Our favourite images of Ireland that we took during our road trip through the Wild Atlantic Way and more!
Images of Ireland
From the rugged coastline of Slea Head to the beautiful Loughs of Connemara, there was something for everyone around every corner. This was by far the best way to Discover Ireland.
We started our trip in Dublin, before leaving for your coastal trip, make sure to spend a couple of days exploring the capital city. Check out our Best Things to do in Dublin, Ireland article for travel ideas.
Now I could tell you about all of the great things we saw but I think that photos would do a better job at that.
Ireland Photos
When we drove the Wild Atlantic Way we were simply blown away by the views that we saw. Each turn showcased one stunning view after another
1. Mount Errigal
Mount Errigal at Sunrise in Donegal, Ireland
Even when we went inland it was beautiful. We worked hard to find this shot over Mount Errigal.
2. Fanad Head Lighthouse
Fanad Head Lighthouse
Sunset at Fanad Head Lighthouse on the Wild Atlantic Way.
We hiked out to capture this image of the lighthouse at Fanad Head. We had it all to ourselves.
3. Ha'Penny Bridge
The famous Ha'Penny Bridge in Dublin, Ireland
Ha'Penny Bridge is a famous bridge in Dublin and it's gorgeous at sunset.
4. Twelve Bens
Twelve Bens
Even the not so famous sights are gorgeous.
5. Cliffs of Moher
Sunset at the Cliffs of Moher
Ireland's most famous cliffs. The Cliffs of Moher.
6. Horse Back Riding in Dingle
Horseback Riding
Our favourite horseback ride was in Donegal overlooking Slea Head Drive.
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland will take a while. You will find that you end up pulling your car over every chance you get to take in the incredible scenic views.
7. Wild Atlantic Way
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way
We drove the Wild Atlantic Way in Style with our BMW car rental.
8. Horn Head in Donegal
A beautiful Sunset from Horn Head in Donegal Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2500km motor route along the Atlantic coast of Ireland.
There are hundreds of places to stay along the way ranging from hostels and B&Bs for as little as €20 a night.
9. Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is an island located off the coast made famous by Star Wars.
But it is a fascinating spot to visit.
10. Skellig Michael Cross
View from Skellig Michael
Getting there can be an adventure as there is only a short window for boats to land (and weather can always cause trouble) and it's a bit of a hike to the top.
But the views are worth it!
11. Lough Eske Castle
Sunset at Lough Eske Castle in Ireland
There are many opportunities to stay in castles in Ireland. Our favourite was Lough Eske Castle.
12. Dun Aengus Aran Islands
Dun Aengus Aran Islands
Make sure to take a trip to the Aran Islands.
You can take a flight or ferry out to them.
There's an ancient stone fort, a unique culture and a beautiful landscape to view.
13. Port Magee
Fishermen of Port Magee
Port Magee makes for a lazy village to relax for a few days.
14. Fisherman in Rural Ireland
Fishermen of Ireland
A fisherman repairs his boat near Port Magee
15. Fishing Village Port Magee
The village of Port Magee in Ireland
Just one more photo of Ireland's Port Magee.
16. The Slea Head Drive
The Slea Head Drive is not to be missed along the Wild Atlantic Way
Slea Head Drive is often considered one of the best drives in the world!
17. Killary Fjord
Looking back over Killary Fjord in Glennagevlaugh, Ireland
Killary Fjord is Ireland's only Fjord.
18. Wild Atlantic Way
Morning arrives on the Wild Atlantic Way
Even the farmland is picturesque. Driving the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most iconic drives on earth.
19. Rossbleigh Beach
Yes, there are beaches along the wild Atlantic way. Like this one at Rossbleigh Beach
Ireland's beaches surprised us. They were huge and isolated.
20. Temple Bar in Dublin
Street Performers abound in Temple Bar in Dublin.
Temple Bar is a must place to have a beer when visiting Dublin.
21. Mizen Head
Mizen Head
The Cliffs of Moher may be the most famous cliffs, but the Mighty Mizen Head is incredible to see too!
22. Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey
You cannot miss the Kylemore Abbey in Connemara
23. Poulnabrone Burren
Poulnabrone Burren
The Burren and the Hole of Sorrows is just another place you have to visit in Ireland.
The landscape here is like being in another world.
24. Cliffs of Mizen Head
Water crashes at Mizen Head
The rugged coastline is never ending on the Wild Atlantic Way
25. Most Northerly point in Ireland
The most Northerly point in Ireland
Here it is, the most northerly point in Ireland.
26. Slieve League
The beauty of Slieve League in Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way
27. Dingle Peninsula
Golden Hour on the Dingle Peninsula
Sunrise is one of the best times to explore the landscape of Ireland. It's peaceful and you usually have an attractions all to yourself.
28. New Grange
New Grange is a 5200-year-old passage tomb in Ireland's Ancient East.
29. Giant's Causeway
Okay, so it's in Northern Ireland, but you cannot include beautiful pictures of Ireland without a shot of the Giant's Causeway. I seriously haven't seen anything like this in my life!
30. Killary Harbour
It is considered Ireland's only fjord. We've had people argue that point with us, but that is what we were told when we were there.
If there is another, I'm not sure what it is, but this is defintely the biggest fjord in Ireland.
31. Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel dates back to the 4th century and was the centre of Ireland's power.
The Rock of Cashel offers great photo opportunities of one of a 12th-century tower sitting atop high limestone rock.
32. Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges are in Northern Ireland but are one of the most extraordinary locations to snap photos of Ireland.
Made famous by the Game of Thrones, it is now one of the most photographed places in Ireland.
33. Irish Roadtrip
Read More
21 of The Very Best Things to do in Ireland
4X4 Off Road Driving in Ireland – An Adrenaline-Fueled Day Trip
traboldeals says
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Shaun says
Wow. I have yet to visit Ireland but it is on my list. This definitely makes me want to go sooner than later. Great shots.
Shaun
http://www.thislifeintrips.com
Clay says
Such beautiful photos! This is a really inspirational post to go there and explore. Thanks for posting!
Valerie says
Where should I start visiting? Its really convincing! Ireland has so many places to visit. The pictures are awesome!Thank for sharing this pictures,I’m really exited to visit Ireland.
Dave and Deb says
Hi Valerie, We highly recommend starting somewhere along the Wild Atlantic Way (It’s so far besides Dublin the only place we’ve been though 🙂 ) Really, you can choose any section and stick around there. County Kerry is a popular portion for the Ring of Kerry, Mizen Head and Skellig Islands. County Clare is great for the Cliffs of Moher. I would start with one of those personally.
Ireland traveler says
Traveling to Ireland has always been one of my great dreams. These photos are breathtaking and you guys are very lucky to be able to see such amazing places!
Marie @ Budgeting for Travel says
Wow! Ireland is awesome. I love most the sunset photos. You have great photography. Thanks for sharing these pics, I have the eagerness now to discover Ireland. 🙂
Dave and Deb says
Glad we could entice you to see Ireland!
Dave and Deb says
Thanks Marie, we had some amazing sunsets in Ireland. Being on the Atlantic Coast, we had spectacular ones every evening.
Christine @thetraveloguer says
Aw these are stunning photos! I’m really excited to start to explore Ireland when I get back. I used to have zero interest in it because I’m from there, but the more I travel, the more I appreciate how gorgeous Ireland is!
Dave and Deb says
So glad we could intrigue you to explore your own backyard, You have a beautiful country.
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
The photo of the Ha’Penny Bridge is stunning! The various colors in the photo and the mystical reflection of the clouds in the water is spectacular.
Dave and Deb says
Thanks Mary, we had an amazing sunrise that day. So glad we set our alarms and got out of bed!
Jim Nix says
nicely shot and processed Dave, my fave being sunset at the Cliffs of Moher – I’ve been to Dublin many times and need to find a way to explore more outside of town, there’s obviously a lot more to Ireland than Dublin (though it’s a fine city!)
Dave and Deb says
Yes indeed, there is so much to see in Ireland. We enjoyed Dublin, but we truly loved the Wild Atlantic Way. Can’t wait to visit Northern Ireland in the fall!
Backpacking Panda says
Wow!! So many amazing places and beautiful photos…Especially I like the one of Ha’Penny Bridge…Beautiful colors!(=
Dave and Deb says
Thank you! Ha’Penny Bridge does make for a great photograph doesn’t it?
Maria from Nerd Nomads says
Wow, amazing photos! Ireland looks soooo beautiful! Will definitely put it on my bucketlist! Did you rent a car and drove around to these places? How many days did you spend in Ireland?
Dave and Deb says
Hi Maria, yes we rented a car. We spent 2 weeks in Ireland, but I think the WAW requires more time. We’re going back in October and are going to hopefully spend another week on the East Coast after we finish discovering new sights on the West and North of Ireland.
Dave and Deb says
I Maria, I can’t remember if I answered this so apologies if it is a duplicate answer. Yes, we rented a car. It’s really the best way to get around, I can’t imagine doing it on the tour busses that we saw. We spent 2 weeks there, but suggest 3 to really explore the WAW. Although, if you choose just one area, two weeks is perfect.
noel says
Beautiful, the sunset shots are quite striking
niamh says
Your pics are amazing….brought a little tear as I rediscovered home all over again! Thanks…
Dave and Deb says
Aw, so glad you liked!
john smeeth says
nice post…….mind refreshing Pictures.I will share it with my friends. and here i want to share, if anyone is in search of adventurous travel then please visit to Kathmandu Guest House with its unbeatable service in Nepal (the country of world 8 highest peak) .
[email protected]'s Travelgram says
I think I should go searching for cheap tickets 😀 I’ve noticed that the last 3 countries I’ve visited all start with I – Italy, Indonesia, India, so Ireland should definitely be next!
Your pics look gorgeous with this HDR effect!
Dave and Deb says
Oh, you definitely need to add Ireland to your list. You certainly have a trend going on here!
Michelle says
Lovely photos.
Weirdly, I’m from the UK originally but have never actually gotten to Ireland yet. It’s on my list though, and these photos have just convinced me it should probably be sooner than later 🙂 Thanks.
Dave and Deb says
we’ve found that to be the case with a lot of people from the UK. I think we all make that same mistake of not visiting our own backyard. We almost need to see someone from another country or continent visit it with fresh eyes to become excited about it. I know it’s true for us. It took us going to Ireland to want to visit the East Coast of Canada. We said “I bet the East Coast is similar to this experience” Now we really want to go where as before, it wasn’t on our radar.
Jen Seligmann says
I’m convinced! And I wanna go now!!!! Amazing photo’s guys.
Dave and Deb says
Thanks Jen, glad we could convince you!
Samantha says
Absolutely stunning photos! I visited Ireland when I was 7 years old and have been wanting to go back desperately. These capture the rugged beauty and romance I remember from being there, just gorgeous.
Dave and Deb says
Wow! Lucky you visiting at 7. We saw quite a few families visiting Ireland and it looked like they were having a great time. Your parents obviously gave you the travel bug at an early age.
KAREN ANDERSON says
Amazing photos, makes me want to get out there and travel….continually!
Dave and Deb says
I know the feeling. We caught the bug and just keep on traveling. It took 10 years to figure out how, but now we finally get to stay on the road.
Amanda says
These are all sort of incredible!!! If these photos don’t convince people to go to Ireland, nothing will!
Dave and Deb says
Thanks Amanda! Glad you like.
Emily says
The sky looks alive in your photos! Ireland is high up on my list of places to go!
Dave and Deb says
It was high on our list too. We kept saying for years “We have to go to Ireland” During our travels, we always said about places, “I bet this is what Ireland is like” As it turns out, Ireland is completely unique and it’s really not like anywhere on earth. It was a wonderful surprise.
Katie says
Wow.
These are absolutely stunning.
Ireland has kind of been on my list for a while now – especially since my cousins moved there about a year ago. But I think it’s just moved up the list a few places!
Beautiful. Thanks for posting.
Dave and Deb says
Ooh, lucky you! It’s great to have family at a place. It gives you a reason to visit and a chance to experience it in a more authentic way.
Milena Yordanova says
Such beautiful photos! The Kylemore Abbey and Lough Eske Castle look gorgeous. I haven’t been to Ireland yet, but it is certainly on my list.
Dave and Deb says
The Abbey is definitely beautiful. The setting is gorgeous. I hope you make it to Ireland too, it’s wonderfu!