Ireland's seven wonders to visit in 2026, as named by the experts

Ireland's "seven wonders" for 2026 have been chosen by the experts over at Condé Nast Traveller.

These places in Ireland are, according to Condé Nast Traveller, "less instantly recognisable" and the "ones to seek out for an alternative spin on this land so rich in culture and charm."

After checking out the list, we have to agree!

Read on to see what made the cut for Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 7 Wonders of Ireland feature.

Waterford’s Copper Coast and Greenway

Highlights during a drive along Waterford's Copper Coast include the sea caves at Trá na mBó, the cliffs at Stradbally Cove, "sublime swimming" at Guillamene, and the family-friendly scoop of Kilmurrin.

Meanwhile, the Waterford Greenway, which winds from Waterford City to Dungarvan, boasts the Georgian estate Mount Congreve and a route along the base of the Comeragh Mountain.

Kilmurrin Bay, Co Waterford. (Getty Images)

The Burren

This Ice Age-era area in Co Clare is described aptly as "so otherworldly and extraordinary" by Condé Nast Traveller. 

Notable spots to check out in The Burren include Aillwee Cave and the walkable Lough Avalla Farm loop.

The Burren in Co Clare. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Ring of Beara

The Ring of Beara, Conde Nast Traveler writes, is "a knockout and relatively hush-hush route."

Situated on the border of Kerry and Cork, the Ring of Beara will wind you through Eyeries and Allihies and over the Healy Pass, and "even past Ireland’s first Tibetan Buddhist temple, built on the edge of a cliff, where visitors are welcome to silently explore the meditation garden."

Gleninchaquin Park, on the Kerry side of the Ring, offers scenic walking trails and valleys, while Dursey Island, the home to Ireland's only cable car, is worth the excursion.

Allihies on the Ring of Beara. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Northwest Donegal

Donegal, Condé Nast Traveller writes, "feels like a place apart – and its northwest corner is as remote as it gets."

Highlighted are Glenveagh National Park, Mount Errigal, the beaches of Dunfanaghy, and Tory Island.

Fanad Lighthouse also gets a well due shout out.

Glenveagh in Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Fermanagh Lakelands

The Fermanagh Lakelands are, as Condé Nast Traveller puts it, "a patchwork of sapphire-blue lakes, winding waterways and rolling bogland," as well as "a microcosm of the travel experience in Ireland."

The round tower at Devenish, the Stairway to Heaven boardwalk trail, the scene in Enniskillen town, the craftsmanship at Beleek Pottery, and family fun at Lough  Erne mean there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Devenish Island on Lough Erne. (Ireland's Content Pool)

The passage tombs of the Ancient East

Any history buff will be well familiar with Newgrange and Knowth, the burial grounds in the Boyne Valley in Co Meath - the heart of Ireland's Ancient East region.

Newgrange. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Kilkenny for Culture

While Dublin is the capital of Ireland, Condé Nast Traveller makes the argument for Kilkenny being the country's comedy capital. Highlighted are the Cat Laughs comedy festival and the world’s first economics and comedy festival, Kilkenomics.

Kilkenny. (Ireland's Content Pool)