The Best Spots to Visit in the Irish Countryside

Explore the Irish countryside.

While each March we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, there is so much more to Ireland than this annual celebration. The rolling hills, coursing rivers, and epic coastlines make the Irish countryside an area of stunning natural beauty. No wonder glamping in Emerald Isle is at the top of your bucket list! With 32 beautiful counties to explore, you’ll have your work cut out planning the perfect Irish road trip. Check out some of our favorite spots in the Irish countryside to inspire your next Irish adventure.

take a road trip through the Irish countryside.

Enjoy stunning views from the Cliffs of Moher

Used in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the Cliffs of Moher are a must-see in County Clare. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands, this should be at the top of any itinerary. The walk along the clifftop path is easily accessible, and you can take your time enjoying the views. Furthermore, it is a great opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of a variety of birds that nest here, including Atlantic puffins, razorbills, common gulls, and choughs. If you want to make the most of your time in the area, book a night or two at a nearby glamping accommodation.

The Cliffs of Moher are a highlight of the Irish countryside.

Stand on the edge of the world: take a day trip to the Aran Islands

A day trip to the Aran Islands—Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer—is one of the most unique things to do in Ireland. One of the last places where the locals speak to each other in Irish, the Aran Islands is a magical experience. Whether you’re into hiking and biking, history, or geology, this is a spectacular piece of the Irish countryside. You can take the ferry from Rossaveel Harbour—a port 23 miles west of Galway City center—to Inishmore, the largest island. Once there, you can hire a bike and explore the whole island. At the top of the island are the remains of an ancient fort that looks out over the ocean. With a sheer drop from the top of the cliffs, it feels as though you are standing on the edge of the world. Enjoy a cozy stay in these seaside cabin rentals and spend a few days exploring the island.

The Aran Isands are a unique part of the Irish countryside

Visit the Burren: cliffs, caves, fossils, and rock formations in the Irish countryside

Less than an hour from the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren is a remarkable place to visit. Covered in glaciated karst, you’ll need sturdy shoes while navigating the rocky, limestone terrain. With rock formations, caves, cliffs, and fossils this is a geologist’s dream. If you’re not so concerned with geology, you’re still guaranteed an amazing visit. The views over the Burren are spectacular and in truth incomparable to anywhere else. For those 1990s comedy fans out there, you can also book a visit to Father Ted’s house for a cup of tea once you’ve finished your exploration of the Burren!

Visit the Burren, a rock covered piece of Irish countryside

Explore the Irish countryside in Killarney National Park

When you visit the Killarney National Park, you can see where the Emerald Isle gets its name from. The rolling hills and blue lakes are picture-perfect. Set in County Kerry, the national park is well known for its oak woodlands which cover 12 square miles. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including red deer, and birds such as herons, mallards, and kingfishers. The lakes have natural stocks of brown trout and salmon. Make the most of your Killarney adventure when you book one of these luxury (sheltered) bell tents for the ultimate experience in the great outdoors.

Head to Killarney National Park and walk over the rolling hills of the Emerald Isle.

Glendalough: still waters in the Irish countryside

Set in Wicklow, the garden of Ireland, this enchanting spot is perfect for a quiet visit. Home to the substantial remains of a historic monastic site, Glendalough is surrounded by hills and woodland. Glendalough derived from the Irish Gleann dá Loch, meaning ‘Valley of the Two Lakes’ is ideal for nature lovers of all ages. There are paths around the ñlakes for a walk or a hike. You’ll also be able to see what’s left of the Glendalough monastic site, including a 1,000-year-old round tower. After a day here surrounded by the quiet of the Irish countryside enjoy a relaxing glamping getaway in nearby Grangecon.

Enjoy a peaceful day with a walk around Glendalough

Discover the full power of the force and sail out to the Skellig Islands

Famous for its use in Star Wars islands, the Skellig Islands are a fascinating place to visit. If you want to visit Luke Skywalker’s hideout, then Skellig Michael is the island to head for. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and only 180 people are allowed to visit each day, so you’ll have to plan ahead. An hour’s boat ride from Ballinskelligs, once there, you can walk to the top of the island where you will find the remains of a monastery. Believe it or not, monks actually lived on the island! Although, they weren’t actually Jedis whose temple is unfortunately still in that famed galaxy far, far away. Be that as it may, this is a unique experience not to be missed! Enjoy a glamping adventure like no other!

Visit the home of the original Jedi Temple with a trip to the Skellig Islands

Head to Northern Ireland and visit the unique Giant’s Causeway

A trip to Northern Ireland should definitely include the journey to Giant’s Causeway, in County Antrim. Used as a location for the Iron Islands in the Game of Thrones, this unique natural landmark is a sight to behold. According to legend, the Giant’s Causeway was built by an Irish giant named Fionn Mac Cumhaill. However, made up of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, these extraordinary rocks are actually a result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay while visiting Giant’s Causeway, these glamping pods close to the ocean, are ideal

Head to Northern Island and visit the unique Giant's Causeway
Photo by Gregory Hayes on Unsplash

2 thoughts on “The Best Spots to Visit in the Irish Countryside

  1. Hello!!

    Dia daoibh!!!

    As a citizen of America and Ireland, the best places to visit in rural Ireland are … ANY and EVERYWHERE!!!!

    Natural beauty, historical sites, archaeological sites and the most welcoming and friendly people in the world!!!!!

    No matter where you go … you will be happy!!!

    Mar shaoránach de Mheiriceá agus d’Éirinn, is iad na háiteanna is fearr chun cuairt a thabhairt orthu faoin tuath in Éirinn ná … AON áit agus gach áit !!!!

    Áilleacht nádúrtha, suíomhanna stairiúla, suíomhanna seandálaíochta agus na daoine is fáiltiúla agus cairdiúla ar domhan !!!!!

    Is cuma cá dtéann tú … beidh tú sásta !!!

    Bye!

    Slan!

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