Ireland's Top 10 Natural Wonders

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

Hi everyone. I hope I find you all well this week. Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes are filled with natural wonders. From dramatic cliffs to majestic mountains and ancient rock formations, the Emerald Isle offers endless beauty shaped by time and legend. The following list is my personal must-see list and is by no means definitive. I would love to hear your personal favorites too!

Lulu's Top 10 Natural Wonders

1. The Burren

The Burren, County Clare. Aerial view of a winding road along a rocky coast, bordered by green and gray terrain. The sea stretches out to the horizon under a partly cloudy sky.

©Clare County Council -Ireland's Content Pool

So our first stop is the awesome and spectacular Burren in county Clare and south county Galway. Taking it’s name from the Irish word “Boireann” which means “great rock”, this stunning Karst terrain consists of rolling hills of limestone pavements with criss-crossing cracks. The Burren covers 250 square kilometers and is one of Ireland’s 6 national parks.

View from afar and get the full effect of this other worldly lunar-like landscape or get up close and feast your eyes on the wealth of arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants that live side by side due to the unique conditions and formation of this rare and magical landscape.

2. Gap of Dunloe

Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry.. A winding road traverses a valley surrounded by steep, rugged hills. Golden grass and scattered rocks cover the valley floor, illuminated by sunlight breaking through patches of clouds in the sky. — ©Valerie O'Sullivan for Fáilte Ireland - Ireland's Content Pool

The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass between the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain in Kerry. Within it are 5 spectacular lakes which are connected by the River Loe. The road through is narrow and difficult with large vehicles. The most popular form of transport remains a horse and cart.

3. Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall, County Kerry. A cascading waterfall flows down rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush green foliage. The water creates a mist as it plunges into a dark pool at the base. — Photo:Valerie O'Sullivan Ireland's Content Pool

Let's stay in the Kingdom of Kerry for the next offering on our list of Ireland's top 10 natural wonders. Torc Mountain forms a majestic backdrop to Killarney town sweeping down to Muckross Lake. At the base of the mountain you will find Torc waterfall standing at 80 feet high. It is fed by the Owengarriff River, the source of which is the Devils Punchbowl- a glacial lake on nearby Mangerton mountain.

The name "torc" means "wild boar" in Irish. Legend has it that the waterfall came into existence because of a man who had been cursed by the Devil to spend his nights as a wild boar. He lived in a cavern on the side of the mountain.

One night, a local farmer was out looking for his animals and discovered the wild boar. The boar offered him riches beyond his wildest dreams to keep his secret. When the farmer betrayed him and revealed his secret, the wild boar burst into a ball of fire and flung himself into the Devils Punchbowl lake . The lake burst it's banks to create the waterfall and so conceal the boar's hiding place beneath.

4. The Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare. Aerial view of a rugged coastline at sunset, featuring steep cliffs and a winding road along the edge. The ocean reflects warm hues from the sky, while green grass covers the cliff tops. — ©Clare County Council - Ireland's Content Pool

The words "spectacular", "awesome" and "majestic" often get used when describing Ireland's land and seascapes and for good reason. But I can think of no place more deserving of those three words than the mighty Cliffs of Moher. They rise from the south western edge of the Burren and rise over 8 km along the edge of the Atlantic to their highest point at 214 meters at their midpoint at O'Briens's tower.

5. Giant's Causeway

A person stands on a rocky outcrop at the Giant's Causeway, surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns. The ocean is visible in the background under a cloudy sky. — Ireland's Content Pool

Are you ready for more "awesome" and "spectacular"? Well let's head to the north of the country to county Antrim and the Giant's Causeway. This geological wonder consists of 40,000 basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.

Irish legend has it that the causeway is the remains of a path made by Irish mythological giant Finn Mac Cool when he was challenged to go into combat with his Scottish rival giant, Benandonner. The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the north of Ireland, there’s a definite edge of the world feeling in this stunning location.

6. Clew Bay

Clew Bay, Mayo. Aerial view of a coastal landscape featuring numerous islands surrounded by calm water. In the background, mountains rise against the sky. Green fields and patches of land are visible along the shoreline.

The stunning Clew Bay in Co Mayo contains 365 sunken drumlins - an island for every day of the year! Clare Island is the biggest of the islands. Most of the other smaller islands are uninhabited. Surrounding Clew Bay is Croagh Patrick and miles of sandy beaches. A truly picturesque place to visit.

7. Cathedral Rocks

Cathedral Rocks, Kerry. Jagged rocks jut out into the water, which reflects the light from a cloudy sky. In the background, rolling hills fade into the horizon. The scene conveys a sense of natural beauty and serenity.

Ireland's Content Pool

Yes-it's Kerry yet again! The Cathedral Rocks are on northern end of Inis Na Bro. These spectacular rock formations resemble a Gothic cathedral. .

8. The Aran Islands

The Aran Islands. Aerial view of a rugged coastal cliff with waves crashing against the rock. The landscape features green fields and ancient stone structures near the edge, extending towards the horizon where the sea meets the sky.

Well I simply had to include the Aran Islands! Apart from their stunning natural beauty, this trio of islands off the coast of County Galway are the original home of our much loved Aran Sweaters! This beautiful county is also home to one of our favorite makers here at The Irish Store, Galway Irish Crystal.

9. Macgillycuddy Reeks

Mc Gillycuddy Reeks , Kerry. A panoramic view of rolling hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The landscape features green fields and patches of trees, with the sun illuminating certain areas, creating contrast between shadow and light.

The MacGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range, stretch majestically across County Kerry. Home to Carrauntoohil, the country’s tallest peak, these rugged mountains offer dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, and glacial lakes.

10. The Skelligs

Our last stop on our 10 wonders of Ireland journey is the truly awesome Skellig Islands. The smallest of the islands is not accessible to the public but a boat ride to the magnificent Skellig Michael should be on everyone's bucket list.

The ancient monastic settlement here is incredibly well preserved. No humans have lived here since the monks left in 1100 who even escaped the ravages of the Vikings. Maybe someone was looking down on them! Now the birds have taken over, especially the puffins in Spring. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A truly special part of the world.

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See you next week!

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!

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