Explore the island of Ireland’s gorgeous landscapes
Step into a realm where earth, sky and water meet. Where flora, fauna and humans alike warmly invite you to explore. Where there’s time and space to wander and reflect.
There is nothing that compares to Ireland’s views and dramatic landscapes. Your imagination will wander and soar as you experience the deepest greens and blues, rough and rocky coastlines and impressive natural formations.
County Antrim – Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO Heritage site and one of its most beloved natural wonders. This gorgeous and unique area sits along the raw Atlantic Ocean and beckons to be explored. Formed 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions, the alien landscape today comprises approx. 40,000 hexagonal columns rising out from the earth at different levels, forming an endless combination of steps that children and adults alike will love traversing. Book a tour of Giant’s Causeway with a Ranger for hands-on discovery and learning, or visit the state-of-the-art visitor centre to find out the science and history behind the formations.
County Antrim – Gobbins Cliff path
The Gobbins Cliff path in eastern County Antrim is a nature adventure with a fun history lesson thrown in. Hire a guide for this coastal hike and experience the beauty of nature up close: colourful puffins and other bird species, the dramatic waves crashing against the rocks below, and even dolphins on the horizon. With a hard hat and some sturdy hiking boots, you’ll hike 2.5 hours through tunnels, over bridges and along narrow rocky paths as you admire the view and enjoy the fresh salty air. Along the way, your guide will explain the history and legends of the area, from tales of local smugglers to what is believed to be the last witch trial in Europe. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget.
County Kerry
The Dingle Peninsula will run off with your heart with its ethereal landscapes of coast, mountain, beach, peninsula and island. Take an inspiring drive along Slea Head, which hugs the coast from the town of Dingle so you can get up close to the ocean views. Keep an eye out for the round, medieval stone houses when you get near to Dún Beag. Continue to Dunquin Harbour and catch a ferry to the Blasket Islands, the westernmost islands in Europe. Or drive Conor Pass and be treated to summit views of the entire peninsula.
County Galway
The Connemara region is a breathtaking, eclectic landscape of 6,000 km2 located on the Wild Atlantic Way. Travelling this land, you’ll encounter a bit of everything: rocky terrain as far as the eye can see, sprawling green trees and crystal clear lakes, quaint villages waiting to welcome you with rustic meals, rolling hills of soft hues, feisty rivers – and, everpresent, the Atlantic. It has a way of expressing itself to visitors through its unapologetic and raw beauty. For this very reason, it’s no wonder Connemara has been the backdrop of many films. If you want to see a more “civilised” part of Connemara, visit Kylemore Abbey. This immense estate includes the main building, a neo-gothic church and Ireland’s largest walled garden.
County Cork
Claimed to be ‘the edge of Europe’, Mizen Head lies at Ireland’s most southwesterly point. Journey here and you’ll be rewarded by panoramic views of the Atlantic in almost every direction. Mizen Head vies with four other peninsulas in southwest Ireland as the most scenic spot in Ireland. Here, rocky cliffs, the deep blue ocean, crashing and foamy waves and salty sea air greet you so you can witness nature at its most dramatic. Cross the arched bridge that connects two cliffs and remember to steal a glimpse down as you drive for views of seals, dolphins and even humpback and blue whales. The road will take you to the award-winning maritime museum and the Mizen Head Signal Station that was built to keep ships away from the sharp rocks below.
County Clare – Cliffs of Moher
Located in the Burren landscape, The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular natural wonders. The wonderfully-dramatic, rugged cliffs span eight kilometres wide and reach a height of 214 metres before dropping suddenly to the crashing waves below, where the Atlantic Ocean begins. Standing at the cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Aran Islands and the sparkling ocean stretching all the way to the horizon. Walk the paved path running along the top of the cliffs to see them from multiple angles, or from atop O’ Brien’s Tower.
County Clare – The Burren
You’ve undoubtedly heard of the Burren before, but perhaps not quite known what it is that makes it so special. The Burren is 250 km2 of lunar-like landscape created by limestone jutting out from the earth as far as the eye can see. This unique landscape was formed millions of years ago and today is home to a wide range of colourful flora, from Arctic to Alpine to Mediterranean species. The best way to explore the Burren is by foot, where you can soak up the views and atmosphere while discovering its many crevices, formations, caves and fossils. It’s believed the Burren was a source of inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien as he was writing his famous stories, and you’ll immediately understand why when you set foot here.
County Dublin – Killiney
In southern County Dublin nestled along the Irish Sea, the seaside resort town of Killiney is the perfect destination for a day trip from Dublin. Enjoy views of Bray Head, Dalkey Island and Sorrento Terrace from Killiney Beach – and if the weather’s nice you may even be inclined to take a dip on this sheltered, Blue Flag beach. For even better views, hike up Killiney Hill in the park to see the surrounding area from a 360-degree vantage point: Dublin to the northwest, Bray Head and the Wicklow mountains to the south, and the sea and even the mountains of Wales to the east.
County Dublin – Howth
The Howth peninsula may be just a 25-minute train ride away from the city centre, but it feels like one of the remote, nature-swept peninsulas you’d find on the west coast. Spend a day here away from the city bustle for strolls along the beach, seal spotting and great walking trails. Try the Cliff Path Loop, where at the top you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous heathers and cliff views. Stop along the way at Balscadden Bay for a well-deserved dip. Take a ferry ride to nearby Ireland’s Eye island and witness its sea birds, cliffs and the Martello Tower.
Visit with peace of mind
We’ve put extra health and safety measures in place so you can explore Ireland safely yet seamlessly. These measures, together with a very high local vaccination rate, will help keep COVID-19 at bay.