27 April 2026 |
Family Activities
Top 5 Natural Wonders in Ireland (And How to Visit Them!)
by Erin Doyle
The Cliffs of Moher rise up to 214 metres above the Atlantic and stretch for about 14 kilometres. They are one of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes and were once named ‘Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction’ in the annual Reader Travel Awards. The cliffs even feature in the 2009 film ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince!’ On a clear day, you can see the rugged coastline of Connemara from the top of these impressive cliffs.
>How to visit:
• The main visitor centre offers parking, viewpoints, and exhibitions.
• Go early morning or late evening for fewer crowds and better light.
• For a different perspective, take a boat trip from Doolin to see the cliffs from below.
Formed over 300 million years ago, the Burren has been shaped by glaciers and time into a striking patchwork of caves, fissures, and scattered boulders. This limestone landscape makes it feel like you’re walking on the moon! The Burren is home to over 70% of Ireland’s plant species and, uniquely, contains Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean plants grow side by side. It’s one of the most geologically unusual regions in Europe.
>How to visit:
• Drive the Burren Scenic Loop for all the best viewpoints.
• Stop at Poulnabrone Dolmen for a striking prehistoric site.
• Visit in spring to see wildflowers blooming in the cracks of stone.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity (and famously linked to Irish legend!). People say that the stones were built by Fionn mac Cumhaill, the Irish giant, who set out to face his Scottish rival in battle. It’s one of the earth’s most striking coastal formations and certainly looks otherworldly!
>How to visit:
• Managed visitor centre with walking trails and guided explanations.
• Walk down from the cliffs for the best approach to the columns.
• Combine with the nearby Causeway Coastal Route for a full-day experience.
Torc Waterfall is a must stop along the Ring of Kerry. The waterfall is 20 metres (66 ft) high and located within Killarney National Park. It is formed by the Owengarriff River and drains from the uniquely named ‘Devil’s Punchbowl’ lake. It’s especially impressive after a day of rain, when the flow is at its most powerful.
>How to visit:
• Only a short walk from the main car park on the N71 (easy access, no long hike required).
• For a better view, take the forest trail steps up beside the waterfall.
• Combine with nearby stops like Muckross House or the Ring of Kerry drive for a full day in the area.
Skellig Michael is one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes. The island is famous for its early Christian monastic settlement, where monks lived in beehive-shaped huts which are mostly still standing today. Life here was harsh and isolated, and the monks eventually left the island in the thirteenth century. In more recent years, Skellig Michael found fame for being the backdrop to both Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens and Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi.
>How to visit:
• Access is strictly limited by weather and permits (book well in advance).
• Boat trips depart from Portmagee in County Kerry (seasonal: typically May–September).
• Be prepared for a challenging climb!
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