Introduction:
My Ireland Travel Route and First Impressions:
I’ve been lucky enough to go to Ireland twice, and I got to see dreamy Ireland destinations. On my first trip, I went on different sites along the North, and it was full of super interesting places with beautiful and empty road. In addition, kind people of Ireland made me feel like I was being less of a tourist.
My second trip was more of a normal tourist visit by going clockwise along the South. I visited popular Irish destinations like the Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, castles, Galway, and Dublin. This combination of peaceful North full of quiet roads and the more chaotic South full of major cities can help you to find various things to do if you’re looking for the top ten best places to visit in Ireland, the top three best places to visit in Ireland, and the best romantic destinations to visit in Ireland.
It’s hard to see all of Ireland in one trip, so there are a few things from experience to keep in mind while booking the first trip through Kayak Stays. A three-week trip is much better than the usual one, but you have to keep these four things in mind: plan your route, book hotels early through Kayak Stays, which allow time for slow scenic drives, and decide on additional time for the Wild Atlantic Way on the West Coast since it’s a must-see.
As a photographer, I constantly used Google Maps to plan drives, find secret viewpoints, and decide places to go, so even though I have not been to every place in Ireland, the places I went were amazing, I want to go back for a third time so I can see the rest of Ireland in the north. I hope you all get trip planning tips from this for a better experience in Ireland rather than a stressful one.
My Favorite Things to Do in Ireland in the Northern Half and Wild Atlantic Way:
My favorite route in the northern half of Ireland and along the Wild Atlantic Way was great because it was full of beautiful wide landscapes, and awesome places that weren’t crowded, allowing us quiet time at our own pace. If you like to do things that are more natural and less crowded, this route is for you, and is great to you if you are a photographer, giving you a long list of great spots to place. I loved how the northern half seemed much more adventurous and less crowded.
However, Lodging can be hard to plan, so it’s best to plan your hotels in advance. The southern half has popular places, such as Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, and the well-known castles, Galway, and , Dublin, but it’s in the north, the west side, the must-do coastal roads, and around that area, that always gives me the greatest feeling of true traveling. I wish I could say I’ve been everywhere, I’ve written down the places, but after this awesome opportunity I’ll be able to plan traveling deeper.
Best Places to Visit in Ireland for Couples:
1: Hiking the Mourne Wall:
The Mourne Wall hike is ideal for couples who like a good outdoor challenge. Although most people start their hike from Dublin, this one goes further out of the city and into Northern Ireland, where the vibe is completely different. Some places around here felt like a ghost town during 2022 at the time of the Queen’s funeral, so it makes the whole experience feel a little weird and personal, but also quiet and memorable.
This hike is not just a walk in the park. There is a dirt path that leads onto a road and back onto another trail. The views are wide and beautiful, but this hike can be strenuous, especially while going up the hill. Some parts of the path are pretty basic, but that adds to the challenge and makes it feel more real. For couples who love to explore, this the perfect first outdoor challenge to test a couples hike, and makes you feel the reward after reaching a quiet, beautiful spot that is away from the typical tourist attractions.
2: Visit the Giant’s Causeway:
The Giant’s Causeway is a natural monument in Northern Ireland and is a great place for couples in nature. The monument is composed of approximately 40,000 hexagonally shaped basalt columns caused by a volcanic eruption. There is nothing dramatic about the arrangement of the columns.
Thanks to legendary giant Finn McCool, there is a cute story behind the rock. The scenic coastal area is a great walking location, and even if you are not interested in geology, the Causeway attracts visitors through the entire year. It is a unique location and a great couples activity while in Ireland.
3: Hike and Climb on Cruit Island:
Cruit Island is a great for couples who want something a little more active than a classic beach day. You can sign up for a guided rock climbing session. If the weather is nice, the combination of a careful climb with rocks and ropes all around, and, a careful climb makes this a perfect option for some relaxed adventure.
This experience can also be enhanced by adding a rope swing or a zip line, which can make this session jump from a relaxed adventure to a cardio session with a little more adrenaline. Furthermore, couples often have to pull each other up and stop to help, this makes the session even more enjoyable. Make sure you schedule a session ahead of time, because this isn’t just a random spot to see a view, and trust me, this spot is full of adventures.
4: Explore Connemara National Park Diamond Hill Hike:
Connemara National Park is one of those places in Ireland which looks open, wild, and calm all at the same time. The Diamond Hill trail is especially great for couples because it lets you enjoy the views and the changing scenery, while also allowing for some good convo breaks. However, this was one of the best hikes of 2022 for a group, but those reviews were great for couples who enjoy a hike at a chill, steady pace.
The hike starts level, but as you get higher, you get almost a 270-degree view of the fjords, sea, and land. Some people quite literally ran the trail, but it’s much better to take your time and look at the view on the way up. The trail is on All Trails, and even though it’s marked as a hard hike, the views really do make the 1,300 foot elevation gain over 2 miles very worth it. You may only be able to view a small part of the park this time, but at least you get a great picture place, and hopefully the rest of the park another time.
5: Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden:
Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Gardens are probably locations in some romantic movie. It is located in Connemara, and surrounded by a soft green hilly landscape, the rest of this Irish countryside would agree. Add in the peaceful setting of the calm lake next to the old Abbey. It’s the perfect place to take some nice pictures.
Couples are even able to take a peaceful stroll through the garden. The calm scenic beauty of the grounds is one of the better places to take a break for some picturesque scenes that won’t be interrupted.
6: Kinbane Castle:
Kinbane Castle is a hidden treasure for couples that would rather not be like all the other tourists that crowd the popular landmarks. A strong feeling of solitude and the beautiful dramatic ruins of the old castle provide an ancient history that is truly spellbinding.
This dramatic and beautiful castle along with the other hidden locations of Ireland provide a unique journey that makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time to explore the past while avoiding the crowd from the present.
7: Time travel at Ulster American Folk Park:
The Ulster American Folk Park is a living history museum that provides couples a romantic experience while giving them a sense of story to build on further down the road. There are many places on the east coast of America, there are places like Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, that celebrate the early days of America’s history, and the Irish Folk Park has all the beautiful memories of the Irish people and the 90-100 years of history that connects America and Ireland.
As part of the experience, you get to walk through some traditional, thatched, cottages and even an emigrant ship, showing you how Irish settlers crossed the Atlantic. The park has many interactive ways to integrate you into daily Irish life of the past. Although the park is a great experience for a family, history loving couples will definitely enjoy the experience equally.
8: Behave Like Royalty at Dunluce Castle:
Dunluce Castle is one of the most visually striking destination. While it is a medieval ruin, Dunluce Castle feels like it’s bursting with stories of ghosts, legends, shipwrecks, clan rivalries, and more. You can easily picture it as a fortress that commands the sea.
Dunluce Castle is a great stop for couples and offers sweeping views of the North Atlantic. It is a castle-coupling stop that is far from romantic in a polishing, smooth way, but is instead a wild, windswept ‘romantic’ escape.
9: Carrick-a-Rede:
Carrick-a-Rede is an exhilarating stop for couples that offers a great view. It features a scenic rope bridge that connects the mainland to a small fisherman’s island that is 100 feet above the ocean.
It is a perfect picture spot for an adventurous couple with a rugged, coastal backdrop. A lot of couples that come to Northern Ireland say that crossing the bridge is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience that they will always remember.
10: Hiking to Glenveagh Castle in Glenveagh National Park:
Glenveagh National Park is a great place to escape and enjoy nature. The walk to Glenveagh Castle is one of Ireland’s most peaceful and scenic walks when you go early and avoid the crowds. It offers an easy break in the middle of a hiking trip.
The hike through the park has some amazing views, and the castle’s back garden is great for pictures. Couples who like peaceful places will get nice pictures at this spot.
11: Check out Crohy Head Sea Arch:
Crohy Head Sea Arch in Donegal has a really a beautiful and powerful coastline. The rocks and the Atlantic waves create a stunning view.
It is beautiful and a great place for nature lovers that enjoy driving along the coast. Since it is not as popular, it is a nice spot for a quick visit for couples who want some space and some beautiful views.
12: Photograph Assaranca Waterfall Eas a’ Ranca:
Assaranca, or Eas a’ Ranca, is an easy to access Irish waterfall near Ardara. It is a great, scenic stop because there is no long hike to walk. It is beautiful and easy to access for everyone. It is even more majestic if you visit after rainfall. If you and your partner enjoy beautiful places to take photos, this is the stop for you.
13: Beat the Crowds at Silver Strand Beach:
Silver Strand Beach is an isolated, beautiful, golden sand beach in Malin Beg. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, and is a perfect location for couples. There is a lovely hike to the beach that makes the trip feel more rewarding.
Silver Strand Beach is made for enjoying the peaceful moments. It is perfect to bring a picnic and eat it close to the water. It is one of the more romantic places to visit in Ireland.
14: Visit Ireland’s Tallest Cliffs at Sliabh Liag:
Sliabh Liag located in Donegal, is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. These sea cliffs are some of the highest in all of Europe.
The views from here are breathtaking and are perfect for photos. Couples that enjoy hiking with beautiful views will enjoy this stop.
15: Surfing at Rossnowlagh Beach:
Rossnowlagh Beach is one of the best beach spots in Ireland, especially for couples looking to enjoy some new activities together. Combining with the nearby Sandhouse Hotel gives the town a very relaxed coastal feeling and the wide shore is great for beginners.
16: Taking the Rougey Cliff Walk:
The Rougey Cliff Walk located in Bundoran, is part of the hike along the Wild Atlantic Way. It begins in town and extends along the coastline. This path is mainly paved and even passes along a golf course. This makes it great for couples who want a pretty walk, but don’t want a more challenging hike.
You even have the option to watch the surfers while listening to the waves. This hike can easily be done as a 3 mile one way trek, or a more difficult 6 mile hike there and back. This hike can even easily be done by anyone touring Ireland.
17: Experience Downpatrick Head:
Downpatrick Head is one of the more dramatic coastlines while showing off Dun Briste, an impressive sea stack. In addition to the scenery offered by the massive ocean views, there is an abundance of Irish history present.
18: Soak up nature at Achill Sound:
Achill Sound is the calm and peaceful entry to Achill Island. Achill Sound offers couples even more coastal views, as well as more pubs, more scenic drives, and some open farmland. It is still part of the Wild Atlantic Way, yet maintains an off the beaten path vibe.
If couples are looking for a place to close the door and escape the office and not be on a tight schedule, this is the part of Ireland you want to visit.
19: Staying at Wild Nephin National Park:
Wild Nephin National Park is ideal for a couples vacation when peace and nature are priorities. It is roughly 15,000 hectares of wilderness walking, hiking, and stargazing.
The park contains bogs, forests, and a special European Dark Sky Zone. If you love nature, it is a perfect and immersive getaway.
20: Bike on the Great Western Greenway:
The Great Western Greenway is one of the best biking spots in Ireland. It has a relatively flat 10 mile stretch that is accessible for even the most casual riders. Greenway rentals enable couples to stay active at their own pace.
While biking you will likely see hills, goats, and sheep. This trail does a great job of balancing getting exercise.
21: Find the Fairy Bridges in Donegal:
The Fairy Bridges in Donegal are along the scenic Rougey Cliff Walk and are a great little pull off while walking. The natural rock bridge is a nice little detail of the walk, especially with the moving sea right underneath.
22: Flip back time at Burren National Park:
At first glance Burren National Park in Ireland may seem dull, but it’s fascinating once you learn about its past. The park is great for a guided hike especially for a photographer who may have a hard time finding a story to tell about the landscape.
This area has witnessed the passing of many geological eras since the Devonian period nearly 350 million years ago. It started forming through ancient sea beds, glaciers, and limestone. Here we find some of the earliest human traces (5,000 years ago). The area holds Neolithic tombs, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Iron Age linear forts, and sites from the early Christians. These reveals traces of continuous relationships of settlement (and spirit) and cultural ties. Irish Boíreann means “rocky place” and the area indeed is rocky. It is also a place of legends and lore, and surprisingly rich diversity of flora and fauna.
23: Hike in Wicklow Mountains National Park:
Wicklow Mountains National Park makes it easy to escape into nature since it’s only about 50 minutes from Dublin. The road can feel a little cramped and make your nerves a little high, but the beautiful scene makes everything worth it.
Spinc Trail is a loop trail that shows sights over the valley and Upper Lake. Visitors can also see the old cemetery, Round Tower, and St. Kevin’s Church. This national park and trail is a perfect for couples that want a long, rewarding hike.
24: Check out Glenmacnass Waterfall, Sally Gap, and Lough Tay:
Driving through Glenmacnass Waterfall, Sally Gap, and Lough Tay is one of the best scenic drives in Ireland. The roads are narrow, so it’s good to stay calm and use the pull-outs when you can.
At Glenmacnass Waterfall, you get a stream, a waterfall, and a few scenic spots. Even a stop of 15-20 minutes is enough to snap a few photos and get a closer walk before continuing to the mountain views.
25: Check out the Rock of Cashel:
The Rock of Cashel is one of the historical must-sees destination in Ireland. There is Cormac’s Chapel, a few old stone structures and a view that is impressive without the overcrowding.
You can expect to pay around 8 euros/9.31 dollars. If you like history and view of a dramatic landscape, this will be a winner.
26: Check out the Rock of Dunamase:
The Rock of Dunamase is one of quieter stops along the road trip. You will find beautiful views and an impressive landscape with ruins to explore. It is located on a small hill with views of the countryside in all directions.
Another bonus is that it is free to stop here. You can stretch, walk, and enjoy the view at your leisure without the pressure of strict time here.
27: Killarney and Killarney National Park:
Killarney and Killarney National Park are a terrific choice for couples who want to combine a relaxing and active vacation in the same place. If you stay at the Ross Hotel, a lot of the action such as dining, walking, and tours is nearby, making it easy to enjoy the area.
This region of Ireland deserves at least two days to explore, especially if you’re traveling with a partner or fiancé. You won’t find a more well-rounded romantic location in Ireland with the combination of hotels, lakes, castles, and trails.
28: Hiking to Torc Waterfall:
If you would like to see Torc Waterfall, it is only an 8-minute walk from the nearby parking lot. The trail is well maintained and only mildly sloped, so most couples can enjoy the outing.
If you want to enjoy the area even more, there are plenty of longer hikes available. This waterfall is also a favorite among photographers, since long exposure photography can blur the water and create a dreamlike effect.
29: Explore Muckross House:
Muckross House is a nice leisurely option to experience part of the Killarney landscape in Ireland. It is one of the largest properties available to the public; the grounds are free for visitors who just wish to take a walk.
The elegance of the design and location are definitely worth seeing. However, if the couple wishes, tickets can be purchased for extended access, or you can spend an hour to stroll through the grounds.
30: Book a tour of Ross Castle, a Jaunting Car Ride and a Ross Lake Boat Ride:
A tour of Ross Castle, a Jaunting Car Ride and a boat ride to Ross Lake is one of the best couple experiences in Killarney National Park. Horse and buggy rides through the woods is fun and feels vintage, and your guide will share history and point out the local fauna.
The scenic and peaceful boat ride to Innisfallen Island also has the remains of a 6th century monastery, and gives you the chance to see an eagle or two if you’re lucky. This becomes one of their favorite experiences in Ireland, and the hour long ride is perfect to fit in to a busy schedule.
