IRELAND

What is the Best Region to Visit in Ireland?

The Differences Between Southern, Western, and Northern Ireland

The Emerald Isle is home to the kind of beauty that makes you want to return again and again, knowing that each corner will feature quintessential Irish charms, but entirely different sights and landscapes. Discovering the “real Ireland,” though, requires seeing it alongside our incredible Trip Leaders, Con Moriarty and Ann Curran, who grew up surrounded by the wild peaks and strong Gaelic culture of County Kerry.

We’ve designed three trips that offer deep—and spirited—dives into our favorite regions, from the spectacular seascapes and national parks of the south and the wild and remote coasts of the west to the culture- and history-packed hiking hub of the north. Each itinerary has been honed to include Con and Ann’s warm network of friends, so expect a serendipitous meeting, good story, or laughter-filled pint at any moment.

southern ireland

northern ireland

western ireland

Explore Southern Ireland: From Cork to Kerry

A spectacular region that captures “real Ireland”

With a backdrop of Ireland’s highest peaks, rugged peninsulas, and cultural hubs, the south coast is a remarkable realm where every day will bring new delights. Thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic and Celtic Sea, the region has a more temperate climate that feeds a gorgeous landscape of rolling electric-green hills; deep, glaciated valleys; and coastal plains that drop dramatically into the ocean.

Highlights of the Southern Coast

From the seascapes of the unspoiled Sheep’s Head Peninsula to superb hiking at Killarney National Park, the districts of Cork and Kerry are rife with adventures both classic and hidden—or when you travel with WT, a bit of both. Take, for example, having all of Great Blasket Island to ourselves and, in the thriving music hub of Dingle, our exclusive ‘session’ with renowned artists at a local pub.

How to Experience the South of Ireland

Explore these wonders on the Spirit of Ireland trip, considered our “most Irish” itinerary, thanks to the extraordinary access enabled by our Trip Leaders, Con Moriarty and Ann Curran, who hail from this region. While there is plenty to see, the special magic of the south can only be felt through its people. We’ll hear tales of clans and chieftains, enjoy pub evenings, and meet artists, shepherds, and singers throughout our journey.

Uncover Northern Ireland: From Belfast to Sligo

A land of ancient legends and recent history

Nearly 40 years after the end of The Troubles, travelers are only beginning to discover the incredible draws of Northern Ireland, where mythical landscapes meet fascinating cultural backdrops. It’s through a deep dive into the region’s complex political and literary history that we’ll experience its many wonders, starting in the capital, Belfast, before launching into an exploration of the coast, where we’ll uncover some of Ireland’s most cinematic scenery.

Highlights of the North

From the beaches of Donegal and the spectacular cliffs of Slieve League to the geological marvel that is Giant’s Causeway, this stretch of Ireland is known for having topography as varied as its mythic lore. In Sligo, for instance, the glacier-carved region’s Stone Age archaeology bedecks spectacular landscapes: the sparkling lakes, iridescent valleys, and sheer coastal ridges are graced with several 5,000-year-old cairn tombs.

How to Experience Northern Ireland

In the decade-plus that we’ve been hosting adventures in Northern Ireland, Trip Leaders Con and Ann have developed friends at every stop—from a Yeats scholar to an expert on Celtic myths—leading to serendipitous moments all along our A Northern Arc Across Ireland journey. “The hiking is superb and the cultural backdrop has particular resonance to those with ancestry in Ireland,” says Katy Andrews, WT’s Ireland Area Manager.

Delights of Western Ireland: From Galway to the Aran Islands

A wild and remote coast of natural wonders

Unlike other regions in Ireland, there are few big cities on the West Coast of Ireland. Instead, this wild and remote region is all about unique and ever-changing landscapes, from endless sea cliffs and rugged mountains to alluring peninsulas that jut out to island archipelagos rich in local lore.

Highlights of the West Coast

The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, the moonscapes of the Burren, the pilgrim trails of Ireland’s holy mountain, and the mythic Aran Islands–it’s easy to understand why this stretch of coast, dubbed The Wild Atlantic Way, is considered one of the most incredible landscapes in Europe—and is a favorite of our Trip Leaders and WT travelers.

How to Experience the West of Ireland

On our Treasures of Ireland’s West Coast trip, we’ll be immersed in this stronghold of Irish culture. Starting in Galway, we travel to the must-see Cliffs of Moher to take a “secret route” away from the crowds; before hiking to the Bronze Age burial sites of the Burren, past the island-filled bays of County Mayo, across Clare Island and Inishturk (which has what our Trip Leaders consider the best island hiking in the country), and the mountains of Connemara, before finishing up in the limestone archipelago of the Aran Islands.