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.

Round towers are an -almost- uniquely Irish structure. (Only 3 ancient round towers exist outside of Ireland.)

In Irish they are called cloitheach (cloy- cach), meaning bell house, and were probably built between the 9th and 12th centuries.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

At least 120 round towers are thought to have existed in Ireland. Today about 20 towers survive in complete condition.

The monastic settlement of Glendalough, located in the Wicklow Mountains, is a popular day trip from Dublin. The round tower stands tall in the ‘valley of the two lakes', almost presiding over the cemetery, churches, and cathedral. There is quite a lot to see and do here, including some wonderful walks around the lake and along mountain paths.

Clonmacnoise was a major centre of learning and trade from the 8th to 12th centuries, located at one of the most important crossroads of ancient Ireland. You'll find two round towers here, though one is missing a top. Clonmacnoise also has 3 high crosses; the Cross of Scriptures is 13 feet tall and absolutely magnificent.

The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster until 1101 when it was donated to the church by the reigning king. The round tower is the oldest structure on the site. The sight of the magnificent castle structure atop the stony outcropping and reigning over the surrounding farmland is one that will leave you in awe.

Many visitors make the pilgrimage to Kells in County Meath as that is where the Book of Kells was held until 1654, before it was presented to Trinity College in 1661 (where you can see it today). The round tower, though still standing, has lost its cap. Five high crosses, in various states, are also here.

If your itinerary doesn't take you near any of those popular spots there are plenty more round towers to visit. These are some of my favorites.

Rattoo round tower in County Kerry was the first round tower I saw in Ireland. In 2002 I was following the route that would become the Wild Atlantic Way when I saw the cone in the distance. As I drove the road became more narrow, finally becoming a path. And there it stood. I had it all to myself… It was magical. The Rattoo round tower is the only complete round tower in Kerry and also has a sheela na gig.

Ardmore, County Waterford, is believed to be the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland, founded by St. Declan in the 5th century. Rising from a hill overlooking the town below, the round tower dates to the 12th century. The round tower marks the end of the cliff walk, which begins at the beach, following the coast past St. Declan's Stone, up the (steep) hill past the Cliff House Hotel (amazing spot to stay), and then to the holy well and the ruined church, before continuing along the cliffs to the cathedral and church yard.

You're likely to pass near Kilmacdough Monestery in County Galway if you are driving between Galway city and the Cliffs of Moher. The round tower is noted as the tallest standing round tower in Ireland.

Scattery Island, in the Shannon Estuary , is owned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is (obviously) only reachable by boat. Scattery Island Tours offers daily sailings during the season. The round tower on Scattery is unique as the door is at ground level. The island also has seven small churches, a holy well, a lighthouse, and an artillery battery.

The round tower at Turlough Abbey in County Mayo appears rather short and squat when compared to other towers. This abbey is one of few that survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII and, later, Oliver Cromwell. If you visit the National Museum of Ireland Country Life in Castlebar the round tower can be seen from there and makes a nice addition to your visit.

A round tower, locally known as The Steeple, still remains from an ancient monastic settlement in the town of Antrim, Northern Ireland. Nearby is a ‘witches stone', the story being that a witch, upset by the construction of the tower, climbed to the top and jumped off, landing on the stone and leaving the impression of her knee and elbow. Legend says that one hollow never runs dry.

The round tower at Glasnevin Cemetery, built in 1855 to commemorate Irish political leader Daniel O'Connell can be climbed, but it is not quite as impressive as scaling an ancient round tower.

Just west of Dublin Kildare Cathedral, also known as St. Brigid's Cathedral, was built on the site of an important Celtic Christian abbey said to have been founded by Saint Brigid. The round tower can be climbed – be sure to note the Romanesque decoration around the doorway -and do visit the cathedral which also has a sheela-na-gig.

St. Canice's Cathedral, at the opposite end of Kilkenny's Medieval Mile from Kilkenny Castle, has a climbable tower which was built in the 9th century. The Cathedral is Early Gothic in design and is the second longest cathedral in Ireland, St. Patrick's in Dublin is longer. Purchase your tickets to climb the 100 foot tower inside the cathedral.

Devenish Island in County Fermanagh had two round towers, though one remains intact and can be scaled. This is the only high tower you can climb that still retains a conical cap. The base of the cap has a decorative cornice with a carved head above each of the 4 rectangular windows, Commercial boat tours of Lower Lough Erne can take you to the island, which also has multiple church ruins and an intricate high cross.

Traveling in Ireland Episode 193

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One of Ireland's most popular luxury escapes, Ashford Castle in Mayo, has added new experiences that take you off the estate and introduce you to the taste, history, and culture of Connemara.

Hoping to add a stay at Ashford (or any other castle) to your Ireland itinerary? It's possible – with a little planning!

The new ‘My Ireland Vacation Planner & Journal‘ follows the exact steps I use to plan my own Ireland travels and tours. Four sections – planning, itinerary, travel tips & journal – lead you through each step of creating the Ireland vacation you've been dreaming about. You'll find easy-to-use worksheets, loads of advice, and fun journaling prompts to remember your magical Ireland vacation.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Shane Brett, Sales Executive at Ashford Castle in County Mayo. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Ashford Castle is one of those magical experiences that people really dream of when they are planning an Ireland vacation. It's a true ‘castle experience' from arrival to departure.

Ashford Castle dates back to 1228. It was summer home to the Guinness family, who really saved the castle from ruin, and has hosted royalty, as well as Hollywood icons.

I've advised many guests that Ashford Castle is really a destination unto itself… someplace you ‘stay put' and don't tour away from, because there is so much to do on the grounds of the estate. 

If you're a Quiet Man fan you know that the movie was filmed on location in Cong and the surrounding area. The house that was used as Squire Danagher's is located on the Ashford Estate and is now available as a group event venue.

Ireland's first School of Falconry opened its doors at Ashford Castle over 20 years ago. The most popular estate activity, the Falconry School has also received an expansion and updates.

The new Irish Experiences at Ashford Castle remove people from the estate and introduce them to Irish culture and traditions. Designed to immerse guests into the ‘real' West of Ireland and take them ‘off the beaten track' and into these experiences include foods, crafts, music, and stories.

These experiences are unique to Ashford Castle – you won't find them attached to any other tours.

View Special Offers & Book Your Stay at Ashford Castle

As a guest at Ashford Castle you have a personal concierge who can create an itinerary for your stay – with as much or as little activity as you wish.

Learn more about Ashford Castle, the Lodge at Ashford Castle, and activities on the estate

Website – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter

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Doolough Pass – a beautiful yet tragic location in Connemara

Killary Fjord & boat tour

Kylemore Abbey – one of Ireland's most dramatic castle locations

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 118

The post Ashford Castle Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Jody welcomes returning guest Paula Carroll, Director of Sales and Marketing for Ashford Castle. Celebrating 80 years of hospitality!

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Paula Carroll, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Ashford Castle. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Ashford Castle, formerly Cong Castle, became a hotel on July 6, 1939.

The long and storied history of Ashford Castle began in 1228. The castle once served as a fortress for soldiers before passing, years later, into the hands of the Guinness family, and finally becoming a hotel in 1939.

Red Carnation Hotels purchased Ashford Castle and undertook extensive renovations from 2013- 2015.

Ashford Castle is not a place you stay to venture away from. With 21 estate activities you will find plenty to keep you busy, fed, and even relaxed.

The celebration is designed to highlight the people who have, and do, work at Ashford Castle.

Pipers, music, and historic tours are among the featured activities.

Join the festivities virtually on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

It will be a traditional event with genuine hospitality.

“Luxury can be purchased by anybody but genuine hospitality has got to be given.”

Ashford Castle excels at this.

Everything You Need To Plan Your Stay at Ashford Castle

Learn about the Halloween celebrations at Ashford Castle

This is an incredible deal! Just € 1939 for 2 people. (View the deal)

Subject to availability and check-in date through December 2019.

You will need a car to explore these destinations!
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Connemara- the far west of Galway. Ireland's “wild west”. Beautiful mountains, dramatic coastline, and plenty of traditional Irish music.

The Lost Valley – step back in time to when sheep were more profitable than people. Walk through a famine village and learn the history in this ‘forgotten' spot on Ireland's coast.

Westport– a wonderful town in Mayo along the Wild Atlantic Way. Pirate history, outdoor adventure, and plenty of pubs

If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to leave a 5* review on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Questions or comments? Email [email protected] and, as always, thanks for listening.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 74

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