Despite its popularity, Ireland is a country that still feels ripe for exploring, where you might just stumble across a (sort of) secret viewpoint or hidden gem around any given corner.
Ireland’s small villages, fantastic natural landscape, and beautiful architecture (modern, restored, and crumbling ruins alike) give the island a fairytale-like quality, and nowhere is that more true than when discovering Ireland off the beaten path.
While touristic highlights like the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and Giant’s Causeway are beautiful, there’s something special about curling up in a small village pub for a meal, admiring a historic ruin with no other souls around, or staring out over the gorgeous coast without hundreds of other people nearby.
We’ve rounded some of the best hidden gems in Ireland up here, from natural beauty to historic buildings and beyond.
While there’s no shortage of quiet corners and beautiful places in Ireland, these are particularly lovely places to get off the beaten path in Ireland.
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How to Discover Ireland Off the Beaten Path
Ireland is the perfect country for a road trip, and when talking about discovering Ireland off the beaten path, that is doubly true.
The best way to reach the majority of these hidden gems in Ireland is by car (or in the case of many of the islands, a ferry).
We recommend searching for a rental car through Discover Cars, which will compare the prices and rental inclusions of several companies at once, allowing you to find the best deal with the best terms!
Check prices and shop rental cars for your trip to Ireland today!
17 Beautiful Hidden Gems in Ireland
Hook Lighthouse
Set at the edge of the already offbeat Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, Hook Lighthouse is considered to be one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world.
Dating back to the 13th century, the lighthouse has been open to the public since 1996 and offers gorgeous views of the surrounding coastline.
Ring of Beara
Located right next door to the Ring of Kerry and yet offering an atmosphere that feels far more remote, driving the Ring of Beara will make you feel like you’re completely alone in Ireland.
(Seriously–we often went several minutes at a time without so much as passing another car on the road when driving this route during the summer high season).
Be sure to stop by the adorable village of Castletownbere for a quick walk and lunch, and to pull off the road at Dzogchen Beara, a Buddhist meditation center that is open to visitors and whose grounds boast some of the most beautiful views on the Ring of Beara.
Loftus Hall
2025 Note: Sadly, Loftus Hall has been closed and sold since our visit… but rumor has it that the so-called most haunted house in Ireland may be opening as a luxury hotel one of these days! We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled. In the meantime, you can always drive by the exterior if you’re exploring County Wexford!
Dating to 1350, Loftus Hall is considered by many to be the most haunted building in Ireland.
In its long life, it has served as a private home, a hotel, a nunnery, and as an abandoned building.
Today, it is finding new life as a tourist attraction, with ghost tours through the still-not-quite-renovated mansion offering an eerie peek into the history of the house.
Loftus Hall’s opulent staircase is perhaps its most incredible feature, as there are only three of its type in the world. The first is at the bottom of the ocean with the Titanic, the second is in the Pope’s residence in the Vatican, and the third is tucked away in one of the most interesting hidden gems in Ireland.
(Loftus Hall also served as the filming location for the Gothic horror movie The Lodgers–and while it isn’t the absolute best horror movie we’ve ever seen, we loved watching it after touring the building).
Belleek Castle
Tucked into a quiet corner of County Mayo, Belleek Castle is both absolutely stunning and uncrowded, offering an excellent place for a quiet getaway in Ireland far away from the crowds.
Whether you want to stop by to tour the eccentric and fascinating Marshall Doran collection (complete with antique weapons, Grace O’Malley’s bed, and 10,000-year-old fossils, among many other things), for a delicious meal or afternoon tea, or even to spend a night, Belleek Castle is well worth a visit when you’re looking for hidden gems in Ireland.
We absolutely loved our stay here and it exceeded our expectations! You can read more about our (not sponsored, as always) stay in Belleek Castle here.
Achill Island
For the tallest, most dramatic cliffs in all of Ireland, head to stunning and remote Achill Island.
Like most Irish islands, one of its major selling points is fantastic seaside views.
Once you get done admiring the cliffs, head to Keem Bay to admire water so bright you may just think you’re in the Caribbean (especially if you happen to visit on a sunny day).
Achill Island – Atlantic Coastline & Ashleam Bay by Joseph Mischyshyn, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Conor Pass
As one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland, Conor Pass boasts absolutely beautiful views of the Irish countryside, a fantastic place for a hike, and a lovely–if a bit unnerving–drive.
Be sure to be cautious when driving this route, but definitely stop by to check it out when exploring Ireland off the beaten path.
We loved this drive, even though we experienced it during a characteristic Irish rainshower!
Howth Cliff Walk
Located less than an hour outside of Dublin, the Howth Cliff Walk is one of the best ways to enjoy Ireland’s stunning coastline without going far from the capital.
Coated in colorful wildflowers during the summer and home to an adorable lighthouse at the cliff’s edge, the Howth Cliff Walk is typically uncrowded despite its incredible beauty.
We added Howth to one of our Ireland itineraries at the last minute and are so glad we did–it quickly became one of our most memorable stops in Ireland (and it’s one of the easiest day trips from Dublin, too).
The Aran Islands
The Cliffs of Moher may be one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions, but most visitors don’t make it a short distance across the water to the Aran Islands that are visible from the edge of the cliffs.
The archipelago is worth the ferry ride, though!
The Aran Islands are one of the last places in Ireland where Irish is the main spoken language, and the long and fascinating history of the islands paired with the delight of exploring both the natural highlights and the small, cozy communities there makes for an excellent place to visit in Ireland off the beaten path.
Easily doable as a day trip from Doolin or Galway if you don’t want to tour all 3 islands, the Aran Islands are an incredible experience–so much so that we’ve been twice and would love to go again.
Hore Abbey
Built in the 13th century as a Cistercian Monastery, Hore Abbey practically lies in the shadow of the Rock of Cashel–but unlike the Rock of Cashel, it is both free and uncrowded to visit.
If you’re looking for a place to walk around an empty, stunning ruin in Ireland, Hore Abbey is the place to go.
We loved our stop here, and will probably visit again the next time we’re in the area!
Slea Head Drive
More popular than the Ring of Beara and yet still far, far less touristy than the Ring of Kerry, Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula is–in my biased opinion–one of the prettiest places in all of Ireland, and definitely one of my favorite places to explore in Ireland off the beaten path.
Be sure to stop by highlights like Dunquin Pier, Dunbeg Fort, and Dingle, as well as lesser-known highlights like the Gallarus Oratory, Dunmore Head, and the many small farms and shops that dot the remote drive.
You can read our full guide to Slea Head Drive here!
Slieve League Cliffs
Significantly taller than the Cliffs of Moher, yet far more remote and with a fraction of the tourists, the Slieve League Cliffs are the definition of exploring Ireland off the beaten path.
We definitely recommend setting aside a day spent here–the long drive to the cliffs alone is a fabulous travel experience in Ireland.
(And there are many adorable sheep to admire as you inch closer to the cliffs, too).
Torc Waterfall
Despite the fact that Torc Waterfall is located within popular Killarney National Park, it’s easy to drive right past it without knowing what you’re missing if you’re not keeping an eye out for the many hidden gems of Ireland.
Be sure to pause to marvel at this stunning waterfall, which is absolutely gorgeous and a great place to admire to view, snap photos, and even stop for a picnic lunch if you’re so inclined.
While Torc Waterfall looks (and to a certain extent, feels) like it’s in the middle of nowhere, it’s only a 5-minute walk from the road!
Skellig Michael
Not unknown as much as difficult to reach, this stunningly beautiful island is located about 8 miles off the Ring of Kerry and is remote enough that it acted as a filming location for Star Wars.
Even today, it’s difficult enough to land on Skellig Island that the boats only sail roughly 5 days out of a given 7, with high winds and storms frequently requiring captains to cancel the trip.
Its magnificent beauty makes it an incredible place to visit–and well worth the hassle of making it out there.
NoNameIsLeft, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Minard Castle
This quiet castle ruin on the Dingle Peninsula is framed by a gorgeous pebble beach.
Devoid of crowds and very peaceful to visit, this is the perfect place to enjoy beautiful views off the beaten path in Ireland.
Downhill Beach
Long, remote, and incredibly beautiful, standing on sandy Downhill Beach in Northern Ireland feels a bit like standing at the end of the world.
Be sure to look up and admire the views of Mussenden Temple perched on the edge of the cliffs, set high above the beach.
Inishkea Islands
Set off the coast of County Mayo and only accessible by private charter, people called the remote Inishkea Islands home for over 5,000 years.
The lifestyle of the people there ended abruptly in 1927, when a boating accident killed 10 young men and the islands and their lifestyle were abandoned.
Today, you can explore the islands on foot, including the abandoned villages that have sat empty for nearly 100 years, a beautiful lighthouse, and stunning views of the turquoise water.
Map of Hidden Gems in Ireland
Read More About Visiting Ireland
Excited to continue plotting out the details of your trip to Ireland?
We’d love to be part of your planning here on Our Escape Clause!
You can browse all of our Ireland blog posts here, or check out these detailed guides:
- Planning a Trip to Ireland: Your Easy 9-Step Checklist
- 10 Cool Things to Do in Cobh, Ireland
- 21 Epic Hidden Gems in Europe: Secret Spots + Offbeat Highlights
- How to Plan Your Magical Ireland Honeymoon
- The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
Love your descriptions and recommendations (and your boots). The husband and I are interested in slowing down a bit and staying in maybe 3-4 places using them as a base from which to travel out to some of the sites. So instead of trying to see everything we explore an area a little more throughly. Do you have suggestions for a 10-14 day itinerary that would accommodate?
Thanks so much, Peggy!
The choices are endless, of course, but if I were picking 3-4 bases in Ireland, I’d probably do something in County Wexford or County Waterford to explore the east coast a bit (it’s more under the radar, but delightful), something near Killarney National Park (maybe in Kenmare) where you could access the Ring of Kerry, Ring of Beara, and plenty of other nearby sights, and something on the Dingle Peninsula.
For the fourth base, you could potentially look at Doolin, Galway, or something else nearby if you’d like to do the Cliffs of Moher area, possibly something in County Mayo if you want to get a bit more off the beaten track, or something up in County Donegal if you’d like to explore the northern part of the country a bit.
Hope that gives you some ideas! You can see quite a bit with 3-4 days in each of those places.
wish you had put in a picture of Keem bay on Achill Island. I grew up about 2 miles from there and am feeling homesick for it right now since we cant go there during the covid-19 outbreak. but I will go back as soon as I can. its like a slice of Heaven and especially during this beautiful weather we are having at present, its all sparkly and bright and fresh and windy and pure or so my sister informs me-I can just imagine it!!
Ah, I can imagine how homesick you must be for somewhere so beautiful! I hope we can all start moving around again soon, the phenomenal weather across Europe right now that no one can enjoy (I know Paris and the UK are also unseasonably sunny) sure is a small extra challenge on top of everything else.
I’m homesick for Ireland and I’ve only spent 12 days of my life there. God bless hope you can get home soon.
It is a beautiful place! We can’t wait to visit again.
Peggy, on our trip to Ireland last October, my husband and I made Killarney our base in Co. Kerry while we explored the area for 3 days. Wonderful pubs and restaurants to visit. Bricin had THE best boxty I have ever had in my life. Kenmare is an absolute charmer of a place, and you would be in absolute heaven staying there as well. I just wanted to offer one more thing to consider as you plan your trip. I hope you have a wonderful time!!
Thank you, Kate, for a wonderful read. I’ve added a few of these stops to my list for our next trip to Ireland.
Thank you so much, Heidi! Can’t wait to get back to Ireland ourselves.
I have been to both Hook head lighthouse and Loftus Hall, as well as a number of other spots you talked about. They are all incredible. Loved the entire 3 weeks I was in Ireland and can’t wait to go back.
We can’t wait to go back, either! Such a special country.
Hi!
I loved this blog (a year later but never mind) but have you posted something for someone who can’t rent a car? I don’t have a driver’s license and I’d love to read something about hidden gems in Ireland by bus. I’m especially longing to go to Dingle and Dingle Peninsula…
Hi Abby,
Thank you so much! Unfortunately, we don’t have any experience traveling Ireland by bus, but I know it is possible (though more limited).
I’d look at basing yourself in Dingle and perhaps booking a tour of the peninsula from there–that’ll get you to the highlights!
Hi Kate, I’m an American living in Ireland for the last 16 years. I’ve done a lot of exploring and have done it by bus, train, and coach tours. Though Killarney is a busy tourist town, it’s easier to get other places because of more bus and train services to other areas. Also Cork is a good base. The Cork bus/train station has frequent connections to the cities and towns. I live in Limerick City, which isn’t much of a tourist spot, but it’s a marvelous train and bus hub. Also, may I suggest Birr Demesne in County Offaly. I’ve visited so many times and in the off-season it’s wonderful to spend hours walking around the large estate. Birr Castle itself is a residence but private tours can be arranged. You’re spot on about the Aran Islands. I’ve been a frequent visitor to all three of them and it’s hard to pick a favorite. Gap of Dunloe in Killarney is an amazing experience. The landscape is breathtaking. You can either walk it or avail of a pony and trap. Also, Cong in County Mayo is a delightful small village. There are many trails to walk and Ashford Castle is just a few minutes walk from the village. Happy Trails!
Kate, just stumbled on your website – trying to get info to share with a friend who’s finally living her dream of visiting Ireland. I’m Irish, really!!, born in Cork but living here for a while. Love all the info you’ve shared – not just Ireland but your worldwide travel. What an amazing life!! Can’t imagine all the stories & treasures you have from the places and people you’ve encountered! I’d add that West Cork and the complete Atlantic Way is a must (yes, I’m biased, but I promise, it will not disappoint).
Thanks again, looking forward to more tales from your adventures
Cheers,
B
Thank you so much, Breda! That is wonderful to hear. 🙂 We would love to get back to Ireland and explore even more in-depth–I nurture a dream of doing a 6-week road trip one of these summers. Hope your friend has a fabulous time!!
Hi there..planning a trip to Ireland in November, what are good areas to stay as a home base when you are there? Love off the beaten path views, as often we have found in the past that these places leave us with the most memories.
Hi Carmen!
We have all the bed and breakfasts we stayed in (which we absolutely loved) in this post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-ireland-itinerary-ireland-road-trip/
For off-the-beaten-path places, in particular, we adored Inishross House in New Ross! Still one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever eaten.
Hi…..my mother was from Belfast and we want to plan a trip to Northern Ireland.
It’s been years since I was there and I wanted to know if you had any itinerary or suggestions for a 14 day trip there. We want to visit Ballintoy area and other coastal towns as well as Belfast and end in Dublin.
Hi Grace!
Unfortunately, we don’t (yet) have any standalone posts about Northern Ireland.
This road trip guide does cover the whole island, though, including some time in Northern Ireland: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-ireland-itinerary-ireland-road-trip/
My son (14) and I are quite the food travelers. Any recommendations for local spots? Favorite hikes? Small town bnb’s? I’ve read you can fly into Shannon Airport to save some time – do you think that’s cost effective (Traveling from the east coast in the states).
Your post was so lovely by the way. Your travels sound like quite the relaxing adventures❤️
Hi KP,
Sounds like a wonderful trip!
We have a lot of posts about visiting Ireland that cover many of the details you mentioned. This one is a great start: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-ireland-itinerary-ireland-road-trip/
Unfortunately, not all of the B&B’s we loved appear to have survived the last few years, but many did! We can highly recommend all the ones we cover there.
Flying into Shannon just comes down to the flight itself–you can always check both there and Dublin and compare availability and cost for your dates!
Thank you for posting this. We are heading to Ireland for the first time in a few weeks, and I am so excited to visit some of the places you recommended……….
That’s great to hear, thanks Morag! Hope you have a fantastic trip to Ireland!