Irish Scenery at its Finest: 5 Must-See Destinations
Well-known as the land of Riverdance, Guinness, and amazing hospitality – Ireland is also famous for its many beautiful, rugged, and magical landscapes. Breathtaking from coast to coast, this magical island has a quite few places you’ll certainly want to add to your bucket list.
1) Cliffs of Moher
Located at the southwestern edge of County Clare (nearby Liscannor village), the Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most famous sites. With sea cliffs being entirely vertical following an abrupt edge, the views are tremendous and definitely a popular attraction for visitors. The Cliffs of Moher is also a hotspot for a wide range of wildlife. Home to as many as 20 different bird species.
You may have also seen these beautiful sea cliffs in the background of some of your favourite films including Harry Potter, The Princess bride, Leap Year, and many more.
So if you plan on visiting Ireland, definitely add this one to the list.
2) Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a picturesque driving route that goes around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. It takes roughly 3 and a half hours to drive around non-stop, although in doing so you’d be missing out on the vast variety of nature, culture, and activities that Kerry has to offer.
Full of beautiful beaches, magical waterfalls, and jaw-dropping cliffs, the Ring of Kerry has views fit for a king! Beginning and ending in Killarney, there are a number of sight-seeing attractions through the scenic route such as the Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall, the Gap of Dunloe, and the Skellig Michael. If you’re more of an adventure seeker, try the ring of Kerry cycling route; it’s one of Ireland’s most famous. And if that isn’t enough, Kerry is also home to one of just three Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserves on the planet. So why not gaze up at the stars away from the hustle and bustle of city life in Ireland’s very own Ring of Kerry?
Sold yet? Good – click below to find out more about Skelling Michael, one of their most popular experience visitor centres.
3) Connemara
Connemara is a region of stark beauty, fantastic scenery, and some unique sights, all of which combine to make it a very attractive destination that is dear to the hearts of both Irish and foreign tourists.
Visitors usually return to Connemara, Co. Galway, since there is so much to see and do there that they couldn’t fit it all in on their first visit. You may easily spend a week exploring by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot along one of the numerous well-marked trails. Connemara National Park is one of the most popular attractions, but there are also Kylemore Abbey, Roundstone, The Inagh Valley, and innumerable magnificent beaches strewn along the coast, so you’ll never be bored.
4) Dingle Peninsula
Stretching across 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, The Dingle Peninsula ( or Corca Dhuibhne) is ringed by beautiful sandy beaches and craggy cliffs on Ireland’s southwestern coast. Though this region is naturally captivating, Dingle Peninsula is certainly more than meets the eye: The region’s an officially recognised bastion of Irish language and culture, famed for its hardware pubs and its 6000-year-old history.
The spectacular coastline has sheer sea cliffs such as Slea Head, stunning headlands, and sandy beaches, including the award-winning beach at Inch in the south and the Maharees tombolo in the north. So, relax and enjoy the scenery, flora and fauna, art and photography, craft paths, culture, archaeology, local food, craft distilleries, and breweries, or simply meet the people in a location steeped in tradition, literature, and culture.
5) Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway (also known as the Déise Greenway by locals), is a route on a former railway track in County Waterford that is often used for hiking and cycling.
Known as a haven for those wanting to unwind, the Waterford Greenway offers a brilliant 46 kilometers to explore! Fit for hikers and cyclists but also great for families, this route has spectacular views and has plenty of refreshment stops along the way for those wanting to make a day out of it.
