From rolling green hills to the wild Atlantic coastline and lots in between, Ireland’s beautiful scenery is internationally renowned. It’s difficult to narrow down, but here are just some of the best scenic views in Ireland!
1. The Causeway Coast & Glens, Co. Antrim
This route has been consistently ranked in the top scenic drives in the world. It covers the Causeway Coast, the Antrim Coast & Glens which includes Rathlin, Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off-shore island, and the dramatic cliffs of Binevenagh.
Image Credit: Failte Ireland
2. Powerscourt Gardens, Co. Wicklow
Set against the beautiful background of the Sugarloaf Mountain, the gardens at Powerscourt were laid out over a period of 150 years, and were designed with the aim to have a garden that was part of the wider landscape. The result is one of the most visually stunning gardens in all of Ireland.
Image Credit: Failte Ireland
3. The Old Head of Kinsale, Co. Cork
Renowned for its fantastic scenery and dramatic cliffs, the Old Head of Kinsale is also home to a world class golf course. It is also the nearest land point to where the RMS Lusitania sank in 1915.
Image Credit: Raymond Fogarty
4. Dún Aonghasa, The Aran Islands
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dún Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts on the Aran Islands. It offers spectacular views of up to 75 miles of Irish coastline.
Image Credit: Raymond Fogarty
5. Slieve League Cliffs, Co. Donegal
Situated on the south west coast of Co. Donegal, the Slieve League Cliffs are said to be some of the highest and finest marine cliffs in Europe. They reach almost three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare, and are nothing short of stunning, particularly at sunset, where the rock is streaked with changing shades of red, amber and ochre.
Image Credit: Failte Ireland
6. Skellig Islands, Co. Kerry
‘Little Skellig’ and ‘Great Skellig’ – also known as ‘Skellig Michael’ – are two small, steep, and rocky islands lying about 13km west of Bolus Head on the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. Skellig Michael is the site of a well preserved Christian monastic settlement, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Little Skellig is the home of a thriving gannet and puffin population.
Image Credit: Tourism Ireland
7. The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
Located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are consistently ranked as Ireland’s top visitor attraction. Rising to 214 metres at their highest point, they stretch for 8 kilometres along the Atlantic Coast of Ireland.
Image Credit: Christopher Hill Photographic 2014, Tourism Ireland
8. Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo
There are great views on offer here in this small fishing village in Sligo. It is famous for its ‘Prowlers’ – waves like no other, with swells said to be up to 100ft, which makes it a great destination for surfers.
Image Credit: Failte Ireland
9. Glencar Lake, Co. Leitrim
This beautiful, peaceful lake covers an area of 1.15 square kilometres (0.4sq mi) and lies mostly in County Leitrim, with a smaller part in County Sligo. It is popular with anglers for trout, sea trout and salmon fishing. Make sure to visit the nearby Glencar Waterfall, which served as inspiration to W.B. Yeats and features in one of his poems. ‘The Stolen Child’.
Image Credit: Failte Ireland
10. Gravity Bar at Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
You don’t always need to go out into the countryside for great scenery, as demonstrated by the view from Gravity Bar at the top of Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Here visitors have uninterrupted 360 degree views of Dublin city, extending out to the Dublin Mountains.
Image Credit: blogs.iesabroad.org
Where are some of your favourite places in Ireland to enjoy great scenery?