Ireland's Most Wild Places

Landscapes: The northern reaches of Donegal feel far-flung and otherworldly. With its secluded beaches, hauntingly beautiful mountains, dramatic cliffs, and forgotten bogs, Donegal’s untamed beauty is an adventurer’s playground. The stunning Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point, offers panoramic views that are second to none.

Stand at what feels like the top of Ireland on the Slieve League Cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. These cliffs are so remote that they once played host to a mass rock, where illicit mass was given in plein air during Ireland’s Penal Times when Catholicism was outlawed. Read more about Slieve League in our guide here.

Culture: Donegal’s culture is deeply rooted in Irish traditions. Visit local craft shops to sample the finest Donegal tweed. While perhaps not as well-known as Harris tweed, these fine textiles are of the highest quality. Whether you’re just looking to browse or you’re keen to have a whole suit tailored to you, there are many chances to embrace the tweed.

Of course, you can enjoy the lively sessions of traditional Irish music in the pubs, perhaps with a pint of Kinnegar to hand, a delicious beer brewed in Donegal.

Pull on your sturdy hiking boots and head off into the hills and glens of northern Donegal on our hiking trip along the Causeway Coast and Donegal.

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Landscapes: The islands off Ireland’s west coast are secluded paradises. The little-visited Inishturk, off the Mayo coast, is a microcosm of wilderness. Rugged terrain, hidden coves, and rich birdwatching opportunities, the island of Inishturk is home to only about 50 people and has only had paved roads since the 1980s. Other remote islands in the region include Iniskea north and south. There are no roads here, no bridges, and hardly any human inhabitants – wild Irish islands at their finest. Explore the remnants of once-thriving island villages and bask in the beauty of pristine island wilds.

While more accessible than the above islands, Clare Island is still an amazing place to be if you’re looking for quiet shores, white sands and a break from the busyness of modernity. Activity lovers can enjoy the islands’ endless opportunities for exploration, including kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Read more about birdwatching in Ireland here.

Culture: Island life is steeped in Irish culture. Engage with the tiny island communities, keep an ear out for the Irish language sometimes spoken by islanders, and experience the unique way of life that comes with living on the edge of the Atlantic.

On Inisbofin, discover the crumbling castle-like ruins of the Cromwellian Barracks perched on an impressive rocky outcrop. Built during the 17th century, it was intended to imprison Catholic clergy (outlawed by the English) as they awaited transportation to the colonies.

During the 1600s, the formidable pirate queen, Grace O’Malley, once ruled the seas from Clew Bay to Galway Bay. This mighty figure is the stuff of legends to this day, and her castles on Clare Island, Achill and beyond are still impressive strongholds. Read more about Grace O’Malley here.

Read our guide to the Islands of Connemara & Mayo here.

Sail out to Ireland’s tiny western islands on our island hopping trip on Ireland’s west coast.

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Landscapes: West Cork is beloved for its charming towns such as Bantry and Kinsale, as well as its windswept landscapes. From the dramatic cliffs of Mizen Head, Ireland’s southernmost point, to the serene shores of Bantry Bay and all of the hills and coasts in between, this is a region sculpted by the wind and the sea.

Sparsely populated and traversed by winding roads and tiny communities, West Cork feels very far from the cosmopolitan centres of Dublin and Belfast – and not just because it is geographically located at the opposite end of the island.

Hiking trails like the Sheep’s Head Way and cycling routes around the Beara Peninsula Loop provide opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty.

Culture: West Cork is a hub for arts and culture. Visit art galleries, explore castles, and savour the farm-to-table cuisine in this creative and picturesque part of Ireland. Wander the streets of colourful Kinsale, gaze up at the imposing Charles Fort, and learn about the pirates that once plagued the wee town of Baltimore.

West Cork is also known for its deliciously creamy cheeses, so make sure you get a taste of the local wares. Gubbeen, Durrus, Knockatee, or Toons Bridge are some favourites. Read our blog on Irish cheeses here.

Keeping with the culinary theme, it’s also a great region for whiskey. (After all, Jameson Distillery is in Middleton, outside Cork, and there are other small, local distilleries in West Cork). Read our whiskey guide here.

Explore the wilds of West Cork and its islands on our island hopping trip through Cork and Kerry.

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Prefer your explorations on two wheels? Spend a week in West Cork cycling some of the least-travelled and far-flung cycle routes in Ireland.

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Landscapes: The raw beauty of Connemara, a region in Co Galway, is epitomised by the Twelve Bens mountain range. Connemara’s most iconic hike is Diamond Hill, with several decent paths from which visitors can choose.

If wilderness is your goal, hikers and climbers should head away from Diamond Hill and over to the other Bens, perhaps hiking the Glencoaghan Horseshoe, a 17-km / 10.5 mile loop through rough terrain. Revel in the challenge of scaling these peaks – your prize is stunning views of the surrounding lakes and fjord, and hills. The best part is you’ll have the scenery (and likely the hills) all to yourselves. As always when heading into the wild hills, ensure you travel with a guide and relevant safety items.

Culture: Connemara is steeped in Gaelic culture and language. So head into the villages, get chatting with the locals and learn a little bit of Ireland’s ancient (and notoriously complex) native language! Step into Kylemore Abbey for a history lesson or explore the region’s many crumbling ruins.

Read our guide to Connemara National Park here.

Explore the raw mountainous beauty of Connemara and Mayo on our hiking trip to Connemara’s Atlantic Coast.

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