Most Unique Places to Visit in Ireland
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My very good friend who will go by the name Eleive, can confirm that one of the most unique places to visit is Ireland. Is Ireland worth the trip? Absolutely. From the “Black Stuff” to the craic (pronounced – krak), Ireland is worth every second of your time. She writes below about her most recommended places~
I lived there for two years and it still wasn’t long enough for me. From the hiking to the pubs, and historical sites; there is so much to do and learn for all ages. Here are the most unique places to visit in Ireland.
Unique Places to Visit in Ireland #1-Dublin (but not all the touristy parts)
Starting in Dublin, the ‘city of a thousand pubs’, most of the big tourist destinations are south of the River Liffey. In a city with so much alcohol, taxis are abundant. Sit in the front passenger seat if you are able, it is common practice, and it affords you a firsthand view of driving on the opposite side of the road (for U.S. folks). A tip of one or two Euros is standard for a taxi lift (not ride, that word has a fun alternate meaning to the Irish), giving more than that is not what the locals do.
Is The Guinness Tour Worth It?
Every solo traveler or tour group ends up visiting the most famous pub of all – the Guinness Storehouse. It’s the Disneyland of beer houses. When you inevitably end up here, I highly recommend saving your one beer ticket and heading straight on up to the Gravity Bar. You’ll have to take two elevators to get to the 7th floor, but the breathtaking views of Dublin are worth the trip. The Guinness Academy, where they show you how to pour a pint is, in my opinion, overrated. Anyone can pour a pint of beer.
When you head over to the other inevitable famous tourist area for a pint, Temple Bar, make sure you visit Oliver St John Gogarty’s Pub. The food is good, but more importantly, the trad (traditional Irish music) is great craic. It’s also going to be a lot cleaner and less touristy than the actual Temple Bar.
Dublinia is a lighthearted interactive museum for young and old alike, especially if you already have a couple of pints in you, as the exhibits are fun and remind us of the city’s medieval history, but watch out for the plague room with small children. Truly one of the most unique places to visit in Ireland and Dublin.
Even if you are not religious, you’ll enjoy the historical aspects of St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church’s famous mummified cat and rat. The Jameson Distillery offers delicious cocktails with some whiskey knowledge.
Following a visit to Trinity College, make sure to stop into the tiny Dingle Whiskey Bar for a tasting in a more intimate atmosphere. The carvery at O’Neills Pub, directly next to the Molly Malone statue, offers a buffet of delicious meats and potatoes in a plentiful variety.
Dingle Ice Cream shop offers salted ice cream that is drool-worthy. For some shopping visit Grafton Street and catch some entertainment from a busker. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see Bono playing there as he does every Christmas Eve.
Unique Places to Visit in Ireland #2-Howth
If you have a little more time to spend in the city, I highly recommend hopping on a train and visiting Howth for a nice relaxing day in a small seashore town. There is a restaurant on the pier named, Octopussy’s, that serves amazing seafood tapas, make sure to order their patatas bravas as a side.
Take a hike around town and there is quite the uphill climb to visit medieval Howth Castle. To avoid crowds but stay in Dublin city, take a walk out to Poolbeg lighthouse. On certain early afternoons, if you are the lucky sort, there is a food truck serving Irish coffees that will be parked at the end. The views are amazing all the way down and around to the seemingly endless Sandymount beach (during low tide).
If you have access to a vehicle, my favorite hike of all time is located outside of the city in the Wicklow Mountains, the Maulin Mountain loop. It is a medium-difficulty hike and some of it is paved, but it affords a fantastic view of the Powerscourt Waterfall, and it takes you through an area named the Crone Woods.
You want to spend some time in Glendalough. The ruins, the greenery, it’s magic! There are a lot of bus tours you can take for a day trip from Dublin. When you do, make sure you pause and enjoy the sounds of the forest.
I was never a believer in witches or fairies until I took this hike. This spot really brings your imagination to life. If you truly want a unique experience, I highly recommend this place to visit.
Unique Places to Visit in Ireland #3-The Countryside
The countryside of Ireland, outside of Dublin city, is really something beautiful and peaceful. The hues of green that you will see, even while on a bus ride, is why Ireland has the nickname the Emerald Isle.
Galway, with the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney National Park attracts tourists but they are still worth seeing. I have rented numerous accommodations outside Galway, Killarney and Tralee and loved every minute of it. They are usually clean, hospitable and affordable. Visit all the tiny pubs, take all the hikes and sing Galway Girl as loud as you are able.
I found the drive around the Ring of Kerry to be long and exhausting following the already long bus ride to get out there, but I have a low tolerance level for those things. However, if you can arrange to stay and experience the area on your own, I highly recommend it. I’ve always avoided Limerick in my travels due to the colorful nicknames the locals have for that city.
Unique Places to Visit in Ireland #4-Blarney Castle, Kinsale and the Rock of Cashel
Another famous trip outside of Dublin would be further to the south, visiting Blarney Castle, Cork, and the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is more of a ruin with beautiful views and more importantly is a great way to break up the long drive. My advice would be to skip Cork and visit Kinsale instead. Kinsale is more of a sleepy scenic town, with great seafood and awesome inexpensive hotels.
Cork was just too metropolitan for me, without the charm that Dublin holds. Kissing the Blarney stone is more treacherous than people think. Make sure you can handle not only the physicality of climbing this castle and pulling yourself up by the arms following the backward bend needed to complete the kiss, but also any fear of heights you may have.
A theoretically safer and equally interesting alternative to obtaining the ‘Gift of Gab’, is wandering around the poison garden below the castle. It offers you a more unique place to visit, without all the fuss.
I hope you will consider traveling to the beautiful land that is Ireland. Its rich history, culture and people are celebrated around the world, but I highly recommend experiencing the real thing. Visiting Ireland is definitely worth it as it has some of the most unique places to visit in Europe.
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