Ireland is a beautiful country with many attractions, but if you want to avoid the crowds and discover some hidden gems, here are 10 under-the-radar experiences you can have in Ireland.
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Visit one of the oldest lighthouses in the world at Hook Lighthouse
Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world, dating back to the 13th century. You can take a guided tour of the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline from the top. You can also explore the nearby Hook Peninsula, which has a rich history and scenic landscapes.
Drive the scenic and remote ring of Beara
The Ring of Beara is a scenic drive that circles the Beara Peninsula in southwest Ireland.
It is less crowded than the Ring of Kerry, but equally beautiful and diverse. You can admire the rugged mountains, the sparkling sea, and the charming villages along the way. Don’t miss the Buddhist meditation center at Dzogchen Beara, which has some of the most breathtaking views on the route.
Explore the most haunted building in Ireland at Loftus Hall
If you are into spooky stories, you will love Loftus Hall, which is considered to be the most haunted building in Ireland. The mansion has a long and dark history, involving a mysterious stranger, a card game, and a devilish revelation. You can join a paranormal tour of the house and learn about its eerie legends and ghost sightings.
Learn about the history and importance of butter at The Butter Museum
Butter is a staple of Irish cuisine, and at the Butter Museum in Cork, you can learn all about its history and importance. The museum displays various artifacts related to butter making, such as churns, molds, and packaging. You can also watch a live demonstration of how butter is made and taste some samples.
See ancient mummies in the Crypt of St. Michan’s Church
St. Michan’s Church in Dublin is home to some ancient mummies that are preserved in the crypt due to the dry and cool conditions. You can descend into the vaults and see the remains of some notable figures, such as a crusader, a rebel leader, and a nun. You can also touch the hand of one of the mummies for good luck.
Lie on a stone plinth and gaze at the sky in The Irish Sky Garden
The Irish Sky Garden is a unique installation by artist James Turrell at Liss Ard Estate in County Cork.
It consists of a large crater with a stone plinth at its center, which you can lie on and gaze at the sky through an oval opening. The experience is designed to create a sense of connection with nature and yourself.
Celebrate the history of aviation and Irish coffee at the Foynes Flying Boat Museum
The Foynes Flying Boat Museum celebrates the history of aviation and transatlantic flights in Ireland.
Foynes was a major hub for flying boats in the 1930s and 1940s, and hosted many famous passengers, such as Charles Lindbergh, Ernest Hemingway and John F. Kennedy. The museum features a replica of a flying boat, interactive exhibits, and memorabilia. You can also learn how to make an Irish coffee, which was invented in Foynes.
Forage in Burren
Burren is a unique landscape in County Clare that consists of limestone pavements, cliffs, caves, and flora. It is one of the richest botanical regions in Ireland, with over 700 plant species, some of which are rare or endemic. You can join a foraging tour with Burren Wild Food and learn how to identify and harvest edible plants such as wild garlic, nettles, sorrel, and seaweed. You can also taste some delicious dishes made with local ingredients.
Bathe in seaweed
Seaweed bathing is an ancient Irish tradition that involves soaking in hot water infused with seaweed. It is said to have many health benefits, such as detoxifying the skin, improving circulation, easing muscle pain, and relieving stress. You can experience this relaxing therapy at Kilcullen’s Seaweed Baths in Enniscrone, County Sligo, where you can enjoy a private bath with fresh seaweed harvested from the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit King John’s castle from Robin Hood
King John’s Castle is a 13th-century fortress on King’s Island in Limerick City, overlooking the River Shannon. It was built by King John of England, who is best known as the villain in the Robin Hood legend. The castle has been restored and features an interactive exhibition that tells the story of its history and its people. You can also explore the battlements, towers and courtyard, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
