The Natural Wonders of Ireland
Ireland is known for its wild, rugged and magical landscapes! We have put together a list of some of the landscapes worth visiting when in Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland’s most well-known landmarks…
The Cliffs of Moher are completely vertical, with a sharp cliff edge. On a clear day, the vistas of the Aran Islands imprinted on the seas of Galway Bay are breathtaking. From the cliff’s edge, you can hear the waves crashing and gnawing at the soft shale and sandstone below.
Sunset is the greatest time to come because of the due-west exposure.
The Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most popular visitor experiences and tourist attractions, tower over the rocky West County Clare shoreline.
The Cliffs of Moher are visually stunning, sitting between the magnificent scenery of the Burren on one side as well as the wild Atlantic Ocean on the other. The Cliffs of Moher, which rise to a height of over 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower and continue for about 14 kilometres (8 miles) along the coast of Clare, were created over 320 million years ago and are now part of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
Take a stroll along the safe, paths to see the renowned Cliffs on Europe’s western border and take in the breathtaking views of sea, land, and sky.
Glendalough
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Ireland…
People have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes’ for thousands of years because of its stunning beauty, rich history, archaeology, and plentiful wildlife. Glendalough is a magical spot that will calm your head, inspire your heart, and enliven your spirit.
The monuments & lakes are open all year at any time, however the vehicle parks may have barriers down early morning & late evening. The Upper and Lower Lakes, as well as the Monastic sites (churches/round towers), are free to visit, with the exception of parking costs at the Upper Lake as well as the Visitor Centre just at the Monastic Site.
Glendalough is known for its beautiful views, but it also has rich and diverse heritage, landmarks, archaeology, architecture, sceneries, geology, parks, plants, fauna, animal habitats, and mining history.
Glaciers carved out the Glendalough Valley during the Ice Age, and the two lakes that bear the name Glendalough were developed when the ice melted. One of Ireland’s most spectacular monastery structures, built by St. Kevin in the 6th century, is located in the Valley.
The region, which is part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, is a sanctuary for species and their habitats, as well as flora and fauna.
Ring of Kerry
Discover dreamlike landscapes as well as dramatic coastlines.
Green rolling slopes and glistening lakes. In patchwork fields, sheep bleat and cows graze. Pristine golden strands give way to cliffs that tumble to the ground. The Ring of Kerry, located on Ireland’s southwest coast, truly has it all, hence why visitors flock from all over the world to see it.
This show-stopping trip along the Iveragh Peninsula, which starts and ends in Killarney, has all of the must-see sights – Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall, and the Gap of Dunloe are all winners – but the route is far more than the end product. Each curve on this 179-kilometer route offers a fresh visual feast, from lakes, rivers, and waterfalls to majestic mansions and castles.
The magnificent lengths of white sand beaches in this section of County Kerry are well-known. Derrynane, Rossbeigh, and St Finian’s Bay are among the most attractive, each beach forming a lovely boundary between the glistening ocean and the Iveragh Peninsula’s mountains.
The magnificent “Ladies View” in the Lakes of Killarney is named this due to it being a favourite of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting when she visited the Ring of Kerry in 1861.
Dingle
Explore the beautiful Dingle Peninsula…
On Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula, or Corca Dhuibhne, reaches 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean just on south-west coast. The Slieve Mish range, which runs from the Slieve Mish range towards the Conor Pass and Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest peak, dominates the peninsula. 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.
To the west, the Blasket Islands are visible, and the peninsula is filled with charming settlements, each with its own distinct sense of place…
Spend time in this area rich in tradition, literature, and culture, where native Gaelic coexists with modern languages, in which the perfect harmony caused by nature revives the spirit, in which you can relax and enjoy the scenery, flora and fauna, art & photography, craft trails, culture, archaeology, local food, craft distilleries, and breweries, or simply meet the people – the choice is yours!
The Croagh
Stunning views of Clew Bay…
Croagh Patrick, which rises over Clew Bay in County Mayo, is regarded as Ireland’s holy mountain. Its religious importance extends back to the pagans’ period, when people are said to have met here to commemorate the start of the harvest season. The mountain currently bears the name of Ireland’s patron saint, who fasted for 40 days at the mountain’s top in 441, according to Christian legend.
Every year on the last Sunday in July, thousands of Christian tours and pilgrimages from all over the world flock to Croagh Patrick for a day of prayer in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. Throughout the day, outdoor masses are held. It began by candlelight at midnight until recent decades, and the 2510-foot ascent was done barefoot. However, the majority of pilgrims now keep their shoes on and gather in daylight towards the northern foot of the mountain, near the Late Medieval Franciscan friary at Murrisk, 8 kilometres outside of Westport. “Reek Sunday” is the name given to this day of devotion.
They go around a contemporary white monument of Saint Patrick before heading up to the peak, stick in hand. Confessions are made, Masses are sung, and rosary beads get thumbed by devout pilgrims knelt in prayer, expecting to obtain a favour and doing it simply as they have been doing it for years.
The climb to the summit is strenuous yet energising, taking less than three hours on average and rewarding with one of the best ocean vistas in the West of Ireland in excellent weather. It is one of Europe’s oldest pilgrimages, transporting participants to the hardships of the Middle Ages in spirit.
there are plenty of other beautiful landscapes across Ireland that are 100% worth a trip as well, these are just a few of the ones we think are truly incredible!
