From rugged coastlines to misty mountains, these faraway destinations look so Irish, you would swear you never left the island.
Ireland has one of the most instantly recognisable landscapes in the world. Think rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, stone walls, and moody skies that change by the minute. However, while Ireland’s scenery feels uniquely its own, there are a few places around the world that look uncannily familiar.
From windswept coastlines to mist-covered mountains, these destinations could easily pass for Ireland at first glance. Here are three of the most Irish-looking places on Earth that are not actually in Ireland.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada – Ireland across the Atlantic
If there is one place outside Ireland that feels like its long-lost cousin, it is Newfoundland and Labrador. Jutting out into the North Atlantic, this Canadian province shares a rugged coastline, colourful fishing villages, and dramatic cliffs that would not look out of place in Donegal or Mayo.
The similarities go beyond looks. Newfoundland has deep Irish roots, with many locals tracing their ancestry back to Ireland. Even the accent in parts of the island has a distinctly Irish lilt. Combine that with foggy mornings, crashing waves, and remote coastal roads, and it feels like Ireland with just a slightly longer flight.
The Catskill Mountains, New York – an Irish heart in the American wilderness
Tucked away in upstate New York, the Catskill Mountains are another unexpected Irish lookalike. With their soft rolling hills, forested valleys, and mist drifting across the peaks, the Catskills can resemble Wicklow or parts of Connemara, especially in autumn and early spring.
While the landscape is more wooded than Ireland’s, the overall feel is surprisingly similar. Quiet country roads, stone bridges, and wide open views give the area a calm, rural charm that Irish travellers often feel instantly at home in.
The Scottish Highlands – Ireland’s wild sibling
It is no surprise that the Scottish Highlands resemble Ireland in many ways. The Highlands share ancient geological roots with Ireland, and it shows in the sweeping glens, rugged mountains, and vast open spaces.
From windswept moorland to dark lochs framed by steep hills, parts of the Highlands feel like a more dramatic, untamed version of the Irish west coast. The shared Celtic history and similar weather only add to the illusion, making it easy to forget which side of the Irish Sea you are on.
These places show that Ireland’s iconic landscape has echoes around the world. For those travelling beyond the comfort of the Emerald Isle, these destinations offer a slice of Ireland far beyond its shores.
