Ireland’s natural beauty has long had a loyal fanbase on TikTok. This year alone, the #WildAtlanticWay (+40%) and in particular, #AchillIsland, saw a staggering 300% increase in mentions. The audio "Probably about as scenic as you're going to get" has become the unofficial soundtrack to Ireland's stunning landscapes. This Summer, we’re spotlighting some of our favourite #IrishTravel creators to share their favourite Irish destinations to inspire you this summer! Marius Monaghan’s (@mariusmonaghan5) content is giving followers the ultimate summer guide to the best outdoor adventures Ireland has to offer. From secret islands, swimming with sharks to surfing in the Atlantic, Marius has shown that Ireland has so much to offer for those seeking a local adventure. We recently caught up with Marius to learn more about his Irish travel guide, along with tips and tricks for those travelling around the Island this summer!

Q: Why did you decide to start sharing travel content on TikTok?
A: I grew up exploring and adventuring outdoors, always showing people photos and videos of where I had been. It wasn’t until I downloaded TikTok in 2020 that I had a tool to reach a bigger audience. I had no idea the scale it would grow to, I was used to showing videos to a handful of friends but within my first couple of posts I had reached hundreds of thousands of people. When I got comments and messages from followers saying they were appreciating the content I was sharing, I knew I had a good space to grow a community.

@mariusmonaghan5 Passenger princess 🦭 If you want to volunteer to help seals like this then sign up at @SealRescueIreland ♬ you look like you love me - Ella Langley & Riley Green

Q: What are your favourite places you’ve visited in Ireland so far?
A: There are so many but I will start with somewhere I’ve visited recently, Inis Mor, County Galway. It is like a little mini adventure into a previous time in Ireland, with stone walls, horses and donkeys at every corner. The adventure you can cram into a short trip to Inis Mór is sensational too – it has world class scuba diving, rock climbing and huge cliffs to explore. The sense of community on the island is super strong and very welcoming. If you’re heading to the island grab a bike and make sure to stop off at Dive Academy if you want to get out on the water.

Additionally, Donegal will always be a favourite of mine as it’s the place that started my outdoors journey. Some of my favourite places in Donegal are Slieve League, Rossnowlagh, Murder Hole Beach and Magheraroarty Beach.

Q: What’s the most underrated place you’ve visited while travelling in Ireland?
A: There’s a little stretch of coastline in north west Donegal, from Carrickfinn to Magheraroarty. You’ll find some of the best beaches in Ireland here from little coves to vast open sandy stretches. There are islands to explore, waves to surf and hills to climb. My two highlights are Cruit island and Magheraorty beach.

@mariusmonaghan5

Tory Island, Donegal

♬ original sound - Marius Monaghan

Q: Where’s next on your Irish travel bucket list?
A: Thankfully, I have visited the vast majority of the west coast of Ireland so most trips now are second or third visits. Soon I will head back to the Burren in County Clare. I’m planning a trip before the end of summer to get in some hiking, rock climbing and I might even give caving a go. There are some amazing underground cave systems throughout the Burren which I have explored in the past, so hopefully I’ll find time to go again


Q: What advice would you give someone planning a road trip in Ireland?
A: When I was younger I tried to see as much as I could, as quickly as I could. I’d stop off at a location for a small amount of time just to tick it off the list, but now I prefer slow travel. That’s not slow as in boring, that's slow as in actually exploring the places you visit. A good way to travel slowly is picking an activity or two for the area you’re in.

In Clare? Spend a morning surfing in Lahinch. Visiting Dingle? Hop on the Dingle Sea Safari and tour around the Blasket Islands. If you’re thinking about travelling a route like the Wild Atlantic Way then I’d suggest you take your time and do it in manageable chunks. Don't try and rush through it all in the space of a couple of weeks. Ireland is a place that excels in the nooks and crannies. Go and explore them.

@mariusmonaghan5 Donegal 💚 #ireland #sunset ♬ original sound - Marius Monaghan

Q: What’s your go-to travel tip or hack for exploring Ireland on a budget?
A: Thankfully, there is so much to do in Ireland for free and some of the best views and experiences don’t cost a penny. The biggest expenses when exploring Ireland are accommodation, food and transport. If you’re lucky enough to have a car then hopefully transport just equates to the fuel in your tank. Outside of that, camping is your friend. I have some nice camping guidance on my page but if you want an in depth technical breakdown of what gear to use, then @nollaigbulter is a great account to check out for all the equipment fans out there.

Q: What other travel creators do you follow on TikTok?
A: I love when people have their personality weaved into their videos alongside the amazing visuals. Creators who do that so well are @TonyTravels10_, @LifeOfGerk, @NiamhMacKinnon and @Fleetwoodjack0.