25 Beautiful Vistas and Landscapes in Ireland

by Megan DuBois, Theme Parks & Cruise Expert

25 Beautiful Vistas and Landscapes in Ireland

by Megan DuBois, Theme Parks & Cruise Expert

For many, Ireland is a bucket-list travel destination. What's more, The Emerald Isle will undoubtedly lure you in with its lush green landscapes and glittering waters. Intrigued? Take a look at some of our favorite scenic views in Ireland.

For many, Ireland is a bucket-list travel destination. What's more, The Emerald Isle will undoubtedly lure you in with its lush green landscapes and glittering waters. Intrigued? Take a look at some of our favorite scenic views in Ireland.

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Dunluce Castle

Northern Ireland is chock-full of beautiful vistas like this one, which overlooks Dunluce Castle. The castle ruins date back centuries, and there are plenty of historical and archaeological exhibits on display: that is, if you can get away from the postcard-worthy sea views.

Northern Ireland is chock-full of beautiful vistas like this one, which overlooks Dunluce Castle. The castle ruins date back centuries, and there are plenty of historical and archaeological exhibits on display: that is, if you can get away from the postcard-worthy sea views.

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Trim Castle

This view of Trim Castle is one that will make everyone back home jealous. The water beneath the castle often stands still enough to display a perfect reflection. Read more about our favorite castles here

This view of Trim Castle is one that will make everyone back home jealous. The water beneath the castle often stands still enough to display a perfect reflection. Read more about our favorite castles here. 

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Benbulben

Ireland's towering mountains — including Benbulben, which is over 1,700 feet high — loom high over the sea and cities. Here, you can also expect beautiful flora and fauna.

Ireland's towering mountains — including Benbulben, which is over 1,700 feet high — loom high over the sea and cities. Here, you can also expect beautiful flora and fauna.

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Ballynoe Stone Circle

The almost-otherworldly Ballynoe Stone Circle dates back to the Neolithic period. The historic site, which features 50-plus stones, measures 115 feet in diameter. The views are just as mesmerizing as the monument itself. 

The almost-otherworldly Ballynoe Stone Circle dates back to the Neolithic period. The historic site, which features 50-plus stones, measures 115 feet in diameter. The views are just as mesmerizing as the monument itself. 

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Knocknacloghoge & Lough Dan Walking Route

Located in the province of Leinster, this gorgeous landscape looks like the perfect place for a romantic picnic followed by a long, leisurely stroll.

Located in the province of Leinster, this gorgeous landscape looks like the perfect place for a romantic picnic followed by a long, leisurely stroll.

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Lough Dan

Hiking (or walking!) through the mountains of Ireland is a must for any traveler. Want to learn more about The Emerald Isle's can't-miss attractions? Check out our guide

Hiking (or walking!) through the mountains of Ireland is a must for any traveler. Want to learn more about The Emerald Isle's can't-miss attractions? Check out our guide. 

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Ballycotton Island

Ballycotton Island, a small island located in County Cork, is absolutely stunning. After taking in the view, you can tour the 19th-century-era lighthouse. Check out more of our favorite lighthouses here

Ballycotton Island, a small island located in County Cork, is absolutely stunning. After taking in the view, you can tour the 19th-century-era lighthouse. Check out more of our favorite lighthouses here. 

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Glanworth Castle, Abbey & Bridge

Cork is chock-full of scenic castles and grounds to explore, and Glanworth Castle, Abbey & Bridge is among our favorites. To learn more about the many castles of Ireland, check out this guide

Cork is chock-full of scenic castles and grounds to explore, and Glanworth Castle, Abbey & Bridge is among our favorites. To learn more about the many castles of Ireland, check out this guide. 

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Inchydoney Beach

Ireland’s beaches are often surrounded by towering green hills and mountains. The stretches of sand at Inchydoney Beach also offer a calming reprieve from the country's bustling cities. For even more secluded beaches, check out a list of our favorites

Ireland’s beaches are often surrounded by towering green hills and mountains. The stretches of sand at Inchydoney Beach also offer a calming reprieve from the country's bustling cities. For even more secluded beaches, check out a list of our favorites. 

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Mahon Falls

Along with awe-inspiring mountains, Ireland is home to some equally exquisite waterfalls, including the toweing Mahon Falls, which is accessible via a scenic trail. Serenity awaits...

Along with awe-inspiring mountains, Ireland is home to some equally exquisite waterfalls, including the toweing Mahon Falls, which is accessible via a scenic trail. Serenity awaits...

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Gougane Barra National Forest Park

Serene lakes and wildflower fields can be found at Gougane Barra National Forest Park, which spans more than 339 acres. Want more national parks? Our guide to the best ones in the United States is sure to spark travel inspo. 

Serene lakes and wildflower fields can be found at Gougane Barra National Forest Park, which spans more than 339 acres. Want more national parks? Our guide to the best ones in the United States is sure to spark travel inspo. 

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Portsalon

This winding road in Portsalon looks over a vista of grass-covered cliffs and sparkling waters. Don't forget to bring your camera: You'll want to remember this view for years to come.

This winding road in Portsalon looks over a vista of grass-covered cliffs and sparkling waters. Don't forget to bring your camera: You'll want to remember this view for years to come.

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Dundrum Bay

Taking in the view of Dundrum Bay while having lunch with friends and family would be a highlight of any Irish vacation. More Ireland highlights can be found in our Galway guide.  

Taking in the view of Dundrum Bay while having lunch with friends and family would be a highlight of any Irish vacation. More Ireland highlights can be found in our Galway guide.  

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Murlough Nature Reserve

Take a stroll through Murlough Nature Reserve, where the coast and the mountains are both in view. Craving even more nature-filled vacations? Consider one (or more!) of these seven destinations.

Take a stroll through Murlough Nature Reserve, where the coast and the mountains are both in view. Craving even more nature-filled vacations? Consider one (or more!) of these seven destinations.

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Killough

Irish sunsets are like no other as the sun’s blazing beauty reflects off the water and mountainsides. For the best views, head to the seaside village of Killough.

Irish sunsets are like no other as the sun’s blazing beauty reflects off the water and mountainsides. For the best views, head to the seaside village of Killough.

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The Fairy Glen

This greenery-filled landscape looks as if it was plucked straight out of a fairytale. Embark on a short yet scenic stroll and prepare to be utterly amazed.

This greenery-filled valley looks as if it was plucked straight out of a fairytale. Embark on a short yet scenic stroll of the area, and prepare to be utterly amazed.

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Tyrella Beach

The white sands of Tyrella Beach pop against the surrounding greenery and mountains. Here, travelers can along the miles of beaches, dip their toes in the water, and simply savor the destination's rich natural beauty.

The white sands of Tyrella Beach pop against the surrounding greenery and mountains. Here, travelers can along the miles of beaches, dip their toes in the water, and simply savor the destination's rich natural beauty.

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Cavehill

Spend an hour or two hiking Cavehill. The birds-eye views of Belfast and the sea are more than worth the trek. 

Spend an hour or two hiking Cavehill. The birds-eye views of Belfast and the sea are more than worth the trek. 

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Loughareema (The Vanishing Lake)

Depending on when you visit, Loughareema may be a glittering lake filled with water — or it may be an empty, cracked mud bed. (Hence its nickname, Vanishing Lake.) Looking for more lakes? Check out our favorite ones in the States

Depending on when you visit, Loughareema may be a glittering lake filled with water — or it may be an empty, cracked mud bed. (Hence its nickname, Vanishing Lake.) Looking for more lakes? Check out our favorite ones in the States. 

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Lough Neagh

Spanning more than 150 square miles, Lough Neagh is the largest lake (by surface area) in the United Kingdom. It's also famous for its magnificent wildlife, which includes eels and bird species like whooper swans, goldeneyes, and tufted ducks.

Spanning more than 150 square miles, Lough Neagh is the largest lake (by surface area) in the United Kingdom. It's also famous for its magnificent wildlife, which includes eels and bird species like whooper swans, goldeneyes, and tufted ducks.

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Murlough Bay

With its rocky, picturesque shores, Murlough Bay is a fantastic spot for taking in the beauty of Ireland. The destination was even featured on Game of Thrones.

With its rocky, picturesque shores, Murlough Bay is a fantastic spot for taking in the beauty of Ireland. The destination was even featured on Game of Thrones.

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The Dark Hedges

The spooky-looking Dark Hedges, an avenue lined with beech trees, has been around since the 18th century. Unsurprisingly, it's one of the most photographed locations in Northern Ireland.

The spooky-looking Dark Hedges, an avenue lined with beech trees, has been around since the 18th century. Unsurprisingly, it's one of the most photographed locations in Northern Ireland.

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Mussenden Temple

Mussenden Temple is perched above the sea near the village of Castlerock. Around the temple, you'll find an adventure trail and a coffee shop, both of which are open to the public.

Mussenden Temple is perched above the sea near the village of Castlerock. Around the temple, you'll find an adventure trail and a coffee shop, both of which are open to the public.

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Larrybane Bay

The tranquil, clear-blue waters of Larrybane Bay are only outshined by the nearby yellow wildflowers that bloom every year. And, if you’re looking for more wildflowers, you're in the right place.

The tranquil, clear-blue waters of Larrybane Bay are only outshined by the nearby yellow wildflowers that bloom every year. And, if you’re looking for more wildflowers, you're in the right place.

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Cushendun Caves

Spend some time exploring the Cushendun Caves, which are said to be over 400 million years old. The caves also served as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Intrigued? Check out these other famous filming locations.

Spend some time exploring the Cushendun Caves, which are said to be over 400 million years old. The caves also served as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Intrigued? Check out these other famous filming locations.

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