Some of Ireland’s most iconic experiences can’t be contained within a single county. From legendary touring routes to vast natural regions, these multi-county adventures offer a broader perspective of the island’s beauty and heritage.
On this page, you’ll find attractions and routes that span multiple counties—like the 2,500km Wild Atlantic Way, the ancestral stories of Ireland’s Ancient East, and our major rivers and mountain ranges. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or exploring a regional greenway, these locations represent the interconnected spirit of Irish travel.
Ballygroll, various
Silent stone circles sit beside clearly marked purple arrows, inviting modern walkers into a 2,500‑year‑old ritual landscape. While the peat‑rich ridge preserves Neolithic courts and Bronze‑Age cairns, the visitor centre and well‑maintained trails make the remote feel surprisingly welcoming.
South‑east County Limerick and north‑east County Cork, various
During the 1980s, local residents formed the Ballyhoura Fáilte co‑operative, sparking the range’s transformation into a premier adventure destination. The mountains now host Ireland’s largest purpose‑built mountain‑bike network amid heather‑covered bogs and conifer forests.
Benone Strand, various
Quarrymen who measured the 1824 Ordnance Survey baseline left a legacy of pristine sands that still frame Benone’s seven‑mile golden strand. The nearby 1812 Martello Tower and the first fully inclusive beach of 2017 highlight the site’s layered heritage and modern accessibility.
Various, various
Cahir Rua’s Den, the slate‑capped southern ridge, bears the name of a local chieftain who once roamed the Blackstairs. The range’s granite peaks, including Mount Leinster’s 795 m summit, served as a rebel hideout during the 1798 Rebellion, linking geography with Irish resistance.
Border of County Down (Northern Ireland) and County Louth (Republic of Ireland), various
Breathtaking vistas greet you as the glacial fjord of Carlingford Lough unfurls between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, its waters shimmering under the sky. The narrow inlet, once a Viking crossing point, now hums with sailboats, birdlife and the echo of medieval castles guarding its mouth.
Northern Ireland, various
Sir John de Courcy’s 1177 founding of Carrickfergus Castle anchors the northern stretch of the Causeway Coastal Route. The 120‑mile drive then weaves past the Giant’s Causeway, Mussenden Temple and nine Glens of Antrim, offering photographers endless dramatic vistas.
196 Westway, various
What makes a 100‑acre lakeside oasis feel like an adventure playground for Derry’s residents? Creggan Country Park combines three freshwater lakes, inflatable water‑assault courses and inclusive community programmes that turn the natural landscape into a hub of sport, education and social cohesion.
6 Carrowclare Road, various
Ever wondered what it feels like to ride along the dramatic Causeway Coast on a horse? Crindle Stables offers guided lessons for beginners to seasoned jumpers, letting riders trot across Benone and Downhill beaches with Mussenden Temple framing the horizon. Seasonal themed rides, such as the St Patrick’s Day and Easter Beach Rides, add a festive twist to the equestrian adventure.
Border of County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland) and County Cavan (Republic of Ireland), various
Ireland’s first cross‑border UNESCO Global Geopark spans 1,741 km² across Fermanagh and Cavan, making it the only trans‑national geopark of its kind on the island. Its landscape ranges from the iconic Marble Arch Caves to the boardwalk‑topped blanket bog of Cuilcagh, offering more than fifty accessible attractions for walkers, cyclists and history enthusiasts.
Mussenden Road, various
Remarkably, Earl Bishop Frederick Augustus Hervey commissioned Mussenden Temple in 1785 as a personal summer library, copying Rome’s Temple of Vesta. Perched on a sheer 120‑ft cliff, the white‑washed circular ruin frames panoramic views of Donegal, the Scottish isles and the restless Atlantic.
Guildhall, various
Echoes of brass pipes resonate through the vaulted nave of Derry’s Guildhall as the 3,132‑pipe organ swells with sound. Stained‑glass windows flood the neo‑Gothic interior with coloured light, while interactive displays bring the city’s turbulent past to life for every visitor.
Beara Peninsula, various
Built in 1847 as a famine‑relief project, Healy Pass was carved by hand through the Caha Mountains under harrowing conditions. Today the 12‑km ribbon of hairpin bends offers cyclists and drivers dramatic panoramas of Bantry Bay, the Kenmare River and the mirror‑like Glanmore Lake.
Howth, various
Bracing sea breeze carries the scent of fresh fish as the DART drops you onto Howth’s bustling harbour. From the historic castle grounds to cliff‑top walks that sweep past Ireland’s Eye, the peninsula offers panoramic views and colourful cafés.
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Lafcadio Hearn’s globe‑spanning life inspired the eleven‑area garden in Tramore, where his legacy is told through a Victorian entry, Greek and American sections, and a fully realised Japanese haven. Each authentic feature – from the Azumaya tea house to the Sori Bashi bridge – reflects the writer’s love of Japan, offering a tranquil walk without leaving Ireland.
Connemara, various
1845 saw famine‑relief workers carving the Green Road along Killary Harbour’s northern shore, a rugged track that still winds beside towering cliffs. Today the fjord’s 16 km of deep, glacial water shelters otters, seals and occasional dolphins, while catamaran tours glide past Mweelrea’s summit and the historic Delphi Valley.
Limavady, various
Legendary "leap of the dog" folklore stands beside Limavady’s contemporary music festivals and bustling market scene. While the River Roe winds past historic linen mills and the 1750 Distillery, the town’s dramatic Binevenagh backdrop invites both heritage walks and outdoor adventure.
Northeastern Connacht, various
2007 saw a Cryptosporidium outbreak in Lough Allen’s waters, prompting major upgrades to Galway’s water treatment facilities. Beyond the crisis, the lake’s crystal‑clear, oligotrophic depths host a native pike population and trace back to Mesolithic tool‑making sites uncovered along its shores.
Grange Road, various
Ireland’s largest open‑air concert venue resides within Marlay Park’s 300‑acre grounds, welcoming up to 40,000 music lovers. Beyond festivals, Georgian Marlay House, ornamental gardens and a host of sports facilities make the park a versatile escape just south of Dublin.
South‑East Ireland, various
Rugged heather slopes give way to a sleek steel transmission mast that crowns Ireland’s highest broadcast site on Mount Leinster. The summit also offers a poignant memorial to the 1983 Cessna crash, reminding hikers of the mountain’s dramatic history.
Mountsandel Road, various
Ireland’s oldest known settlement, dating to between 7 600 BC and 7 900 BC, lies beneath the earthworks of Mountsandel Fort. The site’s Mesolithic flint microliths and later Norman‑era fortifications are explored via well‑marked woodland trails that overlook the River Bann.
Downhill Demesne, various
Who imagined a seaside library perched on a 120‑foot cliff? Frederick Augustus Hervey, the flamboyant 4th Earl of Bristol, commissioned the white‑washed folly in 1785 as a summer retreat for his beloved niece Frideswide Mussenden, inscribing Lucretius on its façade. Visitors can step inside to glimpse the original bookcases and enjoy panoramic views that stretch from Magilligan Point to the Scottish coast.
50 Oughtagh Road, various
Where does a river carve a 30‑foot cascade through ancient gorges? The answer lies in Ness Country Park, where the Burntollet River’s post‑glacial erosion creates one of Northern Ireland’s highest waterfalls, surrounded by woodland trails and family‑friendly paths.
Northern Ireland, various
In 1144 a Cistercian abbey rose from the banks of the Clanrye, sowing the seeds of today’s vibrant Newry. The town’s later evolution— from a 1742 summit‑level canal hub to its 2002 city status— adds layers of medieval stonework, bustling shopping precincts and easy access to the Mourne Mountains.
Queens Quay, various
Steeped in symbolism, the Peace Bridge holds the distinction of being Derry’s most recognisable modern landmark, its 235‑metre sinuous span linking the historic city centre with Ebrington Square. Illuminated arches frame panoramic river views day and night, turning each crossing into a visual celebration of the city’s reconciliation.
Portstewart, various
Crisp community effort in 1980 saw the National Trust acquire Portstewart Strand, safeguarding its two‑mile golden sands for future generations. Designated a Special Scientific Interest, the dune system now shelters rare butterflies and bee orchids, while visitors can drive their cars onto the beach and explore its rich wildlife and surf.
Various, various
Tallest Ogham stone in Europe stands at Ballycrovane, its ancient script towering over the coastal drive. The 148 km Ring of Beara loops past this and other relics—from Bronze‑Age dolmens to 17th‑century Martello towers—offering a quieter, equally dramatic alternative to the nearby Kerry circuit.
41 Dogleap Road, various
Only vehicle‑accessible crossing in the park lies beside the visitor centre, where the River Roe surges through narrow gorges after rain. This 3‑km riverside haven combines dramatic water‑spouts, restored 19th‑century linen‑industry artefacts and a thriving wildlife corridor, making it a standout natural retreat near Limavady.
45 Main Street, various
When the former RUC station reopened as Seamus Heaney HomePlace in 2015, the poet’s own voice was woven into the exhibition, guiding guests through his life and work. The centre’s immersive displays, original artefacts and the five Open Ground sites trace the fields, rivers and bogs that inspired his Nobel‑winning poetry.
20 Springhill Road, various
Hidden within Springhill House lies a library of 3,000 volumes alongside a rare costume collection. The 17th‑century plantation house, restored to its original layout, invites guests to wander its period rooms and stroll along beech‑lined garden walks.
London Street, various
Did you ever wonder which cathedral first celebrated the Reformation in the British Isles? St Columb’s answered that call in 1633, becoming the inaugural Anglican cathedral and later bearing the spire stripped for musket balls during the 1688–89 siege.
Various, various
Quiet, rolling countryside belies the Suck Valley Way’s status as a modern, way‑marked long‑distance trail linking nine friendly villages. While the route follows gentle riverbanks and old stone bridges that echo centuries of settlement, it offers well‑maintained signage and comfortable daily stages for today’s walkers.
Union Hall Place, various
Who can explore Derry’s tumultuous past without leaving the city walls? The Tower Museum answers that by housing immersive exhibits—from the Derry Girls set to the Spanish Armada artefacts—and a rooftop platform that frames sweeping River Foyle views.
