Ireland is affectionately referred to as ‘the Emerald Isle’ because of its abundant greenery and lush landscapes. At the same time, it is also home to a wealth of attractions and must-see places, including some ridiculously picturesque coastal destinations. Northern Ireland is of course well known for its magnificent Causeway Coast and Strangford Lough/Ards Peninsula, but travelling south of the border, into Southern Ireland, there really are some top-notch Irish Coastal Destinations to check out. Many dotted along the rugged coastline of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic West.
Dingle
This is a small town located on a peninsula in southwest Ireland. Its top attractions include a prehistoric promontory fort, an ancient church, and an aquarium. There are also some fine beaches and scenic walking trails that take you past the area’s rugged terrain.
Dingle is a great place to visit if you want a taste of authentic Irish living. Pop into a local bar or pub and you may hear some traditional folk music, similar to the soundtrack played in Irish-themed Megaways games at online casinos.
Doolin
Doolin is a lively village on the west coast of Ireland. It’s known as the home of traditional Irish music and most of its pubs regularly host live music sessions. The local restaurants and independent shops are well worth visiting too.
Just beyond the village, there’s Doolin Cave and its spectacular stalactite, which is the longest free-hanging one in Europe. Other attractions include cliff-top walks and cruises to see the coastline from a distance.
Tramore
Located on the southeast coast of Ireland is the charming seaside town of Tramore. It began as a fishing village and is now a popular destination for various water sports thanks to its sheltered bay. People visit from far and wide to practise all sorts of water sports, with surfing being the most common.
There are plenty of amenities and facilities for tourists, including a good range of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Many people enjoy strolling along the beaches to take in the delightful views of the sea.
Inishmore
This is one of the Aran Islands, a chain of three islands that lie at the mouth of Galway Bay, on Ireland’s west coast. Inishmore is the largest of the three and, with 762 residents, it’s also the most populous.
As well as its stunning coastal views, Inishmore is known for its impressive collection of historical sites dating back to mediaeval and ancient times. These include several churches, a disused lighthouse, and a Neolithic tomb.
Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland’s most popular natural attractions is the Cliffs of Moher. Stretching for 9 miles along the west coast, they have a maximum height of around 390 feet above sea level. They receive about 1.5 million visitors a year, with people coming from near and far to see the incredible views they offer.
There’s a visitor centre with a range of exhibits on the cliffs and their geology, history, plant life and wildlife. There are also regular ferry rides that let you see the cliffs from sea level.
Conclusion
Include one or more of these top coastal destinations on your itinerary the next time you visit Ireland. Each one is well worth visiting and is sure to leave you wanting to see even more of Ireland’s beautiful coast.