Travel Website ConnollyCove Guide To Hidden Ireland: Discovering The Emerald Isle's Best Holiday Locations
Ireland, a land steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, offers much more than its iconic landmarks. ConnollyCove, an award-winning travel website, takes you beyond the well-trodden paths to uncover Ireland's hidden treasures. This guide reveals the lesser-known gems that capture the true essence of the Emerald Isle.
Author:Iram MartinsReviewer:Tobey StricklandNov 27, 20234.8K Shares178.3K Views
Travel Website ConnollyCove Guide to Hidden Ireland: Discovering the Emerald Isle's Best Holiday Locations
Ireland, a land steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, offers much more than its iconic landmarks. ConnollyCove, an award-winning travel website, takes you beyond the well-trodden paths to uncover Ireland's hidden treasures. This guide reveals the lesser-known gems that capture the true essence of the Emerald Isle.
The Magic of the West: Connemara and the Aran Islands
Escape to Connemara, a region where rugged landscapes meet the wild Atlantic. The Connemara National Park offers breathtaking scenery with mountains, bogs, and heaths. A short ferry ride away lie the Aran Islands, a bastion of traditional Irish culture. Explore ancient forts like Dún Aonghasa and experience a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The Mystical Midlands: Legends and Lakes
Ireland's Midlands are rich with folklore and history. Visit Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site with impressive ruins on the banks of the River Shannon. Explore the mystical Loughcrew Cairns in County Meath, ancient passage tombsolder than the pyramids. The Midlands’ lakes, like Lough Ree and Lough Derg, offer serene beauty and ample opportunities for angling and boating.
Northern Delights: Hidden Heritage in Ulster
Discover the lesser-known marvels of Northern Ireland. From the rugged beauty of the Sperrin Mountains to the pristine beaches of the Causeway Coast, Ulster is a land of contrasts. Visit Grianán of Aileach, an ancient hillfort with panoramic views, or explore the cultural richness of Derry’s walled city.
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Enchanting East: Beyond Dublin’s Bright Lights
While Dublin attracts most visitors, the Eastern region holds many secrets. Wander through the medieval streets of Kilkenny, visit the monastic ruins of Glendalough, or enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Wicklow Mountains. The East’s coastline, sprinkled with charming fishing villages like Howth and Greystones, offers fresh seafood and stunning seascapes.
South’s Hidden Corners: Cork and Beyond
Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, is a gateway to the South's hidden wonders. Discover the colourful towns of Cobh and Kinsale, steeped in maritime history. Further west, the Beara Peninsula offers rugged, unspoiled beauty, while the tranquil beauty of Lough Hyne invites visitors to Ireland's first marine nature reserve.
The Untouched Northwest: Sligo and Donegal
Venture into the Northwest, where the counties of Sligo and Donegal boast some of Ireland's most dramatic landscapes. With its Yeatsian connections, Sligo offers a blend of cultural history and natural beauty. Donegal, a haven of secluded beaches and rugged mountains like the Slieve League Cliffs, provides a sense of solitude and grandeur.
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The Historical Heart: Ireland's Ancient East
Ireland's Ancient East, a region rich in history and legend, is a treasure trove of ancient sites. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne to the historical towns of Trim and Drogheda, this area is a journey through time. Discover the High Crosses of Monasterboice and the Hill of Tara, the seat of ancient Irish kings.
Waterford and Wexford: Ireland's Sunny Southeast
The Southeast, particularly Waterfordand Wexford, offers a unique Irish experience with sunny weather and rich Viking history. Explore the Waterford Viking Triangle, stroll along Wexford's beautiful coastline, and delve into the region's historical sites, like the Hook Lighthouse, one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world.
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Galway: A Cultural Jewel
Galway, the cultural heart of Ireland, is known for its vibrant arts scene, lively street performances, and rich heritage. Wander through its bustling streets, explore the city’s medieval history, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Ireland. The Galway region also serves as a gateway to the scenic Connemara area.
The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher: Nature's Masterpieces
All exploration of Hidden Ireland is complete with a visit to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. The Burren’s unique karst landscape is a botanical wonder, while the Cliffs of Moher offer awe-inspiring views over the Atlantic Ocean. This area exemplifies Ireland's natural splendour.
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Also worth considering is the
- Ring of Beara, Co. Kerry and Co. Cork: Less crowded than the Ring of Kerry, this scenic route offers stunning coastal views, quaint villages, and ancient heritage sites.
- Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal: A remote wilderness in northwest Ireland featuring rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and the historic Glenveagh Castle.
- Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork: Ireland's southernmost inhabited island, known for its wildlife, Gaelic culture, and tranquil atmosphere.
- Lough Hyne, Co. Cork: A unique saltwater lake with a diverse ecosystem, perfect for kayaking and night-time bioluminescence tours.
- The Copper Coast Geopark, Co. Waterford: A UNESCO Global Geopark, this area boasts geological formations, coves, and cliffs along the scenic southern coast.
Ireland captivates American travellers with its enchanting blend of rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and deep cultural experiences. The island's history comes alive in ancient castles and historic landmarks, while its natural beauty ranges from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher to the picturesque Ring of Kerry. The warmth of Irish hospitality and vibrant music and dance traditions create a welcoming atmosphere. Ireland's celebrated literary history and world-class golf courses add to its allure. Moreover, the country's hearty cuisine and renowned beverages offer a taste of authentic Irish culture, making it a cherished destination for many Americans.
ConnollyCove is a popular travel website with over 1,900 videos on YouTube as well as over 2,500 travel guides on its website. It is a travel site developed by ProfileTree Web Agency.
Jump to
The Magic of the West: Connemara and the Aran Islands
The Mystical Midlands: Legends and Lakes
Northern Delights: Hidden Heritage in Ulster
Enchanting East: Beyond Dublin’s Bright Lights
South’s Hidden Corners: Cork and Beyond
The Untouched Northwest: Sligo and Donegal
The Historical Heart: Ireland's Ancient East
Waterford and Wexford: Ireland's Sunny Southeast
Galway: A Cultural Jewel
The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher: Nature's Masterpieces
Iram Martins
Author
Tobey Strickland
Reviewer
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