With the sun heading for solar maximum, 2024 is shaping up to be a great year for seeing the Northern Lights.
And you don’t have to be in the Arctic Circle to catch a glimpse of the awesome light show. The island of Ireland has great viewing spots that are easy to get to and are located in stunning landscapes that you can enjoy well after the lights have faded.
The Wild Atlantic Way provides lots of options. Head to County Donegal in the north-west and choose from its many headlands, peninsulas and islands that offer uninterrupted views of the night sky. Malin Head, Fanad Head, Inishowen Peninsula and Dunree Head have fantastic views to the north and are top aurora sighting spots.
The island’s famous Causeway Coast is another great option for aurora chasers. Ballintoy harbour, Mussenden Temple overlooking Downhill Beach, and the medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle have all seen great light shows before and are beautiful locations to visit at any time. They featured in the blockbuster TV series Game of Thrones.
The island’s most northerly island, Rathlin, lies off the Causeway Coast and with little light pollution is a promising spot to set up your Northern Lights camp. It’s also a great place to view dolphins and seals so your days can be spent hiking through this tranquil landscape while you wait for darkness to fall.
While a high coastal vantage point is the obvious go-to for the best views, some inland areas also offer great potential.