When a new list of “underrated” Irish attractions makes the rounds, I always take a look. Sometimes I nod in agreement. Sometimes I roll my eyes and wonder who decided the Rock of Cashel was a hidden secret.

That was my reaction to a recent ranking from SumUp, which used everything from TripAdvisor reviews to Instagram posts and Google searches to highlight Ireland’s lesser-known spots. A great idea, if the definition of underrated doesn’t stretch to include Blarney Castle.

That said, there are a few places on the list that truly fly under the radar—and quite a few more that didn’t make the cut but should have. So let’s talk about the ones that are worth your time, how to fit them into your itinerary without going miles out of your way, and why a trip that mixes well-known highlights with lesser-visited places often ends up being the most rewarding.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 280. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Not everything on the list was a stretch. A handful of sites are genuinely overlooked by most travelers, even if they’re hiding in plain sight. Some are just far enough off the usual routes to be missed, while others sit in popular areas but don’t get the attention they deserve.

If you're looking to skip the crowds without skipping the good stuff, these are the spots to consider adding to your itinerary.

Just 15 minutes from Dublin Airport, Malahide Castle and Gardens is an easy way to start your trip -especially if you’re trying to stay awake after an overnight flight. The guided tours are engaging (even for kids), the gardens are gorgeous, and the on-site café and Avoca shop are the perfect spot to refuel. The castles setting in a charming seaside village make it feel like a gentle, scenic welcome to Ireland.

Pair it with: Malahide is a perfect day trip from Dublin – just 30 minutes by DART or bus. This is also a terrific way to refresh yourself before taking on your first day's drive.

Yes, it’s a cemetery. But it’s also one of the best places in Dublin to get a crash course in Irish history. The Glasnevin guided tours are anything but dull, and if you time it right, you might catch a re-enactment or costumed guide that brings the stories to life.

Don’t miss: A pint at John Kavanagh’s pub next door—known locally as The Gravediggers.

Pair it with: A visit to the nearby Botanic Gardens or following a tour of Kilmainham Gaol to continue your history lesson.

Sitting in Cork Harbour, Spike Island was once a monastery, then a fortress, and eventually one of the largest prisons in Europe. It’s a fascinating (and chilling) half-day experience, but be prepared – between the ferry ride, guided tour, and time on island, you’ll need 3.5 -4 hours.

Pair it with: Cobh's other maritime highlights, including the Titanic Experience and a hike up Spy Hill to get the iconic shot of the Deck of Cards houses and St. Coleman's Cathedral. For safety reasons do not climb on the wall – just hold your camera (or phone) over the wall and you'll get the shot.

Most visitors to Galway stick to the colorful Latin Quarter and Eyre Square, but a walk along the Salthill Promenade gives you sea views, fresh air, and a more relaxed pace. If you’re lucky, you might even spot someone kicking the “kicking wall” at the end for good luck.

Salthill is about an hours' walk from the Latin Quarter. If you're wanting to add it to a day's touring, consider the hop-on hop-off bus.

Pair it with: An afternoon exploring Galway City or as a wind-down after a day trip to Connemara.

Some of my favorite experiences in Ireland don’t show up in rankings at all. They’re not tied to big marketing campaigns or social media influencers – but they’re rich in story, scenery, and character.

Here are the spots I’d add to the list, along with ideas for how to include them without straying too far off course.

Tucked into the middle of the country, Birr Castle Demense feels like a fairytale estate with a twist- it played a key role in astronomical discovery. The gardens are lush and expansive, but the real surprise is the Leviathan: a massive telescope that was the largest in the world for 70 years.

Pair it with: A visit to Clonmacnoise or as a scenic detour between Dublin and Galway. It’s also an easy stop if you’re overnighting between the cities.

Located in the Shannon Estuary, this uninhabited island is home to a round tower, ruined churches, and sweeping views – all without any tour buses. You’ll need to take a short boat trip from Kilrush, but once you're there, it feels like stepping into another world.

Pair it with: A Loop Head drive or time in Kilkee. Great for travelers basing in west Clare and looking for something quieter than the Cliffs of Moher.

Often overshadowed by its flashier neighbor, the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved Norman castles (keep your eyes peels for cannonballs!). Visitors can duck into the dungeon or climb to the tops of towers. Grab a sandwich and crisps at the cafe across the street before crossing the river to the parkland behind the castle for a picnic.

Pair it with: A visit to Cashel or the Swiss Cottage nearby. It’s a perfect half-day stop on your route between Dublin and Killarney.

Ireland’s most southerly point comes with a scenic drive, a dramatic bridge crossing, and views that rival the Cliffs of Moher – without the crowds. You might even spot seals lounging near the rocks below the signal station.

Pair it with: A stay in West Cork or as a very scenic drive from Kenmare or Killarney to Kensale (plan a full day). Make sure to check opening times, especially outside of summer.

Westport House sits on the foundations of one of Gráinne Ní Mháille castles—you may know her as Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s legendary Pirate Queen. Inside, you’ll find elegant rooms and family history; outside, acres of parkland, a lake, and seasonal attractions that make it especially fun for families. It’s a site that surprises people—historic, scenic, and far more than just another stately home.

Pair it with: A climb (or photo op) at Croagh Patrick (don't miss the moving famine memorial sculpture across the road!), or a bike ride along one of the coastal greenways.

Ireland’s northernmost point doesn’t get the love it deserves, but a drive around Inishowen delivers stone forts, famine history, a disappearing lake, and Malin Head – the actual tip-top of the island. You’ll even find a “magic road” that defies gravity (or at least seems to).

Tip: Contact Adam Stewart at Flat Cap Adventurers for an off-road adventure you won't soon forget!

Pair it with: A day trip from Derry or a side trip as you enter or leave Northern Ireland. Allow a full day to explore the loop.

Some of the sites on the original list are well worth visiting, but calling them underrated might be a bit generous. These are the places that regularly appear on “must-see” lists, sell out in advance, or are already firmly on the tourist trail.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t great. It just means they’re not quite hidden.

You can’t even get to Skellig Michael without advance planning – and that’s if the weather cooperates. It’s spectacular, but it’s no secret. Just ask the next Star Wars fan in line.

Yes, there’s more to see than the stone, but when your wait to climb to the top of the castle ruin to kiss the rock stretches on and on, it’s safe to say it’s not flying under the radar.

Kilkenny’s crown jewel and one of the most photographed spots in Ireland. Gorgeous? Absolutely. Underrated? Not quite. That said, Kilkenny is far more than just its castle – and most people leave wishing they’d allowed more time for exploration in Ireland’s medieval capital.

Still the most popular scenic drive in Ireland, especially with tour buses – though the Dingle Peninsula seems determined to take that crown. For a more underrated experience, head to the next peninsula over and follow the quieter, wilder Ring of Beara.

Both are standout heritage sites—just not hidden ones. Muckross draws huge crowds within Killarney National Park, and Bunratty’s medieval banquets book up fast.

Underrated can mean a lot of things. Sometimes it’s a place few people have heard of. Other times, it’s a stop that gets overlooked simply because it’s not on the tour bus circuit or trending on Instagram. But often, it’s a site that’s hiding in plain sight: worth your time, but easy to miss if you don’t know to look.

The best trips to Ireland don’t rely on someone else’s definition of what’s worth seeing. They find a balance – between the iconic and the unexpected, between the stops you’ve been dreaming about for years and the ones that take you by surprise.

If you’re looking for a place to start, my free Ireland itineraries include many of the spots I’ve mentioned here- underrated and marquee – woven together in routes that feel manageable, flexible, and full of those moments that make a trip truly memorable.

The post Ireland’s Underrated Attractions(how to add them to your itinerary & escape the crowds) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

If you've ever longed for a corner of Ireland that feels untouched, authentic, and refreshingly uncrowded, set your sights on the Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare.

Tucked away from the tourist-heavy paths of the Wild Atlantic Way, Loop Head offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and heartfelt hospitality that rewards those who take the time to explore.

This article is based on podcast episode 268 featuring Carmel Hough, co-owner of Emerald Irish Tours.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Kilkee acts as the gateway to this often-overlooked region. A charming Victorian seaside town, Kilkee offers a great starting point with its cliff walk, cozy accommodations, and excellent food. From here, the road leads west into some of the most jaw-dropping scenery County Clare has to offer.

Whether you're driving, walking, or hiring an e-bike from Loop Head E-Bikes, the route hugs rugged cliffs and peaceful countryside roads. The absence of tour buses makes the experience even more immersive, giving visitors a glimpse of an Ireland most travelers miss.

Outdoor lovers are spoiled for choice. There’s the cliff walk in Kilkee, a beautiful loop that takes you right along the Atlantic edge. For something more adventurous, head out with Nevsail for paddleboarding, kayaking, or surfing. Fishing excursions are available with local guides like Sean Maguire and Luke Aston, while horseback rides and walking tours give different perspectives of the land.

If you’re more into slow travel, a picnic, a pint, or a meandering cycle will do just fine. Small towns along the way offer cafes, galleries, and friendly faces happy to share local stories. It’s also the perfect region for sea views and solitude, whether you're on two wheels or four.

One of the most emotionally powerful stops is the Church of the Little Ark near the peninsula’s tip. Born from the hardships of Ireland’s Penal Laws in the 1850s, this small structure tells a massive story. At a time when Catholicism was banned and Irish culture was under siege, locals wheeled a tiny wooden ‘ark’ to the foreshore—no man’s land between high and low tide—to hold Mass without persecution.

Today, the preserved ark rests in a quiet room of the Church of the Little Ark, a poignant reminder of resistance and resilience. The Harry Clarke stained glass window above the door captures the ark’s legacy, illuminating a powerful chapter of Irish history.

The Loop Head Lighthouse Experience

A visit to the Loop Head Lighthouse is a must when exploring the peninsula. One of the few lighthouses in Ireland open to the public, you can climb to the top and walk out onto the balcony—if the wind doesn’t blow you away first!

The 360-degree views span the Shannon Estuary to the left and the vast Atlantic Ocean to the right. It’s also a prime dolphin-watching spot and one of the filming locations for Star Wars (though that’s been kept fairly quiet).

Near the lighthouse, don’t miss the WWII-era “EIRE 43” sign—huge white letters made from stone, signaling Ireland’s neutral status to airborne pilots. These signs were part of a subtle yet critical aid to Allied navigation, reminding us how even the quietest places have stories to tell.

If you’re looking to explore with expert guidance, Emerald Irish Tours—run by sisters Carmel and Martina Haugh—offers private driver-guided experiences tailored to your interests. Whether you’re into food, folklore, family heritage, or simply soaking up the scenery, they’ll help you build a custom itinerary and see Ireland beyond the brochure.

They don’t just offer driver guides; they connect you to local stories, suggest authentic stops, and offer the kind of honest advice that only comes from living and guiding in the region. Their Mercedes V-Class vehicles offer comfort, while their insights provide depth. Want to spend a night in a castle? Meet a local artist? Find the best place for a seaweed bath? They’ve got you covered.

Contact Emerald Irish Tours

Website – email: [email protected] – Facebook – Instagram

Loop Head isn’t a quick detour—it’s a destination worth your time.

Plan to stay locally for a couple nights to really soak it in.

Start in Kilkee, hike the cliffs, climb the lighthouse, stand in the Church of the Little Ark, and treat yourself to dinner at the Long Dock or a pint at Keating’s near the sea.

For travelers who value authenticity, history, and natural beauty without the tour bus crowds, Loop Head Peninsula is calling. Just don’t try to rush it—this is the kind of place that reveals itself slowly, and that’s exactly the point.

The post Discovering Loop Head Peninsula: Ireland’s Rugged Beauty Without the Crowds appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's most popular natural attraction at the edge of the Burren landscape, are experiencing partial trail closures due to necessary repairs on specific trail sections.

However, the visitor centre and several trails remain open, with options for guided tours providing safe and comprehensive experiences.

The trail closures stem from safety concerns following a few deaths in 2024 and the need for trail maintenance.

Watch the video below for exact locations that are closed.

The Cliffs of Moher offer the breathtaking experience of standing on the edge of the world, where the land meets the sky, a dramatic view that changes with the weather.

Recently, confusion has spread about closures at this iconic site, causing a ripple of concern among travelers. With insights from local expert Ollie Gleason, this article uncovers the truth about what remains open and how you can still savor the cliffs' magic.

The main attraction – the visitor centre and the amazing views that 95% of visitors imagine – remains open.

The closures affect only specific trail sections due to necessary repairs, ensuring safety for all visitors.

The Cliffs of Moher are not closed, Ollie reassures, emphasizing that the visitor center and many trails are fully accessible.

The trail along the cliffs, managed by various local entities, has faced challenges due to limited budgets and increasing popularity.

Ollie explains, “The trail is grade five, the most difficult in Ireland, yet accessible to those with moderate fitness.”

Safety concerns have led to partial closures, notably around Hag's Head, to address erosion and ensure visitor safety. Despite these measures, the stunning views and exhilarating hikes remain available to eager explorers.

For those eager to explore beyond the visitors centre, you can hike the Cliffs of Moher still, Ollie confirms, suggesting guided tours for a safer and richer experience.

Visitors can start their adventure from Doolin, enjoying a scenic hike with breathtaking views. With detailed insights into the trail's condition and alternative routes, visitors can plan their visit with confidence.

The Cliffs of Moher continue to enchant and inspire, their beauty undiminished by temporary closures. By understanding the current situation and embracing the available options, visitors can enjoy the cliffs' majesty and make their visit truly unforgettable.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 250

The post Cliffs of Moher in 2025: Safety and Tips appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.