Ireland has some of the wildest, most beautiful scenery in Europe. The Atlantic Way is one of the best ways to see it, but there are plenty of other scenic spots too. Here are our top 7 recommendations!
1. Dunmore Head
Dunmore Head is a headland in the west of Ireland in County Galway, which lies on the Atlantic seaboard at the mouth of Galway Bay. It’s probably best known for its scenic beauty and as a popular tourist attraction, but it has many other charms including being a good place to go birdwatching or whale watching.
Dunmore Head is also known as Dun Morogh from which you can see the Aran Islands on one side and Clare Island on the other side of Galway Bay. There are two lighthouses at Dunmore; one built in 1818 by Robert Stevenson for Trinity House, who lease it from An Taisce (the National Trust for Ireland), while another was built around 1826 by Robert Stevenson for Trinity House – both have been automated since 1984.
The area has been used over time as an important military base due to its strategic position guarding both landward approaches into Connemara and seaward approaches into Galway city. A fort was constructed here during World War II with three gun emplacements still visible today along with several temporary bunkers!
2. Mizen Head
Mizen Head is the most westerly point of Ireland. It’s named after a mythical king and is thought to be one of the oldest sites on this side of the country, dating back over 10,000 years.
The headland has been inhabited since ancient times and was used as an important lookout point by mariners and soldiers alike. In fact, many people believe that Mizen Head was where St Patrick lit his Paschal fire before embarking on his mission to convert Ireland to Christianity in 432 AD.
Today it offers spectacular views over Cork harbor and beyond out into the Atlantic Ocean — making it one of the best places for spotting whales and dolphins during their migration period from April through November!
3. The Skelligs
The Skelligs are a pair of islands off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland. They’re home to the sixth-century monastic settlement known as St. Finian’s or Monk’s Island, which was inhabited until 1560 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Skelligs also features towering cliffs and dramatic views across the ocean!
There are two ways to get there: either by boat or seaplane (from Valentia Harbor). If you have time for only one day trip from anywhere along your journey down Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, we recommend visiting these beautiful islands!
4. Loop Head Lighthouse
Loop Head Lighthouse is located on the easternmost point of Ireland’s wild Atlantic Way. The lighthouse was built in 1818, but it wasn’t always a tourist attraction: The first structure was actually constructed on top of a monastery that once stood there. It was built by the British as an aid to navigation, particularly for ships coming around the peninsula and into Waterford Harbor.
The current structure stands about 100 feet tall and has been fully restored for visitors to tour (as opposed to climbing up yourself). While you’re there, you’ll get some amazing views of mountains and beaches from its upper decks!
5. Cliffs Of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most iconic views in Ireland. They are also one of the best places to visit on your road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way.
They stretch for 8 kilometers along the western coast of County Clare and rise up to 200 meters above sea level with some areas reaching almost 700 meters at Hag’s Head. There are two visitor centers on site: The Cliffs Of Moher Visitor Experience and The O’Brien Institute Visitor & Interpretive Center.
There is an extensive car park at Doolin, just a few miles from where you can get off the bus or drive if you are not traveling by bus! Parking costs €6 per day; however, it is free for people who have paid for admission to either visitor center!
6. Slieve League
Slieve League is the highest cliffs in Europe, standing at over 600 meters. The cliffs are made of basalt and have been eroded over thousands of years by the Atlantic Ocean. They’re a popular tourist attraction, as they make for an easy day trip from either Galway or Donegal.
The cliffs are also very popular among rock climbers. There are over 100 routes available on the east face alone, making it one of Ireland’s most popular climbing locations. You can find guides to take you up close and personal with these historic peaks!
7. Tramore Beach and Strandhill Beach
If you’re looking for some of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, you should definitely check out Tramore Beach and Strandhill Beach. Both are located along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Waterford, making them accessible from many other parts of Ireland.
Tramore is one of the largest beaches in all of Ireland (with an area over 5 km long), and its golden sand is dotted with huge dunes that make it seem like a world away from your typical Irish beach vacation. The views here are spectacular, so much so that it was chosen as one of Ireland’s best spots for kitesurfing.
Strandhill also boasts some amazing scenery—from its unusual rock formations to its sandy coves—but this little village feels like something straight out of a fairy tale! It’s hard not to feel like royalty while strolling down this quaint street lined with shops selling handmade crafts and local cheeses at one end and an ancient holy well shrine at another.
Also, Read “What is Cork city famous for and why you must visit?”
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best scenic views in Ireland, there are plenty of places to choose from. If you have any questions or suggestions about this list, feel free to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be more than happy to answer your queries!
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