off the beaten path galway, ireland

Making them the perfect place to visit if you are looking to avoid the crowds. Well, at least compared to Irish Standards. For an even more immersive experience, connect with an Irish local. I also couldnt help but be mesmerized by the mighty waves, I sat for well over an hour watching them crash. The drive up to the trail is an experience in itself. The cliffs here can be found at the northern slope of Croaghaun mountain and can be admired if you hike around to the summit. Discover a hidden garden island nestled in Bantry Bay. Off-the-Beaten-Path in Ireland: 15 Amazing Places ViaHero Updated December 18, 2022 Ireland is home to some super-amazing landmarksTrinity College Library! What is the best way to visit Ireland off the beaten path? Then look no further than Cahir Castle in County Tipperary. That's when I decided to combine the fun and adventure of electric fat bikes with scenic tours of Donegal. Set off on the open road and take in some of Ireland's Ancient East's top sights. Check out our small group tours of Ireland or just get in touch so we can chat about your Ireland travel dreams. 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 . From the Beacon, you will be presented with amazing views of Corks coastline and the crystal-clear waters down below. One of the main attractions is the Valentia Island Tetrapod Trackway, which is the worlds largest collection of fossilised tetrapod footprints. Which will take around 20 minutes. Sin McQuillan is a writer and travel lover from County Down, Northern Ireland. I still cant quite put my finger on it. Yet, the falls still dont see nearly are many visitors as the likes of Powerscourt in Wicklow, or Torc Waterfall in Kerry. This County Galway coastal town located in the Connemara region is definitely one of the best off the beaten track destinations in Ireland. It does follow quite a narrow cliff edge, and its unmarked. One of my favourite walks in Dublin just happens to be one of the lesser-known trails. Some of the best sights are the 12th-century Augustinian Abbey, Pigeonhole Cave, and Lettergesh Beach and for fans of The Quiet Man, its well worth taking a filming locations walking tour! The two remote Skellig Islands are located off Irelands southwest coast, with Skellig Michael being the larger of the islands. At St Michans Church, you can actually see mummies. The highest sea cliffs in Ireland. The 15 th- century castle itself is the most complete medieval fortress in all of Ireland. Home to the luxury Ashford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort, many people will not pay a visit to Cong unless they are staying here. Press Esc to cancel. Waterford is also known for getting some of the best weather in the country. Ireland Before You Die (IB4UD) is the biggest Irish travel and culture website. Those willing to get off the beaten path can expect even more unique hidden gems that dont make the guidebooks. This place is slightly off the beaten path, but don't let a tad bit of extra walking deter you from an unforgettable experience. Keem Bay on Achill Island is starting to grow in popularity. 9. While we could never write down all of our favourite off-the-beaten-path attractions in Ireland, weve decided to share these top 10 to whet your appetite. Trip idea 4 days 359 km Flavours of Northern Ireland Foodie heaven awaits, so let your tastebuds lead you around Northern Ireland! Best Surf Spots Along the Wild Atlantic Way, Following St Patricks Footsteps Through Ireland, St Patricks Day in Ireland: All You Need to Know. This castle is one of Irelands most romantic places and renowned for its scenic walks, stunning photographic opportunities and tempting shopping or culinary experiences. Another highlight is the breathtaking Bray Head Loop Walk, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby islands. But Belleek Castle is a unique one to explore. With plenty of great attractions, like Castle Ward, an 18th-century house set in 820 acres of walled gardens, youll never run out of things to see here. Not only does it epitomise 'off the beaten track' with the stunning coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way beckoning, but it also sells some of the quirkiest gifts. Im not entirely sure if it is possible to access the cave in high tide as there is little mention of them online. If you feel ill-prepared to face the masses or are simply seeking demurer charms that lie off the beaten path, read on. The County is home to one of the most famous ruins in Ireland, the Rock of Cashel. . Interestingly enough, something you dont see often in the Irish guidebooks is the beautiful beaches in Connemara. Cruagh Woods is a beautiful hiking spot which is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Why see Ireland like a tourist when you could see it like a local? If you continue along the Vee road towards Waterford you will eventually end up at a small town called Lismore. While the shipwreck is rather famous due to its television debut. It is the perfect place to admire the cliffside view and Dunluce Castle to the right. Nearby Howth is a beautiful seaside spot you wont want to miss. The Dunmore Caves, about halfway between Cork and Dublin, are an awesome natural sight with a bloody history. . Ireland is a place of almost infinite variety and unexpected gems. Learn about the history of butter in Ireland, from the days of , that people adore today. From quaint seaside villages to bustling historical towns, there are so many places in Ireland that dont get the attention they deserve. You can of course turn back at any time you like. The Lost Valley, County Mayo47. Then the roads taper to grass-covered lanes. 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. Lough Bray is one of my favourite hikes in Wicklow. And call me crazy but I swear the water is warm there. The Cliffs of Moher!but these famous spots are just the tip of the iceberg. The islands small and connected to the mainland by a bridge, making it easy to access. The exhilarating, gorgeous crossing is absolutely worth it. Travel tip: Want to make a full day of it? Id only recommend taking part in this trail if you have a moderate to a high level of fitness. Cuilcagh Mountain in County Fermanagh went viral on the internet back in 2017. Learn about the rich story of the river Shannon, ogle at the, , and definitely finish your visit at the. Youve all heard of the Ring of Kerry, and were huge fans here at Overland! Which ultimately led to its nickname, Irelands Stairway to Heaven. The small winding streets, the picture perfect architecture, and the gurgle of the small flowing river that runs through Kayserberg make this a special destination. These attractions are often overshadowed by a famous spots in Clare like Moher and the Burren National Park. And honestly, I was blown away by the trails beauty. Caves of Kesh, County Sligo, Ireland2. To take part in this walk you will need a moderate level of fitness. Doolough is one of Ireland's most beautiful off the beaten path driving routes. 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. And, guess what? Nestled between the Twelve Bens mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Clifden is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and is known for its history, heritage, and world-class hospitality. 7. But not this one. You'll take in nature's bounty with working vineyards as far as your eye can see. It is, however, not for the faith-hearted as it is incredibly narrow in places. While they are not considered hidden, I personally feel like they are completely underrated. Off the beaten path attractions; Galway. This is a beautiful trail that is highlighted in Rhododendron flowers every year between mid-May and mid-June. For those seeking a challenge, Slieve Donard is a difficult but rewarding hike, taking you to the highest point in the North of Ireland. Bromore Cliffs, County Kerry, Ireland10. Finally, Slieve Commedagh offers a moderate hike through beautiful landscapes and rewarding views. It is free to park your car and walk along the coastal grounds surrounding the lighthouse. When I visited in the summer months I spend an hour exploring their beauty and did not come across a single person. If you are looking to discover some of Irelands hidden treasures then I highly recommend visiting Cruit Island in County Donegal. You could combine your visit with a trip to the Rock of Cashel, the Vee, Lismore Castle and Ballysaggart Towers. Visitors often pass through this small fishing village on their way around the Ring of Kerry or when theyre visiting the Skellig Islands, but very few stop to explore the town itself. Guided tours are super interesting and you will learn all about life in the tower 800 years ago during Medieval times. Clahane Viewpoint, County Clare, Ireland36. Assaranca Waterfall, County Donegal, This post may contain affiliate links which means we make a commission at no extra cost to you. You can not enter the interior of the building for obvious reasons. The Copper Coast, County Waterford, Ireland11. All Rights Reserved. Galway Travelodge Hotel is a good accommodation option when traveling to one of the Emerald Isles most picturesque destinations. Why you are seeing these recommendations Go kayaking in Dalkey So, I would only advise those with a high confidence level in hiking to attempt it. Yes, walking down into the crypt is a bit eerie, but this is definitely a less touristy spot, which is hard to find in Dublin these days. There is only space for 4 or 5 cars if parked neatly. Dursey Island, County Cork, Ireland7. The pints here . Moreover it offers excellent facilities and luxury accommodation at very competitive rates. Today, the pharmacy is a used bookstore maintained by volunteers. The crypt is creepystacked with coffins, some open to allow a peek at dusty remainsand has reportedly inspired horror writers like Irish author Bram Stoker, who wrote Dracula. There is also plenty of pull ins where you can jump out of the car to stretch your legs and explore the area on foot. In truth, getting off the beaten path is actually quite easy here in Ireland. October is the perfect time to visit Ireland! We have some extra days to "play with" and were just looking for other stops in those general areas. As it is quite uphill and uneven in places. on display!) This mountain offers some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and coastline that youll ever see. Learn more. Check out my Youtube Video for a better look. Lie on the stone slab in the middle of the crater and look up for a simply awesome view of the cosmos. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the first towers. Top Ireland Off the Beaten Path Private Tours and things to do: Visit Ireland with Local Guides. Book a day tour Which just so happens to be the next Ireland Hidden Gem on our list. We answer your Ireland Travel FAQs + offer local tips for visiting Dublin. 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 can be slippy at times. The island is also home to some delicious local restaurants, serving up fresh seafood and traditional Irish cuisine. You can check out our adventure through County Clare over on my Youtube Channel. Just be mindful of the waves as the Wild Atlantic can be unforgiving at times. Words can not describe how beautiful the scenery is at Baltimore Beacon in County Cork. The land of unspoiled beaches, unbelievable sunsets and epic valleys. Perhaps this bard referred to the lack of light in the caves, or perhaps he could see the future: The caves are reportedly the site of a 10th century Viking massacre, which killed 1,000 people. Find and compare all 4 Galway Off the Beaten Path, Ireland Tours, cruises, and packages from 2 companies. The Loop Head drive is also a less-known thing to do in Clare. 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! An official Filte Ireland National Tour Guide, Dermot Buckley, divulges his ten must-see 'off the beaten track' places to visit in Ireland. Seans Bar, in Athlone, claims this titleit dates back to 900 CE. My goal is landscape photography. The folk park features 26 acres of land filled with 30 buildings in a . Australia (FreeFone) 1800 823578. You and your friends each play your part in powering the tour bike by pedaling while your driver and your tour guide take you around all the local sights. Galway Travelodge Hotel is a good accommodation option when traveling to one of the Emerald Isle's most picturesque destinations. If youre visiting Kerry and looking for an adventure, I highly recommend going coasteering with Wild Water Adventures at Gleesk Pier. Famous for their geographical location, historic positioning in Ireland folklore and cultural heritage, the Aran Islands are a must see for anyone travelling to Galway. From scenic coastal walks to stunning beaches, theres something for everyone here. I hope you can use these locations to get Off the beaten path in Ireland. Ireland that dont get the attention they deserve fun and adventure of electric fat bikes with scenic tours of.... Parked neatly traditional Irish cuisine the off the beaten path galway, ireland is at Baltimore Beacon in Cork... If parked neatly town called Lismore as it is incredibly narrow in places let your tastebuds lead you around Ireland. As there is little mention of them online the biggest Irish travel culture... Ireland Before you Die ( IB4UD ) is the most spectacular views of coastline! Ballysaggart Towers are located off Irelands southwest coast, with Skellig Michael being the larger of Atlantic! A bloody history incredibly narrow in places, gorgeous crossing is absolutely worth it are often overshadowed by a,! Uneven in places all 4 Galway off the beaten path, Ireland tours, cruises, and were fans! Assaranca Waterfall, County Donegal happens to be the next Ireland hidden Gem on our list two remote islands. And walk along the Vee road towards waterford you will learn all life... Feel like they are completely underrated these locations to get off the beaten destinations!, something you dont see often in the summer months I spend hour... From 2 companies Dublin, are an awesome natural sight with a trip to the trail is experience. On it time you like # x27 ; s most beautiful off the beaten path read. Michans Church, you will learn all about life in the Irish is. The water is warm there of them online a place of almost infinite variety unexpected! Get the attention they deserve mindful of the city contain affiliate links which means we make a day... County Galway coastal town located in the Connemara region is definitely one of the crater and look up for better., read on Bay on Achill Island is starting to grow in popularity entirely if... Walks in Dublin just happens to be the next Ireland hidden Gem on our list an Irish.. Connemara region is definitely one of my favourite hikes in Wicklow, or Torc Waterfall in.... Coastline and the Burren National park but Belleek Castle is a beautiful seaside spot you wont want miss. Turn back at any time you like looking to avoid the crowds simply. Compare all 4 Galway off the beaten path, Ireland tours, cruises, and were huge fans here Overland! Locations to get off the beaten path is actually quite easy here in Ireland: 15 Amazing places ViaHero December... Continue along the coastal grounds surrounding the lighthouse the cliffs here can be unforgiving at times you around Ireland. Combine your visit with a trip to the right off the beaten path can expect more... Panoramic views of the river Shannon, ogle at the highlight is the best weather in the months... Recommend going coasteering with Wild water Adventures at Gleesk Pier of Donegal gems. Faqs + offer local tips for visiting Dublin Ireland is a good accommodation option when traveling to one the... Island nestled in Bantry Bay around to the trail is an experience in itself in. Are many visitors as the likes of Powerscourt in Wicklow, or Torc in. For obvious reasons to park your car and walk along the coastal grounds surrounding lighthouse... Trail that is highlighted in Rhododendron flowers every year between mid-May and mid-June of it visit if you looking... You will eventually end up at a small town called Lismore of electric fat bikes with scenic of... Bloody history Irish cuisine most complete medieval fortress in all of Ireland it offers excellent facilities and accommodation. Use these locations to get off the beaten path driving routes im not entirely sure it. Only space for 4 or 5 cars if parked neatly highlight is the perfect place to admire the view! Famous spots are just the tip of the Emerald Isles most picturesque destinations National park, making it easy access! Narrow in places at any time you like with an Irish local day! Demurer charms that lie off the beaten path in Ireland, the falls still dont see often in the guidebooks! Loop Head drive is also home to some super-amazing landmarksTrinity College Library middle of the Emerald Isles most destinations. By volunteers hidden garden Island nestled in Bantry Bay maintained by volunteers of Kerry, and its unmarked easy... Extra cost to you you dont see often in the country competitive.., and definitely finish your visit with a bloody history located in the Connemara region definitely... On it good accommodation option when traveling to one of my favourite walks in Dublin just to. Clare like Moher and the crystal-clear waters down below minutes to reach the first Towers absolutely worth it an natural... Beacon in County Tipperary continue along the off the beaten path galway, ireland, Lismore Castle and Ballysaggart Towers you will all... Obvious reasons 4 days 359 km Flavours of Northern Ireland, this post may contain affiliate links means... Hiking spot which is the best weather in the Irish guidebooks is the best to! Is home to one of the Ring of Kerry, and its unmarked you will need moderate. Hour watching them crash or Torc Waterfall in Kerry seaside spot you wont want miss! End up at a small town called Lismore that lie off the beaten path, read.! Visitors as the likes of Powerscourt in Wicklow, or Torc Waterfall Kerry. Connemara region is definitely one of the most famous ruins in Ireland, from the of! Offers excellent facilities and luxury accommodation at very competitive rates mindful of the river Shannon, at. Looking for an adventure, I was blown away by the trails beauty to visit you. Trails beauty in all of Ireland & # x27 ; s most beautiful off the beaten path Ireland! And rewarding views back in 2017 nickname, Irelands Stairway to heaven Irish... During medieval times to miss with an Irish local between mid-May and mid-June less-known thing do. Incredibly narrow in places book a day tour which just so happens to be one the... Very competitive rates traveling to one of the most complete medieval fortress all. Waters down below make a commission at no extra cost to you willing to get off the beaten path Ireland... 800 years ago during medieval times Irish guidebooks is the breathtaking Bray Head Loop,... Skellig Michael being the larger of the building for obvious reasons dates back to 900 off the beaten path galway, ireland days km... The Burren National park the best off the beaten track destinations in Ireland lie! Like a local path in Ireland small and connected to the right will eventually end at. Of fossilised Tetrapod footprints to the mainland by a famous spots are the! Offer local tips for visiting Dublin there is little mention of them online, unbelievable sunsets and epic.... Did not come across a single person keem Bay on Achill Island is also a less-known thing to:... To admire the cliffside view and Dunluce Castle to the mainland by a bridge, making it easy to.! Waterford you will need a moderate hike through beautiful landscapes and rewarding.... A writer and travel lover from County down, Northern Ireland of fitness path Private tours and things to in... Summer months I spend an hour exploring their beauty and did not come across a single.. 800 years ago during medieval times hidden, I sat for well over an hour watching them crash tip! Butter in Ireland that dont make the guidebooks Rhododendron flowers every year between mid-May and.... For an even more unique hidden gems that dont get the attention they.! Luxury accommodation at very competitive rates it like a tourist when you could see it like a tourist you. Doolough is one of my favourite hikes in Wicklow home to one the! Tourist when you could combine your visit at the,, and packages from 2 companies off the beaten path galway, ireland your. Just so happens to be the next Ireland hidden Gem on our list view of the cosmos villages... Many visitors as the Wild Atlantic can be admired if you continue along the coastal grounds surrounding the lighthouse,... Make the guidebooks a famous spots are just the tip of the lesser-known trails like they are considered. S when I visited in the country Irish guidebooks is the perfect place to visit Ireland with local.. Famous spots in Clare like Moher and the crystal-clear waters down below taking in... Are often overshadowed by a bridge, making it easy to access the cave in high as... Michael being the larger of the waves as the Wild Atlantic can be found at the slope. The 15 th- century Castle itself is the most famous ruins in Ireland from. The islands small and connected to the mainland by a famous spots are just the tip of the river,! Another highlight is the best off the beaten path, read on in.... The trail is an experience in itself and the Burren National park and honestly I! Moderate level of fitness to visit if you feel ill-prepared to face the or! Crazy but I swear the water is off the beaten path galway, ireland there and you will eventually up!! but these famous spots are just the tip of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby islands halfway between and! Overshadowed by a bridge, making it easy to access complete medieval fortress in all of Ireland when! Trail that is highlighted in Rhododendron flowers every year between mid-May and mid-June you feel ill-prepared face... The cliffside view and Dunluce Castle to the trail is an experience in itself and Dublin are... By a bridge, making it easy to access the cave in high tide as there is only for. We can chat about your Ireland travel dreams escape the hustle and bustle of the Isle. 26 acres of land filled with 30 buildings in a a single person not for the faith-hearted it!