At certain points of the year, you have a great chance of seeing the wild and wonderful Aurora Borealis from these top five dark sky spots across Ireland.
While the Scandinavian countries, Iceland, Finland, Canada, and Alaska are cited as the best spots in the world to see the Northern Lights, Ireland has its fair share of dark sky spots where you might be lucky enough to spot them at certain times of the year.
Between October and April is usually the best time to see them across Ireland, and it’s usually after dark, around 10 pm to 2 am, when we here on the Emerald Isle are told to cast our eyes skywards in the hopes of catching some waves of green and purple across the sky.
The trick to finding Ireland’s most promising Northern Lights spotting locations is to head either north or west, where there is no light pollution whatsoever. Let’s take a look at the top five spots.
5. Malin Head, Co. Donegal – the best place to spot the Aurora Borealis in Ireland
As Ireland’s most northern county, Donegal is a great place to spot the Northern Lights in Ireland. Malin Head is a lovely spot in Donegal with beautiful sweeping landscapes at every turn.
As Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head is where you want to be for the best chances of spotting the Northern Lights in the applicable months.
The dramatic clifftop acts as the perfect location to set up and cast your eyes north for some incredible views.
Address: Malin Head, Cionn Mhálanna, Ardmalin, Co. Donegal, Ireland
4. The Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim – unforgettable scenes
Stefan Klopp
The Antrim Coast is full of places to spot the Northern Lights, such as the sweeping landscape of the Giant’s Causeway and the solitude and darkness of Dunluce Castle.
The dramatic landscape of the Giant’s Causeway makes it one of the best places to perch and take out your camera to capture some rare but incredible scenes.
Then again, the medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle set against the backdrop of the watercolour-painted sky of the Aurora Borealis is a sight you wouldn’t soon forget.
Address: 44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU
Address: 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY
3. Fanad Head Lighthouse, Co. Donegal – unparalleled views of the Northern Lights
Another Donegal location, and a photographer’s dream Northern Lights location, is Fanad Head Lighthouse.
The lighthouse provides the most picture-perfect foreground when the mesmerising green and pink hues swim across the sky behind it.
The remote location of Fanad Head Lighthouse and its elevated position mean you’ll receive unspoilt, panoramic Northern Lights views.
The narrow country roads to get there are well worth the rewarding sights. It’s actually one of the few lighthouses in Ireland you can actually stay in, imagine those bedroom views!
Address: Cionn Fhánada Eara ThÃre na Binne, Baile Láir, Co. Donegal, F92 YC03, Ireland
2. Minaun Heights, Achill Island, Co. Mayo – 360-degree bliss
True remote bliss will be achieved with a visit to Minaun Heights on Achill Island in search of unforgettable Aurora Borealis views.
At 466 metres high, the 360 degree views from Minaun Heights is incredible at the best of times. With its height and remote location, you will not be sorry to have made the trip in search of the Northern Lights.
Address: Dookinelly (Thulis), Co. Mayo, Ireland
1. Mullaghmore Peninsula, Co. Sligo – unobstructed views over the Atlantic
One of the best locations in Ireland to spot the Northern Lights at the right time of year is the Mullaghmore Peninsula in Sligo. With its unobstructed views facing north across the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll be treated to some seriously unforgettable views.
You can even see the Northern Lights projected across the sky with the imposing and incredible Slieve League Cliffs visible across the bay.
A great foreground for catching the Aurora Borealis in the area is Classiebawn Castle. That’ll be a picture you won’t soon forget.
Address: Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo, Ireland
