Photo Blog: Inspiring Irish Landscapes

Causeway Coast, Lonely Planet’s Top 2018 Destination

Easy to see why Star Wars was filmed at the dramatic Hell’s Hole in Malin Head

Ben Bulben rises dramatically behind Classiebawn Castle in Sligo

Ben Bulben, the iconic table mountain of Sligo, reigns over most of County Sligo. Perched dramatically in front of the mountain is the romantic 19th century castle of Classiebawn. Built with soft sandstone transported oversea from County Donegal, the castle is the picture of a perfect castle with turrets, towers, crinolines and arrow slits. Though not open to the public, the Mullaghmore Peninsula is a wonderful coastal hike.

Taking in the views at the summit of Diamond Hill

Daybreak in the Burren National Park.

Rocky, rugged, barren – the Burren National Park and surrounding landscapes look alien, like a Hollywood depiction of the Moon. Crossed with stone walls built with stones unearthed by farmers as they attempted to till their fields and dotted with ancient megalithic sites, the Burren is as beautiful as it is exotic and other worldly. Sunrise is an especially amazing part of day to explore its wilds.

Overlooking the Dingle Peninsula

An impressive peninsula, Dingle perfectly encompasses a little of everything Irish. From some of the strongest holdouts of traditional Irish music to stunning shorelines to the magic of the Slea Head Peninsula – Ireland’s westernmost point, next stop America! – the Dingle Peninsula is made better in that it’s amazing landscapes are easily hike-able along the challenging route, the Dingle Way.

Explore a Star Wars’ galaxy far, are away: Kerry’s Skellig IslandsStar Wars’ galaxies may be far, far away but the Skellig Islands are not! Even if Star Wars isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll be awed by the ancient ruins built by the monks of yesteryears. Encounter colonies of seabirds, climb the rough stone steps, and stare out at the smaller Skellig island neatly framed on the horizon.

Exploring Kerry’s Gap of Dunloe on foot

Some of Ireland’s most beloved landscapes are in Kerry, on the Ivereagh Peninsula. Though most visitors treat the Ring of Kerry as a driving route, a better way to get in touch with the landscapes of Kerry is to hike its mountains and passes. Hiking places such as Carrantouhil, Mt Brandon, the Gap of Dunloe, Moll’s Gap and others are a good way to immerse yourself into the culture and landscape of the Kingdom of Kerry.

Treat yourself to deluxe accommodation while hiking the Kerry Mountains.

Hiking along Sherkin Island overlooking Cape Clear Island

Two forlorn islands clinging to the edge of Ireland, Cape Clear and Sherkin are known for their seabird colonies as well as holdouts of the Irish language. Historically the final glimpse of Ireland most immigrants would have of Europe before setting sail to the New World, these two little islands fascinating capsules of Irish landscapes, culture and history.

Breathtaking scenery in Glendaough in Ireland’s Ancient East

An ancient monastic site once well-known for education and preservation of knowledge, today Glendalough is a picturesque ruin. The valleys crowned with mountains and bathed in glittering lakes make for a lovely place to hike, and the pilgrimage path St Kevin’s Way adds a historical intrigue to this phenomenal Irish landscape.