Discover 10 of Ireland’s Coastal Treasures

Ireland beckons visitors from all over the world, seeking its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, ancient history, thrilling folklore, and enchanting music. You could visit some of the inland cities like Limerick or Kilkenny and be astonished by every sight you see. Or, you could travel the coastline and let the healing waves of the Atlantic steal your breath and restore your soul. 

Together, let’s take a journey along the coastline of the country and see what we can do to start that soul-healing experience. We’ll begin up in Donegal, which is still part of the Republic of Ireland, and work our way down around this most magnificent island. 

Donegal

In a country filled with sweeping landscapes, it’s tough to single out one country for its majesty. But, if we had to make a list, Donegal deserves to be at the top. It actually features the longest mainland coastline of any county in the country. 

Yet, if you move just a little bit further inland, you’re faced with towering mountains and glistening lakes. This county truly is a wonder. If you’ve read about or visited Ireland, you’ve probably heard of the Cliffs of Moher. Without question, they are impressive, towering 700 feet over the Atlantic. 

Yet, the Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal are often overlooked, standing 1,900 feet in the air. When you’re here, you can base yourself out of Donegal Town where you’ll be warmly greeted by friendly locals, have plenty of dining options, dip in and out of a 15th-century castle, and take a tour of this rugged and regal land. 

Donegal also started a famous roadway called the Wild Atlantic Way. We’ll actually be sticking pretty close to it throughout this journey. But here’s a little more on this coastal road before we begin. 

Sligo

Sometimes, it feels like Sligo is a bit of a forgotten county, yet it has so much to offer. The actual town of Sligo is a dream because it straddles the Garavogue River as it meets Sligo Bay. You could aimlessly walk around and never run out of sights to see. 

If you love poetry, this was where W.B. Yeats spent much of his childhood, and he’s been properly memorialized in the Sligo County Museum. You can also let the winds of fate comb through your hair in the ruins of the 15th-century Sligo Abbey. 

Another area worth exploring is Strandhill. Locals call this beach their little secret and it really is a gem in a jewel box. It’s known for its stunning sunsets and, truthfully, the peace that you will find here cannot be surpassed. Even though Yeats wrote The Lake Isle of Innisfree for the tidy little island in the area, you can still savor his words while watching the sunset at Strandhill: 

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a-glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements gray,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

Achill Island

Let’s move on from poets to pirates. All you have to do is cross a small mainland bridge over the Achill Sound to feel as though you’ve driven through a portal in time. With megalithic tombs, ancient forts, and beaches galore, this place truly is a wonder. 

One of the most notable watchtowers on the island is the former residence of Grace O’Malley, a 17th-century pirate who commanded fleets of men and was brave enough to go toe to toe with Queen Elizabeth I. 

After you’ve spent some time getting to know Grace, you might want to wander the beaches, particularly Keel Beach or Keem Bay. Keel is a lovely coastal town, so don’t forget to wander there, as well. The Beehive Craft and Coffee Shop has a fine menu if you’re there around lunchtime, as well as spectacular views of the sea and cliffs. 

Galway

Next, we arrive in Galway. Where does one begin with such a colorful, vibrant, and music-filled city? Well, you can set sail for the heart of downtown Quay Street. There, you’ll find a pedestrian-only lane brimming with local shops, restaurants, and pubs. The Quay Street Kitchen is the best place to go for a heartwarming cup of soup. 

At the foot of Quay Street, you have the gateway to the Claddagh Region, filled with lovely walks along the water until you arrive in Salthill, another showstopping sunset spot. Galway Cathedral is worth a look inside. You can light a candle for a loved one. Then, at night, it’s all about the pubs along Quay Street for some live Irish music or trad.