25 Ireland Hidden Gems You'll Want To Make Time For

Are you looking for off-the-beaten-track places to visit in Ireland? This post covers 25 hidden gems in Ireland to make your Irish itinerary unique.

Ireland is extremely popular with tourists. With each passing year, the Emerald Isle's most famous sites get more and more crowded. As visitor numbers rise, many are looking for Ireland hidden gems to add to their itineraries.

In this post, I share my favorite hidden gems in Ireland based on my personal travel experiences forged while living in Dublin for 12 years. 

If you are planning an Irish road trip, get off the beaten track and add a few of these out of the way places to your Ireland itinerary. I would argue that these hidden gems are some of the best places to visit in Ireland. 

Hidden Gems Near Dublin

I've already covered a wide array of hidden gems in Dublin itself. Let's kick-off this post about hidden gems in Ireland more broadly with a look at places close to the capital.

1. Carlingford, County Louth

Carlingford is known for its colorful houses, romantic ruined castle, and proximity to the Mourne Mountains, which inspired C.S. Lewis' Narnia. 

Things to do: Explore the ruined castle, take a scenic drive along Carlingford Lough, and enjoy the colorful village atmosphere.

✨ Plan a short Carlingford road trip

2. Howth, County Dublin

Howth is a charming fishing village just a short train ride from Dublin City Centre and easily accessible on the DART commuter train. 

Things to do: Hike the Howth Head Cliff Path Loop, visit Howth Market (weekends), go birdwatching at Ireland's Eye island (seasonal), enjoy fresh seafood at the Oar House, and have a drink at the Abbey Tavern.

3. Malahide, County Dublin 

This charming town at the end of the DART line is home to the historic Malahide Castle. 

Things to do: Tour Malahide Castle, take a photowalk around the town, and enjoy the coastal scenery.

✨ Visit Howth and Malahide

4. Maynooth, County Kildare

Maynooth is a university town just a short train ride from Dublin. 

Things to do: Explore the walled garden and campus church at Maynooth University. Walk around the Maynooth Castle ruins on a photowalk.

✨ Plan a day out in Maynooth

Hidden Gems in the Sunny Southeast

Now let's head south to what is affectionately termed Ireland's Sunny Southeast where I'll share a few hidden gems that I discovered in County Waterford.

5. Ardmore, County Waterford

Ardmore is a quiet beach town, particularly in the off-season with a Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Things to do: Walk along the beach, see the thatched-roof houses, and visit St. Declan’s Monastery and Ardmore Round Tower. Splurge on dinner at House in the Cliff House Hotel.

6. Dungarvan, County Waterford 

This town is best known as a starting point for the Waterford Greenway cycling route. 

Things to do: Cycle the Waterford Greenway, take a photo walk around town, visit Dungarvan Castle, and explore the Waterford County Museum.

7. Lismore, County Waterford

Home to the impressive Lismore Castle, this town also offers visitors a chance to enjoy a slower pace of life. The picturesque town is a great place to photograph.

Things to do: Explore the grounds of Lismore Castle. Grab coffee and a scone at a local cafe.

✨ Deep dive on things to do in Dungarvan, Ardmore, and Lismore

Hidden Gems in Ireland's Midlands

Now it's time to head into Ireland's center: The Midlands. This is an area that is particularly overlooked by tourists but where you'll find some amazing Irish hidden gems if you know where to look.

8. Athlone, County Westmeath

Situated in the geographic center of Ireland, Athlone offers historical sites and a vibrant pub scene. 

Things to do: Visit Sean's Bar (claimed to be Ireland's oldest pub), explore Clonmacnoise (an early Christian site), and take a boat out on the Shannon.

9. Tullamore, County Offaly

Located just a 30-minute drive from Athlone, Tullamore is home to a charming town center and impressive Georgian doors. 

Things to do: Take a photowalk through the town. Tour one of the local whiskey distilleries. Take a hike in the nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains.

10. Birr, County Offaly

This well-preserved Georgian town is renowned for its castle and gardens. 

Things to do: Visit Birr Castle (home to a historic 19th century telescope) and its gardens, admire the town's impressive Georgian doors, and enjoy coffee and cake at Emma's Cafe.

✨ Explore Ireland's Midlands from a homebase in Athlone

11. Strokestown, County Roscommon 

Strokestown is the place to go if you want to understand the Irish Potato Famine.

Things to do: Visit Strokestown Park House to gain insight into 19th-century Irish famine and the circumstances that caused it.

Hidden Gems in Southwest Ireland

Time to head Southwest. Skip the Ring of Kerry and check out these alternative places that are great stops on an Irish road trip.

12. Clonakilty, County Cork

Clonakilty is a charming village of about 5,000 people in West Cork. 

Things to do: Learn about Michael Collins, a key figure in the battle for Irish independence, and explore the town's historical sites. Taste whiskey or gin at Clonakilty Distillery. Visit the extensive model railway located on the outskirts of Clon.

✨ Take a West Cork road trip with plenty of stops at West Cork's outstanding restaurants

13. Dingle, County Kerry 

Situated on a scenic peninsula, Dingle boasts fresh seafood and stunning coastal views. 

Things to do: Explore the colorful town, enjoy fresh seafood at Out of the Blue restaurant, visit the Iron Age Dunbeg Fort, drive the Slea Head Loop, and admire the beehive huts.

✨ Explore the Dingle Peninsula

14. Kinsale, County Cork

Considered the foodie capital of Ireland, Kinsale offers fresh seafood and colorful streets. 

Things to do: Indulge in the town's culinary scene, admire the colorful buildings, visit Charles Fort, and go birdwatching at Harper's Island Wetland Centre.

✨ Take a road trip from Dublin to Kinsale

Hidden Gems in the West of Ireland

Heading up the coast, we come to the hidden gems that are directly west of Dublin.

15. Clifden, County Galway 

Clifden is a charming town in Connemara known for its traditional music and dancing. 

Things to do: Enjoy trad sessions at Lowry's and Griffin's Bars.

16. Cong, County Mayo 

This out of the way place is famous for being the setting of the classic film The Quiet Man which was directed by John Ford and starred John Wayne. 

Things to do: Visit locations featured in the film and experience the town's cinematic charm.

✨ Drive Connemara to discover the best of the Wild Atlantic Way

17. Foynes, County Limerick 

Foynes is a unique destination celebrating the history of flying boats. 

Things to do: Visit the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum and learn about the town's connection to the pre-war golden age of aviation.

Hidden Gems in Northwest Ireland

Now it's time to explore the far off reaches of Northwest Ireland. These hidden gems take longer to get to from Dublin but are definitely worth the trip in my view.

18. Ardara, County Donegal

This village is located near a beautiful, secluded beach with black rock formations and colorful lichen.

Things to do: Visit the beach, have a picnic, and go for a hike.

19. Donegal Town, County Donegal

Donegal Town is located near beautiful beaches, coastal drives, and Glenveagh National Park (about an hour away by car). 

Things to do: Explore the town, drive along the coast, visit the beaches, and spend time in Glenveagh National Park and Castle.

✨ Spend a weekend in Donegal

20. Sligo Town, County Sligo 

Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, Sligo offers beautiful scenery, a strong food scene, and connections to the poet W.B. Yeats. 

Things to do: Explore the town, shop for crafts at Sligo Airport Market in Strandhill, visit Lissadell House and Gardens, and visit W.B. Yeats' grave at Drumcliffe Cemetery.

✨ Eat your way through Sligo on a Yeats-inspired road trip

21. Ballina, County Mayo

Ballina is home to Mount Falcon Estate, a unique destination for nature enthusiasts. 

Things to do: Book a stay at the manor house and experience a hawk walk through the estate's woodland.

22. Westport, County Mayo

Westport is a lively town famous for its colorful pubs, scenic beauty, and the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival. 

Things to do: Experience the lively pub scene, attend the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, cycle the Great Western Greenway, explore Westport House and grounds, and admire the views of Croagh Patrick.

✨ Find out why Westport is worth visiting

Ireland's Off-The-Beaten-Track Cities

Let's conclude with a look at a few of Ireland's cities that are further off the tourist track. These hidden gems are definitely worth including on your itinerary if you prefer a more urban vacation in Ireland.

23. Derry (Londonderry), Northern Ireland

Rich in history and culture, Derry offers a mix of historical sites and natural beauty. 

Things to do: Visit the Peace Bridge, walk the historic city walls, take a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway, and explore the nearby ruins of Dunluce Castle.

✨ Discover cool things to do in Derry and nearby

24. Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a small city with a vibrant atmosphere, known for its medieval history, local festivals, and hurling tradition. 

Things to do: Explore Kilkenny Castle and its grounds, walk the Medieval Mile, visit St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower, enjoy the Kilkenny Design Centre, and attend Kilkenomics (November), the world's first Economics and Comedy Festival.

✨ Deep dive on the best things to do in and around Kilkenny

25. Limerick City, County Limerick

Often overlooked, Limerick boasts a rich history, a burgeoning food scene, impressive castles, and vibrant street art. 

Things to do: Visit King John's Castle, explore the Limerick Milk Market, admire the street art, and take public transportation to nearby Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

✨ Plan a short weekend break in Limerick

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There you have it: 25 hidden gems in Ireland to sprinkle into your vacation itinerary. And don't forget...if you enjoyed this post, sharing is caring...