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.
Cole Monument: Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh
Cole's Monument stands high on Fort hill within Forthill Park & can be seen from anywhere in the town below. It was built in honour of Sir Galbraith Cole, who was one of Wellington's generals...
Site of Ireland’s First Harp Festival: Granard, Co Longford
On the main street in Granard, a plaque denotes the town's connection to traditional Irish Harp music. In 1781, they hosted the country's very first harp festival at the Market House. The festival...
Mummies in the Crypt at St. Michan’s Church: Smithfield, Co Dublin
Above ground, the church houses an organ Handel supposedly favored and rehearsed his Messiah. Underground, the church's crypts are an experience unto themselves. You'll find yourself guided down the...
The Earthenworks at Lissanduff: Portballintrae, Co Antrim
An unexpected find in the seaside village of Portballintrae, the Lissanduff earthworks consist of two sets of concentric ringed mounds of earth. A scenic path with views of the bay leads from the...
Dublin’s Secret Garden at Blessington Basin: Dublin, County Dublin
Opened in the 1810 to provide clean water to Dublin's north side, the basin was officially named the Royal George Reservoir in honor of King George III. Water was piped two miles from County...
The Relics of St Valentine: Dublin City, Co Dublin
On a street between St Stephen's Green and St Patrick's Cathedral, a pair of gold statues mark the entrance to Whitefriar Street Church. Run by the Carmelite community, the church and gift shop are...
Overlooking Lough Swilly at Burt Castle: Burt, Co Donegal
Burt Castle is a hidden gem that many people pass by without visiting. There is no road leading to it and it is actually now located on private farmland - however, this means that when you visit,...
Tragedy at Menlo Castle: Galway, Co Galway
Menlo Castle, a once magnificent home of the Blake family was built in 1569 on the banks of the River Corrib. In 1910, Menlo Castle was gutted by fire trapping two servants & Miss Ellen, the...
The Sky Road in Connemara – One of Ireland’s Most Dramatic Drives: Clifden, Co Galway
Driving the Sky Road in Clifden, Connemara, County Galway, for the first time is breathtakingly beautiful and heart-stopping-ly terrifying at the same time. The narrow road, the wild scenery and the...
A Home from the Family Who Brought Us the Galway Races: Tyrone, Co Galway
Located near Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, stands the ruins of the stately manor Tyrone House. Built in 1779 by Christopher French St. George whose estate was once the centre of foxhunting in the region....
