Favorite Places in Ireland

“Tell us your three favorite places in Ireland.”

That request came to me from Expedia Ireland a while back. And it was tough to answer because I love- and recommend- so many spots across the country.

Focusing on a few of the top requests from my readers (that's you!) I chose my three top spots based on serenity & beauty, history, and an amazing castle stay.

3 of My Favorite Places in Ireland

1. Sheep’s Head Peninsula, Cork

For peace and quiet, it has to be Sheep’s Head Peninsula, West Cork. Tour buses can’t fit down this road, and few tourists follow the single car-width track to where the land ends. The hike from An Cupan Tae to the lighthouse is only 3km (as the crow flies) but seems longer as you climb rocky hills and drop into lush valleys. The stunning view is worth every step.

We visited Sheep's Head during our stay at Top of the Rock Pod Pairc

2. Uggol Valley, Mayo

For history visit Uggool Valley, County Mayo. Walking through this area, which is also known as The Lost Valley, truly feels like stepping back in time. Potato ridges furrow the rocky hills and cottages destroyed when lands were being cleared during the famine can still be found in the forested undergrowth. This is not an easy place to get to, but once you’ve visited, it’s a place that will never leave your heart.

Learn more about Ireland's Lost Valley

3. Ashford Castle, Mayo

For luxury it has to be Ashford Castle in Mayo. No one does luxury like Ashford Castle. Every step of your stay is perfect- from the welcome drink to the final farewell. Sumptuous rooms, delicious meals, and gorgeous grounds make you feel like royalty.

Check out our Halloween Experience at Ashford Castle

Ready for 27 More Opinions?

I wasn't the only one to be asked about my favorite spots in Ireland. Be sure to check out the tips from 27 other travel bloggers- just click the image below. It's quite a list (69 more spots!) so you may want to save the image to your Ireland trip planning board on Pinterest!