Ireland is known for its beauty, rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and long-standing traditions, but what exactly are the most beautiful places to visit?
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A great way to capture and cherish the breathtaking beauty of Ireland is by creating a personalized photo calendar featuring your favorite travel memories.
Whether it's the stunning Keem Bay, the medieval charm of Kilkenny, or the dramatic cliffs of Skellig Michael, a custom calendar will help you relive your adventures all year round.
Here are my picks for most beautiful places in Ireland.
Ireland's Most Beautiful Beach: Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo
Achill Island, the largest island off the Irish coast, may not be as familiar to international tourists as, for example, the Aran Islands, 60 miles (100 km) to the south, or some of the beaches in Kerry that have captivated tourists for decades.
During the warmer months, it’s not unusual to see seals and dolphins gather in Keem Bay, a sheltered cove that is best seen from the nearby mountainside, where you can take in breathtaking scenery from a 3.6-mile (5.79 km) trail that begins on the beach and takes hikers along the Benmore Cliffs.
The sandy Blue Flag Keem Beach is ideal for swimming and water sports, including surfing, sailing, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
A lifeguard is on duty from June through August.
The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, which makes it easily accessible to visitors.
Must-see: Don’t miss the island's abandoned famine village that includes the remnants of about 80-100 cottages. In 1850, after the peak of the Great Famine, the entire village was abandoned. There are several guided walks that you can take while in Achill, including Gerard Mangan's Achill Isle Walking Tours and The Colony Tour, which focuses on this particular area. If you don't have a rental car and are staying in Westport, why not take the Achill Island Day Tour?
Where to Stay: The Achill Cliff House Hotel and Restaurant– expect stunning views from this beachfront hotel, a few minutes' walk from the village, or the Old Fisherman's Cottage, a self-catering accommodation. Plenty of accommodation is also available on other parts of the island, including Achill Sound, an Irish-speaking area on the east coast of Achill Island and the first community you'll see after crossing the Michael Davitt Bridge.
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Ireland's Most Beautiful City Center: Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle is smack in the middle of its city center surrounded by a network of cobbled streets that tell the story of this popular tourist destination.
During the Middle Ages, it was considered the unofficial capital of Ireland given its strategic location along the River Nore and its proximity to Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and Wexford.
The main draw for many visitors is of course the castle, which was founded shortly after the Norman conquest of Ireland in 1169.
The Medieval Mile showcases the city’s medieval roots, with many of its buildings dating back to the 12th century.
In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Kilkenny is also known for its buzzing arts scene and its many pubs, restaurants, and trendy cafes. Check out this PDF for ideas on what you can do while in Kilkenny.
Must-see: Medieval Mile Museum that contains an impressive collection of high crosses.
Where to Stay: Kilkenny River Court Hotel as well as the popular Pembroke Hotel, and The Butler House, all very close to the castle. If you're looking for a castle experience and you're traveling with a group, consider Ballybur Castle.
Ireland's Most Beautiful Island – Skellig Michael, County Kerry
The UNESCO World Heritage site that rises 712 feet/217 meters out of the Atlantic off the coast of County Kerry is an absolute must-see if you’re visiting Ireland, especially during the summer months.
The island, which officially opens to the public on May 10, 2025, is one of my picks among the most beautiful places in Ireland.
It was once home to a group of monks. You can still see their beehive huts on the island, the centerpiece of its 6th-century monastic settlement.
The island was also the location for the 2015 Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie, one of several films made on location in Ireland.
Tours to the island must be booked in advance as it’s a very popular attraction, especially during the high season.
Landing tours, which offer an exploration of the island, and eco tours, where passengers see the two Skellig islands from a vessel, are available.
Many companies offer both options.
Must-see: The view north from the settlement across Little Skellig Island to the mainland.
Where to Stay: Choose from a variety of B&Bs on the mainland, in particular, the Portmagee area, which is where you’ll get the ferry to Skellig Michael.
Ireland's Most Beautiful University – Trinity College, Dublin
No visit to Dublin is complete without visiting Trinity College.
The college building, which was constructed in 1592, has some fine architectural details worth seeing.
The oldest part of the college campus includes the bell tower known as the Campanile, which was added in 1853.
It’s a popular spot for picture-taking, but Trinity College students aren’t as enthusiastic.
The story goes that any student who passes under the bell tower while it is ringing will fail their exams. On graduation day, however, when all of the exams are over, students take a celebratory walk under the famous bell tower.
The Douglas Hyde Gallery is located within the college, as is the Samuel Beckett Theatre, which hosts national and international performances.
The university campus is a popular movie location as well, which is where scenes from the popular Hulu and BBC Three series “Normal People” were filmed.
If you are interested in exploring the campus in full, including the Trinity College Museum Building, which has some very fine architectural details, be sure to sign up for the Trinity Trails Walking Tour.
Must-see: The Book of Kells, which is housed in the college’s iconic Old Library.
Where to Stay: Wynn's Hotel is centrally located and accessible to all attractions in the city. The tram stops right outside the door. Discover other Dublin hotel recommendations here. If you can snag accommodation at Trinity College, you'll find very reasonable rates – available during the summer months only.
Ireland's Most Beautiful Landscape – Connemara, County Galway
If you’re traveling through the West of Ireland, be sure to visit Connemara.
The landscape contains beaches, mountain ranges, valleys, and bog lands that all lend to its unique beauty.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Connemara include Kylemore Abbey, a neo-Gothic-styled building that contains a Victorian walled garden, as well as Diamond Hill, the Marconi Station, and more.
If you are renting a car while in Ireland, you can drive from Galway City to Kylemore in about an hour and 15 minutes. Tours from Galway are also available.
Must-see: Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.
Where to Stay: Waterfront Rest B&B, Clifden – genuine Irish hospitality, a great breakfast topped with fabulous views make this a popular choice for many visitors to Connemara, as well as the Hillside Lodge B&B, a short drive into the town, plenty of free parking and access to the seaside and the nearby Clifden Castle ruins.
Ireland's Most Beautiful Riverfront – Limerick
Explore the city of Limerick, Ireland’s third-largest city, by meandering the river that it’s built on.
The River Shannon (Ireland’s longest river) runs through Limerick. The city's main attraction is King John’s Castle, considered one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe.
An exhibition within the castle documents life there for over 800 years. The visitor center includes state-of-the-art interpretative activities as well as touch screen technology, 3D models, and more.
The riverfront is particularly pretty at nighttime, especially as the lights from the castle reflect upon the river.
Must-see: The Hunt Museum – contains the largest collection of artifacts outside of the large Dublin museums.
Where to Stay: the Bedford Townhouse and No. 1 Perry Square Hotel.
Ireland's Most Beautiful Coastline – County Clare
The famous Cliffs of Moher is County Clare’s most spectacular attraction, with more than a million people visiting it each year.
The cliffs, which reach 702 feet/213 meters at their highest point, are part of a UNESCO Global Geopark that stretches for 5 miles, making it one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
There is no access to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre from Doolin this year due to essential repair work that is being conducted by Clare County Council.
The Cliffs of Moher Trail is only open for 1 kilometer north of the visitor's center.
Other parts of County Clare’s dramatic coastline that you might want to explore include the Loop Head Peninsula, a dramatic headland on the northern side of the River Shannon.
The peninsula’s prominent lighthouse is a popular destination for visitors to the area.
From the air, the peninsula can be spotted by the giant “Eire” sign that remains from the World War II era. The region was also one of the locations used in the film, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”
Must-see: Pay a visit to Doolin, the colorful village in County Clare where traditional Irish music rules.
Where to Stay: Cahermaclanchy House B&B in the heart of Doolin is within easy driving distance from the cliffs, near to all the action in the village, and an affordable option for your stay in County Clare. Other recommended accommodation in Doolin include Daly's House B&B, Hotel Doolin, Atlantic View House, River Shack, Sheedy's, and The Piper's Rest.
Ireland's Most Beautiful Lake Setting – Gougane Barra, County Cork
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet along with unmatched beauty, be sure to visit Gougane Barra located in the Gougane Barra National Park.
The main attraction in this 1,000-acre park is the small church with stained glass windows that sits on a tiny island at the edge of Gougane Barra Lake.
Saint Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork City, established a monastery here in the 6th century and the remains of his hermitage can be found near the church.
If you’re energetic enough, you might want to take the trails that lead up to the nearby mountain for panoramic views of this magical place.
Must-see: Drive about 10 miles south and you will come across the Kealkill Bronze Age stone circle with beautiful views over Bantry Bay.
Where to Stay: If you want the experience to last longer than an hour or two, book into the Gougane Barra Hotel, which is located steps away from the iconic chapel.
Most Beautiful Building – The Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary
This ancient ruin with its stunning 12th-century Romanesque chapel is a popular tourist destination.
The County Tipperary fortress is enclosed by a circular stone and within it is some of the finest examples of European architecture.
The Rock of Cashel was once the traditional seat of power for the kings of Munster, who ruled there for 400 years.
Be sure to take the guided tour of Cormac's Chapel. However, the limited amount of tickets that are available daily can only be purchased on-site.
Must-see: Cormac’s Chapel, as noted above, with its elaborate masonry, carved arches, and other rich architectural details.
Where to Stay: Bailey’s Hotel Cashel – constructed in 1709, this charming hotel is within walking distance of the attraction.
Most Beautiful Forest – Avondale, County Wicklow
This beautiful forest park contains the home of the famous Irish politician Charles Stewart Parnell.
Avondale House, constructed in 1777, is now known as the Parnell Museum.
The 500-acre estate includes several walks and trails, the longest and hardest of them being The River Walk.
Other trails include The Railway Walk, a linear walk from Rathdrum Railway Station through the woods to Avondale House, no doubt a path that Parnell himself took when he lived there.
A brand new addition to this County Wicklow park is the treetop attraction called Beyond the Trees Avondale. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to put this attraction on your itinerary.
Must-see: Drive 10 miles north and discover the beautiful Glendalough Monastic Settlement.
Where to Stay: The Jacob’s Well Hotel, Rathdrum – an excellent base to explore the park and surrounding attractions in County Wicklow.
Do you have your own list of the most beautiful places in Ireland? Let me know in the comments below.
