I first traveled to Ireland in 2018, and every time I get the chance to go back, I’m reminded of what a truly special place it is. Bright green hills, sheer cliff faces, winding country roads, colorful rows of houses, and misty valleys all give Ireland its incredible charm and beauty. When you’re here, it’s difficult not to be totally wrapped up in the magic of the castle ruins and folklore.
Though there are plenty of beautiful spots to elope here, my favorite Irish wedding destination is the Cliffs of Moher. You may recognize this spot from film and TV, and that’s for good reason! The sandstone cliff faces dropping straight into the ocean makes this a cinematic venue for any vows.
But there’s plenty more to love in the Emerald Isle! Read on for more great elopement locations around the country that you can travel to on your wedding day.
Need to make sure your elopement location has a certain activity? Only want to elope in a specific time of year? Head to my searchable location database and filter away through over 600 of my personal picks so that you only see what you need!
The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Even if you’re not familiar with the Cliffs of Moher by name, you’ve probably seen them before in film or TV. These sheer sandstone cliffs have straight drops into the Atlantic Ocean, forming a super picturesque coastline that is beautiful from any and every angle. The tallest of these is over 700 feet tall (that’s like having all of New York City’s Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower underneath you, for scale!). In reality, you’re not far from towns, people, and resources… but standing on these towering rocks facing out at the expanse of the ocean melting into the horizon, you’ll feel like you’re at the edge of the world.
Best for: Coast, Cliffs
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Connemara National Park, Ireland
Connemara is all the Irish magic you could dream of and then some, full of misty hills, bogland, wild ponies, and big skies. The trails here range from casual strolls to windswept, sweat-inducing hikes with views over the Twelve Bens mountain range, and the whole place feels untamed in the best way. One second you’re walking through golden grass, the next you’re spotting the ocean in the distance. There are countless places for you to say your vows here, so whether it be on a hilltop or beside a quiet loch, it’s got that raw, romantic energy that makes you want to run hand-in-hand into the mist.
Best for: Lakes, Alpine Lake
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Burren National Park, Ireland
The Burren looks like nowhere else in Ireland – it’s all ancient limestone pavement, clifftop views, and teeny wildflowers growing in cracks that have been around since the Ice Age. It’s stark and strange and quietly beautiful. There can’t be anything more idyllic than whispering your vows on a rocky outcrop, walking through fields of ferns, and enjoying a post-ceremony Guinness at a pub down the road. The Celtic vibes are never-ending!
Best for: Beach, Coast, Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
The Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland
Just south of Dublin but a world away in vibe, the Wicklow Mountains are where you run away to when the city, despite all its charms, starts to feel like a little bit much. Here, you won’t find a crowd in sight. Instead, you’ll be treated to towering heather-covered hills, glacial lakes, and winding trails. Glendalough’s monastic ruins are tucked right into the valley here, and the whole place hums with a kind of ancient calm. You could hike up for those golden-hour views or find a hidden waterfall and have a picnic in the moss. This is Ireland’s softer side, and it’s endlessly photogenic.
Best for: Mountain, Waterfall, Alpine Lake
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Strangford Lough & Lecale, Ireland
Strangford Lough is a massive sea inlet full of little islands and coastal vibes, while Lecale is all rolling countryside and sandy beaches. There are castle ruins, tidal pools, and secret rocky coves if you’re up for a bit of exploring. It’s peaceful, easy to reach, and full of those little nooks that feel tailor-made for an intimate ceremony – plus you might just have a seal pop up to say hello!
Best for: Beach, Coast, Island
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Killarney National Park, Ireland
This one’s a no-brainer if you want it all: mountains, lakes, waterfalls, forests, and a castle thrown in for good measure. You can row out onto Lough Leane, hike up Torc Mountain for panoramic views, or wander through mossy woods that feel like a movie set. Bonus: the 15th-century Ross Castle sits right on the water and makes for a killer backdrop. The town of Killarney is right nearby too, so you’ve got pubs, places to stay, and a pint waiting after your vows.
Best for: Mountain, Waterfall, Forest, Alpine Lake
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP
The Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
The Dingle Peninsula is where you go when you want rugged coastline without the Cliffs of Moher crowds. You’ve got cliff walks, hidden beaches, and narrow winding roads that lead to sheep-filled fields with views out to the Atlantic. One of the best parts is that you can drive the whole loop in a day, stopping at all the most scenic pull-offs to find the perfect ceremony spot. And yes, the town of Dingle itself has great food, live music, and that “we stumbled into the best day of our lives” vibe.
Best for: Beach, Coast
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
The Howth Cliffs, Ireland
Just a 45-minute train ride from Dublin, Howth is an easy win for couples wanting a dramatic coastal backdrop without needing a rental car. The cliff path here has views for days, with plenty of craggy edges, crashing waves, and sailboats cruising by down below. You can keep things low-key with a short stroll or do the full loop for max scenery. Wrap it all up with fish and chips from a seaside shack or a fancy seafood dinner in town, and you’re set up for success.
Best for: Beach, Coast
Best months to get married here: June to September, December
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Conor Pass, Ireland
This is one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes, and it doesn’t mess around when it comes to views. You’re driving a narrow, winding road with drop-offs on one side and valleys stretching out on the other. There are pull-offs with glacier lakes, boulder fields, and sweeping views of the Dingle Peninsula, making this ideal for a private ceremony without needing a long hike. It’s totally worth the nerve-wracking drive – promise!
Best for: Mountains, Coast, Beach, Alpine Lakes
Best months to get married here: July and August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Gap of Dunloe, Ireland
The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass cut between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and the Purple Mountain range, and it’s jaw-droppingly scenic. You can walk it, cycle it, or hop in a traditional pony-and-trap cart to take it slow. Along the way you’ll pass old stone bridges, mirror-like lakes, and rugged hills that make for ridiculously romantic photo ops. There’s very little traffic, so it stays peaceful even in summer. Start or end your elopement with tea at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and call it the most Irish day ever.
Best for: Mountains, River, Lakes
Best months to get married here: July and August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
The Ring of Kerry is a 179km loop of coastal roads, mountain passes, waterfalls, and ancient ruins. It’s a build-your-own-adventure kind of place. stop off at Rossbeigh Strand for a beach ceremony, pull over at Ladies View for sweeping valley shots, or head to Derrynane for quiet forest-meets-sea vibes. You’re not just getting one landscape here, you’re getting ten. It’s also a great road trip route if you want to string your elopement out into a full week of exploring together. It also doesn’t hurt that there’s plenty of pubs and cozy stays tucked into the smaller towns.
Best for: Coast, Cliffs, Moutains, Waterfall, Beach
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Croagh Patrick, Ireland
This one’s for the couples who like a challenge. Croagh Patrick is a 764-meter pilgrimage mountain that takes about 3-4 hours to summit, and the view from the top is absolutely worth it. You’ll see Clew Bay’s sea of islands, surrounding countryside, and maybe even a rainbow if you’re lucky. It’s rocky and steep, but doable for most reasonably fit folks. Some couples get married at the base or mid-way for easier access, while others make the trek and say their vows with the whole island spread out below them. Your choice!
Best for: Mountains
Best months to get married here: July and August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Achill Island, Ireland
Achill has that windswept, edge-of-the-world energy that’s hard to beat. It’s Ireland’s largest island (connected to the mainland by a bridge), and it’s packed with Atlantic drama: towering cliffs, long empty beaches, and rolling hills that feel cinematic in every direction. Keem Bay is a favorite for elopements thanks to its turquoise water and mountain backdrop, but the whole island feels like one big open-air ceremony venue. Rent a little seaside cottage, spend the day exploring back roads, and wrap things up with a pint in a pub that hasn’t changed in decades.
Best for: Beach, Coast, Islands
Best months to get married here: July and August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Malin Head, Ireland
Ireland’s northernmost point delivers serious atmosphere, with jagged coastline, crashing waves, and big sky energy. Malin Head feels remote and untamed, but that’s what makes it so special. You can say your vows on the cliffs, with the ocean stretching endlessly behind you, and maybe spot dolphins or seabirds in the distance. There are great trails if you want to keep moving after, or just set up a picnic and soak in the stillness. Bonus if you’re a Star Wars fan – part of The Last Jedi was filmed right here.
Best for: Beach, Coast
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Bundoran, Ireland
Bundoran is one of Ireland’s surf capitals, and while it’s known for its waves, it’s also packed with raw coastal beauty that makes it a killer elopement pick even for non-surfers. You’ve got cliffs, beaches, and ocean views for miles, and if you’re into surfing, you can absolutely swap rings in wetsuits and celebrate with a post-vow paddle. Prefer to stay dry? Walk the dramatic Rougey Cliff Walk, find a quiet cove, and say your vows with nothing but sea spray and wind in the air.
Best for: Coast, Beach, City
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Sliabh Liag, Ireland
Sliabh Liag (also spelled Slieve League) towers almost 2,000 feet above the Atlantic, making these the tallest sea cliffs in Ireland. And unlike the Cliffs of Moher, you won’t find tour buses and barriers here. Instead, you’ll find wide open space, misty sea air, and heart-pounding views instead. It’s a climb to get to the top, but the path is manageable if you take your time, and there are plenty of dramatic photo spots to catch your breath along the way. This is one of those places that hits you with silence and scale all at once. Eloping here? Total power move.
Best for: Coast, Beach
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
With so much rich tradition, movie-ready landscapes, and endless nooks to explore, Ireland can be the perfect place to elope for any couple looking for a whirlwind adventure soaked in romance. But if you aren’t convinced this is the place for you, that’s okay! I have 600+ more locations that I’ve handpicked for your elopement day around the world here in my searchable map, where you can filter by activity, season, and scenery! That way you see real locations with a fraction of the search time.
I’ve photographed 300+ elopements across the globe, and it would be an honor to get to photograph your day, too! I completely believe that you deserve a wedding day that feels like the best day of your honeymoon. Totally out of your everyday, completely special, really unique, and filled with only the things that you love. That’s the kind of experience I custom-design for my couples.
Ready to start to turn your “wouldn’t it be cool if…” thoughts into a real wedding day you’ll remember forever? Get in touch with me! I’ll make sure that every second, from the planning process through the last minutes of your elopement, is totally stress-free.
