🌍 World Heritage Sites
Skellig Michael Island
Let's kick things off with an absolute stunner!
Skellig Michael is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of Ireland's most scenic places.
In fact, the spectacular island has been recognised by UNESCO as one of Ireland's most treasured destinations, with a World Heritage Site status.
Lying off the coast of Kerry in Ireland's southwest, the monumental Skellig Michael is just as culturally important as it is physically scenic.
In the early period of Christianity in Ireland, monks retreated to this wild place.
Today, if you've booked a 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure Tour and the weather plays ball, you can climb to the summit to witness this incredible place for yourself.
The Giant's Causeway
One of the most scenic places in Ireland - and definitely one of the best driving routes - winds along the Causeway Coast in Antrim.
Aside from spotting Game of Thrones filmsets, there's lots to do.
Hop from hexagon to hexagon at the Giants Causeway - Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. These 40,000 interlocking basalt columns were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
After you've met some Irish giants, toast your trip at Bushmills, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.
Experience the Giant's Causeway on our 7 Day Vagbond Magnetic North Adventure Tour
🌄 Pretty AWESOME National Parks
Killarney National Park
Nestled in the foothills of the Ireland's highest mountain range is Killarney National Park.
Explore stately Muckross House and Gardens. Wander through the ruined halls of Muckross Abbey. At its centre stands an 800 year old yew tree, spiralling toward the heavens.
Stroll to the magical Torc waterfall. Visit historic Ross Castle on the banks of Lough Leane. Or simply gaze out on the expanse of lakes and mountains that surround you.
Heaven.
Connemara National Park
Savage beauty.
The wild Connemara National Park is characterised by epic views, lonely ruined cottages, rugged mountains and pristine lakes.
Connemara is home to the Maum Turks and Twelve Bens mountain ranges, majestic Kylemore Abbey and Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord.
Find out more about Ireland's National Parks along the Wild Atlantic Way
🌊 Panoramic Peninsulas
Once you have taken a tour of Ireland's southwestern peninsulas, you will really understand why we love this amazing region SO much.
The Beara Peninsula
One of our favourite pastimes here at Vagabond Tours is dancing around megalithic stone circles. And one of the very best is Uragh on the Beara Peninsula.
Feeling more civilised? Ramble around the Italianate gardens on Garnish Island, a haven for native & exotic flora.
Of the four southwestern peninsulas we visit, Beara is the wildest. And nowhere sums it up better than the Healy Pass, undulating over the Caha mountains. The views do not disappoint.
DEFINITELY one of the most scenic places in Ireland.
The Iveragh Peninsula
This 180km (112 mile) scenic touring route around the Iveragh Peninsula takes in the best that Kerry has to offer. Rugged mountains. Dramatic coastlines. Quaint pubs. Sandy beaches.
The Ring of Kerry also features picturesque small towns such as Kenmare, Portmagee and Killorglin.
Enjoy our ultimate guide to the Ring Of Kerry
The Dingle Peninsula
Another stunning peninsula in southwest Ireland and an enduring Vagabond guest favourite.
Many come for the picturesque town of Dingle. Craic (fun), ceol (music) and a fantastic selection of Irish cuisine. This charming little town has it all.
But the rest of the Dingle peninsula itself has much to offer. Rugged beauty and knife edge drops are guaranteed on the route around Slea Head, Europes westernmost point.
😲 Stupendously High Cliffs
Cliffs of Moher
One of the most famous scenic places in Ireland. With at least 1.5 million visitors annually, the Cliffs of Moher are a wildly popular scenic tourist site.
They live up to the hype. On a clear day, you can look out across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands, with the mountain ranges of Connemara in the background. Stunning.
Of course, we do the Cliffs of Moher the Vagabond way. Hiking in from the south, we see all angles of this 214 metre (702 feet) high, 8km (5 miles) long natural wonder. But we also avoid the crowds!
Downpatrick Head
Northwestern Mayo is one of Irelands most remote and windswept corners. And certainly one of the most scenic places in Ireland.
At its tip sits dazzling Downpatrick Head. Waves crash against the shore.
Dún Briste sea stack stands aloof just off the shore. It feels like the edge of the world!
Slieve League
Slieve League sea cliffs in North West Donegal are 600 meters (nearly 2000 feet) high; among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The views from the top let you take in the expanse of Sligo Bay and the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
Interesting factoid: geologically speaking, Slieve League is actually part of the Appalachian Trail (separated millions of years ago by shifting tectonic plates).
😇 Spectacular Holy Sites
Glendalough
Youll feel far from civilisation as you cross the Wicklow Mountains, only one hour from Dublin.
This is home to the 6th century monastic city of Glendalough, stunningly located in a steep glaciated valley.
Meet animal-loving hermit Kevin, Glendalough's patron saint. Take a stroll through serene native woodland. See the deep 'loughs' that give Glendalough its name - the valley of two lakes.
Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is a mountain located just outside the town of Westport in Mayo.
Associated with Saint Patrick, Croagh Patrick is known locally as 'The Reek'.
An ancient pilgrimage route winds its way up the steep sides of the mountain.
One of the most scenic places in Ireland, Croagh Patrick is surrounded by other amazing sights. Clare Island was the home to the pirate queen Grace O'Malley. To the north, you'll find Mulranny and Achill Island.
Got some spare time? There are 365 islands in nearby Clew Bay - one to visit every day of the year!
Benbulben
Table Mountain's long lost Irish cousin, Benbulben is a distinctively flat-topped mountain. It was carved out of the landscape during the last Ice Age.
Sligo, the surrounding region, is not too shabby either.
WB Yeats described it as the land of heart's desire. Take a dip in a seaweed bath. Or go cold water surfing on some of Europe's best breaks.
Find out more about when is the best time to visit Ireland
