Irish beauties
The Emerald Isle is completely jaw-dropping. From its impressive coastlines and national parks to historic monuments and quaint towns, it’s jam-packed with wanderlust. Yet beyond the tourist trail there are some under-the-radar gems, too – here’s our pick of the best.
Hook Lighthouse, County Wexford
Hook Lighthouse is thought to be the oldest lighthouse in the world still in operation. Constructed in the 13th century by the knight William Marshal to develop the shipping trade, the recognizable black-and-white striped tower has truly withstood the test of time. Its prime location, on the rugged Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, offers unbeatable views across Ireland’s south coast and the Celtic Sea.
Doonagore Castle, County Clare
Doonagore Castle might look like it’s been plucked from a fairy tale, but its history is more like the stuff of horror stories. Located in County Clare, 1.2 miles (2km) south of Doolin, it was built in the 16th century to monitor passing ships. In 1588, when Spain attempted to invade England, a ship from the Spanish Armada crashed near the castle. Despite the fact its 170-strong crew managed to escape the shipwreck, they were taken prisoner by the High Sheriff of Clare, Boetius MacClancy, and were hanged at the castle. It's thought that their remains are buried near Doolin.
Kinsale, County Cork
The jaunty seaside town of Kinsale charms visitors with its colorful buildings, rich history and picturesque surroundings. Situated at the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way in County Cork, it started life as a fishing port in medieval times. Many of its historic landmarks still stand today, including a 17th-century Dutch-style courthouse which houses the Kinsale Museum, and two forts guarding its harbor, also built in the 17th century.
Caves of Keash, Ballymote, County Sligo
Also known as Keshcorran Caves, this haunting collection of 17 limestone caverns sits on Keshcorran Hill, near Ballymote in County Sligo. According to local myths and legends, the famous King of Ireland Cormac Mac Airt is said to have been raised here by wolves. Today, the caves are a popular spot for walkers, with the hill offering sweeping vistas across the Sligo countryside.
Dunmore East, County Waterford
Dunmore East got its name from the promontory forts that were built on its slopes during the Iron Age, which led people to call it ‘Dun Mor’, meaning ‘Great Fort’. Thanks to its sheltered harbor, it became an important fishing port and today it’s one of five designated Fishery Harbours in Ireland – it also holds the world record for the largest tuna ever caught on a rod. With its cobbled streets and thatched cottages, it’s full of old-world charm.
Hore Abbey, County Tipperary
The nearby Rock of Cashel might be grander and better preserved, but Hore Abbey more than makes up for it in romanticism and history. Built by the Benedictine Order in the 13th century, it was given to monks by David McCarvill, the archbishop of a nearby church. However, he drove them away, after allegedly having a dream that they tried to kill him. In the 15th century, significant changes were made to the abbey, notably the addition of its central tower.
Skellig Michael, County Kerry
Recognize this enchanting little island? Skellig Michael was used as a filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Located around eight miles (12km) off the coast of Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, the rugged isle is topped by a monastic settlement which is believed to date back to the 6th century. Monks lived here until the 13th century, when they were driven back to the mainland by harsh weather conditions. The smaller island of Little Skellig can be seen in the distance.
Inishbofin Island, County Galway
Another tiny isle with heaps of history is Inishbofin Island, situated seven miles (11.2km) off the Galway coast. Estimates suggest the island was inhabited as early as 4,000-8,000 BC, although today its most notable feature is the 17th-century ruins of Cromwell’s Barracks. This beguiling fort was built by the Cromwellian regime in 1656, after which it was used to imprison captured Catholic priests and served as a defensive location during the late 17th century.
Rock of Dunamase, County Laois
The Rock of Dunamase, located near Portlaoise in County Laois, is steeped in archeological and historical significance. Initially home to an early Christian settlement, it was pillaged by the Vikings in AD 842, then became an Anglo-Norman fortress during the 12th century. Passed through generations of rich families, it was left in ruins by around 1350 and blown up by the military 300 years later. In this stunning sunset shot, the storied ruins cast a romantic silhouette against the southern Irish countryside.
Keem Bay, County Mayo
Ireland has no shortage of beautiful beaches and Keem Bay is one of its most breathtaking. Situated on the picturesque coast of Achill Island, just off the western coast of County Mayo, it’s surrounded on both sides by steep cliffs which create the perfect horseshoe-shaped bay. Accessible only by a winding clifftop road, this dainty beach is blissfully secluded.
Bantry House and Gardens, County Cork
With its scenic location overlooking Bantry Bay in West Cork, this stately home is the epitome of grandeur. The house and gardens that stand today were built in the mid-19th century, designed by the Second Earl of Bantry. Arguably the most impressive feature is the Italian- and Spanish-inspired garden, laid out across seven stair-like terraces which lead invitingly down towards the coast. Today, Bantry House and Gardens is still owned by the White family, descendants of the Earls of Bantry.
Bád Eddie Shipwreck, County Donegal
The shipwreck of Bád Eddie has stood on Magheraclogher beach, County Donegal, for almost 50 years. The boat, formerly owned by local fisherman Eddie Gillespie, washed up here in the 1970s and since then it’s become a beloved part of the landscape. In winter 2020, locals were so concerned that it might not withstand harsh weather that they formed a rescue plan to protect the shipwreck, which involves reinforcing it with steel so that it will be preserved for future generations.
Slieve League Cliffs, County Donegal
Despite being almost three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, County Donegal’s Slieve League Cliffs lack their fame – although it’s difficult to see why. Reaching 1,972 feet (601m) at their highest point, these majestic sea cliffs are among the highest in Europe. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Catholic worship was illegal in Ireland but many Catholics refused to convert to Protestantism, so they created a makeshift church out of rocks along these cliffs. Today, the remains of this church, known as "Mass Rock", can be spotted along the coastline.
Ring of Beara, County Kerry and County Cork
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more scenic drive than the Ring of Beara. A 55 to 80-mile (80-128km) loop depending on which route is taken, the journey around the Beara Peninsula takes in wild and rugged landscapes at every turn. Pictured is the tiny village of Allihies, which became the center of the biggest copper mining business in Ireland in the mid-1800s, employing nearly 1,500 people in its heyday.
The Wonderful Barn, County Kildare
This unusual corkscrew-shaped tower casts a striking silhouette against the landscape. Built in 1743 on the estate of Castletown House, a grand Georgian house constructed for an Irish politician, it’s not clear what the original purpose for the barn was. Some argue that it may have been used as a granary, created for storing grain after several famines, while others believe it was used as a dovecote for birds to nest in.
Poolbeg Lighthouse, County Dublin
With its vivid red tower standing out against a serene-looking Dublin Bay, Poolbeg Lighthouse looks postcard-perfect here. First built in 1768, the present lighthouse was constructed in 1820 and is situated at the end of the Great South Wall Рone of the longest sea walls in Europe. Offering impressive views of D̼n Laoghaire, Howth, Bull Island and Dublin Mountains, the panoramic spot is popular with walkers.
Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park, County Kerry
Deriving its name from the Gaelic word “torc” meaning wild boar, this powerful waterfall looks every bit as untamed as its moniker suggests. Yet there’s a story behind the name. Legend has it that a local man was cursed by the devil and turned into a wild boar each night, but became furious when his secret was discovered by a local farmer. In his anger, he burst into flames and disappeared into the nearby Punchbowl Lake, whose waters exploded down the cliffside to create Torc Waterfall.
Newgrange, County Meath
This prehistoric tomb, nicknamed “Ireland’s Stonehenge”, is thought to be even older than its British cousin. Dating back 5,000 years, the 262-foot (80m) wide grass-topped mound is surrounded by 97 curbstones engraved with megalithic art. Inside, there’s a small passage leading into a chamber with three alcoves. Steeped in historic and spiritual significance, it has been classified by archeologists as a passage tomb – a megalithic monument consisting of several burial chambers covered in earth or stone.
Phoenix Park, County Dublin
One of the largest and most historic city parks in Europe, Dublin’s Phoenix Park started life in 1662, when it was established as a royal deer hunting site. Today, it’s home to a large herd of fallow deer as well as being an important habitat for a variety of trees – which cover 30% of its area – including ash, oak, beech, sycamore and horse chestnut. There’s also the famed Dublin Zoo, a Victorian flower garden and the 19th-century Wellington Monument to admire in its 1,752-acre grounds.
Kilmacduagh Monastery, County Galway
With foundations dating back to the 7th century, the majority of Kilmacduagh Monastery that can be seen today is around 800 years old. Its most mysterious feature is the foreboding, 113-feet (34.5m) tall round tower which rises up above it. One of around 65 similar towers which can be found in Ireland, all of which were built between the 7th and 10th centuries, it’s not clear what their purpose is, although it’s thought they could have served as bell towers or defensive structures.
Cooley Peninsula, County Louth
Soaked in candy-shop hues in this sunset shot, Carlingford Lough, a glacial fjord on the Cooley Peninsula’s northeastern side, looks utterly jaw-dropping. The peninsula, situated just below the Northern Irish border in the northeast, can be traveled via a number of driving and cycling routes. Aside from the lake, notable stop-off points include the medieval village of Carlingford and the Cooley mountains, the highest of which is the 1,932-foot (589m) Slieve Foy.
Downpatrick Head, County Mayo
The razor-sharp sea stack of Dún Briste looks as if it’s been cut away from the cliffs of Downpatrick Head with a knife. In fact, according to local lore, it actually was. The story goes that when a pagan chieftain refused to convert to Christianity, Saint Patrick struck the ground with a crozier, splitting the rock off the headland. Legends aside, it’s thought that the stack broke away from the mainland due to very rough sea conditions in 1393, causing a rock arch to collapse.
Cork City Gaol, County Cork
The history of Cork City Gaol is as intriguing as it is chilling. Built in the early 19th century, it served as a prison for criminals in the city, many of whom were put behind bars for petty crimes such as stealing loaves of bread. Up until 1868, when public hangings became illegal, those given the death sentence would be hanged from the gatehouse outside. After closing in 1923, the building was, strangely, used to house local radio stations up until the 1950s, then it opened as a museum in 1993.
Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry
A remote, seven-mile (11km) mountain pass which encompasses winding hairpin bends and narrow bridges, the Gap of Dunloe is not for the faint-hearted. Since it’s difficult to drive, many visitors hire traditional horse-drawn wagons to traverse it, although it’s also possible to walk or cycle. Pictured here is the Wishing Bridge, straddling Coosaun Lough and Black Lake, where it’s said that any wishes made upon it will come true.
Doon Fort, County Donegal
Sitting on its own tiny island in the middle of Loughadoon, just outside the village of Ardara, Doon Fort makes for an unusual sight from the skies. While its exact date of construction isn’t known, estimates suggest it was built between the late Iron Age and early medieval times. Occupied by the Breslin clan from the 5th century onwards, followed by the O’Boyle clan, the fort fell into disrepair for hundreds of years before being restored in the 1950s.
Copper Coast Geopark, County Waterford
Recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for its impressive geological heritage, County Waterford’s Copper Coast is nothing short of breathtaking. Here, you’ll find sea stacks, arches and blow holes eroded into the sedimentary and volcanic cliffs, as well as rocky coves and sandy beaches like this one. The coastline takes its name from the copper mines that sprung up here in the 19th century, the remains of which can still be seen today.
Mount Errigal, County Donegal
The tallest member of the Derryveagh Mountains at 2,464 feet (751m), Mount Errigal looks utterly majestic as it towers over Dunlewey Lough. Popular with hikers, the rugged peak’s summit provides sweeping views across County Donegal and parts of County Ulster – the Aran Islands can even be seen on clear days.
Cobh, County Cork
With its rainbow of colorful houses sloping down the steep Bandon Hill, Cobh has long intrigued visitors. Yet peel back the pretty façade and it has a fascinating history too. Situated on Great Island in Cork Harbour, the town (then known as Queenstown) was the departure point from which 2.5 million Irish emigrants left the country for America between 1848 and 1950. On 11 April 1912, it was the final port of call for the Titanic, which sank three days later. Seven fortunate passengers had left the ship at Cobh, including the Odell family and the Jesuit priest Father Francis Browne.
Dunquin Pier, County Kerry
A narrow, winding walkway set on vertiginous cliffs, Dunquin Pier is a breathtaking spot along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Situated on the Dingle Peninsula, stretching 30 miles (48km) into the Atlantic Ocean, the meandering path leads to a small ferry service which takes passengers to the tiny, uninhabited Blasket Islands just off the coast. The views are simply majestic.
Muckross House, County Kerry
The regal-looking Muckross House, looking out onto the tranquil Muckross Lake, is the jewel in the crown of Killarney National Park. This 19th-century mansion was designed by Scottish architect William Burne and was built in a Neo-Tudor style, with recognizable stepped gables and chimney pots. Consisting of 65 rooms spread across three floors, inside, the house retains many of its original furnishings and artifacts.
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