If you’re visiting Ireland in the summer, you’re in for a treat. Of course, it’s not always warm and sunny in the country, but if it is, you can visit stunning beaches, go for a swim, or watch the most beautiful sunsets. Where, you ask? Find out in this blog post, where we’ll let you know about the best sunset views in Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, the Cliffs of Moher, are a breathtaking sight no matter the weather conditions. However, when the skies are clear and the sun dips behind the Atlantic, they are an especially unearthly sight. The cliffs glowing in soft amber light and the ocean shimmering with gold are a view you won’t forget too fast. Just remember to bring a jacket, as it is always windy at the Cliffs of Moher, and you might quickly get cold when the sun disappears behind the ocean.
Dunquin Pier
To be fair, any place in County Kerry with a view of the sea is a great place to watch the sunset. Dunquin Pier, however, is an especially beautiful one: Here, you can watch over Dunquin Pier’s famous winding path and witness the Blasket Islands on the horizon become silhouetted against the colourful sunset skies. It’s a spot that feels remote and timeless—perfect for photographers and romantics alike.
Howth Head
Just a short trip by DART away from the capital, Howth is well loved by Dubliners visiting the town for a day trip. Here, you can experience the charm of a sea town and escape into nature as you hike the Howth Cliff Path. The path always offers stunning sights on Dublin Bay. And in the evenings, when there are clear skies, you can even watch the sunset from here, as it reflects off the water and lights up the cliff with its golden hue.
Source: Alejandro Luengo on Unsplash
Achill Island
Some of the best sunset views in Ireland can be found on Achill Island. The island’s rugged coastline and secluded beaches make it one of the west’s highlights. Especially stunning at sunset: Keem Bay. When the turquoise waters glow with the sun’s orange and the sky turns into the most fascinating colours, the remote beach with few crowds is the perfect place to watch the sun go down.
Lakes in the Wicklow Mountains
Of course you don’t necessarily have to be at the ocean to watch the sunset. It can be equally beautiful in the mountains. Take Lough Tay, for example, or the upper and lower lakes in Glendalough, all set in the Wicklow Mountains. Here, the reflective waters surrounded by the moody hills offer a serene and visually stunning experience at sunset. And watching the sunset here is the perfect end to a day of hiking in the Wicklow Mountains.
Galway Bay
Galway is colourful at all times of the day, but at sunset, the city and Galway Bay become even more colourful. Grab a seat at the waterside or have a picnic in South Park and watch the sunset over the water from here. If you’re lucky, you might even hear some buskers in the distance accompanying the almost magical experience.
Source: Daniel Zbroja on Unsplash
And now, make the best of your sunset views in Ireland
From coast to countryside, Ireland is full of places where time seems to slow down as the sun dips below the horizon. Whether you’re hiking along a cliff or strolling a city bay, these sunset spots offer moments of peace, beauty, and connection to nature. Just remember to make sure to research when the sun is going down in a specific area and arrive at least an hour before that. And then, grab your camera, a warm jumper, and maybe a flask of tea—it’s time to chase some sunsets in Ireland.
Header image source: Adam Markon on Unsplash
