Any list of the best places to visit in Ireland could go on for days. From colorful villages to scenic glens and breathtaking coastal cliffs, the Emerald Isle has no shortage of incredible things to do and see. Think of this short list like a starter-pack of five beloved hidden gem spots in Ireland.
1. The Kerry Cliffs
Ireland is home to countless stunning coastal cliffs, including some of the tallest in Europe. However, some are difficult to access or overrun with busloads of tourists. Luckily, the Kerry Cliffs strike a perfect balance between relative reachability and obscurity. Located along the Ring of Kerry portion of the Wild Atlantic Way in County Kerry, the Kerry Cliffs provide stunning panoramic views from 1,000 feet above the Atlantic. The Ring of Kerry itself is well-traveled by tourists, especially in the high season, but not every coach bus stops at each stop along the way. As a result, this location is still relatively quiet more days than not. The parking lot also allows overnight camping in tents, cars, and campervans, and the nearby town of Portmagee is home to a few charming harbor-view pubs and guesthouses.
2. Westport, Co. Mayo
If you’re looking for the quintessential small-town Ireland experience, then Westport is for you. With less than 10,000 permanent residents, Westport is small enough to charm visitors but large enough to accommodate them. Amenities and entertainment here include something for everyone, from the historic Westport House to the towering Croagh Patrick mountain plus a scenic greenway and boat tours of the surrounding Clew Bay. As with much of Ireland, summer gets busy here. Visit in the off-season for relaxed encounters with friendly locals eager to welcome you into the nearest pub and have a chat by the crackling turf fire.
3. Dublin 8
Finding anywhere off the beaten path in a city as buzzing as Dublin is no easy task. But in the neighborhoods just beyond the smokestacks of the iconic Guinness Factory lie historic sites that define Irish history. Start with a tour of Kilmainham Gaol, where children, petty criminals, and several of the key players in the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned. Next door, roam the expansive grounds of the Royal Kilmainham Hospital, which is now home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art. The museum is free to enter, and the grounds host lively events and concerts throughout summer. Lastly, stroll through the small but stunning Irish National War Memorial Gardens. The memorial is dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the First World War. Locals come here to picnic, walk their dogs, and watch local crew teams row down the Liffey River.
4. The Gap of Dunloe
Back in County Kerry, head to the Gap of Dunloe, an 11-kilometer mountain pass cutting through the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain. From Killarney, the gateway to Kerry, you can book a day trip to explore the Gap via foot, bike, or horse-drawn jaunting car. Do not attempt to drive the Gap of Dunloe. It’s incredibly treacherous driving, and with so much foot traffic, it’s safer and more scenic to leave the car parked.
5. Surrounding Islands
Ireland is surrounded by dozens of rugged islands, many of which you can visit. Some have small communities of inhabitants, like Achill Island. Others are for the birds (literally) like Great Saltee and Skellig Michael where seabird and puffin colonies thrive. The most famous set of islands is arguably the Aran Islands, visible from the Cliffs of Moher. Day trips from Galway are popular, but an overnight stay is the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Much of the modern infrastructure on these islands is new, and it’s common to hear the traditional Irish language still used by locals.
