It’s called the Emerald Isle for a reason!

Ireland and Northern Ireland are home to some of the most breathtaking vistas in Europe, not to mention cities with incredible food, art, and culture. Don’t believe me? Scroll through these pics, then try and tell me Ireland didn’t just jump to the top of your bucket list!

Let’s start in the south, in the quaint and romantic city of Cork.

Kick back and enjoy the lush green grass as you gaze out upon your domain.

Most cities in Europe have a river running right through the middle, and Cork is no exception.

A bacon and cheese quiche so good you could cry.

Saint Finn-Barre’s Cathedral soars high above the skyline.

Mussels anyone? The fish you eat for dinner is often what fishermen caught that morning…talk about fresh!

To the northeast of Cork, we find Ireland’s capital city of Dublin. Packed with the most famous pubs, universities, and architecture in the country, you are sure to find something here to fall in love with.

Nighttime on the River Liffey.

Shepard’s Pie is a Dublin staple and you can get it almost anywhere. This beauty is from M.J. O’Neill’s near Temple Bar.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, arguably the most important church on the whole Emerald Isle.

Interior of Saint Patrick’s.

The west coast is home to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most extraordinary geological features in Ireland. If you look due west past the cliffs, the next landmass you would see is North America. Sorry, even in sunny weather you can’t actually see that far, but it’s cool to think that only the wild Atlantic Ocean stands between here and there.

As the clouds roll in, the landscape stays remarkably green.

Seeing the cliffs in person is nothing like seeing them in pictures. They will literally take your breath away.

Finally, to the north is the city of Belfast. It’s the capital of Northern Ireland, which became a separate country from Ireland in 1921 due to the island’s history of religious strife. Northern Ireland is technically under British rule, so residents use pounds as currency and carry U.K. passports. It is an easy 2 hour bus ride from Dublin and is totally worth your while.

Belfast City Hall lit up at night.

The Beacon of Hope statue sends the message of peace and harmony and is an iconic image for the city.

The Titanic may have sailed from England on its only voyage, but it was built in the harbor of Belfast and its residents are proud of this history. Check out the museum with amazing stories and artifacts from history’s most notorious cruise ship.

This plaque on display in Belfast City Hall was brought down to the wreckage, fastened to the ship for a moment, and brought back to Northern Ireland so its people would have a piece of the ship with them forever.

The Albert Bridge is one of eight that span the River Lagan. Along the banks of the river are beautiful paths for walking, biking, and exploring.

The campus of Queen’s University will transport you back in time with detailed Gothic architecture and lush lawns. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, former Irish President Mary McAleese, and Liam Neeson.

If you’re in the north, you will definitely want to check out the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the surrounding area. See for yourself…

Where the rock meets the sea…

Hexagonal pillars of stone shoot out from the ocean at one of Ireland’s most famous sites.

Wildflowers grow right out of the stone as if by magic.

Nearby is the Old Bushmill’s Distillery, the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Check out the tour of how small-batch whiskey is made in this little town, and enjoy a tasting of their world-famous liquor.

Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge gets you to some of the best vistas in Northern Ireland.

Every inch of this beautiful island is lush and green.

Have you traveled to Ireland or Northern Ireland and think we missed something? Want more information about planning your next getaway? Leave a comment below with your tips and ideas and a wanderlust consultant can get in touch with you! #YourWorldBetter