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Europe, Luxury Journeys, Uncategorized

15 Best Places to Visit in Ireland

December 20, 2024 by Laura Goodman No Comments
View of rolling green landscape on the Ring of Kerry in Ireland

The tiny but mighty Emerald Isle packs a punch, particularly when it comes to natural beauty. When it comes to  the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland, where to even begin? Our 12-day guided journey across Ireland answers much of that question for you, particularly if you love jaw dropping landscapes and good food; it’s aptly named Ultimate Ireland.

We begin in Belfast, make a loop through Northern Ireland, stopping at Londonderry and Giant’s Causeway, then head south along the eastern coast, clockwise towards Galway. The sheer variety on offer is breathtaking – rugged cliffs and the crashing waves of the wild Atlantic, charming towns, rich culture, buzzy cities and the greenest greens. You can extend this journey into England and Scotland on Castles & Kingdoms, a three week journey. Below, we answer some of your most frequently asked questions, and take you through our favorite places to visit in Ireland.

Read next: Why Ireland’s Best Hotel is Made For a Holiday Season Escape

Fishing boats in a harbor with colorful buildings in the background

 

Ireland FAQs

 

Where to go for the first time in Ireland?

You’ll fly into Dublin and you won’t want to miss that. Most shorter itineraries will hop straight across the island to Galway, making time here and there for the key sights of the south: a glimpse of the staggering Cliffs of Moher, or a spin round the Ring of Kerry, perhaps a market tour in Cork.

Is 7 days in Ireland enough?

Seven days is barely enough time to see a region, let alone a whole country, and certainly a country as rich as this one. Our Ireland journey is twelve days long, but could easily be longer. It begins in Belfast and ends in Shannon so you could opt to extend at either side.

What three cities should I visit in Ireland?

Dublin, Galway and Belfast. You’ll find more on all three of these legendary cities below, along with 12 more of our favourite places to visit in Ireland.

Read next: The Roaming Boomers on Traveling to Ireland With Luxury Gold

 

The 15 Best Places to Visit in Ireland

 

Dublin

It’s one of the most vibrant cities in the world, and yet it makes for such a relaxed start to any vacation. There are walking tours, or you can pootle between bucketlist sights like the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College (pausing to admire the stunning Long Room in the Old Library), taking breaks here and there for Irish breakfasts, Dublin Bay prawns and world-class cocktails, depending on the time of day (or maybe not).

Close up view of books and vaulted ceiling in a library in Dublin

 

Galway

A journey to Galway takes you to the heart of Ireland’s rich culture, vivid history and luscious greenery. On our luxury journeys you’ll visit the gently bustling city, with its tangled lanes and pastel shopfronts, but you’ll stay out in the enchanting countryside, in the lakeside Ashford Castle, the former home of the Guinness family.

 

Cliffs of Moher

In County Clare, these staggeringly tall sea cliffs are an invigorating sight, and not just because of the sea spray and wind whipping your face. The scene is like a masterpiece come to life – emeralds, teals and midnight blues abound. It’s the Atlantic Ocean as you were meant to see it.

Aerial view of the Cliffs of Moher

 

Blarney

The little unassuming village of Blarney is one of our favorite places to visit in Ireland – it’s home to the legendary castle and stone of the same name. Visitors flock here to kiss the Blarney stone in order to be granted the “gift of the gab” – the gab being, a certain eloquence, or skill at flattery or persuasion. We love showing our guests the magic of Blarney.

 

Giant’s Causeway

Northern Ireland’s World Heritage Site is like nothing you’ve ever seen – it’s an area formed of roughly 40,000 perfect columns of basalt, coming together in what looks like a rudimentary old Lego sea palace, with waves frothing around it, perhaps the sun setting on the horizon. It developed between 50 and 60 million years ago when lava oozed from fissures in the earth. On our journey, a wildlife ranger will show you round.

 

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a 179km circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry in South Western Ireland. From Killarney, it’s an easy scenic drive, with new, jaw-dropping views every few minutes, and various delicious villages along the way. It’s one of the most famous places to visit in Ireland, and rightly so.

Solitary old castle covered in green ivy

 

Killarney

Feel completely at one with Ireland in the sprawling Killarney National Park, where the order of the day is lakes, woodlands, waterfalls and landscapes a-go-go. It’s a magical place to explore, with Ross Castle and Muckross House being choice stops.

Read next: Everything That’s Included On a Luxury Gold Journey 

 

Dingle Peninsula

One of the highlights of the west coast’s Wild Atlantic Way, this is an ancient landscape of early grassy hills, craggy cliffs and villages with chapels and holy wells – it never fails to delight. The sandy beaches are some of the world’s most pristine, with the possibility of seal, dolphin, whale, and sea bird sightings just off the coast.

Aerial view of a stretch of coastline with blue water and sandy beach

 

Belfast

We begin our luxury journey in this spirited, sparkling city, so we can start as we mean to go on. It’s got it all: a thriving performing arts scene, cozy pubs, live music, museums (including the fantastic Titanic Belfast), fish suppers and the Ulster Fry (a breakfast that usually combines sausage, bacon, eggs, black pudding, white pudding, soda bread and potato farls).

 

Glendalough

A little spiritual well of serenity amid the lush greenery of the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is a valley carved by grinding glaciers during the last Ice Age. It’s home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland –  the monastery founded by St Kevin in the 6th century.

View across a placid lake, reflecting the dark slopes of the valley either side

 

Donegal

Lonely Planet calls County Donegal Ireland’s “wild child”; the landscapes look like they’re from the pages of a fantasy novel. See the Derryveagh mountain range, the Slieve League cliffs and golden eagles soaring over Lough Veagh. Donegal town is a perfect town in the thick of it, offering great craic.

 

Aran Islands

The three islands at the mouth of Galway Bay – Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer – make up the Aran Islands. A visit here is an immersive experience; locals speak Irish (as well as English) and there is an unusually high number of ruins and significant sacred sights, including Dun Aonghasa, a fort whose structures are thought to date from the Bronze and Iron Ages.

Solitary white farm house in a lush green landscape against blue sky

 

Cork

Ireland’s second largest city is delicious. At the English Market, you’ll find the very best of County Cork’s butter, creamy cheeses made in West Cork, and much more besides. After a dazzling market lunch, you’ll head out to see Cork City Gaol, a castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners and is now a museum, and beautiful Fitzgerald Park.

 

The Skellig Islands

These two uninhabited steep, rocky islets off the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry are now most famous as Luke Skywalker’s island sanctuary on the planet Ahch-To in the latest Star Wars trilogy. By regular humans, they’re best seen on a little looping boat tour, on which you might catch a glimpse of nesting puffins, gannets and guillemots (but no jedis).

Tall rugged island shot from the water level

 

Croagh Patrick

Nicknamed ‘the Reek’, Croagh Patrick is a holy mountain associated with St Patrick, and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo. Archaeologists found that there had been a stone chapel or oratory on the summit since the 5th century. On the last Sunday in July, thousands of pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick in honour of St Patrick, and masses are held at the top.

Read next: Ashford Castle: An Idyllic Country Escape

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Europe, Luxury Journeys

The scenic route: two sublime Irish drives that deliver scenery to die for

March 15, 2023 by kjbirtles No Comments
Ring of Kerry Irish drives

We’ve experienced a few scenic drives in our time – but there are few places that do it like Ireland. The Emerald Isle takes the humble country drive to the next level. Here, roads weave sinuously through the landscape, passing soaring mountains, windswept beaches, green pastures, and pretty villages. From the Ring of Kerry to the Dingle Peninsula, we look at two of the most divine drives you’ll experience on our Ultimate Ireland tour. 

Travel inspiration: Ireland destination guide

county kerry beaches Ireland

@thewildatlanticway

The Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive

Set on the Iveragh Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry scenic drive is one of Ireland’s finest.. In one 193-kilometre loop, you’ll see the best this stunning country, from charming villages and ancient castles, to rolling green hills and rugged coastline. You’ll experience it all on Day 8 of our Ultimate Ireland tour, as we journey from Killarney around the Ring of Kerry. 

Kerry Cliffs Ireland

@thewildatlanticway

Killarney

We’ll start in the Killarney National Park, famed for its 10,000 acres of mountains, woodlands, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife. There’s also the nearby Ross Castle, a striking 15th-century tower house on the edge of Lough Leane. Explore the ancient castle while learning about the ancestral home of the Chiefs of the Clan O’Donoghue. Or enjoy a traditional jaunting cart ride through the stunning scenery. 

Torc mountain Killarney National Park

@thewildatlanticway

Kenmare

We’ll also stop in the picturesque town of Kenmare. Here, you can admire the colourful facades and streets before indulging in a gourmet lunch at the historic Park Hotel. You’ll enjoy fresh, local flavors all with a backdrop of lush gardens stretching to the shores of Kenmare Bay. 

Gap of Dunloe

As we continue our scenic drive, you’ll lock eyes with the MacGillycuddy Reeks. It’s the highest mountain range in Ireland, home to some of the most impressive views in the country. You also can’t miss the Gap of Dunloe, the iconic mountain pass that encapsulates Ireland’s wild beauty. 

Gap of Dunloe Ireland

@thewildatlanticway

The Dunloe

We’ll end our drive by heading back to our nearby hotel, The Dunloe. This is the most luxurious place stay on the edge of the Ring of Kerry. This sublime hotel is set on a spectacular 64-acre estate with emerald forest and the ruins of a 12th-century castle. A relaxing spa, gorgeous views, and locally-sourced delicacies like Kerry lamb and wild Atlantic fish. The Dunloe is the icing on an unforgettable day.

Read more: The best hotel in Ireland? Dunloe Hotel is certainly a firm contender

green landscape around the Dunloe Hotel Ireland

@thedunloehotel

Dingle Peninsula Scenic Drive

The Dingle Peninsula Scenic Drive is shorter than its famous Ring of Kerry counterpart. But it’s equally spectacular. This 47-kilometre loop encompasses towering mountains, patchworks of green pastures, traditional villages, and the Wild Atlantic Way. Experience it on Day 9 of our Ultimate Ireland tour, as we journey from Killarney around the Dingle Peninsula and onwards to Adare and Limerick.

Slead Head pass Dingle Peninsula Ireland

@flying.hiker

Wild Atlantic Way

We’ll start our adventure by taking in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way. Marvel at the waves crashing on the sandy beaches and craggy sea cliffs. On a sunny day, the ocean shines a bright shade of turquoise, while cloudy days contrast beautifully with the emerald mountains and pastures, creating dramatic scenery. You can’t miss setting eyes on Mount Brandon, the second-tallest mountain in Ireland towering almost one kilometre high.

sheep green pastures County Kerry

@tourismireland

Dingle

There are only a few tiny towns here, but around 500,000 sheep call the peninsula home. We’ll make stops in some of the whimsical towns like Dingle, loved for its historic streets and colourful buildings. For lunch, make a stop in one of the traditional pubs, for fresh fish and chips and Guinness – quintessential Ireland.

The winding roads and ancient ruins of the Dingle Peninsula are so beautiful they’ve become film stars. You might recognise them from films such as “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi”.

Read more: The 10 Most Beautiful Villages and Small Towns in Britain and Ireland

Dingle Peninsula

@thewildatlanticway

Adare

After enjoying the divine Dingle Peninsula, we’ll continue our scenic drive to Adare. This quaint village is heritage listed and famed as the prettiest village in Ireland. Admire the charming thatched-roof cottages and explore historic castles and abbeys before continuing on to legendary Limerick, where you’ll see highlights such as St. Mary’s Cathedral and Limerick’s Treaty Stone.

After conquering two of the most dazzling Irish drives in two days, you’ll be left with unforgettable memories, stories and photos of one of the most heavenly regions on earth.

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