Ireland is one of a kind, really. We all know about the Guinness Storehouse, the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher. There are so many hot-spots throughout the country that are so well known.
But then there is a magnitude of hidden gems in Ireland that almost no one knows about. It’s gems like these that surprise visitors who come to the island & equip them then, with stories to tell back home.
Yes, we have some fantastic places, attractions, eateries & natural wonders throughout Ireland but it is the little things ‘off the beaten track’ that gives Ireland it’s heartbeat. All our tours here at Ireland Walk Hike Bike are ‘off the beaten track’, so it’s about time we share a few of Ireland’s lesser-known hidden gems we have discovered along the way.
Inch Beach, Co. Kerry
A feast for the senses. The Dingle Peninsula is one you have to experience & one of the most spectacular locations in Ireland. Surfing takes place here all year round & Inch is the perfect location for a walk, run or swim or simply an outdoor adventure. Galloping horses are sometimes spotted amongst the majestic strand.
Inch is hotspot for many film recordings & music videos. The attraction is its views of waves crashing against the cliffs & cute little café & bar nestled upon its edge. This beach is definitely a place to tick off your list & is one of the most understated hidden gems within Ireland.
Kinsale, Co. Cork
Kinsale, or ‘Ireland’s Riviera’ as it is sometimes known, is a lesser shouted about part of Ireland, yet one of the most picturesque, popular & historic towns in Ireland. Located on the southern coast of the Wild Atlantic Way it is the doorway to the scenic route around the Beara Peninsula.
What once was a medieval fishing port, is now famous for its colorful streets, quirky shops, yacht-filled harbour, food tours & experiences & to top it all off, being named the ‘Gourmet Capital of Ireland’. A real ‘home away from home’, with excitement & beauty around every corner.
Murphy’s Brown Bread & Atlantic Sea Salt ice cream in Dingle
Dingle in itself is one of Ireland’s proudest gems. Located on the south west coast it is a place that has been undisturbed by the world & one that has held on tightly to its unique character & edge. Renowned for its traditional Irish music scene, Fungii the Dolphin and Distillery.
Nestled within its quirky, colorful streets is Murphy’s ice cream parlour. Enjoy their traditional brown bread & Atlantic sea salt ice cream as you look onto the Atlantic ocean; one of Ireland’s most humble hidden sensory gems.
Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve, County Kerry
See the sparkling universe come to life right before your eyes at the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve. The location of this hidden gem has no light pollution, letting you gaze at the Milky Way in complete awe & with undisturbed attention.
On clear nights, amazing views of the stars can be seen through the naked eye, similar to that in the Grand Canyon or the desert plains of Africa. The perfect hidden gem in Ireland for stargazing, moongazing, planet spotting or simply experiencing the wonder of the universe. A true hidden gem in Ireland, especially for families, couples, groups & more. Something to tick off the bucket list.
Heart Shaped Lake; Lough Ouler, Wicklow
This heart-shaped lake is certainly one of a kind. Situated at the side of Tonelagee in the middle of the Wicklow mountains – its certainly off the beaten path! The view of this pretty heart shape lake will definitely take your breath away. Known to some but not many; this little wonder is certainly one of Ireland’s best hidden gems.
Exploring Ireland ‘off the beaten track’ is what we do best and many of our tours take you to the regions listed above. Even if they don’t, that’s why we introduced our amazing custom tour planner in early 2019.
Click here to design your trip today! If you’ve been on a walking or cycling holiday before and are confident exploring without a guide, have a browse of our self-guided holidays. For inquiries on any of our tours, feel free to drop us an email: Info@IrelandWalkHikeBike.com!