Ireland’s Unique, Off-Beat, & Often-Missed Sites
The nearby dolmen holds our attention, as does the local music session.
We can’t resist haunted pubs, beloved movie locations, and shops run by colorful locals.
We’re the contributors of IrelandTravelKit.com, and we’re happy to share our favorite bits of Ireland with you.
Desmond Castle and the Hellfire Club: Askeaton, Co Limerick
Dominating the town, Desmond Castle was built in 1199 by William de Burgo and it became the dwelling place of the Kings of Munster. Next to the castle is the infamous Hellfire Club which was built...
St Berrihert’s Kyle and Well: Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary
Truly hidden in the Glen of Aherlow, there are no signposts that will lead you to these sites dedicated to St Berrihert (sometimes called Bernihardt). From the road, a stile takes you over the fence...
Fethard Car Boot Sale: Co Tipperary
For the last 25 years, Fethard has been home to a notable car boot sale (flea market). Items range from antiques to laundry soap to parakeets. There is a small cafe on site, a large parking lot...
A Titanic Memorial to John Flynn: Clonbur, Co Galway
While many Irish were leaving the country for a better life elsewhere, John Flynn had already established himself in Pennsylvania. He had returned to Clonbur to visit his sister, but an urgent...
Taking in the Connemara Views with a Stop at Shanafaraghaun Burial Ground: Co Galway
On the scenic road along Connemara's Lough Nafooey's northern shore, this quiet little spot provides a comfortable little respite. One online source refers to it as a children's graveyard, but I'm...
The Jealous Wall… Ireland’s Largest Folly: Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Built on the grounds of Belvedere House, The Jealous Wall was intentionally built to look like a ruin. This type of folly was a popular feature on estates in the mid-1700s. Also called a "sham...
Irish Sport Worship: Limerick City
The Irish love their sport, and Limerick is no exception. In 2011 it was named European City of Sport, and with addition of the Thomond Park Stadium and its museum, the city has taken things up a...
Remembering the Victims of the Titanic: Cahir, Co Tipperary
With the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in April 2012, small memorials are popped up all over Ireland to note locals who boarded the ship. In Cahir, a plaque has been installed on...
Discovering Irish Design and Craftsmanship: Cahir, Co Tipperary
It's refreshing to find a place dedicated to Irish designed crafts. The Craft Granary in Cahir says "no thanks" to mass-produced Plastic Paddy items and specializes in beautiful, handcrafted items...
The “Lucky” Headless Child of Prague and the Secrets of Bunratty: Co Clare
Although a stop at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park won't put you off-the-beaten-path, a few things in the park are definitely worthy of "offbeat" status. Inside J.J. Corry's Pub, just above one of the...