Slieve League and Glenveagh named among Ireland's top destinations

Two Donegal spots have been named amongst Ireland’s top five destinations.

Slieve League placed second, and Glenveagh National Park placed fifth in CompareNI’s lists for a scenic Autumn getaway, with Letterkenny found to be the second cheapest for accommodation.

Keem Bay in County Mayo came first, followed by Curracloe Beach in Wexford/

Slieve League received an overall rating of 46.5 out of 68, with accommodation prices averaging at €154; meanwhile, Glenveagh National Park got a rating of 42.5 out of 68, with accommodation averaging at €187.

Slieve League offers visitors the chance to stand on dramatic sea cliffs and soak up sweeping panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Soaring to 1998ft, these sheer marine cliffs are among the tallest in Europe, standing over three times higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare.

The nearby fishing village of Killybegs is an ideal base from which to explore this stunning landscape and features the cheapest accommodation prices overall at just €154 a night on average.

Glenvenagh National Park is a haven for nature lovers, with its magnificent mountains, pristine lakes, waterfalls, glens and native oak woods. The remote landscape is also brimming with wildlife such as red deer, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, pine martens and otters. With a drive time of just over 2 hours from Belfast International Airport, Glenveagh is among the most accessible natural beauty spots on this list, and the nearby town of Letterkenny has the second-cheapest accommodation prices at €187.

Travel insurance experts at CompareNI created the 2026 Irish Beauty Spot Index to build the ultimate bucket list for a visit to the Emerald Isle, uncovering unmissable natural wonders from towering coastal cliffs and idyllic lakes to stunning beaches and picturesque forest trails.

The research looked at prominent visitor destinations across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, ranking them based on factors such as traveller ratings, accommodation reviews, affordability and accessibility from the nearest major airport.

Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com, said: “The island of Ireland has an astonishing collection of natural beauty spots, from towering coastal cliffs and mist-covered peninsulas to unspoilt national parks and golden sandy beaches.

“There is so much to see and do that travellers might find it hard to decide which destination to choose when planning an autumn getaway.

“Our 2026 Irish Beauty Spot Index compares Ireland’s most popular natural beauty spots across key holiday factors, including visitor reviews, accommodation ratings and price, and how easy they are to reach – to help visitors plan their dream trip and take in as many beauty spots as possible.

“This year’s results show Keem Bay leading the way, outperforming many of the more well-known destinations. It is perhaps Keem Bay’s remoteness and sense of isolation that visitors love the most, keeping it from feeling overly crowded or commercialized.

“Other iconic destinations such as the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and the Giant’s Causeway may be more familiar to international visitors, but our research shows that some of Ireland’s lesser-known landscapes can offer equally memorable - and in some cases even more highly rated - experiences.

“For travellers planning an autumn trip, our index helps provide some inspiration for an unforgettable Irish getaway and maybe even encourages them to venture a little further off the beaten path.”

To find out more, visit CompareNI’s website here.