Discover the natural beauty of Ireland in honour of St Patrick’s Day on 17th March! We’ve picked out 11 must-visit places in Ireland to show you the most breath-taking views and stunning landscapes across the country.
1. Giant’s Causeway
Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway has an inspiring landscape, cliffs and interesting rock formations, so there’s plenty to see in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Legend has it that the causeway was built by a giant named Finn MacCool who used to live in the area…
2. Cliffs of Moher
Stretching for 8km along Ireland’s west coastline, the Cliffs of Moher tower 214 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. As one of the country’s most popular natural attractions, the cliffs offer some of the most breathtaking views on the island.
3. Killarney National Park
This 26,000 acre national park is home to Ireland’s highest mountain range, the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, with its peaks reaching over 1000 metres. The famous lakes of Killarney lie at the bottom of the slopes, and the beautiful Torc Waterfall plunges 60-feet from the Torc Mountains.
4. Ring of Kerry
This popular 120-mile trail in the southwest of Ireland features Ireland’s oldest and longest walking route, the Kerry Way. Breath-taking views are on offer with a combination of glacial lakes, rugged, heather-topped mountains and green meadows.
5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
This stunning architectural display is Ireland’s largest church, and holds great significance to St Patrick. St. Patrick’s was granted cathedral status in 1224 and is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland.
6. Aran Islands
This collection of three islands – Inishmór, Inishmaan and Inisheer – is famous for its preservation as a rural Irish settlement. The Aran Islands are one of the few remaining places that remain largely untouched by the development on the mainland, giving the enchanted isles a mystical feel.
7. Blarney Castle
This famous landmark was built nearly 600 years ago and it is one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. There’s plenty to see at this historical spot, from the magical and romantic Rock Close to the tranquil and mystical Gardens. Blarney Castle is also home to the Blarney Stone, and this legendary Stone of Eloquence is said to grant the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it.
8. Kilkenny City
A city rich in Irish history, Kilkenny is described as one of Ireland’s most beautiful cities. Kilkenny Castle is a must-see, showing varying architectural styles from its eight centuries of existence, and the city of Kilkenny is the perfect combination of medieval and modern.
9. Dingle Peninsula
On Ireland’s southwest coast, the Dingle Peninsula stretches 48 km into the Atlantic Ocean. Rolling hills and mountains run along the mainland and the coastline features steep sea-cliffs and sandy beaches, dominated by the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
10. Connemara
Stretching from Galway City to the west coast of Ireland, Connemara is a beautiful destination filled with an array of colours. Famous for its unspoiled beauty, the area includes beautiful beaches, mountain views, bogs and lakes.
11. Brittas Bay
This beautiful beach is one of the finest beaches on Ireland’s east coast, with three miles of gorgeous white sand dunes and stretches of soft, clean sand. Brittas Bay has been awarded the European Blue Flag for a number of years, and is home to plenty of interesting wildlife species, from red foxes to pyramidal orchids.
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