Ireland is easily one of the most scenic places I’ve ever been. The architecture, the ruins, the sweeping landscapes, it’s all remarkable. Our trip was pretty well balanced between the city and the scenery – but I will save our full itinerary for another post. For now, I’m here to tell you about the five most scenic places we saw in Ireland.
The Rock of Cashel
Hands down my favorite scenic thing I saw in Ireland. I have an obsession with old ruins, and the Rock of Cashel has been popping up on my Pinterest feed for years. I was beyond excited when we added it to our itinerary.
The ruins sit on top of a hill in Cashel, Ireland. So fair warning, the hike up is a little steep. Down the hill is the Hore Abbey, another beautiful set of ruins. Every turn you take is an even more spectacular view.
Killarney National Park and Ross Castle
Cars are not allowed in Killarney National Park, so we decided to take a jaunting car through the park. On the ride we saw fields, and mountains, and woodlands, and gardens, and lakes – all while our handler was telling us about the history and the land. Eventually we made it to Ross Castle, a small castle from the 15th century on the edge of the Lough Leane. The entire ride was gorgeous, and getting to stop at some waterfront castle ruins was just a happy surprise.
Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula is a 30-mile coastline stretching across the Atlantic Ocean with the most beautiful panoramic views. We were very lucky that the weather was perfect that day. The ocean, the blue skies, the green grass – it was breathtaking, and the perfect backdrop for photos. On a clear day, you can see the Skellig Islands – which Star Wars fans may appreciate. We got the best view from a farmhouse which was advertising “hold a baby lamb for €3” – yes please. There, we also met some sheepdogs, and saw some historic clocháin – or beehive houses. A little history lesson, baby lambs, dogs, AND a great view? I couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon.
Ring of Kerry
Now we did not have time to drive the entire Ring of Kerry – which takes about 8 hours. However, Ross Castle is the unofficial “start” of the Ring of Kerry, and we also did part of the drive on the way from Killarney to Dingle. Because of our schedule, we had to decide between Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry. We chose Killarney National Park, but I don’t think there would have been a WRONG choice. What we saw of it was stunning, but maybe not for the faint of heart. A lot of the drive is up mountains and on high cliffside roads.
The Burren
The Burren Peninsula was an unscheduled stop we took after a slightly disappointing experience at the Cliffs of Moher – where we could not see ANYTHING due to fog. So on the way out of Clare we stopped at The Burren for a replacement photo-op. The glaciokarst limestone landscape is like nothing I’ve never seen before. Slippery, but beautiful. And you can get so close to the ocean you feel the mist on your face.
Ireland is a spectacularly picturesque country, full of beautiful scenery. But these five spots were definitely my favorites. The photos I captured will forever be cherished.
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These photos has my eyes gawking😂😂😂 it’s so pretty
Isn’t it just gorgeous?? <3
I. Am. DROOLING over this scenery! Thanks for posting—makes me want to go to ireland even more!
Hope you get to go soon, and see everything on this list!
Very nice places, wish I can visit
Hope you can visit someday!
Geez -“Green with Envy”
What a Beautiful Place!
Sooo beautiful!
Awesome photos! I have never considered traveling to Ireland before but now I’m adding it to my bucket list!
Definitely! It’s incredible.
Went to Ireland earlier this year. So much to see 👀 we only had one destination in common – I’ll have to add these for when we go back!
There is SO much to see! I would love to go back too!
So amazing! I’m strange in that I’ve only spent time in Northern Ireland – someday I’ll get to the Republic! Just beautiful!
You must!
I love your pictures! I live in Ireland and all the places you mentioned are great with amazing views 🙂
Thank you!
The Dingle Peninsula was so beautiful when we went years ago! Ireland was such a beautiful country and your photographs really do it justice.
Thank you so much! It’s so hard to truly show how beautiful it is, but I’m glad you think I did it justice! <3
That sign to hold a baby lamb, omg I wanna go there! I’ve only visited Dublin but I’m keen to explore more of Ireland and your pictures are making me want to book now!
Ireland is such a beautiful country. I’ve had the luck to visit twice and both times I was blown away with the amazing scenery there. I haven’t seen the Rock of Cashel but it looks stunning to visit. It’s too bad the Cliffs of Moher were too foggy for you to see but at least you enjoyed touring around the Burren 🙂
Awesome! I’m heading to Ireland this summer and I can’t wait as I’ve been wanting to go for some time! So I’m always looking for articles and tips about traveling there, so this post was helpful!
Glad it was helpful! You’re gonna love it there!
Ireland is so beautiful! Too bad you couldn’t see the Cliffs of Moher due to the fog and that you didn’t have time for the whole Ring of Kerry. I still need to go back and do the Dingle Pennisula. There is just so much to see
There’s always more to see!
I don’t think I saw ANY of these places when I was in Ireland. I’m going to blame the fact that I visited in winter, and it was pouring rain almost the entire time. I really want to get back to see Dingle, at the very least!
My husband is dying for me to take him to Ireland. I will be sure to bring this list with us – your photos are beautiful!
I haven’t been to Ireland yet, but it is high on my bucket list. I hope to visit this year and your post and photos are making eager to do so! Such a beautiful country, all those sceneries are amazing.
Wow those castle! You are totally right that Ireland seems to have beautiful scenery. I think the place I would enjoy the most is Dingle Peninsula as it is on the coast and has beautiful views of the water!
One of the most picturesque for sure! We were very lucky to be there on a day with blue skies!
Your pictures from Ireland are wonderful. I think I should be considering visiting there. The The Rock of Cashel looks incredible and the views are breathtaking.Your ride by the jaunting car to Ross castle also sounds amazing. All the places are so picturesque.
These views are breathtaking. I have to go there. You inspired me!
I’m so glad!
Great I really love to visit these places your post is pushing me to be there soon thanks awesome places