people relaxing along the rugged coastline of Achill Island in Ireland
a rainbow over a thatched white cottage in Ireland
a weaver inspecting tweed
men drinking beer in Ireland
people walking in Inishmaan Island in Ireland
women talking in Ireland
a man helping a woman kiss the Blarney Stone
a priest talking to a bedridden woman in Ireland
aerial view of the Three Sisters, a peninsula in Ireland
a man carving out slices of peat in Ireland
students reading and writing in Gaelic
some children with their pony
young boys with sheep
an Irish pilgrim woman walking barefoot
teenagers relax on a stonewall near their home in Connemara, Ireland
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Edge of the CliffPeople relax by Ashleam Bay on Ireland’s Achill Island in a photo from a 1940 National Geographic. In the distance, a low wall keeps cattle and sheep from falling off the cliffs.
Photograph by Howell Walker, National Geographic

For St. Patrick's Day, 17 pictures that transport you to Ireland

Here are some of our favorite pictures of the Emerald Isle.

ByMarie McGrory
Photo EditorMallory Benedict
March 17, 2018
2 min read

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve compiled our favorite pictures of the Emerald Isle. These photos—from a trio of traditional Irish wedding crashers to breathtaking views of sea coasts to a woman bending backward to kiss the Blarney Stone, among others—may just inspire you to plan your own trip to Ireland. Whether you’re exploring the famous Wild Atlantic Way or forging a path of your own, here are some things you might want to know about the most renowned sites along the way.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

The largest cathedral in the country is still an active house of worship. If you are in Dublin, be sure to stop in Monday through Saturday for a free guided tour or check the calendar for a chance to see the 500-year-old choir perform.

Cliffs of Moher

You can easily spend a few hours enjoying this natural wonder, but don't waste time waiting in line for tickets when you can buy them in advance online. You can also download an audio guide ahead of time for a fully immersive experience on the ground.

Blarney Castle and Gardens

Kissing the Blarney Stone is on many visitors’ to-do lists when planning a trip to Ireland. While you’re at this historic castle, be on the look out for some surprising species in the surrounding woodlands, including otters, red squirrels, and buzzards. Or visit some of the world's most dangerous plants in the Poison Garden, if you dare.

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