Best places to visit in Ireland
Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare
Welcome to Ireland - The best little country in the world
Ireland is everything- history, culture, natural beauty and most importantly- craic.. Whether you love ancient monuments, breathtaking landscapes, or vibrant cities, Ireland has something for everyone.
Here are some of the top sites to see in Ireland, ranging from incredible beaches, pubs, boats and mountains. As an Irish native and photographer, I love nothing more than travelling around Ireland photographing people in beautiful places. I keep finding new ones. Email me here to chat.
1. Let’s start with Howth -a picturesque fishing village and popular seaside destination located on the just northeast of Dublin, Ireland. Known for its scenic coastal beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant harbor, Howth offers a mix of outdoor activities, great seafood, and a taste of traditional Irish village life. Howth is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Dublin city center, making it an easy day trip from the capital. You can reach Howth by car, train (DART), or bus in less than 30 minutes. The Howth Cliff Walk is one of the most popular activities in the area, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, cliffs, and the Irish Sea. The walk can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route you choose.
Dublin Bay Cruises to Howth
For a really fun day out, why not get Dublin Bay Cruises. They have loads of cool trips around Dublin harbour, Dun Laoghaire to Howth, Ireland’s Eye and Dublin Bay. Awesome views and the have a bar.. so you can enjoy Guinness while looking at Dublin like you’ve never seen it before. Trips take around an hour or two.
2. Climb Slieve Donard. At 850 meters ascent it’s pretty high. Located in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, it’s easy to get to and can be climbed in around 4 hours. Amazing views from the top, but starts at sea level so it can be steep. Fit hikers can make it to the top, you can go as high or as low as you want. A great hike any time of year, but definitely better when the sun shines.
Slieve Donard, County Down, Northern Ireland.
3. Luggala is just an hour from Dublin. It’s the most captivating part of the Wicklow Mountains, combining natural beauty, cultural history, and outdoor adventure. From the striking views of Lough Tay to the artistic legacy of the Guinness family, Luggala is a symbol of Ireland’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes. You need to drive to Roundwood via the motorway and back via Sally Gap. An epic drive and adventure. I would do Luggala first, then Lough Bray on the way back.
The Luggala Estate covers over 5,000 acres of pristine wilderness, and its centerpiece is Luggala Lodge, a Gothic-style house that was built in the late 18th century. The estate has hosted many famous visitors over the years, including artists, musicians, and celebrities.
The Guinness family, who owned the estate for several decades, played a major role in preserving the natural beauty of the area. The estate became known as a cultural and creative hub, especially under Garech Browne, a prominent figure in Irish arts and culture and all round dandy!
Lough Bray in County Wicklow is just a short drive away from Luggala along Sally Gap. Check it out.
4. Bantry Bay house and gardens, West Cork. There are so many beautiful places in West Cork, but Bantry Bay House and Gardens can often be missed. It is literally a hidden gem many don’t know about. It’s just outside Bantry. Check it out. www.bantryhouse.com.
Bantry Bay House and Gardens
5. The Wild Atlantic Way (Western Ireland)
Why Visit?: Stretching over 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) along Ireland’s west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest coastal driving routes in the world. It passes through some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes, from dramatic cliffs to charming coastal towns.
What to Do?: Highlights along the route include the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League Cliffs, Connemara National Park, Achill Island, and the Aran Islands. You can drive, bike, or hike parts of the route, stopping to enjoy local food, culture, and outdoor activities.
The Sturrall, in Donegal is a must do adventure. It’s not for the faint hearted though. Unless you’re into rock climbing, you’ll need a guide for this one. There’s only one man who can do it-Iain Millar. He offers trips to lots of peaks, cliffs and rock faces in Donegal. Check him out on www.uniqueascent.ie.
6. Rock climbing in Cruit Island is another one of his haunts. Donegal is a best kept secret. The beaches are long and empty, the landscape is rugged. The adventure is wild… If you like to try something different in Ireland. This could just be it. No rock climbing experience required, but you’ll need to go to www.uniqueascent.ie.
7. Ring of Kerry (County Kerry)
Why Visit?: This 179-kilometer (111-mile) circular route is one of the most famous scenic drives in Ireland. The Ring of Kerry offers stunning views of rugged coastlines, rolling hills, charming villages, and ancient monuments.
What to Do?: Drive the route (or take a guided tour), stopping at highlights like Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Ladies View, and Muckross House. Outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and visiting beaches along the way are popular.Kerry.
The Dingle Peninsula (County Kerry)
Why Visit?: Less crowded than the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula offers stunning coastal scenery, rugged cliffs, and a rich cultural heritage. It’s a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region where traditional Irish language and culture thrive.
What to Do?: Drive Dun Quin for one of the most epic car rides in the world. It’s stunning. Spend some time there. Explore the picturesque town of Dingle, visit the Gallarus Oratory (an early Christian stone church), and go on a boat trip to see Dolphins. Hiking and surfing are also popular activities here.Ok It’s not exactly a secret tip, but it’s so stunning, it really can’t be missed. A few images below are from the gap of Dunlop and Valencia Island. I do believe the Kingdom of Kerry is a gift from the gods.
The Gap of Dunloe is world famous, but it’s so worth it. It’s close to Killarney so you can easily drive down and get a horse and cart for authenticity. Valencia Island. The the bottom photo. is a top secret tip..It’s truly amazing. Stay at the Valencia island hotel and go run into the sea. It’s cold, but amazing.
8. Dublin
Why Visit?: Ireland’s capital city blends rich history with modern culture. Dublin is home to historic landmarks, world-class museums, and a vibrant pub scene.
Visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated manuscript created around 800 AD. Explore Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse (Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction), and the lively Temple Bar district.
Have a pint in Dublin. Ok there’s lots of pubs in Dublin and it’s difficult to know which one to go to for the best pint. The taste of Guinness can vary greatly from pub to pub. So I suggest O’Donoghue’s on Baggot Street, the Cobblestone for music, the Gravedigger in Glasnevin and Finnegan’s in Dalkey. There are lots of great pubs around.. but these are mine..Slainte.
Because Ireland is home to some of the most magical, mystical places in the world, it’s also a great spot to have your photo taken. Whether you’re getting married, engaged, celebrating family reunions or anniversaries, partying with friends- whatever- nothing will create lasting memories more than a photos session at a place dear to your heart.
I offer photo sessions in magical locations like the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran islands, the Haypenny bridge in Dublin, Guinness Storehouse, Teelings distillery, Cork city, Wexford town, Dingle - even the top of Ireland’s highest peak- Carantoohill. Whether you like hiking, sea swimming, cliff diving, poetry, reading, pubs or romantic walks, I will help you choose a perfect spot. As a native Irish person, I know where authentic experiences can be had with memories that last a lifetime.
Contact me here and we can arrange a photo session at castles, mythical landscapes, beaches and bustling cities.
The Cliffs of Moher
