What is your favourite place in Ireland?

Living up on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal there are so many places that can be considered as off the beaten track!

Our beaches, even in the height of summer look deserted.


Culdaff Beach!


Sheep on the hill.


Double rainbow!!!

Who could resist a trip to see such beauty, where on the island of Ireland are your favourite places to visit?

Forr me, it is definitely the Giant's Causeway. There was something so mystical about this place that I could never forget. 



However, if you can do the whole Causeway coastal route, even better! The views and the places are out of this world.


Views from the route.

Glendun (one of the Glens of Antrim)

Without doubt, Blackrock Diving Tower in Galway City is my FAVOURITE spot on the island!  The sunsets are magnificent, the sea is awesome in the most significant sense of the word - and jumping from the top?  There is nothing like it anywhere!


  

I have travelled the length and breadth of Ireland and still find new favourite spots everywhere I go. Whenever someone asks me this question there is always one place that comes to mind, but more for the memory of great times I had there than simply the place itself. 

This is Craggaunowen a small multiperiod park in County Claire. It has an Iron age ringfort, a crannog (a man-made floating island with round houses) a castle keep and loads of wildlife such as pine martens living in the surrounding trees.



 I have taken part in many activities in this park including clay baking venison, blacksmithing, thatching and so much more.

 I spent a fantastic summer living in one of the roundhouses and guiding visitors around the park during the day.


 The park is situated far back from the road and surrounded by forest, so when you are there, you could be forgiven for thinking you had actually stepped back in time, and there are always people dressed authentically and living in the park which gives it a real sense of what life was actually like back then.

 

We are so blessed to have one of my favourite places on the island of Ireland right on our doorstep; East Strand beach, Portrush, County Antrim, heaven on earth!  

Thanks for the wonderful picture Hilary,

It brings back many childhood memories of Portrush.
Building sand-castles on the beach.
Stopping at the ice-cream kiosk and not being able to decide which flavour to try next. 
Riding the roller-coasters, and the helter-skelter.

Portrush was a big part of my childhood summers, and I have carried on the tradition with my own children.
The difference for me now is every time we are up there I try to squeeze in some surfing lessons. ( I am terrible)

I can't wait to get back to Portrush's sandy beaches.

Runkerry Strand at Portballintrae is my favourite place for a walk. At every turn there is something different to explore. On the way to the beach from the car park you pass the Lissanduff Earthworks. These concentric rings were formed by ancient man who certainly picked a perfect spot for their monument.

Before you get onto the strand you cross the River Bush where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It is famous for suppling the water used for making the whiskey at the Old Bushmills Distillery. The water in the river tends to be a darker colour than the sea water which makes the churning confluence look like an enormous, frothing Guinness!

The beach is very popular with surfers, as in certain weather conditions the waves are amazing. It’s great fun watching them weave in and out of the surf on their boards!

During the height of summer sand martins nest in holes along the sand dunes. It is just lovely watching them flit in and out as you walk by.

From Runkerry you can walk round the headland to the Giant’s Causeway. It’s a trek that takes you along the edge of the cliffs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The views are amazing and you can often be up there when it’s just yourself and the seagulls.

In the meantime I can remember all the happy times spent there and look forward to the time I am able to return when the restrictions are lifted. I hope that sometime you are able to explore it for yourself.

Anne

My favourite area is Connemara as it has so many different landscapes, beautiful beaches, nice lakes, mountains etc.

Donegal!
The most beautiful place in Ireland :-)

You must visit the wonderful Slieve League Cliffs, 3 times higher than Cliffs of Moher 
www.slieveleague.com

Also while there visit:
https://www.heritageireland.ie/en/north-west/doecastle/
https://trionadesign.com/
https://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/

Enjoy!

Hello Community! 

My favourite place would have to be Connemara. Honestly, it's like stumbling upon a treasure trove of natural wonders and warm Irish hospitality. I had been living in Galway city as a student for a few years before I ventured out to visit the countryside and to say I was shocked is an understatement! 

You can embark on scenic hikes or cycles through the Twelve Bens or stroll along the shores of Kylemore Lough. The raw beauty of Connemara National Park is a hiker's paradise, offering trails that lead to panoramic views that'll steal your breath away. Connemara has also been used as a film set! So you can explore the Connemara Film Trail. 

And oh, the coastline! Connemara's shores are a masterpiece. Spend a day exploring the beaches – whether it's the sandy stretches at Roundstone or the pebbled coves near Clifden, each spot is a hidden gem.

But beyond the scenery, it's the warmth of the people that makes Connemara feel like a second home. Whether you're in a cozy pub sharing stories and listening to trad music with the locals or hiking the trails, you're bound to feel that genuine Irish hospitality that makes every moment special.

Connemara is not just a place; it's an experience. It's the friendly faces, the lively music, and the feeling that you've stumbled upon a little piece of heaven on Earth.