Ours is a world full of wonders. Aside from the seven wonders of the world, you would be shocked at the existence of many other stunning and impressive natural wonders across the world. What is more, you might not really appreciate the beauty of nature until you visit these places.
Interestingly, Ireland is home to a number of these natural wonders. So, in the event that you will be taking tours to Ireland anytime soon, we have curated for you a list of 15 places that will leave you impressed and awe-struck of natural wonders in Ireland. Luckily, most of the places mentioned below are located in Northern Ireland, so it will be pretty convenient to navigate between these locations through Ireland trains. Follow us closely.
15. The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges is a beautiful row of beech trees forming an arc over the quiet Bregagh Road, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The trees are believed to have been planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors as they approach the entrance of their mansion, the Gracehill House. Centuries later, the trees have however grown to become much more impressive than the Stuarts could have imagined. The mystical outlook of the Dark Hedges makes it wondrous. In fact, the trees have been used as a filming location in the famous Game of Thrones series.
14. Dun Briste
The Dun Britse located in the Irish town of Knockaun is another natural wonder of Ireland. The 45-metre tall sea stack is believed to have formed about 350 million years ago. History has it that the sea-stack became severed from the mainland following a mysterious storm. This severance from the mainland is the reason the structure is alternatively being referred to as “The Broken Fort” today. Regardless, the Dun Briste has survived millions of years to become an endearing structure to the eyes.
13. Carrauntoohil
The Carrauntoohil mountain is the highest mountain in Ireland located in the southern part of the country, very close to the Atlantic Ocean. Though notorious for being very moody and dangerous because of the ever changing weather conditions, the mountain offers an unforgettable experience to cautious and experienced hikers. But you do not have to hike to experience the beauty of the Carrauntoohil. Its panoramic view relishes the uniqueness of the mountain.
12. The Cliffs of Moher
The outstandingly beautiful landscape of the Cliffs of Moher is breathtaking. For good reasons, it tops the list of Ireland travel destinations. Because why not?! The calming scenery and staggering height of the cliffs stand it out. The Cliffs of Moher is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s west coast. You definitely should see it.
11. Lough Glencar Waterfall
Located in the northwest of Ireland, the Glengar Lough waterfall is an astonishing view of falling torrent. Interestingly, the waterfall supplies water to the Lough Gencar lake, a freshwater lake covering over an area of 1.15 kilometres. The green plants surrounding this waterfall beautify it even more. A tour to the Lough Glencar waterfall will definitely leave you awe-struck; just like the famous creative and poet, W.B. Yeats who immortalised the natural wonder in his poem “The Stolen Child”.
10. Lough Tay
The Lough Tay is another natural wonder of Ireland that will impress you. The stunning scenery of the lake surrounded by the mountains is also known as the Guinness lake. This is because the lake is said to look like a pint of Guinness when viewed from above. This should give you a hint of how phenomenal the sight of it would be. A natural wonder indeed!
9. Torc Waterfall
The Torc Waterfall promises you an experience of natural beauty and astounding scenery. The 20-metres high long cascade waterfall is located just about four miles away from Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. The word “Torc” is an Irish word which translates to mean “wild boar”. According to legend, the area was associated with a man supposedly cursed by the devil to transform into a wild boar every night.
8. Clew Bay
Clew Bay is a natural ocean bay made up of hundreds of islands in County Mayo towards the West Coast of Ireland. Clew Bay is renowned for the tranquil atmosphere especially when the seas are calm. The island on Clew Bay is also known to be home to squillions, one of the most endearing marine mammals. The best view of the bay can be gotten on Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain.
7. Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is another spectacular natural wonder of Ireland lying along the Antrim sea coast in Northern Ireland. This natural wonder is made up of around 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns descending gently into the sea. The near-perfect precision of the interlockings makes it almost unbelievable that they are not man-made. The Giant’s Causeway is regarded as the jewel in the crown because of the beauty it adds to the Antrim coast alongside the scenic beauty. It might interest you that the Giant’s Causeway is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
6. Sally Gap
The Sally Gap is another natural wonder of Ireland that would impress you. It is famous for the beauty of its viewpoint as well as its spectacular panoramic view from the mountains in the area. A visit to the Sally Gap is a perfect way to reconnect with nature while escaping life’s hustle and bustle.
5. The Mourne Mountains
The Mourne Mountains have one of the most beautiful sceneries in Ireland, and it is not hard to see. A perfect location for trekkers and hikers. The Mourne Mountains promise you a remarkable experience of natural beauty.
4. Cathedral Rocks, Blasket Islands
The Cathedral Rocks is another natural wonder of Ireland that will surely leave you awestruck. The spectacular rock formation puts Inis na Bro, Blasket Island on tourist radar. The beautiful rock formation forms a very tall tower resembling the outline of Gothic cathedrals. Hence, the name Cathedral rocks.
3. River Shannon
Named after the granddaughter of Manannan Mac Lir (Son of the Sea), River Shannon is reputed to be the longest river in Ireland flowing through no fewer than 17 counties of the country. The beautiful scenery of the River and the surrounding green lively landscape will leave you in wild admiration.
2. Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow path separating the Purple Mountain and the MacGillyCuddy Reeks. As strange and unbelievable as it might seem, the Gap was created naturally about some 25,000 years ago during the last ice age of Ireland. This 11km-long iconic landmark is a perfect place for solitary walks and a deep reconnection with nature. You should experience it at least once in a lifetime.
1. Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael, the second of the two UNESCO World Heritage sites, is a small island off the southwest coast of Ireland. Impliedly, you can only get there by boat. At the peak of the mountain located in the middle of the ocean is the St Fionan’s monastery, one of the earliest foundations in the country.
We hope you have an amazing experience touring the natural wonders of Ireland.
