Discover Ireland off the beaten track
Ireland is famous for its beautiful nature, stunning cliffs, and rugged landscapes. We highly recommend renting a car, going on a road trip, and getting out into nature. These hidden gems of Ireland will take your breath away…
- Cobh
- Doo Lough
- Caves of Keash
- Slea Head Drive
- Kerry Cliffs
- Clara Bog Nature Reserve
- Mizen Head
- Sliabh Liag
Cobh (County Cork)
About an hour from the city of Cork, you’ll find the city of Cobh. The town offers some lovely views, a cathedral, and cheerfully colored houses. Thus, it was the last stop of the famous Titanic before it hit the iceberg in the Atlantic ocean. The town features a Titanic experience, where you can learn more about the ship’s history and the passengers.
Doo Lough (County Mayo)
Doo Lough in County Mayo is one of the hidden gems in Ireland that you’ll only be able to see when you follow the Wild Atlantic Way from the North to the South of Ireland. Stop above the Lough for some stunning views. After taking a few photos, make your way to the lough bank. Here you’ll find Delphi Silver Food Truck. This must’ve been one of the best coffees we ever had, and the view only added to it.
Caves of Keash (County Sligo)
These peculiar caves are natural and have been used as a shelter, especially during the Iron Age. You can walk up a steep hill and explore the caves. The view from up there is spectacular and unique. If you want to come here, you should choose a sunny or overcast day without rain. This way you’ll have the best view and won’t slide down the hill.
Slea Head Drive (Dingle Peninsula)
The Dingle Peninsula is beautiful, with rugged and wild landscapes, rough seas, and strong winds. Slea Head Drive takes you along the coast of the most western point of Ireland. Pack a picnic, drive to Slea Head and enjoy the sunset here. The area was also used to film parts of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The locals still tell stories about the actors and filming crew visiting the small town of Dingle and spending time in local pubs.
Kerry Cliffs (Kerry)
Everyone knows and wants to visit the Cliffs of Moher, but let us tell you: there are more cliffs with fewer crowds. The Kerry Cliffs are a true hidden gem in Ireland and are definitely off the beaten track. The views here are spectacular, especially if you come here during sunset. During certain times of the year, you might also be able to spot puffins nesting on the cliffs. And the best part is you can turn off the Ring of Kerry in County Kerry and discover these cliffs without the crowds.
Clara Bog Nature Reserve (Offaly)
Clara Bog is tranquil; you can calm down and forget all your worries. This area has few tourists, and it’s a beautiful secret spot in the middle of Ireland. A plank walk takes you around the bog with informational plates about Clara Bog and bogs in general. Learn more about the unique landscape and how people used peat to heat their houses.
Mizen Head (Cork)
Mizen Head is unique and will make you conquer your fear of heights when crossing the bridge between the cliffs. The rough sea and rugged landscapes will make you feel truly in touch with Irish nature.
Mizen head used to be a signal station but now serves as a museum. You can discover different viewpoints and let the wind blow you away. Be aware that the bridge might be closed in certain weather conditions, and you won’t be able to cross to the old station. The views from the main cliff are stunning no matter the weather, so take a drive down here.
Sliabh Liag (Donegal)
Last but not least, one of our favorite hidden gems of Ireland. Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) is another stunning set of cliffs in the North of Ireland, close to the Northern Irish border. You can park your car outside the nature reserve or at the visitor center. If you don’t want to hike to or along the cliffs, you can jump on a bus up to the viewpoint. We recommend taking a walk; the views are beautiful along the way, and you will stop everywhere to take photos. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike along the cliffs for more stunning views. But beware, there might not be a path to guide you at specific points.
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