If you’re wondering where to see the northern lights in Ireland, head for a dark, north-facing coast: Malin Head and the Fanad and Inishowen peninsulas in Co Donegal are the best bets, followed by north Mayo, Sligo and the Antrim coast. Ireland’s best-known protected dark sky places, in Mayo, Kerry and Tyrone, are the other strong options, as long as you have a clear view to the north.
The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most spectacular shows. On the nights they appear, they light up the skies with dancing, colorful waves. It’s hardly surprising that they’ve fascinated and mystified people for centuries.
People travel thousands of miles to catch a glimpse of this spectacle, but such long journeys aren’t always necessary.
A friend of mine recently moved to County Donegal and phoned to tell me all about the resplendent display of the Northern Lights that she saw.
She arrived there in September and, one dark, cold night, saw the skies light up with waves of green and red.
Obviously, this doesn’t happen every night, and you need to be in the right place at the right time to experience the Northern Lights in Ireland.
Ideally, that’s somewhere far from civilization and the light pollution is minimal. Fortunately, Ireland has many such places and throws its own brand of magic into the mix, making it an ideal destination for viewing the Northern Lights.
Quick answer: where to see the northern lights in Ireland (checked November 2026)
- Best overall: Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula, Co Donegal, the most northerly point on the island.
- Protected dark skies: Mayo Dark Sky Park (Wild Nephin National Park, Ballycroy), the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve (Iveragh Peninsula) and the OM Dark Sky Park in Davagh Forest, Co Tyrone.
- Northern Ireland: the Antrim coast, around Ballintoy Harbour and Dunluce Castle, plus the OM Dark Sky Park.
- Which way to face: north. From Ireland the aurora usually sits low over the northern horizon, so pick a spot with nothing but sea or open ground in that direction.
- Fair warning: most of these are dark cliffs and headlands. Scout them in daylight, park in a proper car park and stay well back from the edge.
When to Go and How to Check the Forecast
This page is about where to stand. For when to go, what the Kp numbers mean and how to set up free aurora alerts, see our northern lights in Ireland timing and forecast guide. The short version: September to April, a geomagnetic storm, and a clear sky.
Ireland’s climate is notoriously wet, which means plenty of cloud cover throughout the year. You can’t see the Northern Lights under such conditions, so it’s well worth checking the weather forecast before you head out. Ideally, you want a clear, crisp night with minimal cloud cover.
That’s also why it pays to have two or three spots in mind. If Donegal is under cloud, Mayo or the Antrim coast might not be, and our month by month weather in Ireland page shows what each season usually throws at you.
Where Can You See the Northern Lights in Ireland?
The best places to see the Northern Lights in Ireland are those that are far enough away from cities and other residential areas that they experience minimal light pollution.
As the eastern and southern sections of Ireland are the most populated, the west and north coast offer better chances of seeing the display.
The best locations include remote headlands, beaches, and national parks.
Which Direction Should You Face?
North. The Met Office guide to the northern lights puts it simply: look north, and north-facing coasts and rural spots give you the best vantage points. At Irish latitudes the lights usually start as a glow low on the horizon, so a hill, a forest or a town in that direction can hide the whole show.
Use your phone’s compass before it gets dark, and pick a spot where north is open sea or flat bog. A bit of height helps too, which is why so many of the spots below are headlands.
Here’s the whole shortlist by county, with which way to look and where to park:
Top 13 Places to See the Northern Lights in Ireland
#1 Malin Head, Co Donegal
The closer you are to the North Pole, the more vibrant the display, which is why many astronomers and star-gazers head to the northerly county of Donegal. From there, you can reach the most northerly point of the whole island – Malin Head in Inishowen.
Malin Head is a remote destination that enjoys minimal light pollution and is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and unspoiled beauty.
The easiest way to get to Malin Head is to drive, via the R242. The nearest bus stop is in Malin village, about 16 km away, so the bus is no use for a night out at the tip.
Parking and safety: the car park at Banba’s Crown is free, small and open all year. Face north over the sea. The headland is very exposed and the paths past Hell’s Hole get vague, so stick to the marked trail and stay back from the cliffs.
#2 Fanad Peninsula, Co Donegal
This headland is a little further south than Malin Head but enjoys the same uninterrupted northerly views. From here, you can see the Inishowen peninsula, where Malin Head is situated.
The Fanad Lighthouse provides the perfect backdrop for viewing the Aurora Borealis, and if you’re lucky, you could even book a room there.
The three restored keepers’ cottages are bookable through Fanad Head Lighthouse’s own booking site, which saves you a dark drive home after a late night.
Ideally, you need a car to navigate this remote section of Ireland. Public transport out here is thin and won’t get you to the lighthouse late at night.
#3 Dunree Head, Co Donegal
Situated between the peninsulas of Fanad and Inishowen, Dunree Head juts out into Lough Swilly and offers uninterrupted views to the north.
The light pollution here is minimal, and your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are pretty high if the conditions are good.
There’s no public transport out to Fort Dunree at night, so you’d need a car, or accommodation nearby if you wanted to spend the night stargazing.
#4 Davagh Forest International Dark Sky Park, Co Tyrone
The OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Davagh Forest is an accredited International Dark Sky Park, offering “an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment.”
Accredited in 2020 as the 78th International Dark Sky Park in the world and the first in Northern Ireland, it offers, due to the lack of light pollution, some of the darkest skies on the island and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights.
Just don’t head off there too early. In mid-September the sky isn’t fully dark until just before 10 pm, and in the summer months it never gets truly dark at all.
Unfortunately, it’s not particularly easy to get there using public transport, so self-drive is definitely your best option.
Parking and safety: the forest is on Davagh Road (BT79 8JH), about 6 miles (10 km) north-west of Cookstown, with free parking, according to the Visit Mid Ulster page for Davagh Forest. Parts of the forest can close for forestry work, and the trees block the low northern sky in places, so find an open clearing.
#5 Sliabh Liag, Co Donegal
Further south in County Donegal lie Sliabh Liag, some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Towering over 600m above the ocean, Sliabh Liag gives you a panoramic view across Donegal Bay.
Although the outlook is more northwesterly than in the north of the county, you can still get some dramatic views of the Northern Lights if you pick the right time.
Ideally, you should head towards Bunglass Point, from where you can look north over the cliffs and, hopefully, see the Northern Lights dancing across the ocean towards you.
Two bus routes stop close to Sliabh Liag, and several shuttle buses, but these are only really suitable for daytime trips. The best option is to drive there and book into one of the B&Bs, campsites, or lodges in the area.
Parking and safety: there’s free parking at the visitor centre and an upper car park a short walk from the viewing point. Don’t go beyond the viewing point onto One Man’s Pass in the dark: even by day it’s for experienced walkers only.
#6 Mullet Peninsula, Co Mayo
Located in the northwestern part of County Mayo, the Mullet or Erris Peninsula is further south than County Donegal but still a popular destination for Aurora spotters.
The idyllic town of Belmullet is well-known among locals as a potential Northern Lights gazing spot and looks out over the bays of Blacksod and Broadhaven.
Buses do reach Belmullet, but you’ll want a car to get away from the town lights to a north-facing stretch of the peninsula at night.
#7 Downpatrick Head, Co Mayo
Downpatrick Head is the most northern point of County Mayo and, as it also faces north, offers breathtaking views of the Aurora Borealis, especially on a clear spring night.
From this small peninsula, you can enjoy unrivaled views of the Dún Briste and across to the islands of the Stags of Broadhaven.
Again, this destination is easier to reach than those in County Donegal. You can take the train from Dublin to Ballina, though you’ll need a car for the last stretch to Downpatrick Head, about 5 km north of Ballycastle.
Parking and safety: park at the car park on the headland, where the Downpatrick Head loop walk starts. The council’s own advice is to beware the dangerous cliff edge, and that goes double in the dark.
#8 Mullaghmore, Co Sligo
Situated to the south of County Donegal, County Sligo attracts its fair share of Aurora chasers, despite having less impressive northerly views. If you’re struggling to get as far as County Donegal, you could stop off at Mullaghmore and try your luck there.
Mullaghmore is a small north-facing peninsula that offers some good views of the Northern Lights despite some light pollution.
While it’s easiest to drive there, you could get a train to Sligo and then hop on the 982 bus, which will take you into the village. From there, it’s a short walk to Mullaghmore Head, where you have the best chance of seeing the lights.
Scout your spot in daylight first. Our Classiebawn Castle viewpoints guide covers the best places to pull in on the headland road.
#9 Valentia Island, Co Kerry
As one of Ireland’s most westerly points, Valentia Island enjoys minimal light pollution, making it a good spot for seeing the Northern Lights.
The island is linked to the mainland by the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge at Portmagee, and a ferry service runs from Reenard to the main village of Knightstown.
The Valentia Island car ferry only runs from April to October, so outside those months the bridge is your way in. Valentia is part of the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve (more on that below), and its north side looks out across Dingle Bay.
#10 Tory Island, Co Donegal
Situated off the northwest coast of Donegal, Tory Island is “the most remote of Ireland’s inhabited islands.”
That remoteness makes it difficult to get to, but well worth the visit, especially if you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights.
Rugged and unspoiled, Tory Island boasts many potential viewing spots, including the highest point on the island, Balor’s Fort.
To get there, you need to catch a ferry from Magheroarty Pier, which takes around 45 minutes.
It’s passengers only, no cars. The Tory Ferry sailing information warns that Magheroarty Pier is tidal and sailings can be rescheduled or cancelled. An aurora night on Tory means staying over, so book somewhere on the island before you go.
#11 Mayo Dark Sky Park, Co Mayo
Mayo Dark Sky Park is in Wild Nephin National Park (formerly Ballycroy National Park) and was made a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park in May 2016, Ireland’s first. It’s a handy add-on if you’re already heading for the Mullet Peninsula or Downpatrick Head.
The park lists three Mayo Dark Sky Park viewing points, all with parking and wheelchair access:
- Ballycroy Visitor Centre, about 1 km from Ballycroy village: a big car park, toilets and a 2 km looped walk up to a plateau. The car park and boardwalk are open all year, and there’s a lighting curfew.
- Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail, 5.5 km from Mulranny: you can watch from the car, or walk the 2 km boardwalk.
- Brogan Carroll Bothy, 13 km from Newport: a stone bothy that’s open 24 hours, which is handy when the wind picks up.
Thinking of pitching a tent and making a night of it? Check the wild camping in Ireland laws and rules first, because national parks have their own policy.
#12 Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, Co Kerry
The Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve covers the western end of the Iveragh Peninsula, including Valentia Island, Portmagee, Ballinskelligs, Waterville, Cahersiveen and Caherdaniel. It was awarded Gold Tier status in January 2014, the first Gold Tier reserve in the northern hemisphere.
There’s a catch for aurora hunters. Kerry is the furthest south of all these spots, so it needs a stronger storm than Donegal does. Pick somewhere with an open view north, like the north side of Valentia, rather than the south-facing bays. You can also book a local stargazing guide here, which is more than most of Ireland can offer.
#13 The Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland
The north Antrim coast faces straight out to sea towards Scotland, and it’s the easiest strong option if you’re based in Belfast or Derry. Ballintoy Harbour, Dunluce Castle and Mussenden Temple above Downhill Beach are the classic spots.
Ballintoy Harbour sits at the bottom of a steep, narrow road off the B15 coast road, about 5 miles (8 km) west of Ballycastle, with a car park beside the harbour, according to the Visit Causeway Coast and Glens Ballintoy page. Take that road slowly in the dark.
For Dunluce, our Dunluce Castle visitor guide covers parking, and if you’re combining an aurora night with a daytime visit to the Causeway, our tips on seeing the Giant’s Causeway without the crowds will help.
Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights in Ireland
When planning a trip to Ireland to see the Northern Lights, timing is everything, so it’s worth doing some research.
Do Your Research
The Irish Meteorological Service is the best place to go to get insights into forthcoming weather patterns, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides short-term forecasts of the aurora’s location and intensity.
Once you’ve selected the perfect time and destination, you need to start thinking about equipment. The most important thing to remember about viewing the Northern Lights in Ireland is that it’s likely to be dark and cold.
Stay Safe in the Dark
Most of the best spots are cliffs, piers and headlands, and they look very different at midnight. A few rules worth sticking to:
- Visit in daylight first so you know where the path goes and where the edge is.
- Park properly. Use a car park or a proper lay-by, never a field gate or a passing place on a narrow road, and switch your headlights off once you’re stopped so you don’t ruin everyone else’s view.
- Bring a head torch with a red light, and keep it pointed at your feet. It saves your night vision and everyone else’s.
- Stay on marked paths and well back from cliff edges, especially in wind. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
- Know the number. In the Republic of Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard contact information says to dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard. In Northern Ireland, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Dress Appropriately
During the best months for seeing the Northern Lights in Ireland, the temperature can drop well below 9°C (48.2℉) on a clear night, so you need to be prepared. Remember, you’ll be standing or sitting still for much of the time and could easily get a chill.
The secret to staying warm while watching the light display is plenty of layers! Make sure you have a warm base layer, coupled with another lightweight top or sweater. Take a windproof jacket if you’re going to a coastal location like Malin Head, which gets strong winds throughout the year.
Coming between November and February? Our guide to visiting Ireland in winter, with weather and daylight covers what to expect from the short days.
Pack Sensibly
Although a good camera and tripod give you the best chance of capturing the display, a good smartphone will also work.
As you could be outside waiting for the lights to appear for some time, you must stay hydrated, so take along plenty of water. A flask of hot cocoa isn’t a bad idea either!
For the rest of the bag, our list of Ireland packing essentials for rain and walking covers the waterproofs and boots.
Are There Guides Available?
In places like Iceland and Greenland, there are numerous guided tours specifically designed for people who, like you, want to experience the Northern Lights for themselves. That’s far less common in Ireland, and you’ll often be on your own out there unless you can find other enthusiasts to join up with.
Your best bet for company is a dark sky place. The OM Dark Sky Park has its own observatory, and you can book local stargazing guides in the Kerry reserve.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Ireland: FAQs
Where is the best place to see the northern lights in Ireland?
Malin Head in Co Donegal. It’s the most northerly point on the island, faces open sea to the north and has very little light pollution. Fanad Head and Dunree Head nearby are close seconds, and if Donegal is cloudy, try north Mayo or the Antrim coast instead.
Which direction do you look to see the northern lights in Ireland?
North. From Ireland the aurora usually appears as a glow low over the northern horizon, rising higher only in strong storms. Choose a spot where north is open sea or flat ground, with no hills, trees or town lights in the way, and check your phone’s compass before it gets dark.
Where can you see the northern lights in Northern Ireland?
The north Antrim coast is the best bet, with Ballintoy Harbour, Dunluce Castle and Mussenden Temple all facing out to sea. Inland, the OM Dark Sky Park in Davagh Forest, Co Tyrone, was the first International Dark Sky Park in Northern Ireland and has free parking.
Can you see the northern lights from Dublin?
Only during very strong storms, such as May 2024 and January 2026, and even then the city lights wash out a lot of it. If you live in Dublin, you’ll do better driving north or west to somewhere properly dark with an open view north than watching from the back garden.
Do you need to go to a dark sky park?
No. Any dark, north-facing spot away from towns will do, and the Donegal headlands are often better for the aurora than the dark sky parks because they’re further north. The parks do give you protected darkness, proper parking and, in Mayo, set viewing points with shelter.
Is it safe to go to the cliffs at night?
It can be, if you’re careful. Visit in daylight first, park in a proper car park, stay on marked paths and well back from the edge, and bring a head torch. In an emergency in the Republic, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Conclusion
Many places in Ireland offer exceptional experiences of the Northern Lights. The further north you go, the better your chances, which is why County Donegal is Ireland’s most popular destination for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
You need dark skies to get a good view of the Northern Lights, so most of these destinations are pretty remote. Although you can reach many of them using public transport, self-drive is by far the best way to go. It means you can drive yourself out to a remote spot in the middle of the night and get front seats at the greatest show on Earth.
Ireland is a fabulous destination in itself, but knowing you can see the Northern Lights there as well takes it to a whole new level. Don’t you think it’s time you started checking the weather forecast and planning your trip? I promise it will be one you’ll never forget.
Locations, parking and ferry details checked against Mayo Dark Sky Park, DarkSky International, Tory Ferry, Mayo County Council and the local tourism boards in November 2026.
