10 unconventional spots that will take your breath away in Ireland.

Known as the last port of call for the Titanic, Cove (Cobh in Gaelic) is one of Ireland’s most colourful and charming seaports. Built on a steep hill, Cove marvels visitors as it offers views from every corner. Among its multiple iconic landmarks (such as The Titanic Experience Cobh or The Cobh Heritage Centre), St Coleman’s cathedral stands proud at the peak of the town, allowing all to admire its unique architecture right as you walk into the streets of Cove. Indeed, allow yourself to travel back in time as you stroll along the unique facades of its ancient Catholic architecture. 

Immerse yourselves in Cove’s rich culture by assisting to a musical choir within the cathedral walls or by following in the same footsteps as your ancestors through the Heritage Centre or on the Titanic Walking Trail whilst taking in a fantastic view of Spike Island (also known as the Irish Alcatraz). But what I suggest most to newcomers is to get lost in the colourful streets of Cove and stop by Bailey’s Farmers Market to enjoy fresh local produce alongside friendly locals! Open every Saturday morning from 8am-12pm next to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Cove’s open-air farmers’ market offers its locally grown fruit and veg as well as a wide variety of meat, cheese, and flowers! 

If you are the adventurer type, you must consider discovering the Aran Islands and its primitive yet magical landscape. Composed of three islands, Inis Mor, Inis Oirr, and Inis Meain, this region offers countless cyclable routes as well as outstanding hiking opportunities, leaving visitors sun-kissed and refreshed whilst sipping a much deserved pint at a local pub after a long day of biking or hiking! This west coast of Ireland is also renowned for the friendly presence of a colony of seals! Yes, a big activity here is seal watching. Ideal for families and exciting for kids, enjoy the sight of Inis Mor’s seal community sunbathing along the rocks with the fantastic backdrop of the Connemara mountains at low tide. 

On another note, The Aran Islands also features a spectacular natural pool called the “Wormhole” which formerly held the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2014 and 2017. However you must know that, despite feeling tempted, this spectacular stoned opening is forbidden for swimmers as the currents can be extremely dangerous. Along with the spectacular beach scenery is the undoubtedly enchanting existence of its ‘seven churches’ just west of Inishmore. Jam-packed with ancient Celtic history, the site only hosts two churches as of today which are open to the public all year round. 

Finally, amongst other architectural landmarks are The Black Fort Cliffs (named after its dark limestone colour) with their still existing original dwelling stone houses called Clochans (much inspired in the Oscar nominated film of 2022, The Banshees of Inisherin) which are a must-see if you are seeking an unique Irish experience! 

Located on the south-west coast of Ireland is the Beara Peninsula that is split between two mountain ranges, the Caha Mountains and the Slieve Miskish Mountains. In addition to fantastic beaches and breathtaking oceans roads, it offers a very different experience from its neighbouring peninsulas, such as Bull Rock Island. 

Often perceived as something that would come out of The Pirates of the Caribbean, the menacing Bull Rock Island (accessible by boat tours from Garnish Pier, Cork) is nothing of the sort. Its exciting quality is the stone-integrated lighthouse within the steep edges of the island. Previously used by personnel until 1991, it is now automated and spoken of as the most unique site off the Beara Peninsula. Our final hidden gem is Bere Island. Unlike Bull Rock, Bere Island and its 150 locals invite visitors to walk or bike around the archaeological sites this piece of land has to offer as well as enjoy activities such as fishing or birdwatching! 

Are you looking for an ideal family vacation? Crookhaven is the perfect place for sailing enthusiasts and first learners whilst perfectly accommodating to family needs. During the high season of summer, all Cork locals retreat to Crookhaven to unwind and cool off by the Celtic sea breeze to sail, drink pints at the local pubs, and listen to traditional music. Moreover, Crookhaven is rich in heritage as it also features a quaint yet charming harbour that was also known as the last port of call for ships going to and from America during the 20th Century.

Finally, you will find your extra bit of paradise at Barley Cove (just shy of 15 minutes by car from Crookhaven village) that is most enjoyed for its unique sand dune landscape (differing immensely from the surrounding rocky coastal landscape) for an ideal picnic with family and/or friends!

Despite being largely dependent on imports from France and Spain, Dingle Peninsula has the unique particularity of maintaining the Gaelic language amongst its people. With this, Dingle is regarded as one of the most culturally diverse spots in all of Ireland, being home to a variety of European foods (with food festivals and markets) and local activities (such as fishing, Gaelic Football, and traditional Irish Music Sessions).

Moreover, the big ocean drive mingles American long winding roads with an ancient pilgrimage site that will keep you busy for up to half a day! Along the way, you can take in the views of Dingle’s two picturesque islands: the Blasket Islands and the Skellig Islands (more on the latter later!). But most interestingly, its inland adventure offers mesmerising hikes and walks for all speeds and levels, the most famous one being the 179 km long Dingle Way that takes about eight days to complete.

Found on the west coast of county Mayo, Achill Island is most known for the wilderness, combining dramatic cliffs, grandiose white sand beaches, uniform lakes, and deep forests hosting a variety of Irish wildlife. There are endless activities and countless places to visit on land. Indeed, amongst the many walks that this island has to offer, you may also go angling or fishing, shark watching, horse riding, or even golfing! If you are more of a watersports type of person, you may also go kayaking, boat cruising, surfing, or yet again kitesurfing! 

Also filmed in The Banshees of Inisherin, the Achill Island hosts breathtaking sites such as the ancient St.Thomas’s Church and the Purteen harbour where the film shot the mass and fishing scenes. And most iconically, Cloughmore (the south-eastern corner of Achill Island) is most renowned for incredible Atlantic views, such as the site chosen for the pub in the film. 

The cliff walk showcasing Ballycotton’s island and lighthouse from Ballycotton village is one of the most rustic sights you may ever set your eyes on. If you decide to visit this island, which is just a short 15 minute boat trip from Ballycotton Pier, you can experience a unique 360 degree view over all of East Cork as you stroll around the singular atypically dark-themed lighthouse. 

Moreover, Ballycotton also offers a stunning countryside alternative just 10 minutes away by car (or for the brave, a 20 minute bike ride - or for the braver, a 1h15 walk!). Looking for a cottage retreat? Enjoy cooking? Look no further and feast your eyes on the most charming countryside kitchen you have yet to discover. Cozily nested in between fields, Ballycotton is home to the nationally renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School that offers 5 star cooking classes and Michelin style meals to its guests! Not enough? Sign up for the 12 week cooking course hosted on the grounds of the organic farm and gardens to become one of the many house cooks! 

World renown for The Diamond Hill Mountain, the Connemara National Park offers unconventional beauty that is unlike Ireland’s more traditional landscapes. The park has a multitude of hikes along the Twelve Bens range. While most hikes glorify the views of the Diamond Hill, there is also an accessible central valley called the Glanmore where the Polladirk River flows, offering an idyllic mid-hike picnic spot!

Furthermore, amongst the hill and trails are ancient megalithic tombs that date back to more than 4 000 years ago. So if you are searching for a source of escapism along the Galway coast, definitely consider this much underrated, nature-packed, and historically rich region!

Accessible by boat from Portmagee, the surreal Skellig Island off the coast of county Kerry (west Ireland) was previously used as a monk site dating back to the 6th century and still features its unchanged stone Christian monastery! Although perceived as an amazing yet threatening spike island from a distance, it has so much more to offer. Mesmerising hikes on the stone paths as you walk by beehives like stoned habitats for monks at the time remain the same as they were more than 2,500 years ago - but beware of the daunting cliff edge view points!

You may have also heard of a small movie production Star Wars that features this unique site and breathtaking views in Episode VII - The Force Awakens. So, if you are a Star Wars fan as well as a hiking enthusiast, I wouldn’t wait another minute before booking this truly memorable trip!

What better way to finalise this list, than with my favourite location - the enchanting land of Ardmore. Prepare to be taken aback by absolutely breathtaking beauty. Cliffs are submerged by fabulous traditional homes and its outstanding The Cliff Hotel, offering nothing but exceptional ocean views. 

You can parade the charming stone streets of Ardmore’s old town populated by family-owned galleries and boutiques - perfect to bring a piece of Ardmore back home with you! If you don’t believe me, then ask our friend ‘Wally’ the walrus who comfortably sunbathed on a zodiac right by the Cliff Hotel in Ardmore.

Whether you are looking for a hot summer day to spend your time on the fantastic and grandiose sand beach, or that specific winter dramatic sea view along the cliff walk, Ardmore accommodates both extremes to an exceptional level.