Top 11 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Ireland

Remotely located at the mouth of Galway Bay off the west coast of Ireland and accessible only by ferry, the Aran Islands offer stunning natural beauty and traditional Irish culture and language.

Explore this rugged group of limestone islands comprising Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer, admiring the spectacular cliff views. Discover the clifftop fort of Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric stone structure of archaeological significance perched on the edge of the cliff and a wonderful gem of off-the-beaten-path Ireland.

Sit in a quaint pub and listen to some local banter before taking a walk along Kilmurvey Beach, admiring its clean sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. Admire the striking appearance of the natural rectangular pool of the Poll na bPéist geological formation, known as the wormhole or serpent’s lair.

Highlights: Dún Aonghasa Fort • Kilmurvey Beach • Poll na bPéist

Travel the scenic Ring of Beara, a scenic route located in a wild and remote region of southwest Ireland. Truly off the beaten path, the Ring of Beara is less known than its more popular neighbor, the Ring of Kerry. It is home to the Dursey Island cable car, which connects mainland Beara Peninsula to Dursey Island in West Cork.

Forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, driving the narrow, winding roads in a clockwise direction results in the best coastal views. Enjoy the thrill of driving the picturesque Healy Pass, noting the temperature drop as you pass through the Caha Mountain Range’s rugged crags and grassy slopes. Visit Gleninchaquin Park and take in the smell of damp, earthy trails, the sound of cascading waterfalls, and views of beautiful glacial landscapes.

Ancient stone circles add a touch of gray to the green landscape and are complemented by breathtaking coastal views and charming, unspoiled villages. Chat with locals in Allihies to learn about their copper mining past and take a walk through Eyeries to admire their colorful houses.

Highlights: Dursey Island Cable Car • Gleninchaquin Park • Old Copper Mining Village of Allihies

The dramatic Slieve League Cliffs rise close to 2,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, creating stunning hiking trails with panoramic views. This beautiful sight in off-the-beaten-path Ireland is often overshadowed by the more well-known Cliffs of Moher. However, they offer a serene experience due to fewer crowds.

Your love of nature and adventure comes together when visiting Slieve League Cliffs. Capture views over Donegal Bay and the Sligo Mountains, perfect for photography, and hike the famous “One Man’s Path” along the cliff edges. Step onto a boat to view the cliffs from below while spotting marine life such as seals and dolphins.

Discover the cliff’s deep, historical significance by exploring ancient monastic sites and learn about local legends and heritage at the Slieve League Cultural Centre. Learn about how the area served as a site for Christian pilgrimages for over a thousand years and look out for remnants of a Napoleonic signal tower.

Highlights: Panoramic Views Over Donegal Bay • One Man Path Hiking Trail • Slieve League Cultural Centre

Experience a slice of rural Irish coastal life when visiting Hook Peninsula, a destination where stunning landscapes and minimal tourism make it a true off-the-beaten-path gem. Set in one of Ireland’s sunniest and driest regions, the atmosphere is one of serenity and light.

Hook Peninsula is the ideal destination for you to explore your more adventurous side. Spend time on Duncannon Beach, which is particularly well-suited for kitesurfing due to its constant winds and flat, shallow water. Enjoy sea kayaking around Baginbun Beach, navigating through sea caves and hidden coves specific to this area’s geology.

A treasure trove of historical sites, Hook Lighthouse is noted as one of the world’s oldest operational lighthouses. If you take up the challenge to climb the 115 ancient steps of this 8th-century attraction, you can enjoy incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding rugged coastline.

Highlights: Hook Lighthouse • Baginbun Beach • Tintern Abbey Ruins

Ballyhoura County lies at the picturesque crossroads of counties Limerick, Cork, and Tipperary, making it a brilliant find for nature lovers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path Ireland around the Ballyhoura Mountains.

The region is perfect to explore on foot, with lush green pastures, beautiful woodlands, and over 280 miles of trails, including the Ballyhoura Way. There is a dedicated mountain bike center, Ireland’s first, featuring over 55 miles of purpose-built trails that riders of all skill levels can enjoy.

Historical sites in Ballyhoura County include the medieval town of Kilmallock, with its well-preserved Romanesque architecture, and the Lough Gur heritage center, showcasing prehistoric farming and ancient habitation sites. You can take a walk through Doneraile Park, with a chance to see restored water features and encounter deer.

Highlights: Ballyhoura Mountains • Kilmallock Town • Doneraile Park

Escape Ireland’s mainland and discover Inishbofin Island, a tranquil find off the coast of Connemara. With limited ferry access, this remote location sees fewer visitors, so it truly stands out as a hidden gem.

The island boasts beautiful, pristine beaches, such as Dumhach, East End, and Tra Gheal, with clear waters where you can enjoy a leisurely swim or sunbathing. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding can be enjoyed in the harbor. You can rent a bicycle and enjoy a ride near the pier, and take a walk on one of the official looped trails available.

Cultural experiences you can have on Inishbofin Island include visiting the Inishbofin Heritage Museum and enjoying traditional music evenings. Two popular events are the Inishbofin Arts Festival every May, where creativity through music, dance, and visual arts are celebrated, and the Inishbofin Food Festival. Visit in September to enjoy a festival serving creamy seafood pastas and crayfish dishes.

Highlights: Dumhach Beach • Inishbofin Heritage Museum • Inishbofin Food Festival

Discover the gorgeous valley of Gougane Barra, an Irish heritage site in the Shehy Mountains of County Cork. A stunning destination full of natural beauty, it features a picturesque lake, with St Finbarr’s Oratory situated on a small island, all dating back to the 6th century.

The area is serene, with fewer visitors, which makes it a tranquil escape into nature and a popular place for reflection and outdoor activities. The Gougane Barra Forest Park boasts over six miles of hiking and walking trails, well-marked routes for all fitness levels, with brilliant views of the surrounding mountains and lake.

Fish for native brown trout on Gougane Barra Lake or spend time exploring the historic church of St Finbarr’s Oratory. This picturesque stone chapel features Hiberno-Romanesque and Byzantine styles, with intricate stone carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.

Highlights: Gougane Barra Lake • St Finbarr’s Oratory • Gougane Barra Forest Park

Step up to the challenge of a rewarding hike at Coumshingaun Lough, one of Ireland’s scenic hidden gems. Views over the lake and surrounding landscape are incredible, making this a perfect off-the-beaten-path place for the nature lover and adventurer in you.

This stunning glacial lake is known as "the hollow of the ants” and said to be one of Europe’s finest examples of a glacial cirque or corrie. A dramatic 1,200-foot vertical cliff face surrounds the mysterious lake, which can be seen when you experience a hike on one of the two trail options, a 2,2-mile or a longer, four-mile adventure.

Although the water is extremely cold, you can experience a bit of wild swimming and enjoy incredible photographic opportunities, especially on clear days. This example of off-the-beaten-path Ireland will give you a chance to explore a relatively untouched environment that sees very few tourists.

Highlights: Coumshingaun Lough Glacial Lake • Beautiful Hiking Trails • Incredible Photographic Opportunities

Visit a hidden corner of County Mayo and experience the charm of the Neo-Gothic-designed Belleek Castle. This off-the-beaten-path site presents an insight into the less commercialized aspect of Irish heritage, with fewer visitors than some of its more famous tourist destinations.

Step inside this medieval gem, listening out for the creaking of old floorboards beneath you as you wander through halls filled with medieval armor and prehistoric fossils. Watch how the soft glow of chandeliers illuminates wood-paneled rooms, their polished surfaces shining with centuries of stories.

Feel the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and the gentle rustling of trees as you take a walk around the castle’s lush grounds. Soak up the serenity as you make your way through the majestic woodlands, the soft sound of nearby River Moy setting an idyllic romantic scene.

Highlights: Neo-Gothic Architecture • Exquisite Interiors and Artifacts • Nature Exploration

Embrace the remote and rugged landscape of northwest County Mayo when you visit the Ballycroy National Park, also known as the Wild Nephin National Park. Its unspoiled wilderness is vast and includes a large expanse of Atlantic blanket bog, said to be one of the largest in Western Europe.

The Ballycroy National Park is renowned for its pristine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and flora and fauna that include rare bird species such as the Greenland white-fronted goose and the golden plover. Views of the captivating Nephin Beg mountain range and Achill Island can be enjoyed from the Tochar Daithi Ban Nature Trail.

The Ballycroy Visitor Centre offers interactive exhibitions on the park’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, and if you find yourself there after dark, you can enjoy a bit of stargazing. Mayo Dark Sky Park is Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Park, providing a dark night sky full of thousands of stars, possibly even the Milky Way on a clear night.

Highlights: Ballycroy National Park • Dark Sky Park • Ballycroy Visitor Centre

Step along scenic streets of colorful houses when visiting the charming village of Castletownbere. Located on the Beara Peninsula in County Cork, this picturesque village is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering a truly traditional Irish experience.

Castletownbere is known for its scenic harbor, historic sites, and thriving fishing industry, and is a wonderful place to stop when traveling along the Wild Atlantic Way. Its natural harbor is home to a strong community and active harbor life, and it is decorated with colorful fishing boats.

Rich historical attractions include Dunboy Castle, Puxley Manor, Dereenataggart Stone Circle, and Bere Island, with its fascinating military history. Local experiences include the MacCarthy’s bar, made famous by the comedian Pete MacCarthy, and a wander through the traditional market held each Thursday. Gain a taste of West Cork with creamy, locally-produced Milleen cheese, freshly baked goods, and homemade jams.

Highlights: Colorful and Bustling Fishing Harbor • Dereentaggart Stone Circle • MacCarthy’s Bar

When exploring Ireland off the beaten path, you may find yourself driving through a serene and picturesque landscape set slightly aside from the usual tourist spots or through a remote village with a very small population. Taking an infrequent ferry to a tranquil island or discovering a hidden gem set within an exquisite national park, your journey of discovery will be truly rewarding.

Discover your favorite off-the-beaten-path place in Ireland and more on your custom Ireland tour. Explore our Ireland travel guide for more tips and insight into visiting the best towns in Ireland and making your dream trip a reality.