Private helicopters aside, getting a perfect bird’s eye view of Ireland is pretty tough. From above, the lush landscape, striking cliff faces, serene lakes and tumbling Atlantic shores make for some awe-inspiring views.
But thanks to some very nifty drones, there’s been a new influx of incredible footage that takes you across the Irish countryside over some of the best places to visit in Ireland. What better way to get excited about your next trip to Ireland than viewing it from the air?
Swoop over the Cliffs of Moher, sail through the valleys of Glendalough, and soar above the harbour town of Baltimore, from wherever you are in the world. Take a peek at these drone videos from the skies over Ireland and prepared for some incredible Ireland-inspired wanderlust to kick in!
1. Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
Stretching eight kilometres along the Atlantic coastline of County Clare, the striking Cliffs of Moher is one of the top places visited in Ireland, attracting over a million visitors each year because of its important place in the Irish landscape. On a clear day, you can just about make out the Aran Islands and Galway Bay from the cliff’s edge, the highest point being a knee-trembling 214 metres from the sea. Imagine a stroll along the barrier-free path to O’Brien’s Tower on a vacation to Ireland. Standing on a headland, take in the view of Hag’s Head, the most southerly point of the Cliffs of Moher and north toward the village of Doolin.
But it’s not just the cliffs that have visitors falling in love with County Clare; the wild landscape of The Burren, the medieval Bunratty Castle, the magical Aillwee Caves and some of the best surfing spots in the country are all close by.
2. Carrick-a-Rede, Co. Antrim
The iconic rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede was first built by fishermen over 320 years ago but now (with some safety improvements!) stands as a challenge for any thrill-seeker on an Irish vacation. For those brave enough to cross it, the 20-meter walkway to the tiny headland of Carrick Island, the reward is breath-taking views across to Rathlin Island and Scotland.
Carrick-a-Rede serves as the perfect base for some Northern Ireland coastline exploration, one of Ireland’s best places in Ireland to visit. White Park Bay, the pristine sandy beach formed between two headlands on the North Antrim coast, is the perfect location for a summer picnic on the sand dunes, or to paddle in the chilly surf of the North Atlantic Ocean.
3. The Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim
Just a stone’s throw from Carrick-a-Rede is the world famous basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway is the star of this video of Ireland. Over 40,000 interlocking columns – the result of an ancient volcanic eruption – make up this striking landscape, now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Views of the Causeway are best taken from a height, so climb to the top of Shepherd’s Steps or hike along the cliff-top trail to get a drone-worthy view on your vacation to Ireland.
4. The Wicklow Mountains, Co. Wicklow
County Wicklow is home to peaceful valleys, tumbling mountain ranges and pristine beaches, earning it the nickname of ‘The Garden of Ireland’.
Wicklow Mountains National Park featured in this video of Ireland is just south of Dublin. It spans over 20 hectares of blanket bog and heathland, forest plantations, woodland valleys and idyllic lakes. Nestled within the Wicklow mountains is Glendalough, meaning ‘valley of the two lakes’, renowned for its scenic walks and hiking trails, and the early medieval monastic settlement dating back to the 6th Century. Get your walking shoes on because you could spend the whole day exploring the wilds of Wicklow from here.
5. Baltimore. Co Cork
Head off the beaten tourist track on your imaginary Irish vacation and head to the tiny fishing village of Baltimore in West Cork. Sitting on the south-west coast of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, this little town has all the charm you would expect from one of the best places in Ireland. Across the natural harbour – which folklore says was constantly under siege by pirates in the 1600s – lies the Carbery’s Hundred Isles. The rugged islands of Cape Clear, Skerkin and Heir can all be accessed by the ferry from the local pier. With plenty of sailing, fishing and angling, as well as bustling music and foodie scene, Baltimore is fast becoming a popular place to spend a long weekend.
If these videos have inspired you to think about a real vacation to the Emerald Isle, a guided tour is a great way to find out more about the wonderful places you are visiting. Get in touch if you have any questions about the best places to see in Ireland.