Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing at all wrong with Dublin; it’s a beautiful city. But it sometimes draws attention away from the rest of what Ireland has to offer visitors. The country is full of so many great cities and great natural landscapes that are more than worth your time and attention. We’re going to talk today about some of the places you should be sure to explore beyond Ireland. So read on if you’re looking for some travel inspiration.
Connemara National Park
If you want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy one of the best natural highlights that it’s possible to find in Ireland, you should most definitely head to Connemara National Park, not far from Galway. It’s the perfect place to spend a day or weekend, especially if you love walking and exploring different terrains. There are mountains to hike up and woodland to explore here.
Cuilcagh Mountain Park
Cuilcagh Mountain Park is ideal for people who are looking to explore a stunning natural landscape, and it’s also great for adventure. From the mountain itself to Marble Arch Caves, there’s so much to see and explore on foot here. There’s great infrastructure in place that’s made the area safe and easy to explore, so there’s no reason not to give it a visit.
The Cliffs of Moher
On the west coast of Ireland you’ll find the Cliffs of Moher overlooking the Atlantic ocean. The cliffs are a sight to behold and there are some great walking and hiking opportunities in this part of Ireland too. The cliffs themselves are the real attraction though; it’s no coincidence they’ve been used as a setting in so many movies and TV series over the years. They have an unbeatable rugged aesthetic to them.
The Aran Islands
If you’re looking to visit somewhere that brings together ancient history and beautiful natural landscapes, look no further than the Aran Islands. The views here are simply stunning and the local culture is alive and kicking, with a lot of local people still speaking the Gaelic language. It’s the kind of place that’ll have you researching an Irish passport application and planning a permanent move. It’s easy to fall in love with the place.
Galway
Galways is a small but vibrant city with a modern feel to it. It’s not far from the Aran Islands, but it has an identity of its own. You can spend evenings in the bars listening to traditional irish music and browse the boutique stores and cafes during the day. It’s a great place to spend some time, whether you’re there for a couple of weeks or a weekend. It has plenty to offer.
As you can see, there’s so much to do and see across Ireland, even if you’ve already explored Dublin and want something a little different. And the things we’ve discussed above are little more than the tip of the iceberg. Ireland’s a truly beautiful country with so much to offer.
