12 of My Favorite Places in Ireland (That I Think You’ll Love Too)

12 of My Favorite Places in Ireland (That I Think You’ll Love Too)

(For those who prefer to read)

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be fun to share 12 of my favorite places in Ireland.

Spots that have wowed me, moved me, and stayed with me long after I’ve left.

Ireland is filled with incredible landscapes, ancient sites, charming towns, and dramatic coastal views.

After multiple trips exploring this country, I’ve discovered quite a few places in Ireland that truly captured my heart.

Some of these destinations are well known, while others are quieter corners that don’t always make the typical travel lists.

A few are broad regions, while others are very specific places where I stood, looked around, and thought, “Yes… this is one of my favorite places in Ireland.”

If you’re planning a trip and looking for beautiful places in Ireland to visit, I hope this list inspires you to add a few of them to your itinerary.

Loughcrew Cairns, County Meath

One of my favorite ancient places in Ireland is Loughcrew Cairns in County Meath.

While nearby Newgrange often gets most of the attention, Loughcrew feels quieter and more atmospheric.

Reaching the cairns involves walking up a hill surrounded by rolling countryside and grazing sheep.

At the top, you’ll find ancient burial mounds and stone features that date back thousands of years — older than the pyramids.

Standing among these prehistoric structures and gazing out over the green rolling hills of County Meath, it’s easy to see why this is one of my favorite places in Ireland.

Malin Head, County Donegal

At the very northern tip of the island sits Malin Head, one of the most dramatic coastal places in Ireland.

Standing here looking out over the North Atlantic gives you that wonderful edge-of-the-world feeling.

The wind, the sea, and the rugged coastline combine to create a powerful sense of perspective.

It’s one of those places in Ireland that reminds you how vast and wild nature can be.

 

Tramore near Dunfanaghy, County Donegal

Some of the best places in Ireland require just a little effort to reach.

And Tramore near Dunfanaghy is one of them.

You don’t simply park and step onto the sand here.

Instead, you walk in—either across a field or through a patch of trees—before winding your way through the sand dunes.

It’s part of the fun, with multiple paths leading you over and around the dunes until the beach finally comes into view.

And when you arrive, you’re greeted by what I like to call “a long stretch of sandy gorgeousness.”

The name Tramore actually means “big beach” in Irish Gaelic.

And it absolutely lives up to that name.

This beach stretches for nearly two miles, curving gently along the coastline and offering plenty of space to wander, sit for a while, or simply take in the views.

Because reaching it requires a bit of a walk, it never feels overly crowded.

Even on a nice day, it’s easy to find your own little corner of the beach and enjoy the wild beauty of Donegal’s coast.

 

Beltany Stone Circle, County Donegal

If you enjoy ancient sites, Beltany Stone Circle is one of those special places in Ireland that’s worth seeking out.

Located near the small town of Raphoe in County Donegal, this large stone circle sits quietly in the countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and open farmland.

It’s a peaceful setting and one that feels deeply connected to the landscape around it.

And honestly, you know me — I love a good stone circle.

Beltany is particularly impressive because of its size.

The stones themselves aren’t especially tall, but the circle is wide — with dozens of stones forming a large ring across the hilltop.

From here you get lovely views across the countryside, often with sheep grazing nearby, which only adds to the atmosphere.

It’s one of those places where you can take your time wandering among the stones, soaking in the views, and appreciating the sense of history that surrounds you.

Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

The summit of Croagh Patrick is one of my favorite places in Ireland.

The views are awesome!

This sacred mountain outside Westport is a pilgrimage site connected to St. Patrick — Ireland’s patron saint.

But it’s also a rewarding hike for travelers who enjoy getting out into nature.

The climb is steep and rocky so it’s not for everyone.

Reaching the top reveals stunning views across Clew Bay and its many islands.

It’s the kind of place where the effort makes the experience even more meaningful.

 

Silver Strand Beach, County Mayo

Among the many beautiful beaches in Ireland, Silver Strand in County Mayo will always hold a special place in my heart.

It was the very first beach I experienced in Ireland.

I was there with my Irish friend, Aedín.

In fact, I often refer to it as Aedín’s beach.

I still remember walking along the sand on that late afternoon with the Atlantic stretching out in front of us, the sun sinking low, and the feeling that I had discovered something truly special.

Tucked away near the small settlement of Killadoon, Silver Strand sits surrounded by mountains and dramatic coastline.

It feels wonderfully remote and peaceful.

You know, the kind of place where you can wander the sand, listen to the waves, and simply take in the beauty of Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast.

It’s not just one of my favorite places in Ireland — it’s one of the places that first made me fall in love with the country.

 

Doolough Valley, County Mayo

Doolough Valley is one of the most powerful places in Ireland — both visually and historically.

The valley itself is strikingly beautiful, with a road winding between mountains and a long, narrow lake.

But it’s also a place tied to the tragic history of the Irish famine, with a memorial marking where many people died during that difficult time.

The landscape is gorgeous.

But it carries a quiet, reflective atmosphere that makes it one of the most meaningful places in Ireland to visit.

Killarney National Park & the Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry

Two of the most scenic places in Ireland can be found side by side in County Kerry — Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe.

Killarney National Park is filled with lakes, mountains, forests, and historic sites, making it one of the most beautiful national parks in Ireland.

Just nearby, the Gap of Dunloe offers an unforgettable walk through a mountain pass surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Together, they represent some of the best landscapes Ireland has to offer.

And together they’re one of my favorite places in Ireland.

 

Kenmare, County Kerry

Among the many charming towns in Ireland, Kenmare has become one of my favorite places in Ireland.

It strikes a perfect balance between being lively and welcoming without feeling overly touristy.

The town is filled with great pubs, good restaurants, music, and friendly locals.

Every time I visit, I discover something new to love about it.

It’s the kind of place in Ireland where you immediately feel comfortable.

And it’s actually one of the destinations in Ireland that feels like home to me.

Diamond Hill, County Galway

For breathtaking views across Connemara, Diamond Hill is one of the best places in Ireland to hike.

Located within Connemara National Park, the trail leads up to a summit where you can see the Twelve Bens mountains, the Atlantic coastline, and the vast boglands of western Ireland.

The walk is manageable for most hikers — although there is small section that is steep — and rewards you with some of the most amazing views in the region.

It’s easily one of my favorite places in Ireland.

 

Glassilaun Beach, County Galway

The final beach on my list is Glassilaun Beach.

I first discovered it in 2018 while staying just outside Clifden and driving the Renvyle Peninsula where it’s located.

After visiting Glassilaun, I mentioned it to Ruth, the owner of Hillside Lodge where I was staying.

And she immediately said, “Oh, that one is my favorite!”

I remember thinking, “Yup. I can see why.”

Glassilaun is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach, with soft sand curving gently along the shoreline.

On a clear day, the color of the water is almost unbelievable — a bright turquoise that looks more like the Caribbean than Ireland’s Atlantic coast.

Of course, one glance up at the surrounding landscape reminds you exactly where you are.

Just beyond the beach you can see Mweelrea, the mountain rising above Silver Strand over in County Mayo.

Even though the beach is easy to reach — just a short walk over a small dune from the parking area — it never felt overly crowded when I visited.

It’s one of those places where you can wander along the sand and think, I can’t believe this is in Ireland.

Mizen Head, County Cork

At the far southwestern edge of Ireland sits Mizen Head, one of the most dramatic coastal places in Ireland.

This rugged headland stretches out into the Atlantic, where sea cliffs plunge into the crashing waves below.

From the visitor area, you can follow walking paths that lead out toward the old signal station and lighthouse, crossing a dramatic bridge along the way.

Standing here, looking out across the vast Atlantic, it really does feel like the edge of the world.

The sea stretches endlessly toward the horizon, the salty air blows against your face, and the waves crash against the cliffs below.

On the day I visited, the clouds were slowly clearing to show more of the seascape.

And the water was this beautiful, surreal aquamarine color.

It was one of those moments where you simply stop and take it all in.

For me, Mizen Head perfectly captures the untamed beauty of Ireland’s Atlantic coast.

And it’s easy to see why it has become one of my favorite places in Ireland.

Final thoughts on my favorite places in Ireland

These 12 favorite places in Ireland are just a small sampling of the incredible destinations this country has to offer.

From ancient stone circles and mountain summits to wild Atlantic beaches and welcoming towns, Ireland is filled with places that stay with you long after you leave.

To be honest, this list could have easily grown to 15 or even 20 places if I’d let it.

Ireland is simply full of landscapes, villages, and coastal spots that make you stop and think, “Wow… this place is special.”

But these 12 are the ones that immediately came to mind — the places tied to memories, moments, and that feeling of standing somewhere and knowing it’s one of your favorite places in Ireland.

If you’ve traveled to Ireland, I’d love to hear which places in Ireland would make your own favorites list.

Send me an email at [email protected]

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