The thing about Ireland? It’ll mess with your expectations. Sure, I knew about the green hills and old castles. However, nothing prepared me for standing at the edge of a 700-foot cliff while Atlantic waves crashed below, or walking through valleys where every rock seems to have a thousand years of stories. It’s an incredible travel destination, and honestly, in my experience, it’s a country with the friendliest people in Europe! Here are my 12 favorite spots that make this island pure magic (and no, not all of them involve castles)!
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👉 My Favorite Tour in Ireland
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Ireland
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Irish adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Dublin for just $325 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Skip Temple Bar’s tourist traps and head to local spots like Dublin’s Green 19 for early bird specials. Many pubs offer hearty early dinner deals until 6pm. For picnic supplies, SuperValu’s deli counters make fresh sandwiches for half the café prices, perfect for coastal walks and castle visits.
- Transport: I recommend buying a Leap Card for Dublin transport and looking into the Bus Éireann Hop-on tickets for exploring multiple counties. For Wild Atlantic Way adventures, consider Irish Rail’s online-only midweek deals. They’re often 70% cheaper than buying at the station. During summer, book your train tickets three weeks ahead for serious savings.
Ireland may have a reputation for being expensive, but there are plenty of ways to experience its incredible landscapes and culture on a budget. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Ireland!
The Prettiest Places to Visit in Ireland
Ready to discover Ireland’s wild spirit? From hidden beach coves to mist-wrapped castle ruins, here are the spots that made me believe in magic.
1. Cliffs of Moher
- 📍 Location: County Clare, Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🌊 Coastal views, 📸 photography lovers, 🌬️ dramatic landscapes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the cliff trail, visiting O’Brien’s Tower, watching sunset over the Atlantic
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for fewer crowds and vibrant coastal wildflowers 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Doolin – Chic eco-friendly hotel near the cliffs with live music and local charm
The Cliffs of Moher are one of those rare places that hit you with their scale the second you arrive. Stretching for about nine miles along the Atlantic, these cliffs rise over 700 feet at their highest point. The crashing waves below and the endless sky above make it feel like the edge of the world.
The main visitor center is helpful, but the real magic happens when you walk the cliff path, especially in the early morning or late evening. O’Brien’s Tower offers a stunning panoramic view, but even just sitting with the sea wind in your face is an experience in itself.
It’s easy to see why this spot is featured in movies and guidebooks, but it never feels like a cliché. The raw energy of the wind and sea is something you can’t photograph, you just have to feel it.
2. Rock of Cashel
- 📍 Location: County Tipperary, Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🏰 History fans, ⛪ architecture lovers, 🌄 hilltop views
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the round tower, seeing Cormac’s Chapel, walking the surrounding fields
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for clear skies and extended daylight ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Baileys Hotel Cashel – Elegant boutique hotel just steps from the Rock with cozy rooms and local fare
The Rock of Cashel towers over the green fields of Tipperary like something out of a medieval fantasy. Once the seat of kings and bishops, this limestone outcrop is crowned by ancient buildings that date as far back as the 12th century. The ruins are still incredibly well preserved and packed with stories.
You can climb around the round tower, admire the faded frescoes in Cormac’s Chapel, and take in sweeping views of the countryside below. The surrounding graveyard adds even more atmosphere with weather-worn Celtic crosses leaning into the wind.
It’s a spot that sparks imagination. While it’s a popular tourist stop, it never feels overdone. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for golden light and fewer people. This is one of those places where Ireland’s myth and history feel very real.
3. Mourne Mountains
- 📍 Location: County Down, Northern Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🥾 Hikers, ⛰️ mountain lovers, 🌄 epic scenery seekers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing Slieve Donard, walking the Mourne Wall, hiking through Tollymore Forest Park
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for dry trails and long hiking days 🥾
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hillyard House – Stylish inn near Castlewellan with great mountain access and warm hospitality
The Mourne Mountains are a rugged escape packed with postcard-perfect views and a real sense of adventure. These granite peaks roll across the landscape, dotted with lakes, forest trails, and wide-open skies. Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland, offers a tough but rewarding climb.
What makes the Mournes unique is the Mourne Wall, a 22-mile-long stone structure that zigzags across the mountains and makes for an unforgettable hike. On clear days, you can see all the way to the sea from some ridgelines, while cloudier days give the range a moody, mysterious vibe.
It’s not just about summits though. Lower trails through Tollymore Forest Park bring in river crossings, mossy paths, and quiet picnic spots. Whether you’re here for a long trek or a casual stroll, the Mournes are all about open air and wide horizons.
- Read next: Unique Experiences in Northern Ireland
4. Sliabh Liag (Slieve League)
- 📍 Location: County Donegal, Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🧗 Cliff hikers, 🌊 thrill seekers, 📷 scenic views
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to the summit, viewing the cliffs from Bunglass Point, boat tours along the base
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for mild weather and safer trail conditions ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Rusty Mackerel – Welcoming guesthouse with live music and traditional food near the cliffs
Sliabh Liag rises almost 2,000 feet above the Atlantic and is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. While the Cliffs of Moher get more attention, Slieve League feels wilder and less developed. The road to Bunglass Point offers jaw-dropping views, and the cliff walk to One Man’s Pass is not for the faint of heart.
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The trail rewards you with sweeping panoramas of ocean and sky, especially on clear days. But even when the clouds roll in, the cliffs look dramatic and raw. You’ll want sturdy shoes and a good windbreaker, especially if you’re heading past the main viewpoint.
Boat trips from nearby Teelin Pier offer a different perspective, sailing beneath the towering walls. Whether you’re hiking the ridge or watching seabirds glide overhead, Slieve League offers an experience that feels untouched and exhilarating.
5. Adare
- 📍 Location: County Limerick, Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🏡 Village charm, 🧺 slow travel, 🎨 heritage lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Adare Manor, strolling through thatched cottages, exploring Desmond Castle ruins
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to August for blooming gardens and weekend markets 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Dunraven Adare – Elegant country house with classic décor and traditional Irish hospitality
Adare is often called Ireland’s prettiest village, and it more than lives up to the title. Its rows of thatched-roof cottages look like something from a fairytale, while the surrounding parks and stone bridges offer plenty of scenic spots for a walk or photo stop.
The village blends history with charm. Explore the ruins of Desmond Castle, built in the 13th century, or drop by one of the preserved medieval churches that are still in use today. Artisans sell local crafts, and many of the cafes have been family-run for generations.
Just outside the village sits the grand Adare Manor, a luxury hotel surrounded by manicured gardens and ancient woodland. Even if you’re not checking in, you can walk the estate or stop in for afternoon tea. Adare’s calm pace and old-world beauty make it a relaxing yet memorable stop on any Ireland itinerary.
6. The Wild Atlantic Way
- 📍 Location: West Coast of Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🚗 Road trippers, 🌊 scenic drives, 🥾 off-the-path adventures
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the Sky Road, surfing in Lahinch, walking the Slieve League cliffs
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for longer days and clearer coastal views ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Screebe House – Historic hunting lodge turned boutique stay with sea views and fine dining
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s most breathtaking road trips, stretching over 1,500 miles along Ireland’s rugged west coast. What makes it special isn’t just the views, it’s the feeling of constant discovery. Every twist in the road reveals new cliffs, coves, villages, or sheep-covered hills.
You can surf the Atlantic in Lahinch, stroll quiet beaches in Inishowen, or kayak through sea caves near Doolin. The route also passes through traditional Irish towns where pubs still host live folk sessions and locals are quick with a hello.
The Wild Atlantic Way isn’t about speed. It’s about stopping at roadside viewpoints, chatting with strangers, and finding beauty in the unexpected. No matter how far you drive, the journey always feels fresh. This coast has a way of making you feel small in the best way possible, which is why I consider it one of must-see road trips in Ireland.
- Read next: West Ireland Travel Guide
- You may also like: Weekend Guide to Westport, Ireland
7. The Nine Glens of Antrim
- 📍 Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🌄 Nature walks, 🧚 folklore fans, 🌳 peaceful escapes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Glenariff Forest, exploring Cushendun Caves, scenic drives along the coast
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to July for greenery, waterfalls, and milder temps 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Glenn Eireann House – Quaint B&B tucked in the hills with mountain views and warm local hosts
The Nine Glens of Antrim are some of the most serene and story-rich landscapes in Northern Ireland. These lush valleys, carved by ancient glaciers, stretch from the coast into the hills, each one offering its own views, history, and charm. Glenariff, known as the “Queen of the Glens,” is the most famous and features forested trails and waterfalls that feel pulled from a fairytale.
Smaller glens like Glendun and Glenaan are less visited but equally beautiful. You’ll come across stone bridges, mossy woods, and locals eager to share folklore passed down through generations.
Driving between the glens is a highlight on its own, especially along the coastal route. Whether you’re walking a forest loop or just watching sheep graze under wide skies, the glens are a peaceful escape from the busy tourist trail.
8. Ireland’s Eye
- 📍 Location: Near Howth, County Dublin, Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🛶 Island escapes, 🐦 birdwatching, 🏝️ nature lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a boat from Howth, spotting puffins, hiking to the Martello tower
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to August for calm seas and nesting seabirds 🐦
- 🏨 Where to Stay: King Sitric – Seaside guesthouse in Howth with seafood dining and harbor views
Ireland’s Eye is a small uninhabited island just off the coast of Howth, but it feels a world away. A short boat ride brings you to a quiet haven filled with seabirds, wildflowers, and rocky cliffs. For a peaceful day away from the crowds, this is one of the best hidden gems near Dublin.
You can walk the trails that wind across the island or relax on the beach with views of the mainland in the distance. Puffins, guillemots, and cormorants nest here during summer, making it a top spot for birdwatchers. The ruins of a 6th-century church and a lone Martello tower add a touch of mystery.
Most travelers overlook this place, which makes it even better for quiet exploration. Bring sturdy shoes and water as there are no shops or crowds, just pure Irish nature and salty sea air. For me, it’s definitely one of the best hidden spots in Ireland.
- Read Next: 14 Best Day Trips From Dublin
9. Glendalough
- 📍 Location: County Wicklow, Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🧘 Serenity seekers, 🏛️ history fans, 🌲 forest hikes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the monastic ruins, hiking the Spinc trail, visiting the Upper and Lower lakes
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to October for autumn colors and fewer tourists 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Trooperstown Lodge – Rustic country retreat with easy access to trails and peaceful woodland views
Glendalough is where Ireland’s natural beauty meets spiritual history. Nestled in a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains, it’s best known for its early medieval monastic site founded by Saint Kevin. Stone towers and ancient churches sit quietly among trees and lakes, making it a reflective place to walk through.
Surrounding the ruins are wooded trails that range from easy strolls to full-day hikes. The Spinc trail, with its boardwalks and cliffside views, is a favorite for anyone looking for a challenge. The Upper and Lower Lakes add mirror-like scenery to the already peaceful vibe.
Glendalough draws both pilgrims and hikers, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the kind of destination where you can reset your pace and breathe deeply. Even in misty weather, the landscape has a calming effect that sticks with you long after you leave.
10. Cobh
- 📍 Location: County Cork, Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🚢 Maritime history, 🎨 colorful towns, 🕍 cultural sites
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Titanic Experience, walking the Deck of Cards houses, exploring St. Colman’s Cathedral
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for sunny harbor views and local festivals ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: WatersEdge Hotel – Waterfront stay beside the port with cozy rooms and harbor dining
Cobh is one of Ireland’s most photogenic towns, with pastel-painted houses stacked along steep hills and a deep maritime legacy. It was the final port of call for the Titanic, and that part of its story is front and center at the excellent Titanic Experience museum, housed in the original White Star Line building.
The Deck of Cards houses make for the town’s most famous photo stop, especially with St. Colman’s Cathedral towering in the background. You’ll hear church bells ring as you walk along the harbor, often catching street musicians playing Irish ballads.
There’s something nostalgic about Cobh, like it holds memories from another time. Boats come and go, birds wheel over the bay, and the streets feel both peaceful and full of stories. It’s a small town, but one that leaves a strong impression on anyone who takes the time to explore it.
11. The Burren
- 📍 Location: County Clare, Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🪨 Geology lovers, 🌸 rare plant seekers, 🥾 scenic walking trails
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Poulnabrone Dolmen, hiking Burren National Park, spotting alpine flowers in bloom
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for blooming wildflowers and mild hiking weather 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hylands Burren Hotel – Comfortable hotel in Ballyvaughan, set in a charming village close to Burren trails and the Atlantic coast
The Burren looks unlike anywhere else in Ireland. This rocky limestone plateau stretches for miles with an otherworldly, moonlike appearance. Despite its stark look, the landscape is bursting with life—alpine and Mediterranean plants grow side by side in its crevices, some found nowhere else in Ireland.
Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy trails through Burren National Park, where stone walls crisscross hills and wild goats graze. The Poulnabrone Dolmen, a Neolithic portal tomb standing alone on a rocky field, offers a glimpse into the area’s deep past and attracts visitors with an eye for mystery.
Because of its unique geography, the Burren feels ancient and alive at the same time. It’s a quiet place where you’ll want to walk slowly, notice small things, and let the silence of the stones sink in.
12. Dingle Peninsula
- 📍 Location: County Kerry, Ireland
- 🏆 Best For: 🌊 Coastal drives, 🐬 marine life, 🐴 traditional culture
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving Slea Head, exploring Gallarus Oratory, taking a boat ride from Dingle Harbor
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for clear roads, active wildlife, and local festivals ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dingle Benners Hotel – Historic inn in the town center with warm service and traditional decor
The Dingle Peninsula offers some of Ireland’s best scenery and feels more intimate than other popular routes. It’s got that perfect mix of rugged coastlines, friendly towns, and ancient ruins, all packed into a driveable stretch. Slea Head Drive is one of the top scenic routes in the country, offering ocean views, cliffs, and age-old stone huts perched near the edge.
In Dingle town, expect colorful shopfronts, traditional music, and cafés serving fresh seafood. Boat tours often focus on wildlife, and though the famous dolphin Fungie is no longer around, the bay is still rich in marine life.
One of the most memorable parts of the peninsula is how strong the Irish language and traditions still are. Locals often greet you in Irish first, and Gaelic culture is alive in schools, music, and community events. Dingle feels both welcoming and deeply rooted.
