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Ireland is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. Explore its lush bogs, spectacular cliffs, hidden underworlds and peaceful rivers.
The Giant's Causeway
It's believed that the Giant's Causeway in North Antrim was formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions and the subsequent cooling of layered molten lava. That hardened lava created a unique grouping of cliffs and coves rising almost 200 feet above sea level and extending into the Irish Sea.
This breathtaking landscape of stone and sea gets its name from the legend of a giant named Finn McCool. According to the story, Finn built the causeway as an act of adoration, attempting to visit his love on the Hebridean island of Staffa in Scotland. The Giant's Causeway is one of the greatest wonders of the world and has been declared a world heritage site.
The coastal scenery, majestic cliffs, rock-strewn bays and kelp walls are Irish icons that promise to saturate your senses.
The Burren
In County Clare, the Burren consists of 116 square miles of naturally interlocking limestone slabs; the word "burren" is derived from the Gaelic for "stony place." The field of limestone creates a lunar landscape that geologists believe was formed by the skeletons of animals inhabiting the land over 300 million years ago.
The stony slabs aren't the only attraction here; unexpectedly, Irish flora thrives in the Burren. Flowers and undergrowth are nourished by a system of underground streams and rivers that rise to the surface during Ireland's frequent wet weather. This contrast between limestone and life at the Burren will astonish you.
The Cliffs of Moher
Another magnificent display of nature in County Clare are the Cliffs of Moher. Rising vertically 650 feet above sea level and stretching 8 miles along the western Atlantic coast, the Cliffs are awe-inspiring to say the least.
From the cliffs you can view the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara. Be careful as you approach the cliffs' edge, there are no fences obstructing the views from the Cliffs of Moher.
The Marble Arch Caves
Underneath the heart of County Fermanagh, known as Ireland's lake district, lays a subterranean world of caves, waterfalls and winding waterways. The Marble Arch is the point where the Shannon River runs out of these underground caves.
The Marble Arch Caves comprise the world's first international geopark, and it's open for exploration between March and September annually. Tours of this sparkling underworld last 75 minutes and visitors travel on foot and by boat.
Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is a sacred mountain that towers over 2,500 feet above County Mayo. The mountain is devoted to Ireland's patron saint, Patrick, who is said to have spent 40 days and nights praying and fasting here.
The religious significance of this site reaches as far back as 3,000 B.C. when it was the location for pagan worship of the Celtic god, Lug. Christianity's absorption of many pagan traditions led pilgrims to flock to this holy mountain to worship and pay homage to St. Patrick. Thousands of pilgrims still flock to Croagh Patrick for reverence and prayer.
Slieve League Cliffs
Ireland is home to some awesome sheer cliffs, but Slieve League on the West Coast of Donegal is one of the highest (and scariest) marine cliffs in Europe. The straight 985-foot drop from Slieve League into the crashing Atlantic below is sure to pump your adrenaline.
Park your car and walk along the cliffs to fully experience the views of the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay. Catch your breath by exploring the ruins of an ancient Christian church and the watchtower at Carrigan head, built in the early 19th century under the threat of a Napoleonic attack.
Shannon and Erne Rivers
These mighty rivers both begin in County Cavan but soon proceed to run radically different courses. Along their journey they course through the beautiful greens of Ireland, forming placid lakes and picturesque waterfalls. These 2 Irish waterways offer endless pleasures for anglers, boaters, bird-watchers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Multiple cruises are also offered on the Shannon and Erne Rivers. Not only can you appreciate the Irish landscape and wildlife, but you'll also stop at pubs and restaurants along the way.
The Bog of Allen
Ireland's lowlands are as breathtaking as her towering cliffs. The country's bogs are numerous and vast, but the Bog of Allen, northeast of Kildare, is the largest one and the easiest for tourists to visit. The wetlands system took over 10,000 years to form and is made from peat. Unfortunately, this organic material made from vegetable matter can be used as fertilizer and fuel; during the last 400 years over 90% of the Bog of Allen has been lost to drainage and peat mining. The Irish Peatland Conservation Council is actively trying to return the bogs to their original splendor.
Tourism is encouraged to increase awareness of these endangered wetlands. Explore the vastness and ponder what once was. The bog is also a wildlife habitat, providing homes to 185 species of plants and animals.
