Ireland Travel, Unusual Places to Visit
These Ireland travel articles are from my own trips over, and from Irish friends who've helped me locate "hidden gems." The more involved I've gotten in Ireland, the more amazed I am by the variety of things you can see and do there. There are articles about remote Irish islands (which I love), new gourmet food farms in West Cork, luxury castle-hotels, and even a lighthouse keeper's cottage you can rent on Clare's rugged coastline.
Click to your area of interest:
East Southwest Northwest Northern Ireland Travelogues
Ireland Travel: EAST Kilmore Quay Kilmore Quay, in County Wexford, is a pocket of the Old World, in a place where you'd least expect to find it.
Doing Dublin on a One-Day Layover Before heading off to parts rural, take this quick and easy tour to enjoy the "fair town."
In Wicklow, a Winter Escape to the Valley of the Two Lakes The stunning beauty of Glendalough, in County Wicklow, makes it a great day trip from Dublin.
A Legendary Guesthouse in County Kilkenny The Cullintra B&B is a legend in Ireland travel, known for its unusual combination of great cuisine, lavish décor and joyfully eccentric management. The one caveat: you’d better like cats.
Kilkenny's Medieval Treasure Trove A journey back in time that you can take in easy walk through town.
Bright Moments at Newgrange The ancient lightshow on New Year's morning at the megalithic tomb is unique, and tough to get a ticket to.
New Ross A Wexford town with strong ties to the American Kennedys.
Art in Words: Dublin's Amazing Trove of Manuscripts Chester Beatty was born in America and knighted in Britain, but left his world-class collection to the Irish.
Ireland Travel: SOUTHWEST Solitude on Spanish Point Shipwrecks and "black Irish" legends on a beautiful strand in Clare.
West Cork's Specialty Food Producers
Farms that produce organic cheeses, meats and other delights have helped revitalize rural West Cork. It's a great place nowadays for a food tour.
Loop Head: Clare's Secret Peninsula A place with amazing scenery, a "far-away" feeling, and a lighthouse you can stay in.
Cape Clear Island Ireland Travel: A serene getaway off the coast of West Cork.
The Last Harbor Cobh, a cheerful town in Cork, has a complex relationship with the sea.
Limerick in a Warmer Light A city with a tough reputation, remembered fondly by one who grew up there.
Where to Spend the Night Near Shannon Hotels and B&B's in all price ranges, for that first night of Ireland travel or last night before coming back home.
Harbour Sunset Farm, Liscannor An outstanding kid-friendly farmhouse, in an undeveloped landscape near The Cliffs of Moher.
Return to Inisheer 25 years after my first visit, the smallest Aran Island still had it's mystique.
Ireland Travel: NORTHWEST Saddling Up in the Wild West of Donegal Thanks to one couple, American-style riding on Quarter Horses is a hit with the Irish.
Donegal's Camelot Glenveagh Castle: In a solitary northern setting, a kingdom with an American touch.
Easy Over on Inishbofin A northwestern island retreat is a great place to recharge, amidst all the comforts of home.
A Trip Through Mayo, For the Family From medieval farming to 007's wedding church, the Castlebar area has something for the everyone in the family.
Off Road in Connemara On the way to Clifden, try a detour to some very unusual beaches or take the "sky drive" along the rugged Atlantic.
A Briny Bath for the Ultimate in Relaxation Spartan seaweed baths were once popular in Ireland. Nowadays you can soak your toxins out amid music and soft lighting. The seaweed is the only thing that hasn't changed.
Ireland Travel: NORTHERN IRELAND Derry Takes Off With 45% of the city's population under 25 years of age, the nightlife is absolutely jumping.
Ireland Travel: TRAVELOGUES The Accidental First Class Tourists A dream tour to Glin Castle, The Park Hotel, Marlfield House and other luxury haunts, in a chauffered Mercedes.
Great Stop or Irish Tourist Dive? Going to Ireland for the first time? Our writers tell which popular tourist spots are still worth a visit, and which have truly earned the label "dive." The Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, Bunratty and Ireland travel favorites.
Buying Antiques in Ireland An expert's tips on hunting for authentic pieces of furniture, pottery and glass.
Driving in Ireland It's getting better. But narrow roads and an old-world licensing system mean you need to be careful.
If you plan to visit Ireland then you may want to work out your
Ireland travel itinerary ahead of time. When you
travel in Ireland you don't want to
miss anything by messing up your
Ireland travel plans.
|