last edited Aug 14, 2020
Geography and Environment of Ireland
Location Map of Ireland
Ireland
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Country Landscape
Natural Areas
With just over 60% of its population living in urban areas (which is quite low by European standards), Ireland boasts vast spaces where nature dominates in all its splendor, with mountain ranges, moorlands, lakes, cliffs, and rugged coastlines. The country, which includes six small national parks, is one of its major tourist attractions. Among the most visited natural sites and areas:
- Achill Island: the country's "largest island" with stunning landscapes of bogs, cliffs, and beaches.
- Bluestack Mountains: a charming small mountain range in Donegal, perfect for hiking.
- The Burren: this national park is a limestone desert in County Clare. You can hike through its impressive landscapes and find many megaliths and remnants of old forts.
- Connemara: this famous region in western Connacht, partly designated as a natural park, is renowned for its lakes and hills, its ponies, and the hikes you can take there.
- Cliffs of Moher: near Doolin. These are magnificent cliffs rising over 200 m above the sea.
- Ballycroy National Park: a large park consisting mostly of bogs where you can go hiking.
- Glenveagh National Park: in Donegal, this park, dominated by a castle of the same name, is known for having the country's largest concentration of deer.
- Killarney National Park: on the Ring of Kerry route, the site is famous for its landscapes, lakes, and treks.
- Wicklow Mountains National Park: a lovely park south of Dublin, popular for its lakes and mountains, where you can fish, walk, or even go rafting.
- Cooley Peninsula: a beautiful region ideal for hiking.
- Dingle Peninsula: the westernmost point of Ireland and a highly touristy spot for its landscapes, beaches, cliffs, small villages, and some historical remnants.
- Inishowen Peninsula: a broad peninsula of hills at the northernmost tip of the country. A 100-kilometer circuit lets you enjoy its landscapes.
- Ring of Kerry: one of Ireland's most visited places, usually explored on a 150- to 200-kilometer loop starting from Killarney. Highlights include stunning landscapes and a few historical sites. You can also hike or cycle there.
- Slieve League: at the tip of Donegal, these are the second-highest cliffs in Europe, towering over 600 m.