1. The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Towering 720 feet above the crashing Atlantic waves, County Clare's iconic cliffs offer incredible views across the ocean. Tracing their origins back over 300 million years, the cliff walks, teeming birdlife, and interactive visitor centre make for an unforgettable few hours at the edge of the earth.
What is there to do nearby?
The Cliffs of Moher are close to the Burren National Park, a wonderland of karstic limestone formations. On your coastal drive, plan a stop in the lively music town of Doolin (where you can also catch a ferry to the Aran Islands) and, for a more remote Atlantic experience, take a car around Loop Head, an awe-inspiring headland where you sometimes can spot dolphins and whales, as well as teh impressive Loop Head Lightouse which dates back to 1854.
Where to eat?
Try Vaughan's Anchor Inn in the old fishing village of Liscannor, sample local Burren ingredients at the Wild Honey Inn in Lisdoonvarna, or stop at a restaurant with its own turf fire, such as the Riverside Bistro in Doolin.
2. The Islands
Unique, friendly and steeped in traditional culture, Ireland's islands are full of exceptional landsacpes, prehistoric forts, Irish-speaking communities and a real sense of escape. There are those that can be easily accessed, connected by bridges to the mainland at islands such as Achill, County Mayo, and Valentia, County Kerry, or abandoned gems such as Inishmurray off County Sligo and the Blasket Islands off County Kerry.
Which island should I visit?
There's an Irish island for every taste. Fancy a thrill? Take the cable car to West Cork's Dursey Island, where the resident population is said to be just three. Clear blue waters meet secluded beaches on Inishturk, County Mayo: culture vultures can try a few words of Irish on Cape Clear, County Cork and Tory, County Donegal; and Inis Mór in County Galway is perfect for families.
Where to eat?
Find local produce elevated to high art at Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites on the Aran Islands, County Galway; break your adventure on Achill, County Mayo, at the Achill Cliff House Hotel; or tuck into some local food at Seán Rua's restaurant and pizzeria on Cape Clear, County Cork.
3. Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael lies over 7 miles off the coast of Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula, a shard-like rock capped by a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a difference. Close to its peak sit several beehive-shaped huts in a monastic site dating back to the 6th century, with divine views of the Irish coast. As seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, history, myth, and stunning scenery collide with monumental effect at this wilderness site - but come prepared with food and drink (there are no facilites). Boats, both to the island and around the island, run from May to October, and are weather-dependent. There are also wonderful views of the islands to be had from the Kerry Cliffs.
What is there to do nearby?
The Ring of Kerry is Ireland's iconic touring loop, while the Dingle Peninsula is famous for seafood. Don't miss the Slea Head Drive and the Dingle Whiskey Distillery, located just outside Dingle.
Where to eat?
The Moorings at Portmagee is where the Star Wars crew set up shop while filming on the Skelligs. QC's in Cahersiveen is the place to tuck into ocean-fresh seafood, or stop for a cup of hot chocolate at Skelligs Chocolate Factory overlooking the sea.
4. Downpatrick Head
Downpatrick Head is one of the most glorious places on the island of Ireland. It may look modest on the map, but those who venture out from nearby Ballycastle, County Mayo, are rewarded with stunning views of the Dún Briste sea stack, fugged coastal scenery and wildlife. Dún Briste means "broken fort" in Irish, and this piece of rock is believed to have broken away from the mainland in 1393. St. Patrick is also said to have founded a church on the headland where you'll find an old holy well an a stone cross perched above the Atlantic Ocean.
What is there to do nearby?
Visit the oldest known stone-walled farmlands in teh world at Céide Fields in Ballycastle, with its award-winning visitor centre; take a walk around Sligo's Mullaghmore Peninsula; or enjoy the soft sands of Strandhill Beach.
Where to eat?
Soak up the views of Downpatrick Head and the Atlantic Ocean from the comfort of the Stella Maris Country House Hotel in Ballycastle. You can sample the delights of tasty home cooking at Mary's Cottage Kitchen also in Ballycastle, or continue east to Sligo town for the pick of great Irish food and drink at Hargadon's atmospheric pub.
5. Old Head of Kinsale
Stretching nearly 2 miles into the Atlantic off the coast of West Cork, this dramatic headland is one of Ireland's most exceptional geographical formations. Although the tip of Old Head is now a private golf course, visitors can still take a stunning 4-mile walk around the base of the peninsula. In 1915, German U-boats famously torpedoed the Lusitania offshore, and a 98-ft lightouse now guides ships to the safety of Kinsale Harbour.
What is there to do nearby?
Explore the foodie town of Kinsale (bring an appetite!), which is packed with lovely craft stores, pubs, and seafood restaurants; take a tour of the star-shaped Charles Fort, dating from the late 17th century; or travel west to Clonakilty. Colourful stores, restaurants, and nearby Inchydoney Beach make this a favourite with visitors.
Where to eat?
Eat beautifully presented local dishes in Pilgrim's of Rosscarbery, a small, friendly restaurant with a daily-chaning menu; pop into Clonakilty for a local feast at An Súgan pub, restaurant and guest house; or head to Bastion for cutting-edge cuisine in Kinsale. A great time to visit Kinsale is in October when the food festival brings a real party atmosphere to the town.
6. Killary Harbour
Located within the craggy landscape of Connemara, Killary Harbour stretches 10 miles inland from the Atlantic to its head below the Aasleagh Falls, and serves up some of the most dramatic views in Ireland. Cleaving the border between counties Galway and Mayo, activities in Killary range from relaxing in the village of Leenane to sightseeing boat tours. There's a stunning 19th century road here too - the Green Road hugs the coastline tight above the waters of the fjord and is a leap into truly breathtaking scenery.
What is there to do nearby?
Drive to Westport through the awe-inspiring Doolough Valley, set between the Connemara mountains; visit the charming villages and towns of Cleggan, Clifden and Roundstone; and don't miss Kylemore Abbey. The Benedictine abbey, which casts a perfect reflection in its lake, is set on a 1,000-acre estate and is home to Ireland's largest walled garden.
Where to eat?
Pop into Mitchell's of Clifden for a local seafood feast; stop for some tasty home-cooked fare at the Blackberry Café in Leenane; or break up your journey with delicious pub grub at the local favourite of O'Dowd's of Roundstone, all in County Galway.
7. Malin Head
Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point, is every bit as elemental as you would expect, wiht incredible rock formations, ancient ruins, and some of Europe's largest sand dunes. Crowning the Inishowen Peninsula, Malin Head's natural wonders include basking sharks and seabirds. You might even see the Northern Lights, which are known to appear in the skies above the peninsula. Steeped in myth and history, the area also boasts Banba's Crown, an amazing clifftop tower dating from 1805, and the ominously titled Hell's Hole, where the Atlantic waves crash dramatically against coastal cliffs.
What is there to do nearby?
Take a journey through Irish life from the 1840s to the present day at Doagh Famine Village; marvel at some of the highest sea cliffs in western Europe at Slieve League further south; or head towards Derry~Londonderry and explore the sights of the Causeway Coastal Route, with amazing experiences all the way to Belfast.
Where to eat?
The convivial Seaview Tavern is Ireland's most northerly bar, hotel and restaurant and boasts wonderful views overlooking islands in the Atlantic. You'll meet an equally friendly welcome at Lily's Bar and Tea Room in Malin town, or have a cup of tea and a pastry from Caffe Banba, the "café on wheels" at Banba's Crown (Easter to September).