This Is The Ultimate 2019 Bucket List For Ireland

The start of the year is often when we make plans for dream holidays, but before you jet off to far away exotic scenery, consider Ireland’s very own majestic offerings right on your doorstep.

I think it’s fair to say that the majority of us haven’t explored Ireland as much as we would like, so why not make this the year to tick off the most amazing sights across the country?

Here’s twenty of the most unique spots to visit this year, some you might not even have heard of:

1. Doolin, Co. Clare

Doolin is one of the most picturesque places in Ireland.

From traditional Irish pubs, famine walls, stunning vistas of the Cliffs Of Moher and thatched roofs – there’s no place better.

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A post shared by Tourisme Irlandais (@tourismeirlandais) on Mar 16, 2019 at 10:01am PDT

2. Kinsale, Co. Cork

The Smartie Land of Ireland – every building is a vibrant colour.

Such a stunning place!

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Ihr wollt einen echt verrückten und süßen Ort besichtigen? – Dann müsst ihr unbedingt nach Kinsale, es ist eine wundervolle süße Kleinstadt! Einfach nur Sehenswert
A post shared by Laura Fischetti (@laure_tta77) on Nov 26, 2018 at 4:30am PST
3. Ballymastocker Bay, Co. Donegal
Voted the second most beautiful beach in the world, this place is serious Instagram goals.

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our paradise ???? #donegaldaily #irelandgram #irelandlove #discoveronegal #travel #travelphotography #memories #travelbuddy #whydonegal #instatravel #travelholic #adventurecalling #keepitwild #simplyadventure #donegaldaily #beautifuldestinations #liveoutdoors #makemoments #exploremore #discoverdonegal #welltravelled #familytravel #instanature #modernoutdoors #waw #wildatlanticway #vacation #instaholiday #visitdonegal #irish_daily
A post shared by @ eli_mgx on Oct 20, 2018 at 3:14pm PDT
4. Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo
Benbulbin is part of the Dartry Mountains, an area sometimes called “Yeats Country”.

It’s one of the most unusual rock formations I’ve ever seen but up there as one of the most beautiful too.

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What a view ❤️ ➖ ???? Mullaghmore, County Sligo ➖ Photo by @tomarcherphoto ➖
A post shared by CarrentalDublin (@carrentaldublin) on Nov 26, 2018 at 7:04am PST

5. Portroe Quarry, Co. Tipperary
There’s clear water and then there’s Portroe Quarry.
This eerily stunning area looks like something straight out of paradise.

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Portroe Quarry needs to be on every Irish bucket list ever ???? pic by @kiwi_exploring_ireland
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on May 24, 2018 at 3:29pm PDT
6. Murder Hole Beach, Co. Donegal
This tiny secret beach has become a popular spot with tourists over the last while.
This idyllic spot can be difficult to find but it’s well worth the trek.

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Murder hole beach ???? stunning shot captured by @rawdublin
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Jul 16, 2018 at 6:21am PDT
7. Downpatrick Head, Co. Antrim
One of the most incredible sights in the country.

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The Halloween break is the perfect time to go exploring around Ireland. See somewhere new ???? Pic by @sykes_36
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Oct 24, 2018 at 9:27am PDT
8. The Greenway, Co. Waterford
The Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan.
Grab a bike and cycle along one of the most scenic routes in the country.

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Uno dei migliori modi per vivere i meravigliosi paesaggi irlandesi è utilizzando la bicicletta. Per brevi o lunghi tratti, ti permette di goderti i paesaggi irlandesi. E nell’Ireland’s Ancient East esiste la Waterford Greenway, 46km nelle colline, sulla costa, tra i boschi e le pianure. Fanne una parte o tutta, vedrai che non rimarrai deluso. Grazie a @wetraveltheworld per lo scatto E tu, hai avuto qualche avventura in bici sull’isola di smeraldo? . . . #turismoirlanda #loveireland @waterfordgreenway #waterfordgreenway #irlanda #irlandaplacetobe #biking #bici #bicicletta #waterford #irelandsancienteast #iae #avventura #esplorazione #viaggio #viaggiare
A post shared by Turismo Irlanda (@turismoirlanda) on Nov 16, 2018 at 1:02am PST
9. Dunquin, Co. Kerry
Whenever I think of the Gaeltacht, I immediately think of Connemara but Kerry is also home to Irish speaking communities.
Dunquin is Ireland’s most westerly settlement. It’s the perfect place to spot the Blasket Islands.

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“You’re Gaelic, exotic, and you’ll make their hearts throb, for you come from the land of ‘ól Éireann” Be proud of your roots, they’re some of the most respected across the world. Pic by @bwpe Song lyrics @lankumdublin
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Sep 24, 2018 at 3:02pm PDT
10. Cuilcagh, Co. Fermanagh
Do this walk everyday and you’d have the best legs ever.
One of the most incredible walk ways in Ireland. This boardwalk protects the rare blanket bog beneath. It’s spreads over 7.4km and takes about 6 hours to complete..

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Do this walk everyday and you’d have the best legs ever. One of the most incredible walk ways in Ireland. This boardwalk protects the rare blanket bog beneath. It’s spreads over 7.4km and takes about 6 hours to complete.. Pic by @southbound50 Think you’d be up for it?
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Sep 4, 2018 at 7:41am PDT

11. Ticknock, Co. Dublin
The best way to see Dublin is from a height.
At the top of Ticknock you’ll be able to spot iconic landmarks such as the Aviva and the Poolbeg Towers.

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Morning walk ❄️????
A post shared by theLoftsws browbar (@theloftsws_browbar) on Nov 20, 2018 at 3:58am PST
12. Lough Tay, Co. Wicklow
Commonly called The Guinness Lake, this scenic lake has been popping up on my Instagram feed constantly the last while.
Many people say that Lough Tay is the site used to portray the city of Kattegat in the very popular series Vikings

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Exploring Ireland ♥️ What’s the best place you’ve ever visited in Ireland? Pic by @wanderingirishcailin
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Oct 15, 2018 at 12:02pm PDT
13. The Dark Hedges, Co. Antrim
The Dark Hedges looks like a portal to another world.
Who knew trees could have such character?

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???????? 不思議な時間が流れる並木道???? This is The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland. Looks like it connects to another world…???? 北アイルランドにある「ザ・ダーク・ヘッジズ」。まるでどこか異世界に続いてそう✨ 18世紀頃、来訪者を驚かせるために作られたブナの並木道。近年は嵐による倒木で本数が減ってしまったらしいけど、それでもこの異世界感！ゆっくり浸ってお散歩したかった〜のだけど、、、、、ツアーで訪問したから正味5分程しか滞在できず、観光客だらけで全く写真が撮れなかったのが心残り???? 写真を撮るなら朝イチの空いてる時間がオススメです???????? This is The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland. Looks like it connects to another world…???? This is the road that was made to surprise visitors in 18century. Recently there have been less trees because of storms, but such a nice atmosphere! I wish I could have enjoyed my time walking along this street, BUT…I could only stay here for just 5mins because I came here with the group tour, and there were loads of tourists.???? You should go there early in the morning if you wanna take good pictures???? ???????? Check my UK pics from this tag below！ ???? #shiho_ryugaku　#SI留学 #イギリス留学　#shiho_uk ????ザ・ダーク・ヘッジズ／イギリス　北アイルランド ????The Dark Hedges／Northern Ireland ©︎Shiho/詩歩
A post shared by 詩歩/Shiho (死ぬまでに行きたい!世界の絶景) (@shih0107) on Nov 23, 2018 at 5:49pm PST
14. Blarney Castle, Co. Cork
You hear a lot about the Blarney Stone but not about Blarney Castle and gardens.
This is such a wonderful spot.

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Blarney Castle looking like something out of a fairytale ???? pic by @goodgollymissmolly16
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Jun 11, 2018 at 2:06am PDT
15. Valentia Island, Co. Kerry
One of the prettiest islands in the country with a fab lighthouse.
Boat trips around here are essential.

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The iconic lighthouse on Valentia Island is a photographers dream ???? pic by @conor__scott
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Oct 25, 2018 at 4:31am PDT
16. Glenveagh, Co. Donegal
The second largest national park in Ireland.
Your doggo will love it.

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Der Glenveagh National Park in Donegal #entdeckeirland #donegal #glenveagh . . . . #LoveIreland #WildAtlanticWay #eire #glenveigh #nationalpark #irland #irlandsburgen #countydonegal #irlandsnordwesten
A post shared by Entdecke Irland (@entdecke_irland) on Oct 9, 2018 at 11:25am PDT
17. Poll na bPeist, Inis Mór, Co. Galway

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#aran #aranislands #inishmore #cycle #ruralireland #loveireland #topspot #wildatlanticway #wildatlanticgay #islandlife #galway #ireland #wormhole #pollnabpeist #cliffdiving #redbullcliffdiving
A post shared by Paddy (@paddycdub) on Aug 5, 2018 at 1:50pm PDT
18. Hook Lighthouse, Co. Wexford
Ireland’s oldest (and cutest) lighthouse.

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Never get fed up of this place ???? Hook lighthouse in Wexford ❤️ Pic by @lawless_ireland
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Aug 31, 2018 at 2:31am PDT
19. The Wonderful Barn, Co. Kildare
The Wonderful Barn in Leixlip. Built in 1743, there’s quite a few theories for the purpose of this unique looking building.
Could it have been a folly, a dovecote or a gamekeepers tower?

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The Wonderful Barn in Leixlip. Built in 1743, there’s quite a few theories for the purpose of this unique looking building. Could it have been a folly, a dovecote or a gamekeepers tower? Pic by @sergiu.cc
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Sep 10, 2018 at 12:31am PDT
20. Clew Bay Islands, Co. Mayo
The most spectacular bay in Ireland overlooked by Croagh Patrick, is scattered with 365 islands, one for every day of the year.

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This doesn’t even look like Ireland ???? Mayo is some spot. Where’s the best place you’ve visited? Pic by @joe.ire
A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Aug 22, 2018 at 6:50am PDT
Header image: @trvlust @brunomaltor
READ MORE: Explore Éire: You And Your Partner Can Make Each Other’s Wedding Rings In This Hidden Sligo Cottage

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