Travel plans are constrained right now, but Ireland is still filled with beauty spots that look right at home on social media feeds.
With panoramic vistas, dramatic headlands and picture perfect towns, there is a whole range of fantastic experiences to be found along the Wild Atlantic Way. Let these six beauty spots inspire your next adventure.
1. Murder Hole Beach, County Donegal (@tomarcher)
This secret beach in the northernmost part of the Wild Atlantic Way can only be accessed by foot at low tide so you’ll often find yourself alone here. It’s unclear where the macabre name comes from – it could be from the wild waters of the shoreline – but the locals will soon tell you a story or two about it. Bring a picnic, indulge in the breathtaking views and don’t forget your selfie stick.
2. Skellig Michael, County Kerry (@ksimpsonphoto)
One of the most jaw-dropping locations in Ireland, this was the stunning setting for Luke Skywalker’s reappearance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and it also starred in the follow-up, The Last Jedi. You travel 12km out to sea to climb the ancient stairways that cling to the rocky edges of the island. The stones steps were hand-forged by monks centuries ago. The views are simply mind-blowing.
3. The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare (@wild_sky_photography)
Land and sea collide in the most dramatic fashion at one of the most Insta-worthy sights of the Wild Atlantic Way. Located around the midpoint of the route, you can stand here upon the 214-metre-high cliff edge and picture what seems like the edge of the world. The cliffs have a special allure for the camera at an early morning sunrise or the setting sun of twilight.
4. Ben Bulben, County Sligo (@nedaic)
Immortalised in the poetry of W.B. Yeats, the awesome flat-topped mountain of Ben Bulben dominates the Sligo landscape and is regarded as Ireland’s Table Mountain. No filters needed here as its beauty is a feast for the eyes from whatever angle you approach. The ever-changing light, unusual shape and magnificent colours make for images that will soon have your feed buzzing.
5. The Ring of Kerry, County Kerry (@ihaveadarksoul)
The Ring of Kerry stretches 152km around the Irish county known as ‘The Kingdom’. There are so many picturesque places it is hard to select only one, but you could try for this shot taken from Carrauntoohil, the highest peak of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range in Kerry. Pure Irish scenery at its very best.
6. Kylemore Abbey, County Galway (@thewanderlostway)
Not just another beauty spot on the Wild Atlantic Way, this gorgeous abbey is also regarded as one of Ireland’s most romantic buildings. The delicate architecture of this Victorian estate complements the pure surroundings of the Connemara countryside. Magical, peaceful, heavenly and steeped in history, the grandeur here will add a sense of class to anyone’s Instagram feed.
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