Getting ready to visit Ireland? Then here are the most beautiful places to discover on the island of Éire!
Away from the beaten track, Ireland is a destination a little out of the way. Yet Éire, as it’s known in Ireland, is a magnificent country brimming with wonders and beautiful towns to discover on your travels. Long under the yoke ofEngland, the Republic of Ireland is now independent and covers a large part of the island of the same name. In fact, Northern Ireland still belongs to the United Kingdom, of which it is one of the four constituent parts.
If the climate can put some travelers off, it’s wrong: the country boasts lush vegetation, scattered with medieval castles, in the heart of historic counties. Wondering what to do in Ireland? You won’t be bored during your stay on this fabulous island: there are so many places to discover! To help you prepare for your Irish adventure, we’ve put together a list of the 16 most beautiful places to visit in Ireland!
1. Dublin
Visiting Ireland means discovering its capital! Dublin can easily keep you busy for more than a weekend. This historic city is a testament to Ireland’s past. The city boasts numerous museums, including the National Museum and the Writers’ Museum, as well as superb buildings such as Christ Church Cathedral and its crypt, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College.
Above all, take advantage of your visit to Dublin to wander through the cobbled streets and alleys of the city center, stroll through the markets and sample the delicious local beers in the capital’s various pubs. Because visiting Ireland also means tasting its beers! Known for its cultural effervescence and festive atmosphere, the Temple Bar district is particularly recommended for your stay in Dublin. If you like to enjoy this beverage, you can visit the Guinness Storehouse!
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2. Galway
Photo credit: Flickr – Robert Linsdell
In the west of Ireland, Galway is a vibrant and charming city, one of the island’s cultural centers, where many artists have left their joyful mark.
In town, you can visit the Collegiate Church Of St Nicholas, the mythical Lynch’s Castle residence and the Spanish Arch, reminders of the Middle Ages. And don’t forget Galway’s many summer festivals and artistic events!
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3. Connemara
Photo credit: Flickr – Yannick
Not far from Galway lies Connemara National Park, a must-see if you’re planning a visit to Ireland! This veritable terrestrial paradise, untamed by man, extends over 2,000 hectares.
Three circuits of varying difficulty and length will enable you to discover the park’s beautiful wildlife, in an impressive setting. From the towering mountains, you’ll enjoy incredible panoramic views over the rolling plains, forests and gigantic lakes, peat bogs and russet moors of Connemara!
4. Cliffs of Moher
What to do in Ireland? Admire the mythical Cliffs of Moher, of course! Located south of Galway, they stretch over 8 kilometers in length, reaching heights of up to 215 meters.
You’re sure to be blown away by the power, grandeur and beauty of this Irish tourist mecca!
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5. The Giant’s Causeway
Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway, or « Clochán na bhFómharach » in Gaelic, is a formidable geological formation made up of more than 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, some reaching heights of up to 12 metres!
Legend has it that it was built so that two giants, one Irish and the other Scottish, could battle it out. There are several sites to visit, so don’t hesitate to ask a guide to find out more about this iconic Irish landmark!
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6. Belfast
Photo credit: Flickr – Iker Merodio
On your way to the Giant’s Causeway, Belfast is a must. This historic island city was the scene of the war between the Unionists and the Nationalists, traces of which can still be seen on the walls of Belfast.
Despite its not-so-distant tragic past, the city is well worth a visit. As you stroll around, you’ll be able to admire the city’s superb Victorian architecture, as well as the Grand Opera House, Queens University and the Botanic Garden!
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7. County Kerry
Photo credit: Flickr – Tony Webster
It’s impossible to visit Ireland without discovering County Kerry! TheRing of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most beautiful roads. Drive it and you’ll be able to admire the mountains, the Irish coastline and, above all, the sublime Cliffs of Kerry.
Breathtaking panoramas await you along this 180km-long route! Whether you’re traveling by car, bike or on foot, you’re bound to find something to suit your taste, from roads and mountain trails to wilderness walks. Whether or not it’s your starting point for visiting Kerry, don’t hesitate to linger in Killarney to admire its superb historic monuments, such as Ross Castle.
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8. The Dingle Peninsula
North of County Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula is a must-see! Taking its name from the town of Dingle, the peninsula exists thanks to the presence of a mountain range, the Sliabh Mish, which juts out into the sea!
At 951 metres, Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s highest peaks, offers sublime views over the region. Wild and with a mild climate, between ocean and mountains, the Dingle Peninsula is a unique place to discover when you visit Ireland! What’s more, if you want to discover a typical Irish town, Dingle is the place to be. Part of the Gaeltach region, where Irish is still spoken, it’s home to quaint little pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy Irish music.
9. Skellig Michael
Off the coast of Kerry, the Skellig Islands rise steeply 218 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. Isolated, Skellig Michael was home to a small Christian monastery in the Middle Ages.
Protected and famous for its archaeological sites, the island has recently gained new renown thanks to Star Wars Episodes VII and VIII. Indeed, the island was used as a filming location for both films in the saga!
10. Cork
What to do in Ireland? Visit the dynamic student city of Cork! The third most populous city on the island, Cork is currently undergoing an exceptional cultural and economic boom. During the day, you can discover a fabulous architectural heritage that has spanned the ages, from the Middle Ages to the present day, with typical streets like St. Patrick’s Street, sublime cathedrals and friendly museums.
At night, restaurants and pubs take over, and you can enjoy delicious meals, refreshing pints and live music!
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11. Kinsale
South of Cork, Kinsale is a charming little town to discover when visiting Ireland!
Known for its colorful houses and art galleries, it also boasts a fine historical heritage, such as Charles Fort, which overlooks and protects the bay.
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12. The Rock of Cashel
Visiting Ireland also means admiring some formidable castles, several centuries old. The Rock of Cashel is one of the most emblematic. Rising nearly 60 meters from the top of an imposing rocky peak, it is a complex of absolutely fantastic medieval remains.
Overlooking the city, it’s a mecca for Irish tourism. Anyone interested in learning more about the country’s medieval history should visit the Rock!
13. Coumshingaun Lough
Photo credit: Geograph – Colin Park
Surrounded by mountains, in the heart of a veritable cirque of rock, Coumshingaun Lough is one of the most beautiful lakes in the whole of Ireland. You won’t regret taking this wonderful hike in the Comeragh Mountains when you discover the sublime view over this lake!
The most daring visitors will be rewarded with a breathtaking spectacle.
14. Kilkenny
Photo credit: Flickr – Enrico Strocchi
Still wondering what to do in Ireland? Known for its sublime medieval architecture and unique heritage, Kilkenny is a mecca for Irish tourism, with its magnificent castles and cathedrals!
It’s also where the beer of the same name is brewed. So if you want to enjoy a delicious pint and stroll through charming little streets, Kilkenny should be on your itinerary!
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15. Slieve League
Located in County Donegal, the country’s most northerly county, Slieve League is Ireland’s second-highest cliff! At a height of 606 metres, it offers one of Ireland’s finest panoramic views.
Although it’s very windy, the hike is absolutely worth it, so make time to discover this unmissable site!
16. Glenveagh National Park
Photo credit: Flickr – Raphael Schön
County Donegal is full of surprises… Just 20 km from Letterkenny, you can discover this 16,000-hectare park, its castle and gardens.
Between the Derryveagh mountains and the valleys of Lough Veagh and Poisoned Glen, Glenveagh National Park offers breathtaking panoramic views and wonderful walks. The more athletic (and braver) will be tempted by a surfing session: a sport that’s quite popular in the area, it must be said!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Ireland