Anyone who’s seen pictures of the rolling green fields and dramatic cliffsides of Ireland likely understands why people talk about “the luck of the Irish.” At just a little over 32,500 square miles in area, Ireland is about as big as the state of Utah—tiny for a country but huge in terms of its worldwide cultural impact (St. Patrick’s Day parades, anybody?). Its landscape is one of the most beautiful on the earth’s surface, and definitely a hard destination to beat.
Still, for those based in the U.S. who prefer to travel by RV, the whole crossing-the-Atlantic thing can pose a bit of a problem. While there are certainly camper hires in the country, they can be a bit expensive and hard to come by—it is, after all, a fairly small island. Fortunately, though, there are some incredible destination dupes for the Emerald Isle right here on American soil. From the east coast to the west and in the mountains in between, here are our four top picks for U.S. destinations that look like Ireland.
1. Emerald Isle, North Carolina: Irish Coastal Charm
If you can’t get to the original Emerald Isle and are looking for green hills and coastal views in America, the Outer Banks of North Carolina are an excellent alternative. Wind-swept dunes, seas at turns sunny and stormy, and beaches perfect for staring wistfully out over the ocean await those who venture to this part of the country.
Additionally, because this is a North Carolina destination, you know that a variety of landscapes aren’t far afield. Hammocks Beach State Park, with its shrub thickets and marshlands, are only a quick drive away (and make for a great local camping spot). But you’re also nearby the Croatan National Forest with its abundance of outdoor adventure opportunities, and if you venture further west, of course, there’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park awaiting.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Emerald Isle is a beautiful stretch of the North Carolina coast, with lush greenery, dramatic dunes, and rolling hills reminiscent of Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coastline.
- Known for its serene beaches, coastal cliffs, and emerald-green waters, it evokes Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and the scenic beauty of Ireland’s coastal towns.
- The village’s natural beauty, along with the warm, friendly vibe, mirrors Ireland’s coastal charm.
Methodology:
- Compared coastal beauty, cliffs, and beaches along the Atlantic Coast.
- Researched the Irish-inspired culture and architecture of local villages.
- Analyzed visitor testimonials comparing the serenity and atmosphere to Ireland’s seaside regions.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana: Irish Lake Views & Mountain Backdrops
Here’s the deal: Glacier National Park is an impeccable destination for anyone, whether you have an urge to visit Ireland or not. But it’s also the official sister park of Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland, so designated in 2021 for the two landscapes’ stunning similarity.
Characterized by high mountain peaks dotted with serene, glass-clear lakes, both of these national parks offer incredible opportunities for outdoors lovers of all stripes. The only difference is, one requires waiting through TSA lines and going through customs. (Of course, Glacier National Park does extend into Canada, where it’s known as Waterton Lakes National Park, so you can still put your passport to work if you want to, while still avoiding the airport.)
Outside of Glacier, the little town of Whitefish, Montana offers incredible eateries, art galleries, coffee shops and more—and the bigger town of Kalispell is not far afield for needs like big box stores and movie theaters. Whether you’re into rustic or luxury, there are also amazing RV campgrounds surrounding the area, so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the incredible scenery of this one-of-a-kind part of the world.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Montana’s Glacier National Park, with its stunning glacial lakes, lush green forests, and majestic mountain backdrops, offers an Irish-like landscape reminiscent of Killarney National Park in County Kerry.
- The park features a similar mix of rugged terrain and tranquil lakes, and the area’s natural beauty, including the surrounding Rocky Mountains, mirrors Ireland’s serene lakes and scenic hiking spots
Methodology:
- Compared terrain and landscape features to Killarney National Park.
- Researched outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, kayaking, and nature walks.
- Assessed the climate and greenery that mirror Ireland’s beautiful parklands and lakes.
3. Mendocino Coast, California: Irish Cliff Views and Coastal Vistas
When it comes to the non-big-city California coast, Big Sur gets a lot of the glory. But for those looking to experience the same rugged sea-weathered coastlines and quaint country lifestyle one might near the Cliffs of Moher, the Mendocino Coast is perhaps one of the most overlooked Ireland-like landscapes in the U.S.
The town of Mendocino itself is surrounded by preserved landscapes, including Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino Headlands State Park, Mendocino Woodlands State Park, Van Damme State Park and others, all of which protect sprawling groves of ancient redwoods and flowing rivers that support all kinds of estuary life. Back at the beach, this is also an excellent spot for whale-watching, adding to the overall romance and mystery of the landscape—not to mention the small, quaint towns in the area filled with locals and their stories. (In fact, some of the best campfire tales might be circulating around the area’s RV campgrounds.)
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Mendocino’s dramatic coastline with craggy cliffs and sweeping ocean views mirrors the majestic cliffs of Ireland, like the Cliffs of Moher.
- The Pacific Ocean views, combined with the rolling hills and verdant forests, create a landscape that could easily be mistaken for the Emerald Isle itself. It’s also a great spot for coastal hiking and exploring picturesque, charming villages.
Methodology:
- Compared coastal cliffs, ocean views, and natural scenery to Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher and other iconic Irish coastlines.
- Researched travel reviews highlighting the coastal beauty and serenity of Mendocino.
- Assessed the variety of outdoor activities like hiking, exploring coastal towns, and beach walks that resemble Ireland’s coastal allure.
4. The Catskills, New York: Irish Mountain Retreat
It’s pretty wild to consider that one of the greenest, most tranquil landscapes in our country is just a few hours north of its densest urban core. The Catskills are one of the main reasons the whole concept of going upstate is a thing—and it’s also one of the best Irish-inspired travel spots in the U.S.
Along with formidable named mountains well worth their steep climbs, like Panther and Peekamoose, the Catskills can also offer a more relaxed and scenic journey for those who’d prefer to view the world from the comfort of their RV or tow vehicle: a background of rolling hills and mist-covered mountains seems to go on forever, lulling you into a meditative state just like the Irish countryside can.
And, yet again, the small towns that punctuate the area offer the kind of warm hospitality you’d expect in the burgs outside of Dublin: a hot cup of tea ready for you after a foggy mountain stroll and knowing smiles around the table. It also boasts some of the choicest RV campgrounds in the country.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- The Catskills offer a landscape of rolling hills, misty mountain ranges, and lush forests, which resemble the Irish countryside, particularly regions like County Wicklow.
- Known for its scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and quaint villages, the Catskills evoke the peaceful, green beauty of Ireland’s rural areas. The misty mornings and lush landscapes are very reminiscent of Irish vistas.
Methodology:
- Compared the rolling hills, forests, and mountainous terrain to Ireland’s countryside, especially areas in County Wicklow.
- Researched the Catskills’ hiking, camping, and waterfall opportunities that offer a similar natural escape to Ireland’s rural beauty.
- Analyzed the tranquil atmosphere and small-town charm that is reminiscent of Ireland’s rural villages.
Although we’d never discourage you from going to the original, unbeatable Éire, as you can see, there are plenty of scenic U.S. spots for Ireland lovers that are well worth your time. Plus, when you go in your very own rental RV, you can bring all the whiskey you want—just wait until you’re comfortably settled at your campground to break it out, please. Sláinte!
