27 Hidden Gems in Ireland You Never Knew Existed

I’ve been updating this guide to hidden gems in Ireland every six months or so since it was first published in 2017. It is now a mini-library of what I believe are the most unique off the beaten path places to visit in Ireland.

Every year or two, I come across a place that somehow escaped me despite spending most of my life exploring Ireland in some shape or form.

The most recent addition was Kilcummin Back Strand – a quiet corner of the North Mayo coast where rolling Atlantic waves meet an immense stretch of sand, and where it feels as though little has changed for generations.

A disclaimer: The term ‘hidden gem’ gets thrown around a lot these days, to the point where it’s almost lost its meaning. This is a collection of what I think are the most unique attractions in Ireland that many people (not all) aren’t aware exist.

Hidden gems in Ireland

The map above contains some of the main off the beaten path spots that you’ll find in the guide below (usually one per county as it’s impossible to squeeze more in).

It’s a small selection – the guide contains just under 50 hidden gems and non touristy things to do in Ireland, so there’s plenty to dive into.

1. Kilcummin Back Strand

It was during a rare May heatwave that I left Ballina and followed the North Mayo coast towards Dún Briste, taking a mini-detour as recommended by a fella in a cafe in the town.

The road itself is memorable, but the real payoff comes at the crest of the hill (here on Google Maps), where the view suddenly opens up to reveal the Back Strand below.

From here, you’re looking out over a broad sweep of beach and Atlantic coastline that stretches towards Lacken Bay. Despite being close to several well-known attractions in North Mayo, it remains surprisingly quiet.

I’ve visited a lot of places in Ireland over the last decade, in particular, but I can’t think of anywhere that blew me away as much as this place (literally, at times, as the wind is so powerful here!).

2. The Caves of Keash

Many of the most unique places to visit in Ireland can be found on Ireland’s wild west coast. However, few boast a past like the Caves of Keash in County Sligo.

The caves here form an ancient passage tomb cluster that are believed to predate the Pyramids of Egypt by a staggering 500-800 years!

Geological inspections took place during the 1900s that revealed how ‘early man’ used to use and live in the caves at Keash.

Evidence has also revealed that bears, wolves, arctic lemming, and other wildlife have lived here in the past.

3. Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave is one of the more unusual places to visit in Ireland and you’ll find it tucked away in Kilkenny.

Some of the earliest mentions of this place date back to the 9th-century, where it’s referred to as one of the ‘Darkest places in Ireland’.

Records from the 17th-century Annals of the Four Masters – a series of chronicles of medieval Irish history – state that in 928AD, more than 1,000 people were slain here by Vikings.

Visitor info: Adult admission costs €5, access is by guided tour only and you’ll need to tackle around 700 steps, so it’s best suited to those with a reasonable level of mobility.

4. Bull Rock

The chances are you’ll have heard of Dursey Island in Cork (yep, it’s the island that’s accessible via a little cable car).

Dursey Island is situated at the southwestern tip of the magnificent Beara Peninsula in the even-more-mighty region of West Cork.

Off the western point of the island stands three rocks: Cow Rock, Bull Rock and Calf Rock. Bull Rock, pictured above, looks like something whipped right from a Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Bull Rock is off the beaten path Ireland at its finest, purely due to the sheer uniqueness of the experience.

5. Clonmacnoise

Founded in AD 544 on the banks of the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise spent centuries as one of the most important centres of religion, learning and trade in Ireland.

At its peak, scholars travelled here from across Europe, High Kings were buried within its grounds and the monastery grew into a bustling settlement of churches, workshops and homes.

Today, visitors can wander among round towers, ancient churches and some of Ireland’s finest high crosses while gaining a sense of the scale and significance of the site.

Despite attracting visitors for almost 1,500 years, I still think Clonmacnoise is one of the most underrated hidden gems in Ireland and it makes an excellent mini-detour if you’re driving from Dublin to Galway!

6. Glenbeg Lough

Glenbeg Lough sits in a steep glacial valley on the Beara Peninsula, a few minutes outside Ardgroom. Despite being one of the most striking landscapes in Cork, it’s a place many people drive past without ever knowing it’s there.

The approach is part of what makes it memorable. A narrow road winds through open countryside before the valley suddenly reveals itself, with the dark waters of the lake framed by steep mountains on either side.

Unlike many of Ireland’s mountain lakes which are very off the beaten path, Glenbeg Lough requires very little effort to reach. There’s a small parking area beside the water, making it one of those rare places where spectacular scenery is accessible to almost anyone.

7. Moyne Abbey

Mayo’s Moyne Abbey was founded by the Franciscans before 1455 and consecrated in 1462. Built in the late Irish Gothic style, it grew into an important religious centre on the western shores of Killala Bay.

Like nearby Rosserk Friary, it was burned in 1590 by Sir Richard Bingham, the English governor of Connacht. Remarkably, the site wasn’t abandoned immediately, with friars thought to have remained here for another two centuries.

I was here in May of 2026 for the first time and there’s a couple of things worth keeping in mind:

• Access: Via a public right of way that has signs saying ‘Private Property’ and ‘Beware of bulls’
• The surface: There’s zero path and the ground is extremely mucky after any rain
• The experience: Mesmerising. While it’s in ruins, it’s still remarkably in-tact. The cloisters are almost like new

8. Largy Waterfall

I’d recommend that the vast majority of people shouldn’t visit Largy Waterfall, as it’s very off the beaten path.

While Donegal’s secret waterfall looks like a scene from a Jurassic Park movie, it’s vital that you understand how to read the tides, as if you get stuck here when the tide comes in there’s no way out.

You’ll find this hidden gem on the Slieve League peninsula in Donegal, between Donegal Town and the towering Slieve League Cliffs. I’ve created the map for you above to give you a sense of what to expect.

9. The Dark Sky Reserve

So, there’s a gorgeous little corner of Kerry that is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve and one of only 3 Gold Tier Reserves on the planet.

This means that on a clear night the sky in this part of Kerry (known as the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve) is scattered with astronomical sights that you can admire with the naked eye.

Now, although this has been on a bucket list of off the beaten path Ireland that I’ve been attempting to tick off for a while, every time I’ve visited the sky has been packed with clouds.

10. Gleninchaquin

Carved out by glaciers around 70,000 years ago, Gleninchaquin Park is one of the most impressive valleys on the Beara Peninsula.

Located a short drive from Kenmare, this privately owned working farm combines waterfalls, lakes, ancient oak woodland and mountain scenery in a way few places in Ireland can match.

What makes it stand out is how accessible it is. You can admire the main waterfall from the car park, or spend hours exploring one of six walking trails that range from gentle riverside rambles to challenging mountain hikes.

If you’re looking for hidden gems in Ireland that deliver a lot for very little effort, Gleninchaquin Park deserves a place near the top of your list.

11. The Inis Mór Wormhole

Although it’s frequently referred to as ‘the Serpent’s Lair’ and ‘the Wormhole’, the real name of this unusual natural pool is Poll na bPeist. You’ll find it on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, around 1.6km south of Dún Aonghasa.

At first glance, it looks man-made. The sharp edges and near-perfect rectangular shape give the impression that it was carved from the rock using some enormous tool.

In reality, Poll na bPéist was formed naturally and is connected to the Atlantic through a series of underground channels and caves. When the tide rises, seawater surges into the pool from below, creating one of the most unusual landscapes on the west coast of Ireland.

12. The John D’Arcy Viewpoint

This is one of the more recent additions to my collection of hidden gems in Ireland. The D’Arcy Monument is one of Clifden’s best-known landmarks, but getting to it requires more care than many guides let on.

If you’re walking from town, be aware that there’s no footpath for much of the route and several bends limit visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.

The walk takes around 12 minutes from the town centre to the trail entrance (here on Maps), followed by a short but steep climb that takes roughly 5 minutes. The effort is well worth it. From the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Clifden.

13. Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird

Our next spot is one of the most unique places to visit in Ireland when it’s raining. Why? Well, you can only see this waterfall when it’s lashing rain, or right after heavy rainfall.

At a whopping 150m, Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird on the Sligo Leitrim border is Ireland’s highest waterfall.

There’s a 45-minute moderately strenuous walk that’ll take you up to see it in action.

14. Eask Tower

Eask Tower is a great example of off the beaten path Ireland. Despite sitting on the Dingle Peninsula, one of the most visited corners of the country, the steep walk to reach it keeps visitor numbers surprisingly low.

Perched 600ft above sea level on Carhoo Hill, Eask Tower is one of the most distinctive landmarks on the peninsula. Built in 1847, the tower was designed to help guide ships safely into Dingle Harbour, which was notorious for its difficult entrance.

The tower also served a second purpose. Like the Healy Pass in Cork and the Sally Gap in Wicklow, it was constructed during the Great Famine to provide employment at a time when work was desperately scarce.

15. Rosserk Friary

Rosserk Friary is a 15-minute drive north of Ballina, tucked quietly along the River Moy on the road toward Killala. Founded around 1441 for the Franciscan Third Order, it’s widely regarded as one of the best-preserved friary ruins in Ireland.

The church is late Irish Gothic in style, with a single nave, south transept chapels and a bell tower rising above the chancel arch.

Inside, the stonework is surprisingly detailed, including a beautifully carved double piscina decorated with angels and Passion symbols – not something you expect to find in what looks, from the outside, like “just another ruin”.

Now, a warning – I have been driving in Ireland for over 20 years and I still found the roads that lead to Rosserk dodgy, so be careful!

16. The Marble Arch Caves

The Marble Arch Caves are one of the most impressive hidden gems in Ireland’s North. Located near Florencecourt in Fermanagh, they’re part of the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, which straddles the border between Fermanagh and Cavan.

The caves were formed by rivers flowing beneath the slopes of nearby Cuilcagh Mountain over thousands of years, creating a maze of passages, chambers and underground waterways. At 11.5km in length, they form the longest known cave system in Northern Ireland.

Visitors can explore part of the network on a guided tour that combines a short boat trip with a walk through a series of vast limestone chambers and passages.

17. The Copper Coast

The Copper Coast is one of the most overlooked scenic drives in Ireland. Stretching for 25km between Tramore and Dungarvan, this UNESCO Global Geopark combines dramatic cliffs, quiet coves, old mining sites and some of the finest coastal viewpoints in the country.

Despite having explored plenty of Waterford over the years, I only drove the route from end to end for the first time last summer. What stuck with me wasn’t the views, it was the beaches.

Trá na mBó and Ballydowane, in particular, felt like the sort of places you’d expect to find after hours of searching along the west coast, not tucked away along a road that many people drive straight through.

Add in places like Dunhill Castle, Bunmahon Beach and the Tankardstown Engine House and you’ve got one of the most rewarding road trips in the south-east.

18. Benwee Head

If you’re after non touristy things to do in Ireland, head for North Mayo along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Many people completely miss the North Mayo coastline when exploring Ireland. Which is a shame, as the coastline here is some of the most rugged that Ireland has to offer.

It’s also home to the magnificent Benwee Head. There’s a 5-hour loop walk that you can head off on here that follows a bog trail and takes in cliffs, ocean, and incredible coastal views.

19. Fionn mac Cumhaill’s Seat

Fionn mac Cumhaill’s Seat is tucked away on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, around a 25-minute drive from Bantry Town (here on Maps).

The stone bench stands on Seefin, the highest point on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, and was unveiled in 1996 to mark the opening of the Sheep’s Head Way.

It was carved by Cork sculptor Ken Thompson and features a line by Seamus Heaney inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Its name comes from Irish folklore, with Fionn mac Cumhaill said to have rested here, legs stretched out towards the lake below.

20. Leap Castle

Another of the hidden gems in Ireland is the haunted Leap Castle near Roscrea in Coolderry.

The castle here is said to be the most haunted in Ireland, with TV shows like Most Haunted filmed here over the years. According to legend, a lady in red prowls the castle with a silver blade after dark. 

Another reason Leap Castle is said to be haunted is due to the discovery of a secret dungeon that contained hundreds of human skeletons.

It’s believed that the O’Carrolls would drop people through a trap door onto spikes laid out in the dungeon below.

21. The Iveagh Gardens

The Iveagh Gardens are one of the most overlooked things to do in Dublin. Hidden behind Harcourt Street and just a few minutes from St. Stephen’s Green, this 9-hectare park feels surprisingly removed from the noise of the city centre.

Originally laid out as private gardens in the 18th century, the grounds have changed hands several times before eventually being gifted to the Irish state in 1939.

Today, you’ll find winding paths, fountains, a yew maze, rose gardens and one of Dublin’s most unusual features – a cascading waterfall built using stone from every county in Ireland.

22. Ballaghbeama Gap

People often make the mistake of believing that the best drive in Kerry is the Ring of Kerry driving route. It’s a fantastic drive, don’t get me wrong, but there are plenty more drives worth doing in Kerry.

One of my favourite drives in Kerry takes a road through the wonderful Ballaghbeama Pass. The road here cuts across the mountains in the centre of the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula.

The road takes you along a wild scenic route where you’ll meet little traffic and plenty of sheep. You’ll also have the chance to soak up an endless number of mountain views.

23. Ballysaggartmore Towers

Ballysaggartmore Towers used to be a hidden gem but, like many places in Ireland, it has seen a surge in popularity due to Instagram.

Hidden in woodland a few minutes from Lismore, these elaborate Gothic towers were built in 1834 as the grand entrance to a mansion that was meant to rival the finest estates in Ireland.

The mansion never materialised. Financial troubles, combined with the fallout from the Great Famine, brought the Keily-Ussher family’s ambitious plans to an abrupt end.

The towers are reached via a short 2km woodland walk that passes gate lodges, a stone bridge and the remains of the old estate.

24. Doon Fort

The wonderfully unique Doon Fort in Donegal is a Western Stone Fort at the centre of Loughadoon, near Narin and Portnoo.

The fort has been linked with two families: the Breslin’s and the O’Boyle’s. It’s said that the Breslin’s occupied it from the 5th century, while the O’Boyle’s held it until it fell into disrepair.

Doon Fort is situated on private land but (it’s been a few years since I heard of this happening) by all accounts you can rent out boats nearby to get a closer look.

25. Omey Island

Omey Island is one of the more unusual places to visit in Ireland. Twice a day, the Atlantic cuts it off from the mainland. A few hours later, the tide retreats and reveals a broad sandy strand that allows walkers and drivers to cross.

While the tidal crossing is what attracts most visitors, it’s the island itself that makes the trip worthwhile. Quiet roads lead past a centuries-old graveyard, the ruins of St Feichin’s Church and stretches of coastline that feel remarkably untouched. On a clear day, the views towards the Twelve Bens are exceptional.

Just make sure you understand the tide times before setting off. Get them wrong and you’ll be waiting several hours before the sea gives you a route back to the mainland.

26. Scrabo Tower

Scrabo Tower in Newtownards in Down was built in the 19th century and it’s what we call a ‘Folly’.

A ‘Folly’ is a structure that has been built mainly for decoration, but its design suggests that it has some other grand purpose.

You’ll find it in Scrabo Country Park and those that climb the hill will be treated to incredible views over Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside.

27. The Inagh Valley

The Inagh Valley Drive is one of those roads that reminds you why Connemara has the reputation it does. Running between the Maumturks and the Twelve Bens, it packs mountains, lakes and bogland into a relatively short stretch of road.

Lough Inagh is the main attraction. The lake sits at the heart of the valley and, on a still day, reflects the mountains that rise on either side. There’s a small lay-by midway along where you can stop and take it all in.

Despite sitting just off the busy N59, many visitors drive straight past the turn-off without ever knowing what they’re missing.

28. Down Cathedral

You’ll find Down Cathedral standing proudly on the Hill of Down where it overlooks the historic town of Downpatrick.

A visit here is one of the more unique things to do in Ireland for those of you looking to visit sites that are heavily linked with St. Patrick.

It’s here, in the Cathedral’s grounds, that St. Patrick, Ireland’s Patron Saint, is buried.

Although the stone that marks his grave wasn’t erected until 1900, it’s thought that St. Patrick passed in 461.

29. Knockamany Bens

Donegal isn’t exactly a hidden destination. It’s home to places like Slieve League, Malin Head and Glenveagh National Park, and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

However, for every well-known attraction, there are dozens of lesser-known viewpoints, beaches and back roads that see a fraction of the footfall.

Knockamany Bens is a perfect example. Perched high above Five Finger Strand on the Inishowen Peninsula, it offers one of the finest views in Donegal, yet many people drive straight past it. Better yet, there’s no hike required.

You can pull into the small parking area and enjoy sweeping views over the strand, Pollan Bay and the hills beyond within seconds of arriving.

30. Kinnagoe Bay

Kinnagoe Bay in Donegal is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Now, naturally enough it doesn’t always look like it does in the photos above.

However, I’ve been here on a dull winters day and it was still excellent. If you want to get the view seen above, you’ll find a spot to safely pull in on the road above.

It’s located on Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula (home to Malin Head) and you can see it and many other attractions on the Inishowen 100 Drive.

31. Maghera Beach

Maghera Beach and Caves are among the most impressive natural attractions in Donegal. Located on the Slieve League Peninsula, around 15 minutes from Ardara, this stretch of coastline combines a vast sandy beach with more than 20 sea caves, several natural arches and a series of tunnels that are only accessible at low tide.

What makes Maghera stand out is the sense of scale. The beach stretches for almost 5km when the tide is out, while the cliffs behind it are riddled with caves that have been carved out by the Atlantic over thousands of years.

Just be aware that the caves can become dangerous as the tide turns, and swimming here is not recommended due to strong rip currents.

32. The Sperrin Sculpture Trail

The Sperrin Sculpture Trail links three giant wooden sculptures scattered across the Sperrin Mountains in Tyrone. Created by internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo, the trail combines art, folklore and some of the finest scenery in this corner of Northern Ireland.

Each sculpture has its own character and setting. Nowanois the Storyteller sits in the Glenelly Valley, Darach the Guardian watches over the landscape from Gortin Glen Forest Park and Ceoldán the Stargazer looks towards the skies from Davagh Forest, home to one of Ireland’s premier dark-sky locations.

What makes the trail memorable isn’t just the sculptures themselves, but the journey between them. Exploring the route takes you through mountain passes, forests and valleys that many visitors to Northern Ireland never experience.

33. Magilligan Point View

Another of the latest additions to my collection of hidden gems in Ireland is the mighty Magilligan Point View, a place I stumbled upon last spring.

Perched above the entrance to Lough Foyle, this viewpoint looks across to Magilligan Point in Derry, with Benone Beach and the Causeway Coast visible on a clear day.

You’ll also have a bird’s-eye view of the Lough Foyle Ferry as it makes the crossing between Greencastle and Magilligan.

Despite being located along the Wild Atlantic Way, many visitors drive straight past it on their way to more famous attractions, making it one of Inishowen’s more overlooked stops.

34. The Croaghaun Cliffs

A lot of people mistake the Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal as the highest sea cliffs in Ireland – they aren’t!

The highest cliffs in Ireland are the ones at Croaghaun, and can be found on Achill Island in Mayo where they stand at an impressive 688 metres (2,257 ft).

Interestingly enough, they’re also the third highest in Europe.

The cliffs here can be found at the northern slope of Croaghaun mountain and can be admired if you hike around to the summit.

35. The Cloughmore Stone

You’ll find the Cloughmore Stone in Kilbroney Park near Rostrevor in County Down – a place that’s also home to a viewing point called ‘Kodak Corner’.

Referred to locally as the ‘big stone’, the Cloughmore Stone is a massive granite boulder weighing in at around 50 tonnes.

It’s finely perched atop the mountainside at a height of almost 1,000 feet and it offers mighty views out over Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.

36. Cranny Falls

You’ll find one of the more unique things to do in Ireland a 10-minute drive from Glenarm on the Antrim Coast – Cranny Falls.

There’s a car park (here on Google Maps) at the start of the trail and then you’ll want to allow 30 – 45 minutes to walk up to it (gentleish walk but a fair bit of incline).

Now, if you’re doing a 1-day Causeway Coastal Route itinerary, skip this one. If you have a decent bit of time, it’s worth seeing!

37. The Swiss Cottage

Built during the early 1800s by a chap called Richard Butler, the Swiss Cottage in Tipperary was originally part of Lord and Lady Cahir’s estate and was used to entertain guests.

The cottage was carefully restored in 1985, ensuring that its unusual and quirky features remained intact.

A visit to the Swiss Cottage is perfectly paired with a trip to the wonderful Cahir Castle. You can stroll along the riverside to the Swiss Cottage from the castle in about 45 minutes.

38. Gougane Barra

Gougane Barra sits at the edge of the Shehy Mountains in West Cork, where forests, lakes and steep hills combine to create one of the county’s most distinctive landscapes.

The area is best known for St. Finbarr’s tiny island oratory, which stands beside the ruins of the monastery he is said to have founded here in the 6th century.

There’s plenty to do beyond the church. Five walking trails wind through the forest park, ranging from easy lakeside rambles to tougher mountain climbs, and there’s also a short scenic drive if you want to see more of the valley without tackling a hike.

39. McDermott’s Castle

You’ll find one of the more unique castles in Ireland in Roscommon on the beautiful Lough Key.

Stretching around 10km across and forming a rough circular shape, Lough Key boasts 30 plus islands scattered throughout its chilly waters.

One of these islands is aptly named ‘Castle Island’ and it’s here that you’ll find the ruins of McDermott’s Castle.

40. Kinbane Castle

You may have read about Kinbane Castle in my guide to the most unique castles in Northern Ireland.

Kinbane Castle was built on a small rock promontory known as Kinbane Head on the Antrim coast in 1547.

The promontory extends out into the sea, making the location delightfully dramatic.

Those that visit can expect Isolated ruins, jagged cliffs and gorgeous coastal scenery. Make sure to visit if you’re driving the Causeway Coastal Route.

41. Spike Island

The little town of Cobh is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Ireland by many of the tourists I chat to.

However, few make the short ferry ride to nearby Spike Island.

Over the past 1,300 years, the Island has played host to a Monastery, a 24-acre Fortress and the largest gaol in the world.

At one stage, the Island housed inmates prior to penal transportation. This is where the nickname ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’ originated.

42. Coumshingaun Lough

If you’re looking for non touristy things to do in Ireland and you fancy great views and a serious workout, head for the Coumshingaun Lake Walk in Waterford.

Now, a disclaimer – this is one of the more challenging hikes in Ireland and good navigational skills are needed!

The full trail takes between 4 and 6 hours to complete and it’s treacherous in places.

As you stroll (and scramble!) you’ll be treated to glorious views of the inky lake below.

43. The Lost Valley

The Lost Valley in Mayo is arguably one of the most unique places to visit in Ireland.

If you haven’t come across it, the Lost Valley is a part of Mayo that has remained untouched since the villagers who lived there were evicted during the Great Famine.

The valley is now privately owned by the Bourke family.

Before owning it, they were employed by a landlord to farm it and, interestingly enough, before that they were one of the families evicted.

44. Marsh’s Library

Many people that visit Dublin tend to visit one library – the Long Room in Trinity College. However, there’s another constantly missed library that’s just as central and just as, if not more, historic.

You’ll find Marsh’s Library, the oldest library in Ireland, tucked away behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, where it has been since 1707.

Marsh’s holds a staggering 25,000 books and over 300 manuscripts. If you visit, keep an eye out for bullet holes in the bookcases, which were made during the Easter Rising.

If you’re looking for hidden gems in Ireland that most tourists tend to miss, carve out some time for Marsh’s.

45. The Skellig Ring

The Skellig Ring sees a fraction of the traffic found on the neighbouring Ring of Kerry yet, in my opinion, this road trip route is all the more impressive.

Looping around the western tip of the Iveragh Peninsula, the 50km route links rugged coastal scenery with mountain passes, quiet beaches and colourful villages.

The drive takes in highlights like Coomanaspig Pass, the Kerry Cliffs, Valentia Island and countless viewpoints overlooking Skellig Michael. It’s also noticeably quieter than the Ring of Kerry, partly because large tour buses avoid its narrow roads.

Looking for road trip guides? See my guides to 5 days in Ireland, 7 days in Ireland and 10 days in Ireland

46. Tory Island

Ireland’s offshore islands range from world-famous places like Skellig Michael and the Aran Islands to tiny communities that see only a trickle of visitors each year.

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many of them over the years. Places like Bere Island , the Saltee Islands, Inishturk Island and Arranmore Island all offer something different, but none has left a bigger impression on me than Tory.

Lying 14.5km off the Donegal coast, Tory Island is Ireland’s most remote inhabited island. Around 140 people call it home, there are no cars, and life still revolves around the ferry, the weather and the sea.

If you’re looking for some very non touristy things to do in Ireland well beyond the usual tourist trail, Tory is about as far off the beaten path as you can get.

Explore beyond off the beaten path Ireland

Now that you’ve had your fill of hidden gems in Ireland, it’s time to look at the more popular attractions.

My map above is packed with the main things to do in Ireland, from Keem Bay on beautiful Achill Island to Glendalough, Croagh Patrick, Cong, the Howth Cliff Walk and much more. Cheers!