheep trails, it’s proven a great place to explore on bikes and on foot.

Plus, with lively little pubs, an excellent music scene—with live traditional music from local musicians most nights—delicious food, and friendly people, it’s the type of place where it’s easy to get lost, hiking and biking, hanging with new friends, and soaking up a bit of Irish culture. (Don’t miss the surprisingly delicious food from the food truck “Inishwallah.”)

Be sure to explore the 362-year-old Cromwell Barracks, reached by taking a beautiful walk that climbs lush green hills dotted with sheep and crosses white sand beaches. It’s an impressive fort, whose ghostly remains still stand watch over Inishbofin Harbor.

Sheri | Wander Libre

17. Dunquin Pier, Co, Kerry

An iconic Irish postcard image, Dunquin Pier is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. Located in County Kerry along the coastal roads of the Wild Atlantic Way, Dunquin Pier is famous for its narrow winding pathway which twists down to the Atlantic Ocean.

Often called Dun Chaoin Pier, the name it is known by in Irish, the beauty of the pier is enhanced by its dramatic setting against the thrashing coastline and jutting rocks.

The pier is still operational and is used for ferries to the nearby Blasket Islands, an uninhabited group of Islands off the coast of Kerry. Passengers walk down the steep pier to board the ferry. Sometimes sheep are transported between the Blasket Islands and the Kerry mainland.

It is a real treat to see the sheep file up and down the pier, an image which is often presented on postcards of Ireland. Dunquin Pier is often referred to as the Sheep’s Highway as a result!

Dunquin Pier is at its most beautiful in the soft evening light as the sun sets over the Kerry coastline. It is a popular spot with photographers who are keen to capture its unique beauty. If you are planning on visiting Dingle or exploring Kerry, we highly recommend including Dunquin Pier in your itinerary!

Elaine and David | Show Them the Globe

18. Burren National Park

Located in the County Clare at the northwest of Ireland, Burren National park could be easily visited on a day trip from Dublin or Galway. It’s very close to Cliff of Moher, so you can combine a visit to these two together.

The best time of the year to visit it is in late May. Weather is the best during that time and most of the unique and special flowers growing there are in bloom in the late spring.

Burren National Park is probably the most famous for its amazing Ireland scenery. Because of the lack of the soil, you can see exposed limestone which is forming an amazing rocky moon-like scenery. Although being mostly composed of rocks, surprisingly, it’s home to many wildflowers.

Because of that unusual environment, you can find flowers from Arctic, Mediterranean and Alpines regions next to each other. There are 22 different types of orchids there, for example. Many animals are living in the Burren area, as well, including 30 species of butterflies. You’ll find all kinds of sea animals, like grey seals, dolphins and basking sharks there as well.

However, Burren is not only a must-see place in Ireland because of its nature. It was inhabited since the Prehistory, and many prehistoric sights can be visited, there too. Besides some of the caves, Poulnabrone dolmen is probably the most famous sight in the region.

For a full day tour of the Cliffs of Mohr, Calway, and the Burren, check prices here.

Tea | The Culture Tourist

19. The Aran Islands

The Aran Islands consist of three separate islands, Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer, from largest to smallest. It’s very easy to visit the Aran Islands on a day trip from Galway. A 45-minute ferry ride from Galway transports you seemingly back in time to rural Ireland.

Here, you can still hear the Irish language spoken as the predominant language, but don’t worry, English is spoken as well. The islands are the lush green you’ve come to expect from Ireland lined with stone walls that seem to sweep right into the Atlantic.

But, which island should you visit? I highly recommend visiting either Inishmore or Inisheer as there’s more to see. The best way to see the islands is by renting a bike from one of the bike rental shops near the ferry for the day. This way you can take your time exploring the sites and pull over to take in the stunning views at your own pace.

If you’re not up for a bike ride, there are also horse-drawn carriage rides available. On Inishmore, pay a visit to Dun Aonghasa, a stone fort overlooking the bay. On Inisheer, visit the Plassey Shipwreck, a large ship that crashed on the island years ago with no casualties due to the efforts of islanders.

When you’re done with sightseeing on the islands, enjoy a pint at the pub before heading back to the mainland. John Watty is the place to go on Inishmore and Tigh Ned on Inisheer. Here you can hear stories from the locals about the island and also meet other visitors.

It’s a small, but welcoming community. I hope you get the opportunity to enjoy the charms of the Aran Islands!

It’s an easy day trip from Galway to see Inisheer and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher from below on an ocean cruise. Check prices here.

Katie | Just Chasing Sunsets

20. Skelling Michael

One of the most ruggedly beautiful places to go in Ireland is Skellig Michael. A pyramid-shaped, craggy island about 8 kilometers from the southwestern town of Port Magee, the island is a huge tourist attraction. However, since it’s part of the nesting grounds for a number of birds, access to the island is monitored and there are strict rules on how many people can step foot on it each day.

There are a few reasons to visit this stunning landscape, one being the views and secondly, the abundant wildlife. On the boat ride and on the island itself, there are a number of important sea birds that use the islands for nesting.

You can see puffins nesting all around Skellig Michael with their colorful beaks and comical walk. They are easily within a few feet of the paths, if not on them, and you can get some stunning photographs.

There is also a lot of Catholic history associated with the island. Pictured is a beehive hut where monks from the St. Fionan’s Monastery used to live. They also would climb the more than 600 steps to the small boat dock to retrieve their food rations each day. Guides within the monastery walls will tell you all about their history and monastic lives while you are there.

If you want to visit Skellig Michael, you can either take a boat trip around the island or take an excursion to the island, but both of these fill up quickly due to its conservation quotas. Plan way ahead, but by no means miss it.

You can also see Skellig Michael on a five-day guided tour of the southwest of Ireland. Check prices here.

23. Wicklow Mountains National Park

One of the most beautiful places in Ireland and certainly an area that you should not miss during your trip to the Emerald Isle is The Wicklow Mountains National Park.

County Wicklow, also known as the garden of Ireland, has so many beautiful scenic views that you will not regret visiting. In addition, it is only an hour away drive from the capital so you can easily visit on a day trip from Dublin by either car, public transport or by booking one of the many private tours that offer daily trips to this area.

The Wicklow Mountains National Park is a dream to any outdoorsy and nature lover. The scenery is most definitely worth admiring with some the best lake views you will find in the whole of Ireland. There is plenty of hiking trails too for different difficulty levels.

The landscape around the Wicklow Mountains is beautiful and diverse. Here, you will find some amazing Irish scenic drives, wonderful nature and peaceful woodland areas. But that is not all.

The Glendalough Valley, located in the Wicklow Mountain National Park, is home to the Glendalough Monastic City which has the remaining ruins of an early Christian settlement founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century. The monastic site has several impressive monuments including a traditional 30 meters high Irish round tower, church ruins and Celtic high crosses.

Check prices here on a half-day tour to Wicklow National Park from Dublin.
Thassia | Family Off Duty

24. Kinsale

Kinsale is a chocolate-boxy harbor town on the south coast of Ireland, not far from Cork. Situated on the mouth of the River Bandon, it’s as charmingly picturesque as you’d expect an Irish port town to be: bright white yachts bob up and down on the water, seagulls wheel overhead, and the narrow winding streets are packed with cute colorfully-painted shops, galleries, and restaurants. 

For a small town, there’s a surprising amount to do in Kinsale. Because it’s on the waterfront, there’s plenty of water activities on offer: there are three marinas, a yacht club, boat hire, harbor cruises, sailing, kayaking, fishing, and even scuba diving…if you don’t mind the cold!

If you prefer your activities land-based, you can also try golf, abseiling, or check out one of the beaches (although it may not be hot enough to sunbathe).

Kinsale has earned a reputation for being a foodie heaven. For a small town, it’s surprisingly crammed with excellent restaurants and lively bars… o much so that it’s become known as the ‘gourmet capital of Ireland’. You’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to suit your tastes and budget.

If you’re a history buff, Kinsale also has not one but two 17^th century bastion forts, situated opposite one another on either side of the river. As you’d expect, they’re both a bit crumbly now, but the walk along the waterfront from the town to the fort is very scenic and well worth doing, and the forts themselves are great for keeping the kids entertained. 

You can also see Kinsale as part of a guided day tour from Cork. Check prices here.

Bella | Passport and Pixels 

25. The Hill of Tara

More than 2,000 years ago, the Irish kings ruled from the sacred Hill of Tara, a 100-acre monumental sight in the County of Meath in the province of Leinster. It’s here that the mighty high kings of the Celtic world were crowned and their ironclad laws were read.

An important part of any coronation ceremony was the Lia Fáil, the famed Stone of Destiny. Also known as the Speaking Stone, it’s said to have been brought to Ireland by the Tuatha Dé Danann people, a mystical race with divine powers.

The stone is associated with many myths and tales, and legend has it that the Stone of Destiny can recognize a true high king of Ireland, and that if a king places his feet on it, it roars.

According to believers, the Stone of Destiny still stands on the Inauguration Mound at the Hill of Tara…and the huge standing stone could well be the real thing. Others say the stone was brought to Scotland in 500 AD. No one knows for sure, but visiting the ancient stone at the Hill of Tara is an awe-inspiring sight and helps visitors connect with the past and the estimated 142 kings who ruled here.

Another sight to see at the Hill of Tara is the eerie Mound of Hostages. This Neolithic passage tomb was created around 2,500 B.C. during the late Stone Age. It was an extremely sacred site, and the remains of some 200 cremated bodies were found inside.

A good place to start any exploration of Tara is at the visitor center, where a 20-minute audio-visual presentation is available.

History lovers can combine a visit to Hill of Tara with a visit to Newgrange (an impressive prehistoric monument) and Monasterboice (an early Christina monastic settlement) in a full day tour from Dublin. Check prices here.

Carol | Wandering Carol

26. Waterford, Ireland

Waterford, located along Ireland’s sunny southern coast, is also known as the Viking Town. While Ireland was populated before, this is the oldest permanent settlement in the country. Founded in 914 A.D. by the Vikings themselves, you can see their influence on this city even today.

Next to the large Reginald’s Tower, you will find a replica Viking ship and the Waterford Museum will give you a great overview of the history of the oldest town in Ireland. If you really want to see what Viking life was like, I highly recommend the King of the Vikings Experience.

It is a virtual reality experience that allows you to explore a Viking camp and dive deep into the daily lives of the Vikings over 1000 years ago. For more hands-on and real-life Viking history, I recommend you take the short drive to the Irish National Heritage Park in Wexford, an open-air park, where you can book Viking feasts and even spend the night in replicas of the earlier settlement houses in the park.

Another highlight of Waterford is the Waterford Crystal Factory. Of course, you can only visit the gift shop and shop for some unique and high-quality souvenirs, but I recommend you take the factory tour.

You will learn about the process of making crystal glass, from sourcing the raw materials to blowing to carving the intricate designs into the glass. I enjoyed watching the carvers, each cut precise and meticulous, or they might risk ruining dozens of hours of hard work with one little mistake.

I highly recommend adding Waterford to your Ireland itinerary. It has a lot to offer and is the ideal home base to explore Ireland’s southern coast. To book a one hour tour of the famous House of Waterford Crystal factory, check prices here.

Maria | Europe Up Close