6 Lesser Known Destinations In Ireland To Avoid Crowd This Summer

Are you looking for lesser known destinations in Ireland to avoid crowd this summer? 

Ireland has many beautiful places to visit, especially in the summer. However, attracting the attention of the crowd may cause you to lose out on the enjoyment and quiet you want.

Fortunately, there are lesser-known summer spots in Ireland where you may avoid the crowds.

While Ireland’s well-known tourist spots are unquestionably worthwhile, discovering lesser-known treasures may give a more intimate and genuine vacation.

If you’re searching for a more off-the-beaten-path vacation this summer, we’ve compiled a list of lesser-known sites in Ireland that are ideal for avoiding crowds.

6 Lesser Known Destinations In Ireland To Avoid Crowd This Summer

 

1. County Wexford

Alternative to: Donegal

Donegal crosses off several items on an Ireland trip bucket list, with its stoic castle, untamed coastline, and wonderful fun, entertainment, and pleasant company.

Visitors visiting Donegal may view the 15th-century Donegal Castle, have a drink of Guinness at an established Irish bar going back to the 1700s, or participate in one of the town’s lively festivals.

Want to see Ireland’s castle without encountering the crowds? Explore a storybook Irish castle in Wexford instead. Its stunning 120-acre estate plus formal landscaping at the Johnstown Castle Estate, which also houses the Irish Agricultural Museum.

Popular Things to Do in County Wexford

• Wexford Heritage Park – There are several activities available in Wexford Heritage Park that will keep you engaged throughout your stay. There are several excursions offered, including prehistoric Ireland and the period of invasion.
•  Hook Peninsula – Hook Peninsula is surrounded by castles as well as coves, as well as the magnificent Hook Lighthouse, and the rumored ghostly Loftus Hall.
• Johnstown Castle – It’s roughly ten minutes away from Wexford Town, and visitors may tour the grounds, museum, and castle site
•  Irish National Heritage Park – You’ll embark on a trip through 9,000 years of Irish history through interactive storytelling.
•  Vinegar Hill – It was the location of the Battle of Vinegar Hill, and those who complete it gained insight into Ireland’s history as well as some spectacular vistas.

Hotel Recommendation

Killiane Castle Country House & Farm

Killiane Castle is a boutique B&B in the serene Wexford countryside, offering magnificent rooms in a stately 17th-century home close to a 15th-century castle.

Guests may enjoy on-site golf, gourmet breakfasts, and stunning vistas. The cost begins at $212.

2. Belfast

Alternative to: Dublin

Despite its rich history, Dublin is also a crowded, costly, and touristic city. Getting the desired hotel room during the high season might be tough at times. While it is easily accessible, it is also large and bordered by suburbs.

Belfast is the complete polar opposite. Northern Ireland’s capital is just as international and sophisticated as Dublin but without the crowds.

Belfast boasts a burgeoning gastronomy culture and has experienced major street revitalization, featuring the new Titanic Museum.

Popular Things to Do in Belfast

• Crumlin Road Gaol – When walking inside the building, you have no choice but to sense a chill. It’s especially noticeable when you’re standing near the tunnel that once connected the Gaol with the Crumlin Road Courthouse.
•  Titanic Belfast – The structure itself is an architectural wonder that provides excellent photo opportunities from every perspective. The Titanic Experience consists of nine stunning halls that combine amazing effects.
• Belfast Castle – The castle and its surroundings are home to a variety of species, including long-eared owls and Belfast’s most unusual plants.
• Botanic Gardens – The Botanic Gardens will transport you thousands of kilometers away from the city’s buzz and activity. Although the Botanic Gardens were founded as private property in 1828, it wasn’t until 70 years afterward that their doors were fully accessible to the public.
• Belfast Bus Tour – If you’re looking for something to do in Belfast that will ensure that you see all of the key sights without having to trek to each one, the bus tour is a good option.

 

To book this tour click here.

 

Hotel Recommendation

Belfast Waterworks Townhouse

Belfast Waterworks Townhouse is located in Belfast and features a common lounge and complimentary WiFi. The homestay provides bicycle rental services. The cost begins at $99.

3. Cork

Alternative to: Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are noted for preserving the Irish language in addition to traditional Irish practices and customs. However, due to their closeness to the popular Galway plus the recent increase in day trips to the islands, they are explored by thousands of people each year.

Head south to Cork’s Cape Clear Island, formally called Cléire, if you’re seeking an island escape amid a lost Ireland. There is a tiny but vibrant Gaeltacht minority there.

Cape Clear has some of the greatest weather in Ireland, and the island is easily accessible from the ports of Schull or Baltimore.

Popular Things to Do in Cork

• Beara Peninsula – The Peninsula, undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous sites you’ll find in Cork, is most enjoyable on foot, the Ring of Beara Drive provides some of the best views.
• Mizen Head – Many travel guides to Ireland list a trip to Mizen Head as being one of the best activities to do in Cork. The Mizen signal facility was built to safeguard sailors traveling near Ireland’s furthest south-westerly corner.
• Blarney Castle – According to folklore, kissing the stone bestows the talent of the gab, or the power to communicate with confidence and comfort. The castle plus its gardens are among the most popular spots for sightseeing in Cork during the summer, so get there early if you’re going.
•  Gougane Barra – Visitors will find a huge valley and lake surrounded by mountains that climb up to 370 meters in height.
• Kinsale – Kinsale is a bustling small fishing hamlet that is ideal for a weekend getaway. A lot of Cork’s most popular attractions are within walking distance of the hamlet, and there are numerous wonderful eateries and bars where you can while away an evening.

To book this tour click here.

 

Hotel Recommendation

 

Belvedere Lodge

This charming Victorian property is located in peaceful, privately gated grounds 3 kilometers from Cork city center, having buses stopping just outside the door. It is currently a 4-star hotel with free Wi-Fi plus parking.

Belvedere Lodge provides 20 spacious en suite rooms, each with televisions with cable, hairdryers, and coffee-making equipment. All of the apartments are well-decorated and feature panoramas of the walled garden. The cost begins at $190.

4. County Donegal

 

Alternative to: County Clare

The Cliffs of Moher of County Clare are Ireland’s most popular tourist site, attracting over 1 million visitors every year. In fact, the cliffs have become so famous that cities over 100 kilometers away sometimes offer full-day bus journeys to the site.

When you see this site, then you’ll realize why people drive for hours to see it. The Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal are a symbol of visiting Ireland off the beaten road, being somewhat taller than the Cliffs of Moher nevertheless far more secluded and with just a few of the tourists.

Popular Things to Do in County Donegal

• Sliabh Liag Cliffs – The cliffs achieve an altitude of 601 meters, which is approximately three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher plus almost double the height of Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
•  Glenveagh National Park – Glenveagh National Park has 16,000 acres of splendor. There are various Glenveagh National Park treks to select from for those searching for some fresh air.
•  Grianan of Aileach – The Grianan of Aileach serves as a hillfort located on the Inishowen Peninsula that rises atop the 801-foot-high Greenan Mountain. This stone fort was built in the first century on the spot of the first Iron Age multi-vacillate hillfort.
• Fanad Lighthouse – You can take a guided tour or view the structure from afar. It was formerly rated as one of the finest and most beautiful lighthouses in the entire world.
•  Assaranca Waterfall – This lovely area is just a short distance from Ardara and is ideal for combining with a trip to Maghera Beach, which is about 1km away.

Hotel Recommendation

Harvey’s Point

This premium hotel is situated on the edge of Lough Eske, among the Bluestack Mountains. It is 6 kilometers from Donegal town and serves excellent dining in a beautiful setting.

Each bedroom is stylish and secluded, with a spacious Italian marble bathtub. Bedrooms also contain a TV and coffee-making amenities. The cost begins at $395.

5. Roscommon

Alternative to: Tipperary

The spectacular Rock of Cashel ranks as one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. For over seven centuries, the prehistoric Irish monarchs were housed in this towering building with gothic overtones.

It is home to a Gothic cathedral, a Romanesque Chapel, the High Cross, a fortress, a round tower, and a variety of other structures.

If you want to avoid the crowd, one of the most unusual castles in Ireland can be found in Roscommon on the picturesque Lough Key, just minutes from the tiny village of Boyle.

Lough Key is approximately 10 kilometers large and somewhat circular in shape, with around 30 islets dispersed across its frigid waters.

Popular Things to Do in Roscommon

•  King House – Over decades, the King House in Boyle has served as a residence, a military headquarters, a recruitment center, and a merchant’s store.
•  Shannon River Adventure – Shannon River Adventure will take you on a day of activities on the Shannon. You may attempt kayaking, paddling, or pier diving in accordance with your level of adventure.
• Roscommon Castle – This towering Roscommon Castle had been once one of Ireland’s most prominent royal castles that is still a pleasure to see.
• Boyle Abbey – The majestic Boyle Abbey has been subjected to several sieges and conquests throughout the years, but its remains remain a fine representation of Cistercian architecture.
• Rathcroghan Visitor Centre – Rathcroghan is a unique location with 240 historical sites and 60 designated national monuments in its environs.

Hotel Recommendation

Ard Aoibhinn Roscommon

Ard Aoibhinn Roscommon in Lecarrow has free WiFi as well as flat-screen TV, in addition to a garden, and a communal lounge.

A separate bathroom with a bathtub and a hairdryer is available. The cost begins at $131.

6. Kilkenny

Alternative to: Galway

Galway has long had strong ties to the Irish culture and language, along with strong dance and musical cultures. It also happens to be the largest city in Ireland with the greatest number of native Irish speakers.

The city is also recognized for its artistic side since numerous of the streets are decorated with magnificent artwork that is worth exploring.

Kilkenny is the place to be if you want to feel the same mood as Galway. By day, there are medieval exhibits, brewery trips, and design exhibitions to enjoy.

After dark, Kilkenny comes alive with trad music sessions, ancient pubs, and some of the greatest festivals on the island.

Popular Things to Do in Kilkenny

• Kilkenny Castle – Grand Kilkenny Castle portrays the region’s rich heritage wonderfully. Originally constructed in the 12th century as a timber fortress.
• Dunmore Caves – If you’re seeking off-the-beaten-path things to do in Ireland, Dunmore Caves, around 15 minutes from Kilkenny, is a must-see. And if you’re not afraid of the dark.
• St. Canice Cathedral – Not only is the church beautiful and well-kept, but it also happens to be the second-largest in Ireland. That is, there will be lots of intriguing hidden places to explore.
• Kilfane Glen and Waterfall – Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Ireland’s natural beauty by visiting the magical Kilfane Glen and Waterfall. Visitors may wander along its lovely trails, take in the lush, verdant magnificence, and discover ultimate peace at Kilfane’s famed waterfall.
• Rothe House and Garden – Explore the historic mansion of John Rothe Fitz Piers, as well the wide and beautiful gardens as well as the in-house museum.

To book this tour click here.

 

Hotel Recommendation

The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny

This contemporary hotel on Kilkenny’s Ringway is just a twenty-minute stroll from the city center and offers free parking and WiFi. Full Irish breakfasts are served daily, and accommodations have Hypnos mattresses and power showers.

All of the spacious accommodations at the Hoban Hotel Kilkenny are bright and modern, featuring free wired internet as well as a private bathroom with complimentary amenities and a hairdryer. The cost begins at $303.