Ireland’s quieter corners are full of surprises—little towns, wild coastlines, and unexpected pockets of history that still take your breath away. Whether you’re drawn to band‑stand‑quiet villages, sweeping cliff views, or lifelike glimpses into days gone by, here’s a few more spots that bring that magical, off‑the‑beaten‑path charm.
Cobh (County Cork)
This colorful harbor town is instantly recognizable for its steep streets lined with pastel houses and the towering St. Colman’s Cathedral overlooking the sea. Once the last port of call for the Titanic, Cobh has a fascinating maritime history told through its museums and waterfront. Strolling the promenade with an ice cream in hand feels like stepping into a postcard.
Achill Island
Linked to the mainland by bridge, Achill Island is wild, beautiful, and pace‑setting—think soaring sea cliffs, Blue Flag beaches like Keem Bay, and dramatic mountains such as Croaghaun. You’ll find dolphins, basking sharks, surfing, horseback riding, and haunting ruins like Deserted Village that whisper of the past. It’s a mix of raw nature and local life that feels endlessly inspiring.
The Rock of Cashel
Perched dramatically on a limestone outcrop, this medieval site blends Celtic art and architectural powerhouses—stunning high crosses, a romanesque cathedral, and a round tower all signal its ancient importance. Cashel was once the seat of Munster’s kings and where Brian Boru was crowned, weaving legend and history into the stone itself. It still feels like standing in a living legend steeped in stories.
The Ring Of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a scenic route that stretches for 179 kilometers (111 miles) in a loop. If you’re driving yourself and are able to choose your own stops, we recommend seeing the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass that was formed by glaciers, Staigue Fort, a ruined stone ringfort on the Iveragh peninsula, the Skellig Islands, a group of rocky islands that jut out of the Atlantic just off the coast of Co. Kerry, and Kenmare, a colorful town called the Jewel of the Ring of Kerry.
Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is, in a word, stunning. It’s free to visit, and it’s close enough to the town of Killarney that you can cycle or hike from your accommodation. Take a tour by horseback through the park to enjoy the rugged mountain view. To see in the park are Torc Waterfall, a 66-foot-high, 360-foot-long waterfall, Ross Castle, built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century, perched on the edge of Lough Leane, and Muckross House and Gardens, a late-19th century mansion. You can take a walk through the house to see the furnishings and artifacts of the period, and the gardens.
The Dingle Peninsula
Because of its location, you get an incredible view of the sea and the awesome cliffs, but there are also wild beaches and expansive fields to explore. We personally recommend doing the Slea Head Drive – a 30-kilometer loop that is a wonderful drive with stunning scenery. See Dingle Peninsula, which has its fair share of Irish history. And of course, you can’t visit the Dingle Peninsula without stopping in Dingle Town! From the fishing port to the local whiskey and gin distillery, you’ll be captivated by the charm of this small town..
Cliffs of Moher
Ireland’s second biggest tourist attraction, after the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, is the Cliffs of Moher. These dramatic and stunning cliffs attract somewhere around 1.5 million visitors a year – and not just because they are featured in The Princess Bride (1987). Other things to see are O’Brien’s Tower, which is a 10-min walk from the visitor center. You can climb to the top for an even better view of the Aran Islands, the Twelve Bens of Connemara, and Galway Bay. And there’s a coastal walk from the Cliffs of Moher to Hag’s Head, which takes about 2 hours round trip, with amazing views.
Galway
Galway is extremely popular with tourists because of how picturesque and culturally vibrant it is. If you love art and music, Galway is likely to be one of your favorite stops on this Ireland itinerary. You’ll want to start out exploring the Latin Quarter and Quay Street, which are some of the busiest parts of Galway, with charming streets, pubs, and shops all mixed in together. Be sure to see the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square as you soak up the festive ambiance and maybe pop into a pub for a pint along the way. I personally love walking along the promenade overlooking Galway Bay at Salthill. The promenade stretches all the way into Galway city and it takes about 30 minutes to walk.
Dublin
You’ll want to get your bearings with a walking tour, which will introduce you to the city, its history, and sights, including the Grand Post Office, Trinity College, Temple Bar, Christ Church Cathedral and more. After the tour is a great time to visit the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Whiskey distillery. Even if you’re not a beer/whiskey drinker, these are fun and informative tours. In addition to touring the storehouse, you’ll have the opportunity to pour your own pint of Guinness.
Cork
The Rock of Cashel, a striking medieval complex perched on a limestone hill, features ancient ruins, including a round tower, cathedral, and stunning Celtic art. It was once the seat of Irish kings and remains one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. Blarney Castle, set within lush gardens, is famous for the Blarney Stone. Climbing the castle’s winding steps to kiss the stone is a rite of passage, while the castle grounds offer scenic walks and hidden treasures like the mystical Witch’s Kitchen and Poison Garden.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a charming medieval city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. Highlights include Kilkenny Castle, a beautifully preserved Norman fortress, and St. Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower, where you can climb for panoramic views. Strolling the Medieval Mile reveals historic landmarks, artisan shops, and cozy pubs with live music. Beer lovers can visit the Smithwick’s Experience, while history enthusiasts will enjoy Rothe House & Garden, a stunning Tudor merchant’s home.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.