If you are looking to find more about things to do on Inis Oirr check out my Youtube Video. for its breathtaking views, and for the steep staircase up Cuilcagh Mountain, the hike is hellish if you arent used to walking long distances. If youve ever read Ulysses by James Joyce, youll recognize this next stopJoyces protagonist Leopold Bloom stops in at Swenys Pharmacy in Dublin to pick up some lemon soap. And as far as hidden places in Ireland goes, Mayo wins the cake. Tickets for the experience cost 10 per person. Galway lies 200km west of the capital city, Dublin. In a picturesque location between a rocky mountain range and the rugged Atlantic coast, and known for its colourfully painted buildings, some of the best things to do here include taking the Dursey Island Cable Car and checking out Dzogchen Beara. Head off the beaten track and explore some of Dublin's smaller neighborhoods, lesser-known sights, and stunning coastline, for a trip that ticks all the boxeswithout leaving you jostling for space. The sculpture, which depicts the author lounging in a red and green jacket, is mere minutes from the writers childhood home at 1 Merrion Square. Moreover it offers excellent facilities and luxury accommodation at very competitive rates. If you are looking for something fun and different to do in West Cork then I highly recommend a trip to Sheeps Head. It is possible to take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about medieval times and the life of a lighthouse keeper. Off the beaten path attractions; Galway. Last but not least, we wanted to give you something off the beaten path right in Dublin itself! The trail to the initial view isnt overly difficult. The scenery surrounding this lake is out of this world. Galway is the unofficial capital of festivals in Ireland with the Arts Festival and Galway Racing Festival (both July) two of the highlights along with the Oyster Festival, and countless other film, music and food festivals. Before we continue with our seventh Hidden Gem in Ireland I wanted to offer you a chance to download my Google Maps List for FREE. Achill is a beautiful spot to spend a few days soaking in the summer sun and enjoying the scenic views. So, if you are a small human like me you will only be able to see the Cliffs from the viewpoints. The history of the area is tragic. Then look no further than Cahir Castle in County Tipperary. Hi, my name is Laura, a local Irish girl. The museum is small but fascinating. Designed by the, , the Irish Sky Garden is basically an artificial crater, sunk deep into the ground at the. Family and I(all adults over 30) looking for some things to do in Galway for the day/evening tonight. If you are interested in seeking out some of Ireland's 'Off The Beaten Path' trails, contact our travel team today to start planning a unique and memorable holiday for you! Hook Head, County Wexford, Ireland18. Making them the perfect place to visit if you are looking to avoid the crowds. The wormhole is located on the face of a cliff, therefore, it is not possible to bring your bike all of the way out. Here is how I spent 12 days in Ireland, and why you should head off the beaten path (and relax a bit): Views off Grafton Street After some serious delays, we landed in Dublin airport with still a solid portion of the day to spare. For more hidden gems, take a look at. Glasnevin Cemetery Museum and Tour (incl a walk in Botanic Gardens and pint in the Gravediggers) 2. Carlow is not a county you hear of people visiting while on vacation in Ireland. Howth Village. Galway Bay sits away from the main run of links in this south-west region. 13. I can not wrap my head around why it is not mentioned more in Ireland guidebooks. Also, located in west cork is Irelands only Cable Car which transports its passengers across to Dursey Island. I keep switching between, Kerry, Mayo and Waterford. It is also home to the Eire 70 sign. If you are looking to discover a true hidden gem then consider making a way out to Inis Oirr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands. Anyways, enough chit chat, lets take a look at some of my favourite Ireland Hidden Gems. That's when I decided to combine the fun and adventure of electric fat bikes with scenic tours of Donegal. Once you reach the temple you will be presented with amazing views of Downhill beach and the waves beneath. And Tayto Park, which is Irelands only theme park. (My actually spending breakdown). These attractions are often overshadowed by a famous spots in Clare like Moher and the Burren National Park. I recommend taking the short lighthouse loop otherwise known as the blue loop. I recommend making your way towards Bay Lough. There is only space for 4 or 5 cars if parked neatly. Giethoorn, the Netherlands: Small Venice of the North, Top 10 Beautiful Towns in The Netherlands Built on Canals, El Cotillo, the Friendly Beach Village of the Canary Islands, Christmas Traveling: 15 Of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe, Romanias Legendary Holidays Make Us Crave for Authentic, What to Visit in Balchik, Black Seas Notorious Artist Hub, 10 Reasons to Visit Tabuk, Saudi Arabias Northern City Oasis, Best Beginner Hiking Trails in Italy Up to 5 Hours Long, 10 Things to Do on the South Coast of Iceland, 6 Memorable Hiking Treks Around the World, A New Zealand Itinerary for Adventure Seekers. Check out old coins on display in the bar (many of the other artifacts discovered over time have been sent to the National Museum) and have a swig of Seans Bar whiskeydistilled and bottled by West Cork Distillery. I also recommend hiking boots. So, elegant and picturesque. Galway is a significant tourist destination and a great jumping-off point for those driving the Wild Atlantic Way. Yet, the falls still dont see nearly are many visitors as the likes of Powerscourt in Wicklow, or Torc Waterfall in Kerry. Drive Around Ireland The Best Of Ireland S Castles And Monasteries The Wild High Cliffs And The Lonely Moors From The Giant S Causeway To The Ring Of Kerry Via Belfast Dublin Galway And Cork By Donna Dailey . Learn more. Looking for an easy day trip from Dublin? There is free parking at the start of the trail, it is common for spaces to fill up in the summer months. Off the beaten path attractions; Galway. It is the perfect place to admire the cliffside view and Dunluce Castle to the right. Especially if you get a gloomy day like I did. (And yes, the museum does have a cask of 1,000-year-old bog butter on display!) Its a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric world and a must-see for any history buff. Check out the 'Devils Hole' at the end of 'No Light Tunnel' and explore 'Rocky Bay' having swum through the 'Blue Arch'. There is no shops on Dursey Island so it is important to bring snacks for the journey. Fairytale Castle Hotels in Ireland where to find them, Easy guide to Europe Visa Requirements + ETIAS Authorization. Why are they so important? In hope to get some food. If you do decide to visit Mullaghmore, I highly recommend going at sunset. Parking at Crone Woods can be a little tricky. The architecture has to be seen to be believed and its a great day out for the whole family.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tourismontheedge_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tourismontheedge_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Two miles long and full of fun, Salthill Promenade overlooks the beautiful Galway Bay and provides the perfect backdrop to an afternoon stroll. They do sometimes allow cars to drive right up depending on weather and crowd levels. A return ticket will cost you 10. The Mourne Mountains, County Down41. If you do decide to visit, please be respectful to locals, and practice the principles of leaving no trace. In order to catch a glimpse of Irelands Heart Shape Lake, Lough Ouler you must set off on a rather challenging hike. from Limerick City, 20 mins. Lismore looks like a town that you would expect to see in a Disney Fairytale book. 13:13, 18 MAR 2023. It is also a lovely spot to sit down for a bite to eat after a long day of exploring. See Ireland like a local. Lough Ree sunsets are one of Ireland's finest spectacles and all the better if you can experience them during a wellness break. Coming in at number two in our list of off the beaten track destinations in Ireland is Cong. As you approach the beautiful town you have to drive across a large bridge. , enjoy the old feel of the store, and, yes, #14: Victors Way Indian Sculpture Park in County Wicklow, , about an hour south of Dublin, is perfect for anyone who, Victors Way is not a fun park for family, they scold on their siterather, this peaceful, 20-acre garden, filled with statues, is meant for serious meditation. Save Place Our tentative route looks like this: Dublin-> Athlone-> Galway-> Dingle-> Cork-> Dublin. What are Non-Touristy Things to Do in Ireland? Yet, that does not take away from the trails beauty. One of the best bits of lesser-known Ireland. Connecting mainland County Cork to Dursey Island, it is Irelands only cable car and a solid way to get across the rocky waters of Dursey Sound. It is truly a magical experience for anyone visiting for the first time. The Copper Coast is home to hidden coves like Kilfarrasy Beach. What if I told you that Tipperary is also home to one of the most beautiful drives in Ireland known as the Vee pass. There is no doubt that it is breathtakingly beautiful. The beach often gets overlooked, due to its location, which makes it even more special. In truth, getting off the beaten path is actually quite easy here in Ireland. Keem Bay on Achill Island is starting to grow in popularity. As you walk the trail you will come across breathtaking beaches, crystal clear waters and striking cliffside views. Its not the easiest place to find however, there are red markings on the rocks to point walkers in the right direction. It's easy to get off the beaten path in Ireland (and definitely worth it). If you are planning on travelling along the Causeway Coast then Id highly recommend visiting Mussenden Temple in County Derry. At Belleek Castle, you can explore fossils alongside antique weaponry and more. There lies, Plassey Shipwreck, which sits on the coast of the island located in Galway Bay. So why not indulge at, in the city of Cork? It still remains an underrated hike in Ireland, due to its location. There's also an airshow, a Gort Brazilian Festival, and plenty of fishing (angling) in the area. For 8.50 you get a full breakfast which was absolutley fantastic! 1. Darragh Culhane. The walk is looped and lasts for 18km in total. Or, even hiking boots. Lets just say satellite view and the zoom feature on Google Maps is my best friend. The caves are not Irelands biggestthey descent only about 150 feet into the earthbut are considered one of the , . You can even stay in the castle overnight! : The day tour is geared towards children, but the museum also offers an 18+ tour at night which presents twisted tales from the darker side of Ireland., , about halfway between Cork and Dublin, are an awesome natural sight with a bloody history. The walk to the cliffs is an easy one, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the view along the way. There is free parking on-site. So, make sure to come prepared for the cold weather with my Ireland packing guide. Its a stunning peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. The locals are Irish-speaking first, although not to worry, English is still widely spoken. Westmeath | Spa sunset. The iconic Donegal cliffs. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, How to plan a trip to Ireland (in 9 steps), Irish boy names that nobody can pronounce. This is a good one if youre not keen on fully remote areas, but still want to see lesser-known Irish attractions. So, if you want to find some hidden gems that wont be overrun with tourists, here are the top ten best off the beaten track destinations in Ireland. 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