Following from the Grimmest place thread, how about some credit to ourselves.
Westport would have to be my place of choice. Lovely wee town, well kept, great pubs, restaurants and plenty to do in the area.
Dingle would be similar and some lovely wee spots in Kerry and Cork to totally get away from it all.
From a Mayo point of view have to say I think my own Parish Knockmore is right up there, the lakes, rivers and mountains give for lovely scenery.
As Bingo said Westport is as good as there is, Ballycastle is an absolutely fantastic spot, quaint and untouched almost.
Along the west coast there some lovely spots, Easkey, Kinvara, Clifden, Kilkee. Donegals planners have done it no favour IMHO, some of the nicest towns destroyed by houses and housing estates (e.g. Dunfanaghy).
Galway is as good as a city can be. West Cork is also lovely as is Kinsale
Carlingford.
Quote from: 5 Sams on October 11, 2013, 01:59:55 PM
Carlingford.
Good call.
Kinvara, Spiddal, Dingle, Lahinch, Galway city.
For me, there is nowhere in Ireland more beautiful than Dunlewey in Co. Donegal.
(http://www.donegalcottageholidays.com/towns/images/dunlewey.jpg)
Rostrevor, Murlough Bay in my own county.
Mulranny, Mullaghmore, the Meeting of the Waters always struck a chord with me.
But Ballintoy the most memorable.
Quote from: ziggysego on October 11, 2013, 02:19:55 PM
For me, there is nowhere in Ireland more beautiful than Dunlewey in Co. Donegal.
(http://www.donegalcottageholidays.com/towns/images/dunlewey.jpg)
Good call.
Really enjoyed Kilkenny when there.
Havent been down the south east before,so hoping for a trip down there soon.
Glencolmcille in Donegal is lovely
An Trá Bán on An Blascaod Mór is beautiful as is the Dingle Peninsula as a whole.
I also liked Baltimore in west Cork.
In general, the north coast of Antrim is lovely. In particular, the view of the Skelligs from Waterville . . . magical.
Quote from: 5 Sams on October 11, 2013, 01:59:55 PM
Carlingford.
Lovely village, but best avoided at weekends unless you are one of the hen or stag parties who seem to take over the village at weekends. They really should do more with the castle though.
Strangford Lough is hard to beat.
Connemara close to Kylemore Abbey (I think). Absolutely breathtaking.
Always found Skerries pleasant. Dalkey is pretty nice too.
As a whole I don't think you will find a nicer county than Wicklow.
Dingle peninsula is special too. Some nice beaches close by.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on October 11, 2013, 03:04:39 PM
An Trá Bán on An Blascaod Mór is beautiful as is the Dingle Peninsula as a whole. I also liked Baltimore in west Cork.
+1
(http://irishislands.info/oilphoto/blaskphoto/BPanTraBan.jpg)
Quote from: Canalman on October 11, 2013, 03:35:45 PM
Connemara close to Kylemore Abbey (I think). Absolutely breathtaking.
That drive through the Inagh Valley in Connemara is absolutely spectacular. Only did it myself for the first time a few years ago and was blown away by it.
Just drive from Galway to Oughterard, Maam Cross, Recess, through Inagh Valley and onto Kylemore, Letterfrack, Tully and then Renvyle.
http://goconnemara.com/?p=directory&locality=Inagh+Valley (http://goconnemara.com/?p=directory&locality=Inagh+Valley)
Driving into Sligo from Enniskillen, there is a lake with a mountain behind it.
The drive from Leenane to Louisburg - nothing like it anywhere.
Quote from: nrico2006 on October 11, 2013, 04:07:43 PM
Driving into Sligo from Enniskillen, there is a lake with a mountain behind it.
Think that might be lough Sheelin. Beautiful place
Ballysun can be mun in the fun.
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 11, 2013, 04:25:23 PM
The drive from Leenane to Louisburg - nothing like it anywhere.
Agree with that,beautiful drive from Cong through Leenane into Westport,also Antrim coast and poison glen Donegal
Agree wholeheartedly with Westport. Co West Cork is incredible but id say Keem Bay on Achille is the most beautiful spot in Ireland...amazing place
Quote from: J OGorman on October 11, 2013, 05:29:40 PM
Agree wholeheartedly with Westport. Co West Cork is incredible but id say Keem Bay on Achille is the most beautiful spot in Ireland...amazing place
Keem is a nice spot alright. As is Keel beach.
I'd also include Avoca, and Inishmore, especially standing at the cliff edge at Dun Aonghusa. I always thought the location of Drumcliff church in Sligo was fantastic.
Here is a Russian website (bizzarrely) with some fantastic photos of Keem Bay: http://world-beaches.ru/2013/01/16/keem/ (http://world-beaches.ru/2013/01/16/keem/)
Including this one with the Minaun Cliffs in the background:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3606/3616933966_9e289ae1af_b.jpg)
Rossglass, Killough, County Down.
Probably more of an emotional attachment for myself. Nonetheless, a nice part of the world. If the spides aren't about that is.
(http://www.cwgc.org/dbImage.ashx?id=8289)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/3192618552_40f8995f11.jpg)
Glenariffe. Through a padlock and chain on this thread.
Oh, straight to the Russians, eh Muppet? For posterity's sake, Keem beach is, err, a beach but Keel beach is part of a village of the same name on the island. That beach is good but it's not a scratch on Keem:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/9280183090_4058f886e3_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/9277401653_5e5c9f4c3c_o.jpg)
Roscommon brings home the bacon, as usual.
Loop head,Inishbofin,Glen of Aherlow.
Quote from: muppet on October 11, 2013, 06:06:17 PM
Here is a Russian website (bizzarrely) with some fantastic photos of Keem Bay: http://world-beaches.ru/2013/01/16/keem/ (http://world-beaches.ru/2013/01/16/keem/)
Including this one with the Minaun Cliffs in the background:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3606/3616933966_9e289ae1af_b.jpg)
wow...some great pics on that site. We spent a great day at Keem earlier this year, couple of days before the AISF. Sun shining, boogie boards on the go and a wee picnic. Wouldnt have wanted to be anywhere else in the world. Cycled to Achille from Mulranny the next day on the Greenway....great holiday
Kinnego, Donegal's equivalent of Keem (witnessed a frisky German couple on Kinnego beach one morning taking naked pics of each other the dirty bruts)
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44909000/jpg/_44909196_-67.jpg)
Has to be Larne ;)
Quote from: Club Rossa on October 11, 2013, 10:03:35 PM
Has to be Larne ;)
careful now, young Feeney from Newry slagged off Larne and look what happened to him @ Inver Park !
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47126000/jpg/_47126056_feeney.jpg)
I'll not be going near Inver Park anytime soon!!
Barleycove is nice, a spit up from Mizen head.
Quote from: bennydorano on October 11, 2013, 10:54:46 PM
Barleycove is nice, a spit up from Mizen head.
Yes, beautiful beach there. Also very nice at the other end of the country is Kinnagoe Bay on the Inishowen peninsula.
Schull, Union Hall and Adare
Some great selections, but I've always loved Slieve League, Co. Donegal.
Rockall ;D
Drive from top of Sheahann Hill down into Wesport from Castlebar direction, along south Coast of Clew Bay, past the Reek (Croagh Patrick), into Louidburgh, turn south through bogs, into DELPHI VALLEY, into Killary Harbour, across border into Lenanne, head west to Cleggan, get ferry to INISHBOFFIN walk the island, look back at the glory of Conemarra and west Mayo Coast including Irelands highest cliffs on Achill.
There are many beautiful places in Ireland. Sometimes we forget what a lovely country we live in. Last summer on a drive down to South Kerry in the great weather I was just awestruck at some of the scenery. I was on a day off and feeling relaxed so maybe I was more amenable to appreciating it but we have some fantastic sights and towns in this little island.
(http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/47263175.jpg)
Always liked this view when out for a pedal
Quote from: AZOffaly on October 12, 2013, 09:25:22 AM
There are many beautiful places in Ireland. Sometimes we forget what a lovely country we live in. Last summer on a drive down to South Kerry in the great weather I was just awestruck at some of the scenery. I was on a day off and feeling relaxed so maybe I was more amenable to appreciating it but we have some fantastic sights and towns in this little island.
Yes, the scenery and views in Kerry are unbelievable. First time I was there, it blew my mind. There's no other place that can match it.
Yes, beautiful beach there. Also very nice at the other end of the country is Kinnagoe Bay on the Inishowen peninsula.
[/quote]
Kinnagoe is my favourite place in the world!
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/lecale2/CUSHENDUNPIC31-1.jpg)
Quote from: Lecale2 on October 12, 2013, 12:12:02 PM
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/lecale2/CUSHENDUNPIC31-1.jpg)
It's close, but it's not right !
Some people have mentioned Westport on here. It's a very close second for me.
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 11, 2013, 04:25:23 PM
The drive from Leenane to Louisburg - nothing like it anywhere.
Stunning, as is the drive along the North Antrim coast.
Quote from: ziggy90 on October 12, 2013, 12:59:12 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on October 11, 2013, 04:25:23 PM
The drive from Leenane to Louisburg - nothing like it anywhere.
Stunning, as is the drive along the North Antrim coast.
Both great drives on a sunny day.
I always loved the drive from Cong to Maam Cross in Connemara as well.
(http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/00/58/2005882_35e01424.jpg)
Hard to beat a good oul graveyard
Picnic table for Tyronies included ;).
Quote from: Lecale2 on October 12, 2013, 12:12:02 PM
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/lecale2/CUSHENDUNPIC31-1.jpg)
That is Cushendun, right? I like it and Cushendall - Cushendall, probably more for the pubs.
Kilkenny is the nicest city in Ireland.
Lahinch is the nicest seaside town/village.
I like driving through the Mournes - up round Silent Valley
I drove around Valentia Island one day. It was a lovely sunny day - we stopped at the slate quarry and there were fantastic views.
Quote from: Lecale2 on October 12, 2013, 12:12:02 PM
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/lecale2/CUSHENDUNPIC31-1.jpg)
Cushendun seems to have got in the way of what the photographer was tying to snap.
kilkenny is still the nicest part of Ireland i have been in, best overall spot in Ireland would we either Powerscourt gardens in Wicklow or Johnstown Castle demense outside Wexford, i do hear of a castle demense in clara in offaly but havent been there yet
Tallanstown during the harvest.
Glengarrif
Glendalough
The Hogan Stand
Inistioge Kilkenny has to be up there
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on October 12, 2013, 07:20:50 PM
Inistioge Kilkenny has to be up there
Woodstock Gardens in Inistigoe is a great place to bring a female for a bit of how's your father.
Quote from: 5 Sams on October 11, 2013, 03:41:59 PM
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on October 11, 2013, 03:04:39 PM
An Trá Bán on An Blascaod Mór is beautiful as is the Dingle Peninsula as a whole. I also liked Baltimore in west Cork.
+1
(http://irishislands.info/oilphoto/blaskphoto/BPanTraBan.jpg)
+1
Incredible beauty.
Spectacular alright...but wouldn't even be in the top 5 places to see in West Kerry.
http://www.dingle-region.com/enter.htm
Conor Pass. An Fear Marbh. Mam Clasach. Coomeenole srl, srl,srl.
Quote from: 5 Sams on October 13, 2013, 10:44:31 PM
Spectacular alright...but wouldn't even be in the top 5 places to see in West Kerry.
http://www.dingle-region.com/enter.htm
Conor Pass. An Fear Marbh. Mam Clasach. Coomeenole srl, srl,srl.
Coomenole beach, that's the one with the road leading to the beach (featured in Ryan's Daughter I believe, and it's the same place the man on the scooter drives down on TG4). I've been there a few times. It is absolutely beautiful, one of my favourite spots in all of Ireland.
Dunquin pier is just around the road, and it's definitely worth a visit. It's the one you always see on postcards, with the sheep coming up the wee windy path. That part of the world is simply stunning.
Quote from: BennyCake on October 13, 2013, 11:49:59 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on October 13, 2013, 10:44:31 PM
Spectacular alright...but wouldn't even be in the top 5 places to see in West Kerry.
http://www.dingle-region.com/enter.htm
Conor Pass. An Fear Marbh. Mam Clasach. Coomeenole srl, srl,srl.
Coomenole beach, that's the one with the road leading to the beach (featured in Ryan's Daughter I believe, and it's the same place the man on the scooter drives down on TG4). I've been there a few times. It is absolutely beautiful, one of my favourite spots in all of Ireland.
Dunquin pier is just around the road, and it's definitely worth a visit. It's the one you always see on postcards, with the sheep coming up the wee windy path. That part of the world is simply stunning.
An Beal Ban lovely too.
Quote from: orangeman on October 14, 2013, 12:23:38 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on October 13, 2013, 11:49:59 PM
Quote from: 5 Sams on October 13, 2013, 10:44:31 PM
Spectacular alright...but wouldn't even be in the top 5 places to see in West Kerry.
http://www.dingle-region.com/enter.htm
Conor Pass. An Fear Marbh. Mam Clasach. Coomeenole srl, srl,srl.
Coomenole beach, that's the one with the road leading to the beach (featured in Ryan's Daughter I believe, and it's the same place the man on the scooter drives down on TG4). I've been there a few times. It is absolutely beautiful, one of my favourite spots in all of Ireland.
Dunquin pier is just around the road, and it's definitely worth a visit. It's the one you always see on postcards, with the sheep coming up the wee windy path. That part of the world is simply stunning.
An Beal Ban lovely too.
An Srath Ban lovely too.
Where is that above? The pitch in it makes the photo for me.