Next up in our #IrishTravel series, we are talking to Criostoir Connolly (@explorewithcriostoir) whose content highlights Ireland's spectacular natural beauty and the top attractions it has to offer. His content spans from exploring medieval castles to sharing his most unique Irish experiences. If you’re looking for an exceptional staycation, Cristoir's page has you covered! Discover it all in his creator spotlight below.

Q: Why did you decide to start sharing travel content on TikTok?
A: I’ve always been inspired by the landscapes of Ireland, the rugged coastlines, misty mountains, and hidden gems tucked away in the countryside. At first, I was simply creating and sharing artwork based on these places, capturing their beauty on canvas. But one day, while I was out exploring, I felt like the still images weren’t enough. I wanted to share the real-time magic of what I was seeing. So I propped up my phone and started recording. That simple decision changed everything. I began posting short videos of the places I was visiting, not just the iconic tourist spots, but the lesser-known corners of Ireland that most people don’t get to see. To my surprise, people are really connecting with it. They weren’t just watching, they were feeling something. I started getting messages from viewers saying how the videos reminded them of home, or inspired them to travel, or gave them a sense of peace, especially those who no longer lived in Ireland or had not visited in a while.
That’s when I realised this was more than just a hobby. I created a dedicated page for my travels, and from there, it took off. What started as a way to document my own experiences turned into a growing community of people who love discovering the beauty of Ireland just as much as I do. Sharing my journey on TikTok has become one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

@explorewithcriostoir A little slice Ireland that feels like its stuck in time 📍Hidden village of Galboly #simplyireland #ireland #discoverireland #irish #visitireland #loveireland #wildatlanticway #irelandtravel #tourismireland #dublin #exploreireland #nature #photography #discoverdublin #lovindublin #travelphotography #irelandphotography #landscape #bestirelandpics #wanderireland #visitdublin #irishpassion #irlanda #travelireland #exploreireland ♬ The Night We Met - Marianne Beaulieu

Q: What are your favourite places you’ve visited in Ireland so far?
A: It’s hard to pick just one favorite place in Ireland, but if I had to choose a journey, the Wild Atlantic Way would be it. It’s the kind of road trip I could take over and over again and never get tired of. The ever-changing light, dramatic coastlines, and raw natural beauty along that route always leave me in awe. Some of my personal highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way are County Donegal, Mayo, and Kerry. Each of them has a unique charm, with landscapes that feel untouched and full of character. It would be remiss of me not to mention the Antrim Coast Road especially the Glens of Antrim. That area is close to my heart, it’s my local area of outstanding natural beauty and the very first place that inspired me to start exploring and documenting my travels. I still go back at least once a month, and no matter how often I visit, I always discover something new. It’s where my journey began, and it continues to ground and inspire me.

Q: What’s the most underrated place you’ve visited while travelling in Ireland?
A: One of the most underrated areas I’ve visited in Ireland has to be the counties of Leitrim and Sligo. Tucked away in the northwest, far from the usual tourist trail out of Dublin, they often don’t get the attention they deserve , but that’s part of what makes them so special. The landscapes there are unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere in Ireland, raw, mystical, and atmospheric. There’s a real sense of untouched beauty in both counties. From the dramatic, otherworldly backdrop of Benbulben in Sligo to the tranquil lakes and lush valleys of Leitrim, every corner feels like a hidden gem. And because they’re less explored, there’s a quiet mystery to the region, a feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a secret that most people don’t even know exists. Ireland may be a small island, but there are still so many places off the beaten path that are waiting to be discovered. Leitrim and Sligo are perfect examples of that and I always encourage people to venture a little further and see the magic for themselves.

@explorewithcriostoir

Dublin is great but Ireland is so much more than just its capital city 🍀

♬ Pathos - Official Sound - Ludovico Einaudi

Q: Where’s next on your Irish travel bucket list?
A: Next on my Irish travel bucket list and it’s been there for quite some time, is the Skellig Islands, especially Skellig Michael. This incredible spot sits off the coast of County Kerry, which is pretty much the opposite end of the country from where I’m based about a six-hour drive away. But the distance only adds to the sense of adventure. What makes Skellig Michael so special is how remote and protected it is. You have to book your boat trip months in advance because only a limited number of people are allowed to visit each day to help preserve the island’s fragile ecosystem and ancient structures. And even then, there’s no guarantee you’ll make it onto the island, the weather and sea conditions have to be just right for a safe landing. That unpredictability gives it a kind of mythical allure. It’s a place that looks like it belongs in another world, which is probably why it was chosen as a filming location for Star Wars. The dramatic cliffs, the ancient monastic stone steps, and the sense of isolation all make it one of the most unique and fascinating places in Ireland. It’s been calling to me for years, and I know I won’t stop until I finally get there.


@explorewithcriostoir These Cliff are somewhere that has taken my breath away both times I’ve visited. 📍Kerry Cliffs, County Kerry #ireland #irish #travel #irelandtravel ♬ Agape - Nicholas Britell

Q: What advice would you give someone planning a road trip in Ireland?
A: One of the biggest pieces of advice I give to anyone planning a road trip around Ireland is: don’t try to do it all in one go. I get messages all the time from people, especially visitors from places like the U.S. who send me their itineraries, and so often they’re trying to squeeze in every corner of the country in just a week or two. While Ireland might seem small on the map, there’s far too much to truly see and experience in just one trip. Instead of racing from one end to the other, I always recommend focusing on max 3 to 5 counties per visit. That way, you give yourself the time and space to really immerse yourself in each area, to wander off the main roads, chat with locals, discover hidden gems, and actually feel the place rather than just ticking it off a list. Ireland is best experienced slowly. It’s a country made for leisurely exploration, where some of the most memorable moments come from unplanned detours or quiet landscapes you stumble upon without a crowd in sight. So give yourself that time and don’t worry, you’ll want to come back again anyway.

Q: What’s your go-to travel tip or hack for exploring Ireland on a budget?
A: Ireland is absolutely worth exploring, but it’s no secret that it can get expensive, especially in recent years. Cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork tend to be the most costly, particularly when it comes to accommodation and dining. My go-to travel tip for anyone trying to explore Ireland on a budget is: don’t base your entire trip in the big cities. That’s not to say you should skip them entirely, they’re full of culture, history, and energy, and definitely worth a visit. But instead of staying in the city centre the whole time, consider finding accommodation in nearby towns or smaller cities. You’ll often find more affordable places to stay, and you’ll get a different, more relaxed experience of Irish life. Smaller towns might not have the same buzz or endless options, but they more than make up for it with local charm, stunning surroundings, and warm, welcoming people. Plus, you’ll usually be just a short drive or train ride from the main attractions, so you can still dip in and out of the busier spots without paying premium prices every night. It’s a great way to experience the heart of Ireland while saving a bit and often, those smaller places end up being the highlight of the trip.

@explorewithcriostoir Donegal just keeps on giving 📍Assaranca Waterfall, Co. Donegal #ireland #irish ♬ original sound - Irish Rugby

Q: What other travel creators do you follow on TikTok?
A: There are so many inspiring travel creators out there, both globally and here at home, but I have to say, Ireland has some absolutely incredible talent on TravelTok. For such a small country, we really do punch above our weight when it comes to content creators who are passionate about showcasing the beauty, culture, and hidden gems of the island. I’m constantly inspired by the work of other Irish creators who bring their own unique perspective to travel. Some of my personal favorites include @joshuanueva, @eadaoinfitzmaurice, @rozannapurcell, @tadhg_obrien, @tonytravels10_, @that.lady.travels, @cassiestokes, and @fromnorthtwosouth just to name a few! Each of them has their own style and way of storytelling, and I genuinely enjoy seeing how they capture Ireland through their lens.