With low-altitude mountains girdling a central plain, many navigable rivers, and numerous spectacular beaches, Ireland is the second-largest island in the British Isles and the third-largest in Europe. Also called the Emerald Isles because of its abundant vegetation, it ranks among the top destinations in the region notable for their rich natural attractions.
If you plan on going on a date with nature on your next vacation in that remarkable island and are still contemplating on which scenes to visit, here are ten of the most beautiful locations to put on your list.
1. Slieve League Cliffs
These cliffs rear up on the Atlantic coast of Donegal tower. Almost twice the height of the Eiffel Tower, they are the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe. In fact, one can almost drive to the highest altitude, which overlooks many beautiful sceneries, including Donegal Bay, the Ben Bulben Mountains in Leitrim and Sligo, and the massive expanse of clear blue sea.
The lakes on the route to the summit are a wonder, and the seabirds flying overhead will indulge your camera.
2. The Giant's Causeway
The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is marked by its historic volcanic eruption 60 million years ago and by about 40,000 interlocking basalt polygonal columns. It is the epitome of natural beauty and boosts many species of sea birds, including petrel and razorbill, that are worth pausing to admire.
If you are looking for a natural sight where you can picnic, cliff walk, or country walk, then the Giant’s Causeway and its legend and myth, accessible via four stunning trails, is the perfect destination in Ireland to visit.
3. Cliffs of Moher
Traversing eight miles of the western Atlantic Coast, the Cliffs of Moher rank among the top visited natural sites in Ireland and isn’t an ideal tourist location for people who have fear of heights. The highest point is Knockarden just north of O’Brien’s Tower, and there is no barrier between its brink and the 702-foot drop to the sea below.
The cliffs offer many wondrous views—the Aran Islands in the mouth of the Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins and its sharp-peaked quartzite ranges, the picturesque Maumturks, and the headland Loop Head and its prominent lighthouse.
The spectacle, however, doesn’t end with the beautiful mountain range and rolling seas. The Cliffs of Moher also harbour 29 species of birds, including guillemots, kittiwakes, choughs, puffins, and razorbills, the total population hovering around 40,000 birds.
4. The Ring of Gullion
Officially labelled an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this volcanic landscape dating over 60 million years into history in Northern Ireland girdles an awe-inspiring ring dyke (the first to be mapped in the world) and is popular for its folklore and rich cultural and archaeological heritage.
With the ring’s peculiar geological landform, beautifully patterned fields, the Ring of Gullion packs assorted open-air recreational activities like horse riding, fishing, canoeing, cycling, hill hiking, and bird watching and welcomes both the young and old.
Follow the diverse hiking routes to explore its wonderful archaeology, wildlife, folklore, geology, unpolluted upland lakes, and acres of natural forests.
5. The Burren
A hike through this intriguing marriage between limestone and grikes—from the Atlantic coast, through northern Clare, to Kinvara in County Galway—is like a walk through time. Consisting of 116 square miles of naturally interlocking glacial-era limestone, the Burren packages majestic cliffs, memorable caves, striking rock formations, and thought-provoking archaeological sites.
This cracked limestone landscape boosts numerous rare Irish flora species watered by underground streams and rivers that are shy except during wet weather. The flowers in spring add beauty to the bald field. If you love caving, rock climbing, or just listening to the drumming of your boots on solid rock, Burren is a natural destination in Ireland you can’t afford to miss.
6. Croagh Patrick
Sacred and stunning, Croagh Patrick soars over 2,500 feet above County Mayo in western Ireland. Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, to whom the mountain is devoted, is said to have fasted and prayed for 40 days and nights on its summit. With a holy tradition dating 5000 years into the past, this is the perfect natural getaway for Christian pilgrims, especially on Reek Sunday (the last Sunday in July of every year.)
About 8km from Westport, Croagh Patrick is the third highest mountain in County Mayo. Throughout the ascent, you will be able to enjoy views of the Mayo Countryside alongside those of Clew Bay and its sunken drumlins.
7. Carrauntoohil
Residing in County Kerry, Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland and is made up of red sandstones shaped by geological ice action into sharp peaks and corries. The peak is marked by a metal cross and is usually climbed from the north-east. Along the range are the second and the third highest summits in Ireland—Beenkeragh and Caher respectively. So if you are a mountain lover, you are bound to experience ample Irish topography here.
To better enjoy the landscape of the mountain range, go on the Kerry Way, Ireland's most popular long distance trail, which passes through the foothills of Carrauntoohil. But if you want something more challenging, then join experienced hikers in climbing the Carrauntoohil peak.
8. The River Shannon
Mostly flanked by bogs and marshes, River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland, drains the Shannon basin, which covers about a fifth of the whole of Ireland, and flows gently along 240 miles from County Cavan to Limerick.
The River Shannon winds past many gripping sites throughout its course, including the Irish Seed Savers and their vegetation of assorted native fruits and vegetables and the Zipit Forest Adventure Centre and the zip wire escapade through beautiful forests that it offers.
9. The Slieve Bloom Mountains
Rising from the central plain of Ireland and marrying the counties of Offaly and Laois, this rolling mountain range presents nature in a colourful blossom that graces the minds of its visitors with tranquillity. A visit to this quaint landscape will be like a walk into an age untarnished by technology.
This is the perfect honeymoon destination in Ireland, where couples can shut out the world and walk hand in hand or horse-ride through mosaic fields, peaceful forests, and along gentle river banks. This is the Kyoto of Ireland.
10. The Mourne Mountains
Located in County Down in the South-east of Northern Ireland, this granite mountain range is one of Ireland’s most famous natural destinations. With twenty-eight peaks, six rising above 700m and Slieve Donard (849m) sitting at the highest altitude, the Mourne Mountains can safely be called a playground of peaks.
Whether you love camping, biking, mountain walks, cliff climbing, or the peace that comes with gazing into moving water, the range packs outstanding landscapes and waterscape that will fuel your hobby. Crisscrossed with many tracks and paths and harbouring crystalline lakes, challenging peaks, this scenic location begs to be explored.
Ireland isn’t only adorned with mesmerising natural wonders, but also packages many historical, architectural, and cultural attractions that you can marvel at while you tour the beautiful places listed above. Traveling from the US doesn’t require a VISA, as there is a reciprocal arrangement due to the fact that Irish citizens qualify for a US ESTA Visa under the Visa Waiver Programme. Why not make your next break to Ireland?
Always keep an open mind. And keep your camera close by.