Lush, vibrant green hills crossed with stone fences, soaring cliffs touching down to idyllic beaches, grand castles, charming villages, and friendly people. It’s no wonder Ireland is one of the world’s top travel destinations. But with so much to see and do, planning your Ireland itinerary can feel overwhelming.
One of the first things to consider when planning a trip to the Emerald Isle is where to go. There are plenty of famous places to consider for your Ireland itinerary that nearly everyone is familiar with. Tourists flock to the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. But what about beautiful destinations that aren’t on everyone else’s Ireland itinerary?
Achill Island
Located just off the northwest coast in County Mayo, Achill Island is linked to the mainland by bridge. It’s renowned for its spectacular landscapes, including towering mountains and countless nearly untouched beaches. You might have caught a glimpse in the Academy Award-nominated film “The Banshees of Inisherin.” It served as a top filming location, with Colm’s cottage at Keem Bay. One of the best ways to explore the island is to drive around it. Atlantic Drive is often named among Europe’s best road trips, perfect for your Ireland itinerary.
Sally Gap
Most people head straight to Glendalough in Wicklow National Park, missing one of the most stunning areas, Sally Gap. It’s tucked between the granite walls of high mountains with a swathe of purple mountain heather, waterfalls, and ancient woodlands. The sapphire waters of Guinness Lake (officially Lough Tay) and a white sandy beach were used as a prominent film setting in the History Channel series “Vikings.” You’ll get an awe-inspiring panorama along Sally Gap Drive, starting from the village of Roundwood, leading to the Lough Tay Viewing Point. Want to get out and explore? Include a hike from Lough Tay to Lough Dan on your Ireland itinerary.
Inisheer Island
Inisheer, officially Inis Oírr, is the smallest of the three Aran Islands off the Galway coast. It’s easily reached by ferry from Rossaveal. The two-square-mile island may be small, but it’s jam-packed with breathtaking landscapes. Not to mention, it boasts multiple attractions without the crowds, just a handful of day trippers that arrive by ferry. Put an overnight here on your Ireland itinerary and enjoy its enchanting atmosphere all to yourself. When disembarking the ferry, you’ll see a beach that looks like it should be in the Caribbean. This is where you can often spot the “resident” dolphin Sandy, if you haven’t already seen it playing in the wake of the boat.
A picturesque walk among the maze of stone walls will bring you to everything from a famous shipwreck to a lighthouse. Or take a short stroll from the dock to the moss-covered ruins of the early 15th-century O’Brien’s Castle.
Slieve League Cliffs
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top attractions with countless tourists here on any given day, yet the Slieve League Cliffs are some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs and offer magnificent views that can be enjoyed with few others around. Located along the northwest coast in Donegal, a nearly sheer 2,000-foot drop separates the highest point from the sea. On a clear daym you’ll be able to see the Ben Bulben Mountains in Sligo and Leitrim.
Brittas Bay
While most people head to the west coast for beaches, the east coast is home to one of Ireland’s most impressive beaches. Brittas Bay in Wicklow boasts over three miles of white sands and dunes located alongside turquoise water that’s ideal for swimming during the warmer months. It’s a great place to watch for wildlife with the dunes offering rich habitats that draw lots of birds along with red foxes, rabbits, and badgers. Watch for the bright pink orchids that grow among the dunes.
Portmagee
Portmagee is a short detour from the Ring of Kerry along the southwest coast. It has a tiny population with brightly painted homes and buildings clustered along the waterfront. A wide range of attractions can be enjoyed from here, making it well worth putting on your Ireland itinerary. That includes boat tours to Skellig Michael with its well-preserved 6th-century monastic settlements and a chocolate factory. Nearby, there are millions of years old tetrapod tracks on Valentia Island, linked by a bridge. Furthermore, spend the night at The Moorings, and you’ll be steps from live music and perfectly poured Guinness at the Bridge Bar.
Adare
Adare is often named among the country’s prettiest villages. Put it on your Ireland itinerary and you can stroll the main street lined with thatched cottages dating back to the 1820s. Many now house restaurants, boutiques, and arts and crafts shops. It’s a perfect stop for lunch between the Kerry coast and Galway. The Blue Door Restaurant is particularly renowned, but you can simply stretch your legs to take advantage of the many photo ops.
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