If you’re lucky enough to visit Ireland someday, you’re lucky enough. This is a strong nation full of fighters who place value on the meaning of family, community, and a well-lived life. Some of the most magnetic artists this world has ever known were birthed in this magical little island and countless traditions continue to abound, even though centuries have gone by.
When you begin to research a trip to the Emerald Isle, a lot of common destinations will start to crop up: Dublin City, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry, to name a few.
Each of those highlights will light up your life, but there are also a few hidden destinations off the beaten path. That’s what we’ll focus on today.
While we’ll spend a lot of time on the West Coast, we’ll also venture a little further inland to find that proverbial pot of gold in each of these small-town dazzlers.
Sliabh Liag
There’s one hotspot in all of the country that most people feel they can’t miss when they visit: the Cliffs of Moher. Without doubt, these are magnificent cliffs towering over the Atlantic that will make you feel like you’re the king of the world.
A little bit further up the western coastline, however, you’ll land upon delightful Donegal. Here, you’ll find the cutest cottages to rent and a host of friendly welcomes wherever you go.
Best of all, they have their own set of cliffs, known as Sliabh Liag, that will not only make you feel like the king of the world, but an eagle that can spread its wings and fly.
Sligo
Are you a Nora Roberts fan? Most readers have taken a tour or two through her exhilarating trilogies. One of them, Island of Glass, ends up in County Sligo, filled with witchcraft and relentlessly strong female characters.
While Ireland is mostly known for its windswept cliffs, don’t forget about its thick, dense forests, either. Sligo is home to hidden forests, spectacular beaches, and a surprising host of culinary delights that even the most sophisticated palate will tip their cap to.
Achill Island
Like the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara National Park calls tourists from all corners of the world – and rightly so.
Nestled neatly into the Connemara Region, you’ll find Achill Island, a beautiful place dotted with ancient castles and even older ruins. Most notably, you can touch the stones of the former home of Grace O’Malley, a 16th-century Irish pirate who knew what it meant to be made of sterner stuff.
Cong
Back to another Nora Roberts trilogy. Cong is a magical little town that not only inspired one of the most prolific writers of our time, but also a Hollywood classic – The Quiet Man.
While Cong enthralls you with its small-town charm, the nearest attraction well worth a visit is Ashford Castle. It’s a sprawling castle worthy of a visit for afternoon tea, as well as a hawk walk with any one of their gracious guides.
Galway City
Dublin is the mecca; there’s no doubt about that. Across the island, you’ll find Galway City. She’s a beautiful, colorful little mecca known for her live Irish music and gourmet cuisine.
The main street here is Quay Street, and that’s where all your wishes and dreams will come true, including the freshest pint of Guinness that’s ever passed your lips, a jewelry shop or two, and some of the liveliest music when five o’clock rolls around and everyone’s clocked out for the day.
Doolin
If you’re into the music scene, Doolin really isn’t too far off the beaten path. Most locals know this is the place to hear the purest sounds a flute can make.
Foreign travelers, however, may not know that this gateway to the West Coast is the best place to listen to live music and learn about ancient Irish culture.
There are three main pubs in town: Gus O’Connors, McGann’s, and McDermott’s. During the summer season, they’re the only place to be when you’re hoping to fully immerse yourself in a colorful and artistic culture.
Inis Oírr
Whether you’re in Galway or Doolin, you’ll find a few ferry rides happy to escort you to a trio of islands known as the Aran Islands.
There’s a popular one amongst the three – Inis Mor. It also happens to be the largest. It’s a spectacular slice of land worth the day (or overnight trip). For something a bit more off the beaten path, you might board the ferry headed for Inis Oírr, the smallest of the three.
Perhaps there’s only one pub in town and a nearby hostel. But, it’s still the type of place where you can touch ancient ruins dating back to the 10th century, spot a dancing dolphin or two along the shorelines, and sip and savor some of the most authentic live Irish music this side of heaven’s gates.
Ennis
Not far from Doolin, you’ll find another colorful town known as Ennis. If you can’t find accommodations in Doolin to hear that graceful Irish music, then Ennis will serve you very well.
It’s in close proximity to the famous Cliffs of Moher and Galway City – for a day drive. But, it’s also still small enough to demonstrate what life in a colorful Irish village feels like.
Ennistymon
Like Ennis, Ennistymon is a wonderful option for someone looking for easy access to Galway, Doolin, or the Cliffs of Moher without paying a premium price for their accommodations.
One of the things Ennistymon is most known for is its relaxing falls that flow through the old bridge in town. After you’ve taken in this natural delight, you can make your way to any number of pubs in town for a warm welcome, a cup of soup, and – you guessed it – some fabulous music when night falls.
Waterville
There’s a special slice of land on the Dingle Peninsula known as – surprise, surprise – Dingle. It’s yet another town bedecked in colorful shop fronts and warm welcomes wherever you turn.
However, on the next peninsula just about an hour away, you’ll find a sleepy seaside village known as Waterville with a population smaller than Doolin and a welcome that’s equally refreshing.
Golfers come here for the world-renowned course in town, and anyone looking for the healing waves of the sea will find peace and serenity during this delightful stay along the Ring of Kerry.
Kinsale
While in the southern county of Cork, most people head to the main city bustling with the most activity – Cork City. You’ll be very pleased by your time spent along those streets.
However, there’s another alternative just an hour or so away – Kinsale. As a small harbor town, it’s the place to go for the finest seafood dishes, a stupendous shopping spree, and yet another night in the sweet embrace of the musical notes that float through the air.
Midleton
Anyone looking for some quality whiskey knows to seek out a bottle of Jameson. But, what if there was another alternative? In Midleton, you’ll find a lesser-known distillery that offers equally informative tours.
Understanding how intricate the whole process is makes every ensuing sip of whiskey beside a roaring fire and surrounded by music just a little bit more enchanting.
Waterford City
It’s a funny thing… Ireland’s second-smallest city produces world-renowned crystal favored by connoisseurs of all kinds. As another coastal city, your dreams will be happily windswept along Waterford City’s Copper Coast.
When in town, you’ll savor the delights of street art, decadent cuisine, and a music scene bursting at the seams.
Greystones
If you’re an Outlander fan, there are plenty of places in Ireland to touch a few stones and see if you’ll find your very own Jamie Fraser. Unfortunately, Greystones is not that place.
It is, however, the place to indulge in another glorious cliff walk, connecting Greystones to nearby Bray. It’s also the place where foodies find a special, underground mecca that will delight every last taste bud.
North Dublin
Central Dublin, and all its glories, is certainly worthy of the attention it receives. You have O’Connell Street, brimming with buskers and countless opportunities to spend a Euro or two. You can also visit the Book of Kells in Trinity College.
Instead of the more commercial side of things, you could head to North Dublin and visit Smithfield. After your tour of the distillery in Midleton, you might want to see what Jameson has on offer. Take another tour for another cultural immersion.
Aside from that, Smithfield is noted for its trendy coffee shops, unique boutiques, and busloads of live Irish music, particularly down on Capel Street which is happy to host travelers of every persuasion.
Céad Míle Fáilte: One Hundred Thousand Welcomes
Céad Míle Fáilte is a popular saying you’ll probably spot every now and then throughout your Irish travels. It means one hundred thousand welcomes and, boy, will you feel the country’s warm welcome whenever you step through its doors.
Whether you’re headed to Ireland or beyond, we have a destination guide that will help you curate the best itinerary for these green and golden shorelines as well as any of its neighboring European cities. We hope to breathe in the winds of fate with you wherever you’re headed next.