SLIABH Liag and Glenveagh National Park have been included among Ireland’s best destinations for a scenic autumn getaway.
Travel insurance experts at CompareNI.com have created the 2026 Irish Beauty Spot Index to build the ultimate bucket list for a visit to the Emerald Isle.
The list has been created by travel insurance experts and covers all scenic Irish landscapes from towering coastal cliffs and stunning beaches to beautiful forest trails.
It was ranked by factors such as traveller ratings, accommodation reviews, affordability and accessibility from the nearest major airport.
Autumn is a popular time to visit Ireland as it means fewer crowds after the peak summer rush, cheaper accommodation prices and milder weather for exploring the wilderness and soaking in the stunning red and gold seasonal colours when the leaves start to turn.
Sliabh Liag placed third on the list for its dramatic sea cliffs and sweeping panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Soaring to 1998ft, the 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 the stunning landscape and features the cheapest accommodation prices overall at just €154 a night on average.
Sliabh Liag placed third on 2026 Irish Beauty Spot Index
The second Donegal location included, Glenvenagh National Park rounded out the top five for the beautiful wilds it offers.
The most northerly of Ireland’s six national parks, the rugged terrain 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, Glenvenagh is among the most accessible natural beauty spots on the list, and the nearby town of Letterkenny has the second cheapest accommodation prices at €187.
Glenveagh Castle is one of the beautiful features of the National Park
At the top of the list, Keem Bay in County Mayo was placed as the best destination, Curracloe Beach in County Wexford in second place and the Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh in fourth.
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.
“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.”
See: www.compareni.com