The Most Beautiful County in Ireland, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the county you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 7, 2024 06:18

Determining the most beautiful county in Ireland is a delightful challenge due to the stunning variety of landscapes across the region. From rugged coastlines and vibrant green hills to historical sites steeped in ancient lore, each county offers its unique blend of beauty. This makes establishing a favorite a subjective and personal endeavor, influenced by individual experiences and preferences. By participating in a live ranking, you contribute your unique perspective and help shape a collective view of Ireland's most picturesque counties. Your vote not only reflects your personal appreciation but also aids others in identifying which regions might captivate their hearts. Thus, each voter adds to a dynamic, evolving guide that helps future travelers and locals alike decide which beautiful sights to visit first.

What Is the Most Beautiful County in Ireland?

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57
votes
Graham Horn · CC BY-SA 2.0

County Kerry

With its rugged coastline, picturesque villages, and stunning landscapes, Kerry is often considered the most beautiful county in Ireland. It is home to the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park.
County Kerry, also known as the Kingdom, is one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland. With its dramatic landscapes, rugged coastline, and charming towns, it offers visitors a diverse and captivating experience. From the stunning Ring of Kerry to the majestic Killarney National Park, there is no shortage of natural wonders to explore. Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, County Kerry is a place where ancient traditions and modern life blend seamlessly. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the enchanting Irish atmosphere, County Kerry has something to offer everyone.

Location: Southwest Ireland

Population: 147,707

Area: 4,746 square kilometers

County Seat: Tralee

Highest Point: Carrauntoohil (1,038 meters)
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23
votes
Kay Atherton · CC BY-SA 2.0

County Donegal

Donegal boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland, including the rugged cliffs of Slieve League, the vast expanse of Glenveagh National Park, and the stunning beaches of the Donegal Bay.
County Donegal is a stunning coastal county located in the northwest of Ireland. Spanning across 4,861 square kilometers, it is known for its unspoiled landscapes, rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and charming seaside villages. The county is steeped in rich history and folklore, with ancient archaeological sites and medieval castles scattered throughout the region. Donegal offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, fishing, and golfing, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The local people are renowned for their warm hospitality, vibrant traditional music scene, and vibrant festivals. With its breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage, County Donegal is truly a gem of Ireland.

Size: 4,861 square kilometers

Location: Northwest of Ireland

Landscapes: Unspoiled landscapes, rugged mountains, pristine beaches

Seaside Villages: Charming seaside villages

History: Rich history and folklore
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36
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County Cork

Cork is known for its rolling hills, historic towns, and charming coastline. It is home to the picturesque town of Kinsale, the rugged Beara Peninsula, and the stunning beaches of Inchydoney and Clonakilty.
County Cork is often regarded as one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland. Located in the southern part of the country, it offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged coastal cliffs to rolling green hills and picturesque countryside. The county is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you're exploring the bustling city of Cork, visiting charming towns like Kinsale or Cobh, or venturing into the stunning landscapes of West Cork or the Beara Peninsula, County Cork has something to offer for everyone.

Size: Covers an area of approximately 7,500 square kilometers

Coastline: Stretches over 1,100 kilometers of coastline, including the famous Cliffs of Moher

Islands: Home to numerous picturesque islands, such as Cape Clear Island and Garnish Island

Wild Atlantic Way: Encompasses a significant portion of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world's longest coastal driving routes

Gaeltacht areas: Boasts several Gaeltacht areas where the Irish language and traditions thrive
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20
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Meep at German Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

County Galway

AssistAI

Galway is a county of contrasts, featuring the rugged beauty of Connemara, the vibrant city of Galway, and the sweeping beaches of the Aran Islands. It is also home to the famous Cliffs of Moher.
County Galway, located in the western part of Ireland, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. With its diverse range of attractions, it captivates visitors from all around the globe. From the enchanting Connemara region to the lively city of Galway, this county offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, traditional Irish heritage, and modern amenities.

Connemara National Park: A picturesque national park featuring mountains, lakes, and bogs, ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.

Galway City: A vibrant cultural hub famous for its lively atmosphere, traditional pubs, annual festivals, and thriving arts scene.

Cliffs of Moher: A majestic coastal attraction located on the County Clare border, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic cliffs.

The Aran Islands: A group of three islands renowned for their ancient forts, rugged landscapes, and traditional Irish-speaking communities.

Galway Bay: A picturesque bay dotted with charming seaside villages, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
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22
votes
Kiran Madhusudhanan · CC BY-SA 4.0

County Mayo

Mayo is a county of stunning landscapes, featuring the rugged beauty of the Burren, the pristine beaches of Achill Island, and the picturesque towns of Westport and Ballina. It is also home to the stunning Croagh Patrick mountain.
County Mayo is a stunning county located on the west coast of Ireland. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastline, and vibrant cultural heritage. The county offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm Irish hospitality.

Location: County Mayo is situated in the province of Connacht in the western part of Ireland.

Scenic Landscapes: The county boasts diverse landscapes, including majestic mountains, tranquil lakes, rolling green fields, and picturesque coastal cliffs.

Wild Atlantic Way: County Mayo is a prominent part of the renowned Wild Atlantic Way, offering stunning coastal views, charming villages, and sandy beaches.

Croagh Patrick: One of Mayo's most iconic attractions, Croagh Patrick is a mountain known for its religious importance and breathtaking views from the summit.

Achill Island: Achill Island, the largest island off the coast of Ireland, is located in County Mayo and offers beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and stunning Atlantic views.
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9
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County Clare

Clare is known for its dramatic coastline, featuring the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, as well as its charming towns and villages, such as Ennis and Doolin. It is also home to the famous Bunratty Castle.
County Clare is a breathtaking county located on the west coast of Ireland. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, it offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. From rugged cliffs and golden sandy beaches to charming villages and ancient castles, County Clare has something for everyone.

Cliffs of Moher: One of Ireland's most iconic natural landmarks, these majestic cliffs attract millions of visitors each year.

The Burren: A vast limestone landscape filled with rare flora and archaeological sites, creating a truly unique and enchanting environment.

Traditional Irish Music: County Clare is renowned for its rich musical heritage, with numerous pubs and festivals showcasing the best of traditional Irish music.

Doolin: A picturesque village famous for its traditional music sessions and as a gateway to the Aran Islands.

Loop Head Peninsula: Offering stunning coastal views, a lighthouse, and diverse wildlife, it is a hidden gem worth exploring.
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6
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County Sligo

Sligo is a county of stunning natural beauty, featuring the rugged landscapes of Ben Bulben and Knocknarea, the picturesque town of Sligo, and the stunning beaches of Strandhill and Rosses Point. It is also home to the famous Yeats Country.
County Sligo is a stunning county located in the west of Ireland. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountains, and picturesque coastline. The county offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. From ancient archaeological sites to lively seaside towns, County Sligo has something to captivate everyone's interest.

Benbulben: Majestic table mountain that dominates the Sligo landscape.

Strandhill: A popular surfing spot with sandy beaches and vibrant local community.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery: One of the largest and most important Stone Age cemeteries in Europe.

Sligo Abbey: A medieval abbey with impressive architectural features.

Yeats Country: Inspiring landscapes immortalized in the works of renowned poet W.B. Yeats.
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County Wicklow

Wicklow is known as the "Garden of Ireland" for its stunning natural beauty, featuring the Wicklow Mountains, the Glendalough Valley, and the stunning beaches of Brittas Bay and Bray. It is also home to the famous Powerscourt Estate.
County Wicklow is located in the eastern part of Ireland, known as the 'Garden of Ireland' due to its stunning natural beauty. It is a picturesque county with a diverse landscape, encompassing mountains, lakes, forests, and coastline. The county offers a perfect blend of rugged wilderness and lush greenery, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Wicklow Mountains: Home to the highest peak in Ireland outside of County Kerry.

Glendalough: Famous monastic site with ancient ruins and stunning lakes.

Powerscourt Estate: A magnificent stately home with beautiful gardens and waterfall.

Wicklow Way: Ireland's oldest and most popular long-distance walking trail.

Bray Head Cliff Walk: A scenic coastal trail offering breathtaking views of the Irish Sea.
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15
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County Waterford

County Waterford Tourism Board

Waterford is a county of stunning landscapes, featuring the rugged beauty of the Comeragh Mountains, the sweeping beaches of Tramore and Dunmore East, and the historic city of Waterford. It is also home to the famous Waterford Crystal factory.
County Waterford, located in the southeast of Ireland, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This county offers a diverse range of landscapes, from picturesque coastline to lush mountains and charming countryside. With a history dating back thousands of years, County Waterford is home to numerous historic sites, vibrant towns, and welcoming communities.

Location: Situated in the southeast of Ireland

Natural Beauty: Stunning coastline, mountains, and countryside

Waterford Greenway: A 46 km off-road cycling and walking trail

Historic Sites: Medieval Reginald's Tower, Dunmore East, and Lismore Castle

Waterford Crystal: Famous for its exquisite crystal glassware
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3
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County Limerick

Anonymous

Limerick is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring the rolling hills of the Golden Vale, the rugged landscapes of the Ballyhoura Mountains, and the historic city of Limerick. It is also home to the famous Adare Village.
County Limerick is located in the southwestern part of Ireland and is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and warm hospitality. The county is bordered by County Clare to the west, County Kerry to the south, County Cork to the southeast, and County Tipperary to the east. It offers a diverse range of attractions, including medieval castles, scenic rivers, charming villages, and vibrant festivals. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, County Limerick is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Irish experience.

Location: Southwestern part of Ireland

Bordering Counties: Clare, Kerry, Cork, Tipperary

Attractions: Medieval castles, scenic rivers, charming villages, festivals

Cultural Heritage: Rich and diverse

Natural Beauty: Stunning landscapes

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful county

Scenery and landscapes

Consider the diversity of natural landscapes such as coastlines, mountains, lakes, forests, and rolling hills. Take into account the visual aesthetics and the overall appeal of the scenery.
Historic sites and architecture

Evaluate the presence of historic buildings, castles, churches, and archaeological sites that add to the county's charm and beauty.
Culture and heritage

Look at the local customs, music, art, and traditions of the county that make it unique and contribute to its beauty.
Parks and green spaces

Assess the availability and maintenance of parks, public gardens, and open spaces that provide opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of nature.
Preservation of natural environment

Evaluate the efforts made by the local community and authorities to protect and preserve the natural environment and biodiversity.
Towns and villages

Consider the appeal and aesthetics of towns and villages within the county, including their cleanliness, charm, and architecture.
Tourist attractions

Evaluate the appeal and popularity of tourist sites within the county that draw visitors and contribute to its overall beauty.
Infrastructure and amenities

Consider the quality and maintenance of roads, public transport, and general infrastructure that affect the overall appearance and functionality of the county.
Weather and climate

Take into account the attractiveness of the county's weather, including sunshine, average temperatures, and the presence of natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights.
Overall impression and personal preferences

Finally, consider the overall ambiance and atmosphere of the county, as well as your personal preferences and experiences within the area.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful county in Ireland. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or county is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1685 views
194 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each county once every 24 hours. The rank of each county is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful county in ireland

Ireland is a country known for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking scenery, and it's no surprise that many consider it as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. One of the things that make Ireland truly special is its diverse range of counties, each with its unique charm and character. From the rugged coastline of Donegal to the rolling hills of Wicklow, each county offers its own distinct beauty and cultural richness. With so many choices, it's no wonder that choosing the most beautiful county in Ireland can be a difficult task. However, with the help of StrawPoll, we can gather opinions from people all over the world to find out which county truly stands out as the most beautiful.