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.
Ireland’s Link to the Hope Diamond: Castleblayney, Co Monaghan
This three story Georgian manor provides a setting for Ireland's tie to the famous Hope Diamond. The 1799 home was sold in 1853 to the Hope family who also owned and gave their name to one of the...
Moyry Castle: Carrickbroad, Co Armagh
The square defensive tower house was built in 1601 to protect the Gap of Moyry and the Gap of the North, and its rounded corners give it a unique look. The nearby railroad crossing was one of the...
Explore the Thatched Cottages: Glencolmcille, Co Donegal
Glencolmcille Folk Village is the realized dream of Father Dyer, a local who wanted to do something to increase tourism and industry to this seaside town. He did so by setting up several cottages to...
William Butler Yeats Retreat: Gort, Co Galway
Thoor Ballylee was originally a Norman Tower House built in the 1500's. More recently the tower was encompassed by the Gregory Estate. But the fame of the Tower began when William Butler Yeats...
Sandy Seaside Inlet: Adara, Co Donegal
The beach near Ardara features a very long inlet with villages all along it and a wonderful rock outcropping that gets slammed by the waves on a windy day. On the other side of the inlet is the Eos...
Keyhole Cross at Layde Church: Cushendall, Co Antrim
Layde Church is a small, ruined church near Cushendall. It has a delightful high cross and a keyhole cross, old and worn, as well as several other monuments and graves on a steep hill next to the...
Holy Well and Mass Rock: Beach, Co. Cork
This mass rock and holy well are a bit difficult to find, but well worth the effort. They are on private property but the owner was pleased to direct us across his land to the spot. The GPS location...
Ireland’s Last Beetling Mill: Cookstown, Co Tyrone
I couldn't resist stopping at a place with a name like beetling mill. Ends up beetling was the final step in Northern Ireland's once-booming linen production. The original 1790s machinery inside...
World War II Beacon: Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh
Lough Erne served as Britain's western-most flying boat station during World War II. Castle Archdale was set up as a Royal Air Force base in an effort to protect Atlantic shipping from German...
Postcard Perfect View of Clifden: Co Galway
Ever wondered where the calendar and postcard photos of Clifden were taken from? Heading out of town and 3/4 mile along the Sky Road is a gated entry to Memorial Hill. Crowning the Hill is a simple...
