5 Beautiful Places to Visit in Ireland

The Emerald Isle is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for jaw-dropping sights that seem to belong in a fantasy world rather than Earth. Ireland needs to be on your bucket list of places you should visit in your lifetime because it is filled with unique wonders that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Here are just five of the many beautiful places that you should visit when you go to the Emerald Isle. 

PHOTO: BEN1183/GETTY IMAGES

The Cliffs of Moher

These cliffs, located on the west coast of Ireland, are a must-see for any traveler. They are beyond stunning and will leave you with awe at their magnificence. Reaching more than 700 feet high (2124 meters) and spanning over eight miles (14 kilometers), they offer one of the most scenic views in Ireland. 

To make the most of this experience, trek the two to three hour Doolin Cliff Walk and be amazed at the stretch of ocean beside you and the sea birds soaring in the sky. There are more than 20 species and 30,000 birds that call these cliffs home, including Atlantic Puffins and razorbills. You will not be disappointed with the magical nature of these cliffs. 

The Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel (also called the “Cashel of the Kings” and “St. Patrick’s Rock”) is located in Tipperary County and is a must-see if you enjoy sights with historical significance. Cashel’s oldest building dates back over a thousand years, making it older than the country itself. At its creation, this part of Ireland was known as Munster, and the Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of its kings up until the Normans invaded in the 12th century. Currently, the only part of the original fortress left is the massive round tower. Most of the other parts were constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries. Still, it is a remarkable example of European medieval architecture. 

PHOTO: from TREKNI

The Mourne Mountains

Even though it is one of the lesser-known road trips, the Mourne Coastal Route is no less exquisite than its more famous counterparts like the Causeway Coastal Route and the Giant’s Causeway. It reaches from Belfast City Centre through North Down and the Ards Peninsula before reaching the Mourne Mountains. 

Along the way, you can see many of Northern Ireland’s most famous sights like the Irish Sea coast and Strangford Lough along with beautiful beaches and charming coastal towns. However, the true pinnacle of this route is the Mourne Mountains. 

As the backdrop for Game of Thrones and inspiration for countless fantasy worlds, the Mourne Mountains are a stunning spot to visit. You can explore the coastal town of Newcastle, which has walking trails that lead to the highest point of Northern Ireland at Slieve Donard, or you could follow the hiking trails of Tollymore Forest Park. 

PHOTO: from Viator

The Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is an odd geological phenomenon on many people’s bucket lists. It is a stretch of coastline with three promontories littered with unusual geometric rocks that spill into the Irish Sea. These rocks fit together like a perfect, uniform puzzle. It is a perfect spot to visit either early or late in the day to capture the sun casting over the rocks. 

PHOTO: from Trailing Away

Kylemore Abbey

Located far away from the major cities of Ireland, Kylemore Abbey is a bewitching attraction with a nearby grand Victorian Wall Garden and a neo-gothic church with striking architecture. 

The Abbey was founded in 1920 and has since been the home of the Benedictine Order of Nuns after they fled Belgium during World War One. It is steeped in history and movie-worthy tales of tragedy, romance, and engineering initiatives. 

The connected Victorian Walled Garden sits on six acres and is divided into two sections: the kitchen garden filled with vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees, and the flower garden, which like the name suggests is home to beautiful flowers and glasshouses. Don’t let this gem miss your to-do list for your trip to Ireland. It will not disappoint you. 

Ireland is filled with many magical sights for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to add these to your bucket list when you are planning your next trip!