10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Ireland That You Shouldn't Miss

April 24, 2022 Madelene Haan

Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Restaurants in Ireland

1. Banna Strand

Banna, Tralee V92 E395 Ireland
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 525 reviews

Banna Strand

Reviewed By GalwaayGalwaygirl34 - Galway, Ireland

Visited this beach while away.Such a beautiful beach , we walked for a long while , the beach is kept spotlessly clean loved it

2. Knocknarea

Sligo Ireland 353-71-61201 http://www.megalithicireland.com/Knocknarea.htm
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 660 reviews

Knocknarea

Reviewed By brianf197 - Sligo, Ireland

I always go up the back way so cant say anything about the new walk way. Its a lovely easy climb and the views are class on a nice day

3. Dingle Peninsula

Ireland
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 821 reviews

Dingle Peninsula

Reviewed By pupumann0 - Ballycastle, United Kingdom

Cant believe this is my first review of anything dingle related - it truest must be on everyone’s bucket list - the peninsula is very rugged and rural full of beautiful vistas and landscapes and peppered with ancient ogham stones cairns and clachan! And around every corner a wonderful country pub or eatery ! Go south out of Dingle as road is narrow and mostly people use this clockwise road route ;-) slea head is a highlight look out for off road historic sites We visited the group if ogham ancient stones at Colaiste Ide just outside Dingle town at Ventry ! A true highlight not to be missed is the visit to the blanket island interpretive Centre , amazing design very thought provoking and a place for mindfulness and delicious home made food in their cafe mmm rhubarb crumble :-) Everywhere you drive there are remnants of old so photo opportunities everywhere ! No wonder they filmed Star Wars there ! Just go !

4. Skellig Michael

Ballinskeillig Bay Ireland +353 66 947 6306 [email protected] http://www.skelligexperience.com/skellig_michael.html
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 736 reviews

Skellig Michael

Reviewed By Yonderluzt

First, you need to book this well in advance. They only allow so many visitors per day. I won't comment on the tour companies because I only have experience with one (and it was good). Some days the weather is too rough to land boats. Because the trips are booked full weeks in advance, you can't reschdue for another day. That being said, if you get a reservation, and if the weather cooperates, this is well worth the trip. There are a lot of steps, so being in decent shape helps, but I wouldn't call it trecherous by any means. There are plenty of videos that give a good idea of what to expect. Watch them and take that into consideration if you have young children or folks who particularly don't like heights, or jumping on and off a rolling deck, into consideration. IMHO the trip is well worth it.

5. Glenveagh National Park

R251 Ireland http://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 731 reviews

Glenveagh National Park

Reviewed By jacquelineg601 - County Donegal, Ireland

Beautiful place with great walks and fantastic views the castle and gardens are is well worth a visit. Great parking

6. Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum

Derryglad, Curraghboy, Athlone N37 W1K8 Ireland +353 90 648 8192 [email protected] http://www.derrygladfolkmuseum.com
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 332 reviews

Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum

Open May-Oct incl : No trip to the midlands is complete without a visit to the Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum, which is hidden in South Roscommon in a land of lakes and rivers. The collection deals with Farm & Folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past. The museum is privately owned and run by the Finneran Family and houses a unique 25 year collection of over ,7500 items includes horse-drawn machinery restored to the original working order, tradesmans tools and buttermaking equipment, laundry memorabilia, old and rare washing machines, 1930’s old-style thatched bar & grocery, old-style sheep shears, radios, gramophones , shop dockets and bill-heads, sports display McCormacks photography room where the contents include dark rooms finishing r D & P line, B & W colour processors. as well as much, much more. its an ideal destina­tion for school tours, ICA Guilds, Ladies Clubs, Farming Groups, Vintage Clubs, Historical So­cieties, families,

Reviewed By astokes610 - Dublin, Ireland

Vert enjoyable experience at this museum. Everything so well preserved and presented you can see the owners have so much love and appreciation for the past. Was lovely to speak to the owner and hear how he has been collecting for the past 40 years. A great trip down memory lane.

7. The Great Western Greenway

The Green The Green The Green Civic Offices Altamont Street, Westport F28 CK31 Ireland +353 87 799 9985 http://www.greenway.ie
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,438 reviews

The Great Western Greenway

Reviewed By UndergroundOfHappy

Wonderful day cycling from Achill back to Westport. Love the way the Greenway is close to the road in places although protected or segregated, giving you a picture of the vehicle traffic as you're whistling to yourself, gliding along past picture perfect views. The coastline, hillscape, terrain are all stunning, also nice to see the odd bit of local farm activity along the cycle path. At one point a ram literally said hello to us from high up on a rock (that's what we told ourselves anyway!). Stopped in Mulranny and Newport, both perfect stop offs for bit of food or refreshment, and great views of the coastline or river. We brought two kids of 9 years old and the 42km was just about manageable for them, it's mostly flat anyway. But there were plenty of even younger children we passed along the way too. An unforgettable day's cycling. Highly recommended.

8. Atlantic Drive on Achill Island

Westport Ireland http://www.visitachill.com/en/atlanticdrive.html
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,306 reviews

Atlantic Drive on Achill Island

Reviewed By Venture14995

I love Achill Island and visit it at least twice a year. There is a lovely drive from Mulranny along by the coast with views of Clare Island & lots of sheep on the road. Keem beach is worth a visit at any time of the year.

9. Wild Atlantic Way

Wild Atlantic Way The Atlantic Coast of Ireland, Galway Ireland +353 91 778 778 http://www.wildatlanticway.com/home
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,705 reviews

Wild Atlantic Way

Reviewed By 2hopeless - Chichester, United Kingdom

After spending 3 days in Dublin we headed to the west stopping en route at the diner in Ballinasloe which was good for a quick lunch. We spent 3 nights in Galway, taking in the Galway Food Tour and enjoying the bars and street entertainment in the Latin Quarter. Onward for a few nights in Doolin Co. Clare visiting The Buren, Inis Oirr Aran Island, and the local hostelries. A lengthy scenic drive through Kerry, around the lakes of Killarney (unfortunately on a rainy misty day) to the Beara Peninsula for 4 days. Whilst we enjoyed all of it the change in scenery at each place captured the imagination and we all felt that it was merely an introduction for us to revisit soon. We travelled in June, however, roads are narrow and at peak holiday time it may be annoying as there are so many camper vans and huge tour buses at some of the more well known sights so cars have to move over, getting superficial scratches from the hedgerows. Be careful because there are ditches alongside the roads which are not obvious as they are covered in vegetation and may appear as solid ground.

10. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Custom House Quay The Chq Building, Dublin D01 T6K4 Ireland +353 1 906 0861 [email protected] http://epicchq.com/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=website_link
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7,771 reviews

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Don't just visit Ireland, understand it with a visit to the EPIC, winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2019. EPIC is an interactive journey about how a small island made a big impact on the world. Discover why Irishness is celebrated around the world, with a journey through Irish history & culture, told from the perspective of those who lived. To begin your journey you will receive a stamped passport as you enter the exhibition, & then follow a path through the 20 themed galleries. You will discover why people left, see how they influenced the world they found, & experience the connection between their descendants & Ireland today. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the world has ever known. EPIC brings these amazing stories to life in a unique & spectacular way. Located in Dublin's Docklands. Open daily from 10am. Last entry is 5pm, museum closes at 6:45pm.

Reviewed By pqflyer - San Diego, United States

The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum really is an epic experience. The title "museum" doesn't say enough. Everything is interactive, giving visitors the possibility of a quick overview or -- at any point -- more in-depth information. The best use of current technology I've seen in such an institution. The path through the exhibit is clear and logical -- no chance of getting lost or missing something. Much to see and do and think about. If you love Ireland or have Irish roots or are interested in history or simply want to experience the use of cutting-edge technology in a museum setting --- this is a must-see in Dublin. Near the Jeannie Johnston ship and the Famine sculptures.

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