The 6 Most Scenic Parts of Ireland

Ireland is a breathtakingly beautiful country that has been blessed by mother nature in so many ways. From the dramatic cliffs to the sandy beaches, the rugged mountain ranges to the pretty towns and cities, there are sights for all to see and Ireland's scenery is so interesting and varied it will keep young to old happy. We’ve selected our favourites, most scenic parts of Ireland below and hope you enjoy visiting them as much as we do.

1.Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

If visiting the ocean is your thing then the Cliffs of Moher in Country Clare will definitely float your boat. Of all of Ireland’s scenery along its coast this is the most dramatic and most beautiful.

Stretching for five miles along the Atlantic coast, these 400 foot cliffs offer spectacular views out to sea and its here that you’ll experience nature at its finest. Think salty sea air, the crashing ocean waves below, bird cry all around you and the wind whistling past you.

Its a gorgeous spot to come and gather your thoguhts, but do remember that in the summer months it can get quite busy so plan wisely. During the winter you may get lucky and have some alone time up on the cliffs.

2.Cobh, Co. Cork Cobh is a gorgeous little town in County Cork and it a lovely spot to see some of Ireland’s scenery. The town is full of candy-coloured houses that line the beautiful sea-front. Many cruise ships stop off here too so you’ll often catch huge ships heading for the port. Pay a visit to the cathedral, visit the Titanic Museum which is significant because Cobh was its last port of call in 1912 and wander the chcoclate box streets. 3.Connemara National Park Nowhere showcases Irelands scenery better than its National Parks and Connemar is no exception. Featuring 2957 hectares of bogs, mountains, grasslands, heaths and forest it is an explorers paradise. There are many walking trails in this area of varying levels of difficulty so don’t forget to bring your hiking boots. The park is also home to lots of wildlife and if you’re lucky you may spot Connemara ponies, red deer and an abundance of birds including skylarks, stonechats, and peregrine falcons. There is a visitors centre too that you can have a look around and discover the history of the park.  

4.Skellig Michael, Kerry The magnificent Skellig Islands lie eight miles off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry. Rising majestically to 714ft out of the water they are really beautiful to see. On the summit of Skellig Michael stands a very well preserved sixth century monastic settlement. Take a tour to this beautiful island and see Irelands scenery from a different viewpoint. There are regular boat tours that will take you out and although it can be a choppy ride depending on weather conditions, it is most definitely worth it. 5.Galway, Co. Galway Galway is a stunning harbour city on Ireland's west cost that sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. This gorgeous city has loads to offer with shops, pubs, bars and live Irish music. There is a really rustic charm about Galway, visit the Cathedral, the food markets, the museums and take a walk along the harbour side. Definitely don’t forget to visit the main shopping street which is easily one of Ireland's most scenic shopping areas with brightly coloured shop fronts, buskers and street performers everywhere with Lynch’s Castle towering over the whole street. 6.Killarney National Park Ireland's scenery doesn’t get much better than in Killarney National Park. South and West of the town of Killarney you’ll find this beautiful spot which contains the highest mountain range in Ireland, the McGillycuddys Reeks and at its foot the beautiful lakes of Killarney. If you are looking for some photo opportunitues then look no fruther,. There are many walks and trails around the lakes, up the mountains, through the forest and the park is just so peaceful you could get lost for hours with just yourselves and nature all around you.

A visit to Ross Castle is also nice, sitting on the lower edge of Killareny’s lake the castle was built in the 15th century and remains today for all to see.

The Beautiful Yorkshire Coastline

When you think of Yorkshire I would guess that the Yorkshire Dales might spring to mind, rolling, beautiful countryside, the Pennine Mountains and plenty of peace and quiet. And you would be right! But if you head to the Yorkshire coast you’ll be surprised to find it as beautiful as any of the UK’s southern beach destinations and much more wild and rugged. On the Yorkshire coast, towns and ports give way to tiny, quaint villages with a splattering of coffee shops all run by those notoriously friendly local Yorkshire folk. We’ve picked our highlights below.

Robin Hoods Bay

Up in Northern Yorkshire you’ll find the beautiful spot of Robin Hoods Bay, a small coastal village set on a beautiful tidal bay. During low tide you can wander around on the sand and look for crabs in the rock pools. This is a fantastic spot to take little ones and they will love exploring.

You can walk around the bay on the beach to other bays down the coast, but do be aware that once the tide comes in the whole beach will be underwater, so time your walk well! There is also the option to walk up on the path along the cliff if you do leave it too late.

There are a few little coffee shops and pubs in this little village and some lovely boutique type shops with nice gifts for sale.  

Whitby

Also in Northern Yorkshire not far away from Robin Hoods Bay you’ll find the gorgeous town of Whitby, a fabulous town on the Yorkshire coast.

Famed for its beautiful blue flag beaches, amazing fish and chips and its array of shopping, pubs and places to eat its definitely worth a visit.

You’ll find boat trips here amid the fishing boats and the beautiful castle set up on the cliffs overlooking the ocean and the town.

Whitby is also home to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway so if you fancy seeing the countryside on an old steam train then this is a great day out and the little ones will love it too if you are travelling with a family.

Runswick Bay

About nine miles north of Whitby on the Yorkshire coast lies Runswick Bay, with its sweeping bay and gorgeous red roofed cottages it is a really pretty destination.

This is a small village with tiny winding roads weaving around the village, it has a pub and a little shop and many beautiful walks on the coast. Expect a chilled out vibe where you’ll find some real peace and quiet.

Scarborough

Quite the opposite to Runswick Bay, Scarborough is your classic seaside town with the beach, activites on the seafront, loads of hotels, pub and restaruants, shops filled with buckets and spades and a real English seaside holiday feel.

If you are after peace and quiet on the Yorkshire coast then Scarborough probably isn’t the right choice for you, but if you fancy basing yourself somewhere with lots going on then this would definitely work and you could certainly explore the surrounding tranquil countryside from this base.

Visit Scarborough Castle, the Sea Life Sanctuary or try your hand at the Sky Trail Adventure and the Alpine Waterpark.

Flamborough

Flamborough is very rural and wild, a beautiful stretch of the Yorkshire coast with rugged white cliffs and a beautiful little bay. There is a very small village behind the bay too.

People tend to come to Flamborough for a real outdoors adventure, bird watching is great and there is a scenic nature reserve with two ancient lighthouses nearby.

The coastline is often windswept and walking terrain can be hard so its a better place for the more experiened walker to visit.

You’ll get a real sense of being away from it all in Flamborough, surrounded by Yorkshire nature at its best.

Bempton Cliffs

If you are a keen birdwatcher then you must head for Bempton Cliffs, particularly between March and October when around half a million seabirds gather in this area to breed - its a really remarkable sight to see.

Species often seen in this area include Gannet, Guillemot, Puffin, Barn Owl and Tree Sparrow.

The reserve is managed by the RSPB and during the mating season the cliff tops are patrolled by workers who strive to help the birds against environmental threats including climate change and industrial fishing.

The closest places to stay are Scarborough at about 30 minutes drive away and Bridlington which is about a 10 minute drive.