Ireland is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, where rugged coastlines meet emerald-green hills and centuries-old landmarks tell stories of the past. From the world-famous Ring of Kerry to the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, this island is packed with scenic spots that every traveler eager for Ireland sightseeing should visit. Whether you dream of standing atop windswept cliffs, exploring romantic castle ruins, or wandering charming seaside villages, Ireland offers unforgettable views nearly everywhere you go. Join CIE Tours as we explore some of the most iconic and picturesque destinations in Ireland—ideal for sightseeing, photography, and immersing yourself in true Irish charm.

Cliffs of Moher: Ireland's Most Famous View

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for your souvenir selfie, it would be hard to find a better backdrop than the sweeping Cliffs of Moher (pictured above). This is no ordinary sight: nine miles long, and soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic, the Cliffs among Ireland’s most recognizable landmarks. They’ve been a draw for visitors since the 18th century, and if you’re a movie fan, they’ll be familiar to you. They were the filming location for “The Cliffs of Insanity” in The Princess Bride, a Harry Potter scene was filmed in a cave at the base, and they feature in the Irish classic “Into the West”. Most CIE Tours vacations in Ireland visit the Cliffs of Moher, so there’s no shortage of opportunities to see these beloved formations.

Slieve League Cliffs: Europe's Highest Sea Cliffs

While the Cliffs of Moher may be the most famous cliffs in Ireland, they’re not the largest. That accolade belongs to Slieve League in Donegal – they’re actually the largest sea cliffs in all of Europe, towering 2,000 feet above the Atlantic at their highest point. What could be better than to be surrounded by the awesome beauty of the dramatic landscape around you, the roaring ocean below, and the seabirds flying overhead?  Well, on the Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way tour with CIE Tours, you’ll experience the scenic splendor with a cup of creamy Irish coffee to warm and revive you. You can also come along and see the cliffs on our Ireland Walking & Hiking Tour: The Northern Coast. 

Glendalough: Ancient Monastic Ruins in the Wicklow Mountains

If historic ruins inspire you, there’s no better spot than Glendalough. This old settlement nestled in the splendor of the Wicklow Mountains is what’s left of a sixth-century monastery. Founded by St Kevin, the monastery flourished as a center of learning for hundreds of years, despite numerous sackings by Vikings. As you walk among the picturesque ruins, you’ll see a distinctive 30-foot round tower, churches dating to the 10th century, and one of Ireland’s oldest Celtic crosses. Just imagine the many medieval monks who once lived here, producing beautifully illustrated manuscripts in Irish and Latin – these monks would preserve much of Europe’s knowledge of religion, astronomy, and mathematics during the Dark Ages. You can visit Glendalough on our Irish Spirit, Irish Adventure, and Irish Supreme tours.

Ring of Kerry: Ireland’s Iconic Coastal Drive

The Ring of Kerry is Ireland’s best-known scenic drive. It’s a winding coastal road showcasing rugged mountains, sandy beaches, ancient ring forts, and enchanting villages. The 110-mile route circles the Iveragh Peninsula in the island’s southwest, with Killarney as the usual starting point. The drive takes about 3.5 hours without stopping, but there’s much to make pausing worthwhile.  One of the Ring’s most scenic viewpoints is named “Ladies’ View”, the name commemorating the visit by Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting in 1861.  Other sights along the way include Skellig Michael, the small rocky outcrop, visible offshore, where monks once lived and Star Wars was filmed. Many of our Irish tours drive the Ring of Kerry, including Taste of Ireland and Irish Supreme. 

Giant's Causeway: Nature Meets Irish Legend

What do you get when you combine spectacular natural formation with a little bit of fantastic folklore? The Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim -  a delight for both scenery-hunters and lovers of a good story. Science tells us that this natural wonder of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns sweeping into the sea was created by ancient lava flows. Legend says a giant, Finn MacCool, built it as a path to reach a Scottish rival, Benandonner, across the North Channel. Finn is the victor in the battle through physical prowess in one version of the tale – but in another, Finn outwits Benandonner: when he realizes that the Scottish giant is much larger than he is, he cleverly asks his wife to disguise him as a baby. When Bennandonner sees the size of his rival’s “baby”, he takes fright – and runs back to Scotland, destroying the causeway behind him. See the Giant's Causeway on many of our tours, including Irish & Scottish Sampler, Jewels of Ireland, and Irish Classic. You can walk the Causeway Coast trail on our Ireland Walking & Hiking: The Northern Coast. 


From the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and towering Slieve League cliffs to the historic Glendalough monastery, the coastal beauty of the Ring of Kerry, and the mythical Giant’s Causeway, Ireland’s scenic wonders offer unforgettable experiences. These breathtaking destinations are just a glimpse of what Ireland holds—the island’s hidden gems, vibrant towns, and rich culture complete the picture of an extraordinary travel destination.

Explore our range of expertly guided Irish tours or discover adventures in Scotland, England, Wales, Iceland, and Italy with CIE Tours. Your unforgettable Irish adventure starts here.

CIE Tours can also take you to Scotland, England,  Wales, Iceland, and Italy! Explore our website for more.