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Image of things seen on a walk in Dublin, taken by writer of article/ HCDCU member
Image of things seen on a walk in Dublin, taken by writer of article/ HCDCU member
Original photo by Aoife McGeough
Culture

The Best Places to Visit in Ireland

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at DCU chapter.

Ireland is a gorgeous country, and right now we are all dreaming of the day that we get to take a trip again. Ireland has so many gorgeous spots. 

Here is a list of the best places to visit across Ireland so you are fully prepared for when we can travel again.

  1. Sligo

I might be biased putting my hometown first, but I must. Sligo is one of the most gorgeous and cultural places in Ireland, with stunning views and picture-perfect scenery (including multiple mountains to climb) your Instagram will thank you for it.

Not only was it home to W.B. Yeats, but it also has a connection to Bram Stokers Dracula!

The Voya Seaweed baths in Strandhill are one of Sligo’s best features, allowing you to relax after a long day of surfing just opposite.

Every year Sligo holds a festival, showcasing amazing Sligo talent while also bringing in some big names such as Aslan and B*Witched. It runs in august and is a great way to see the talent Sligo holds. If you’re into art, The Model art gallery is gorgeous.

And if you want some peace and quiet, the trail out at Dooney Rock is a prime example of where you will find your peace along with stunning views of Lough Gill. 

Sligo is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, which is a route that you can drive which takes you along the west coast. Honestly, stunning.

  1. Dingle

Dingle is a gorgeous seaside town in County Kerry, and even has its own resident dolphin! Fungie is commemorated by a large statue right at the seafront, and you can take boat trips to see him up close – or if you want to go a step further, you can even swim with him!

Dingle has amazing scenery – being on the coast its filled with gorgeous trails, beaches, and boat rides. There are amazing scenic drives taking you right along the coast and through the mountains.

Dingle is also home to an abandoned island called the Blasket Islands, just a few miles off Slea Head. It was inhabited for almost 300 years, until the remaining 200 inhabitants were forced to leave the island due to a lack of basic services. It is covered in the ruins of their homes, and is even said to be haunted by ghosts now!

  1. Inishbiggle

If you want a trip that will allow you to disconnect completely and relax thoroughly, then keep reading.

Inishbiggle is a small island just off the west coast of Ireland, accessed by a ferry from Achill Island in county Mayo. It’s populated by just 18 people, but take it from me, they are all incredibly welcoming and friendly.

On the island you will find gorgeous views, and the ruins of houses once inhabited. Known as a prime example of the Hidden Ireland – it transports you back in time to the Ireland that existed many years ago. In line with this, there are no services on the island – no shops, no post office and with no streetlights, it’s definitely the place for star gazers.

  1. Portstewart

Portstewart is a small gorgeous coastal town on the very tip of Northern Ireland. Its situated in county Derry and is close to sights such as the Giants Causeway and the Dark Hedges from Game of Thrones. It hosts the famous motorcycle race, The NorthWest every year, and hosts an air show yearly.

The coastal walk that starts at the Portstewart promenade and ends at the beach is really something. It gives you stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and you can even see Donegal’s coast from here!

Fascinatingly there is also a school right on the cliffs, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a nun who jumped from the cliff and was swept away during high tides. Sometimes you can see random lights on in the school – but even if it’s not haunted, it looks great in pictures due to the architecture and where it’s situated!

This list proves that in Ireland, a staycation is so much better than a vacation.

My name is Emma, and I'm originally from the north west of Ireland! I'm a journalism student in DCU, and have loved reading and writing ever since I was young. I'm a big lover of music, and also do some modelling work on the side!
BA in Economics, Politics and Law DCU. Currently studying European Union Law in The University of Amsterdam. Campus Correspondent for Her Campus DCU 2020/2021!