11 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit When Exploring Ireland

When planning your Irish road trip, chances are your toughest decision is going to be deciding where to even begin. So much beauty, so little time! But don't worry; no matter where you start your adventure, there's no doubt it's going to be an epic journey.

After spending countless hours researching, my husband and I decided to launch our own trip in the lovely small town of Kinsale. Looking back, I don't think we could have asked for a better kick-start. Originally a medieval fishing port, this historic colorful village is easily one of the most picturesque towns in all of the Southwest Ireland.

If you happen to make your way in this direction, be sure to stop by The Bulman Bar. Our Airbnb host suggested this place to us, and I'm so happy we carved out time for this detour. Steeped in tradition and full of character, this historic pub is a wonderful spot to listen to live music and sip on locally brewed beers.

Speaking of Airbnb, if you're in need of accommodations, I highly recommend this charming cottage. Situated on 18 acres of private grounds, this home away from home offers so much to do. From fishing on the riverbank to taking a leisurely stroll through the flower and vegetable gardens, you can do it all!

While Guinness is the popular brew of choice in Dublin, when exploring this area of Ireland, do yourself a favor and order a pint of Murphy's. Handcrafted in Cork, this refreshing dark stout is another favorite among the locals. And with good reason. Sweet, chocolaty, and locally brewed — what's not to love?

What made me instantly captivated by the town of Kinsale was its beautiful setting. Perched high atop a sparkling waterfront, it was practically begging to be explored. Just when I thought it couldn't get any cuter, I stepped foot onto the narrow winding streets lined with brightly painted shops and cafes and fell even more in love.

Another tip for discovering the best of Kinsale? Make sure to bring along your appetite. Often referred to as "The Gourmet Capital of Ireland," this bustling village is packed to the brim with delicious pubs and restaurants.

If you, too, start your journey in Kinsale — or any surrounding area near there — chances are you will first fly into Cork. If this is the case, a fun attraction to add to your must-see list while in this city is Daly's Bridge. This pedestrian bridge spans 160 feet across the River Lee and is constructed primarily of wrought iron, along with a timber-planked walkway.

As you might can guess, its colloquial name, the Shakey Bridge, derives from the subtle movement when walking along the bridge.

One of the main reasons Ireland is such a spectacular country for a road trip is because it is home to one of the most scenic drives in the world: the iconic Wild Atlantic Way. From mesmerizing landscapes to sea-salted shorelines, this route stretches 1,500 miles across the west coast and is absolutely sprawling with natural beauty.

While there are tons of incredible detours to make while on this drive, one in particular not to miss is the Baltimore Beacon. Located in the small coastal village of Baltimore, this white-painted stone beacon sits at the entrance to Baltimore Harbor.

Although the sight of this beacon has warmed the hearts of many returning fishermen and sailors over the years, the views from atop the cliff are just as captivating. Here, you can feast your eyes on the breathtaking Cape Clear, as well as the harbor and the mouth of the Ilen River.

What makes this beacon so unique is how secluded it is. There's only one road you can take to arrive. After driving through the village and following the road south, you will then stumble upon a brown sign to your left in a small waterfront area that states "Beacon." Be warned: this next road is extremely narrow, but rest assured knowing that the tight squeeze will be well worth it.

Once you come to the end of the road, you'll have two choices: either scramble up the hill or follow a circuitous dirt path. Don't worry — they'll both get you to the same place!

And if you're not ready to end your Beacon adventure just yet, feel free to explore the craggy coastline. Although this area was extremely windy when we visited, I can only imagine how serene a picnic would be here!

Another small but delightful town to discover is Bantry, which is situated at the head of the beautiful Bantry Bay. There's no doubt history buffs will fall head over heels in love with this colorful village, as Bantry dates all the way back to the Neolithic Period.

Today, it has transformed into a bustling cosmopolitan town, uniting both modern and traditional streetscapes. If you happen to be in this area on a Friday, be sure not to miss the weekly market housed on the main square.

And what would an Irish road trip be without some sheep spotting, right? Well, don't fret, because you'll encounter these woolly friends countless times, no matter where your route takes you!

Seeking even more colorful villages? You're in luck, as Ireland is practically overflowing with them. Case in point with Sneem, the picture-perfect village located on the Iveragh Peninsula. Just be warned: this Irish oasis has long been associated with a remote and relaxed way of living, so you might just have to force yourself to leave.

If you're craving a sweet treat while exploring Sneem, don't miss out on Annie's Homemade Ice Cream & Cafe. And if you see a line weaving its way out the door, don't worry — it moves quite fast!

When it comes to Ireland, there's no better way to evoke a magical imagination than chasing down some castles. Not only will you find these fascinating fortresses peppered all throughout the countryside, but chances are you'll also come across some that have even been abandoned.

Take, for instance, Ballycarberry Castle. Located in a rural area outside of Cahirciveen, this impressive-looking castle is certainly worth checking out. While it was originally built sometime in the 15th century and once housed the McCarthy clan, today, it is home only to unruly ivy.

If you're looking for the ultimate captivating, craggy coastline experience, you must head to the world-renowned Cliffs of Moher.

From the fresh sea-salt air to the jaw-dropping, majestic views — these rugged cliffs soar 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean — there's no question this destination needs to be on everyone's bucket list. Did I mention there's also a mini castle here?

Plus, the views along the drive to the Cliffs of Moher are utterly breathtaking. With the lush countryside on one side and the sparkling shades of greenish-blue waters on the other, it was during this time I realized why this country is often referred to as the Emerald Isle.

While Ireland is globally adored for its stunning shores, many people are unaware that this country is also home to gorgeous lakes. One in particular that radiates serenity is Lough Leane, which is the largest of the three lakes located in Killarney National Park.

At approximately 4,700 acres in size, Lough Leane is also the largest body of fresh water in the entire region. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or rent a canoe and get out on the water, there is certainly no shortage of activities to take part in here.

Another reason to make your way to this specific lake? Lough Leane is also home to the historic Ross Castle. Sitting majestically on the shores of the lake, this castle was built back in the late 15th century and served as the ancestral home of the O'Donoghue clan.

While you can practically take a step back in time just looking upon this captivating castle, you can also learn more about its heritage and explore inside by joining a guided tour.

Another quaint village I highly recommend exploring is Dingle. Serving as the only town located on the Dingle Peninsula, this area filled with colorful shops and cozy cafes will have your heart singing happy tunes in no time.

When wandering this town's lovely streets, make sure to stop by Murphy's Ice Cream. Even if you're not hungry, go here! This artisan ice cream shop uses only local ingredients to offer creative flavors, without all the nonsense — you know, artificial coloring, flavorings, or powered milk.

Trust me, this ice cream is the real deal. (It even makes its own sea salt from the Dingle seawater.) Plus, you can enjoy your scrumptious scoop either in the courtyard terrace or right by the water.

Located 12 miles from Killarney is where you'll find — in my opinion — one of the most breathtaking overlooks to ever exist. I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but trust me, the Ladies View Overlook will leave you speechless. With its never-ending rolling hills and surrounding lush, green landscape, this scenic overlook is the ultimate haven of tranquility.

And if time permits, I highly recommend making the drive to Ladies View right before sunset. Experiencing the expansiveness of this rugged, mountainous countryside just as the evening pulls the sun down for the day will not only infuse you with a lifetime of inspiration, but will also allow you to reconnect with Mother Nature like no other way imaginable.

So, ready to pack your bags?