Ireland is the Island that keeps on giving, and you don’t need to book a flight to Iceland to get the best of both worlds.
On rare occasions, the Northern Lights like to make themselves known here on our little isle, offering a chance to see them without crowds or an expensive plane ride that can only half promise a view.
Norway, Sweden, and Iceland might be the world’s prime spots for this beautiful natural occurrence, but Ireland also offers multiple sightings of clear skies, with a rainbow of hues humming in the distance.
Let’s take a look at the best places to see the Northern Lights in Ireland.
Donegal – Ireland’s best bet
Donegal is every local’s best bet for seeing the Northern Lights, with photographers often driving up to Malin Head for a chance at the shot of a lifetime.
It’s also Ireland’s most northerly point, which gives uninterrupted views of the Atlantic. This just so happens to be exactly what you need.
According to Met Éireann, auroras become visible in Ireland during “strong geomagnetic storms combined with clear, dark skies”. Thus, Donegal regularly ticks both of those boxes.
Mayo and the Wild Atlantic Way – Erris and Blacksod Bay
Another great place to see the Northern Lights, if you’re lucky, is North Mayo on the West Coast of Ireland.
The Erris area and Blacksod Bay offer the best possible sense of remoteness, away from city lights, so you can see the sky in all its glory.
Photographers have captured green and pink hues glowing across the ocean sky. When you look at it, it may not look as vivid as when you pull out your phone camera. However, it sure does promise to give you your next most-liked Instagram post.
The Met Office has noted that during strong solar activity, auroras can extend “across much of the UK and Ireland,” particularly in darker areas. Along the Wild Atlantic Way, darkness is rarely an issue.
Northern coastlines and dark sky spots – see the Northern Lights up North
County Antrim has multiple reports and sightings of impressive Northern Lights displays. Ballintoy Harbour and the surrounding areas provide low light pollution and open views.
As Ireland doesn’t sit within the usual Northern Lights zone, we rely on the solar flares being extra strong to stretch further south, and the north of Ireland gets to experience this first. Simply, you need to find a dark spot to wait and hope from.
Dublin Mountains –a surprise close to the city
If you’re visiting Dublin City and don’t want to leave the East Coast, there is also a good chance you’ll get to view the Northern Lights from the Dublin Mountains.
Ticknock and Montpelier Hill have had multiple sightings, although they do tend to be fainter. However, when it happens, it feels extraordinary.
The Northern Lights in Dublin are something very few people expect to see, let alone get to see. So make sure you plan to visit the Dublin Mountains if your visit coincides with the Northern Lights forecasts.
When should you look? – your best odds
The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. Activity increases during a peak in the sun’s 11-year cycle. That doesn’t mean you’ll see them every week. It just means the odds improve slightly.
Clear skies matter more than anything. Cold, crisp nights are ideal. Checking space weather forecasts before heading out can save you from standing in the cold for no reason.
To improve your odds you should monitor the local forecasts (NOAA space weather alerts are recommended). Pick cold nights with little to no cloud coverage. Travel away from city lights and be patient as displays can be faint and brief.
The Northern Lights in Ireland are never guaranteed. There’s no tour bus, no promise, and definitely no refund policy. It’s the unpredictability that makes it magic.
On the right night, when the sky quietly begins to glow above a Donegal cliff or above the Dublin mountains, it feels special. The island has decided to show off for a short time. if you’re lucky enough to catch it, you won’t forget it.
