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.
Deserted Village: Achill Island, Co Mayo
Books mention Achill's abandoned village, but I was surprised when I saw it. An extensive community lived on the site, and remnants of the buildings are roofless, but in good condition. It was quite...
Ballycarbery Castle: Cahersiveen, Co Kerry
From Cahersiveen, signs direct visitors to the road leading to the castle and forts... this large castle's hard to miss. It's also a fun one climb around. Staircases, rooms and passages still...
The View of the Castle from Wind Gap: Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny
Wind Gap provides a glimpse of the city very few tourists witness. With views of the castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral, this location was common in 19th and 20th century paintings. Across the street...
Ardfert Friary: Ardfert, Co Kerry
A stark contrast between the soft green fields in which it’s located, Ardfert Friary stands tall and proud. Built in the mid 13th century, its walls still capture the beauty that once was. A short...
To the Top of Torc! Cimbing Torc Waterfall and Mountain: Killarney, Co Kerry
Ireland guidebooks praise Killarney National Park and Torc Waterfall, but often fail to tell about the invigorating walk to the top of Torc Waterfall and Mountain. After observing the waterfall from...
Romantic Gougane Barra: Pass of Keimaneigh, Co. Cork
Gougane Barra, Ireland’s first forest park, is secreted away in a glacial valley. Surrounded by the Sheehy Mountains the former monastic site is a popular venue for Irish weddings. A small...
A Stone Palace, Creevykeel Passage Tomb: Creevykeel, Co Sligo
About 25k north of Sligo Town, there is a massive passage tomb dating about 6000 years old called Creevykeel. It is RIGHT on the main road, and has a small carpark to stop in. There is a clootie...
Passage into Ancient Times at Carrowmore Megaliths: Sligo, Co Sligo
Just about 5km north of Sligo, you can enter an ancient world of tombs, stone circles, and cairns. There are over 30 monuments in Carrowmore, all within about 2 square miles, with a nice visitor...
St. Columba’s Well – Stations of Sainthood: Glencolmcille, Co Donegal
Nearby the lovely Glencolmcille Folk Village, if you drive to the other side of the bay and up the promontory, you can find St. Colmcille's Well and the other holy stations associated with St....
The Mighty Mount Errigal: Errigal, Co Donegal
Errigal Mountain dominates the landscape in this area, and is the tallest peak in the county. It is a fairly hikable mountain, with a 'one-man's pass' along the top. However, you will need proper...
