This is likely the phrase you’ll hear when a local’s smile unfurls as they find out you’re a traveler or tourist visiting Ireland from overseas. Indeed, Ireland has a long-standing reputation as one of Europe’s friendliest countries to all kinds of visitors. It’s, of course, a no-brainer that millions flock to the Emerald Isle annually on account of its breathtaking vistas, captivating history and culture on top of the warm and welcoming locals.
Let us guide you on a journey that’s off the well-trodden path and discover five of some of Ireland’s lesser-known but intriguing destinations. Naturally, a flight discount code (كود خصم ويجو) can help ease your travel budget for your trip to this enchanting land.
Famine Memorial, Dublin
Let’s get the doom and gloom out of the way first, shall we? We highly recommend taking the time to visit the Irish Famine Memorial, a chilling reminder of the events and the people who fell victim to a period in Irish history known as the Great Famine. The period of starvation in Ireland occurred between 1845 and 1852. Historical records state that around 1 million people lost their lives due to starvation and sickness, while a million more fled their homeland for the New World.
The appropriately named ‘Famine Memorial’ is a series of bronze statues or sculptures commissioned on the year 1997 and was inaugurated in the same year. The Memorial was created by Rowan Gillespie, and his artistic rendition captures the essence of the Great Famine’s affliction upon the Irish people at the time. You can find this powerful memorial at Dublin’s Dockland, specifically in front of the Custom House Quay.
Clifden, Connemara
Subjectively speaking, Clifden is one of Ireland’s most authentic, charming, and beautiful towns. The town of Clifden acquired this enviable reputation due to its strategic geographical advantage of being huddled amidst the majestic hillsides of the Twelve Bens and the picturesque coastline of the Atlantic.
Clifden’s natural beauty has naturally afforded the town a strong tourism-based economy, and indeed most of the townspeople, one way or another, are employed within this sector. Some of the available activities in Clifden include golfing, horseback riding, hiking, scuba diving, and more. Attractions include: castle ruins, national parks and beaches.
If you have your sights set on shopping, then rest assured, Clifden will not disappoint. An assortment of shops ranging from gift and souvenir shops, antique and curio shops to boutiques and clothing shops are available for you to peruse. Provide yourself with sustenance at the many eateries and pubs scattered throughout the town, and complete your day by returning to the many comfortable hostelries and B&Bs that are more than eager to provide.
Clifden Sky Road, Connemara
Clifden has one more ‘attraction’ to offer, so to speak, namely the Clifden Sky Road. To put it simply, the Sky Road is essentially the most breathtaking and exciting driving experience in all of the Emerald Isle. As the name implies, the elevated road offers its patrons the views of the wide open sky when traversing the road out of Clifden. The circular road is approximately 11 kilometers long and provides a picturesque view of the town of Clifden, along with its twin spire church. The Sky Road also offers unobstructed views of the sea, leading to the old Castle of Clifden.
Going further, the road presents a fork where drivers may take either the low or high road. Taking the left side of the road means going on the low road right by the sea, while taking the recommended high road to the right will elevate drivers to a height of around 150 meters! The high road continues to impress by providing drivers with scenic views of the islands Inishturk and Turbot, respectively. At the very zenith of the Sky Road, a parking lot is available, where drivers may take in the majestic views of the scenery or immortalize them with their cameras. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you may leave the parking lot and head down to the lovely beaches awaiting below.
40 Foot, Dublin
At the very edge of the Irish Sea, lies the 40 Foot, a seaside bathing spot located at Dublin Bay. The rather peculiar bathing spot has been frequented mostly by gentlemen for more than two centuries. Many consider the deep and freezing water of the 40 Foot to be both a relaxing and invigorating swimming experience.
Up until the 70s, the 40 Foot had been infamously known as a gentlemen-only ‘establishment.’ It all changed when members of a female equal rights group stormed the 40 Foot and forced their way into the icy waters. Since then, the 40 Foot was no longer a gentlemen-only spot. Women and children can also access the bathing spot.
For those wishing to take on the 40 Foot’s chilling waters, be forewarned; no lifeguards are stationed within the perimeter, so taking on the waters of the 40 Foot is not without its risks. Also, please make an effort to avoid diving from the rocks as it can get quite dangerous.
Ardmore Cliff Walk, Ardmore
If you find yourself booking your accommodation at the exquisite Cliff House Hotel Ardmore, then you simply must partake in the Ardmore cliff walk, a pleasant, almost circular hike along the scenic cliffs of Ardmore. This relaxing hike will take you around Ardmore Head and Ram Head and should take about an hour to complete. There are several points of interest along the excursion worthy of mention, among which are:
- 12th century Graveyard and Round Tower: Perhaps the Crown Jewel of the cliff walk. The Tower stands at a height of approximately 30 meters and remains ever vigilant, guarding the ancient graves.
- Samson Shipwreck: Remnants of the floating crane “Samson” are clearly visible. The Samson was blown ashore by a mighty storm back in 1987 and has been there ever since.
- Father O´Donnell´s Well. The well is believed to possess healing properties and is supposedly able to remedy all sorts of eye-related maladies. While the validity of such claims has yet to be verified, it’s safe to say that the panorama surrounding the well is definitely a sight for sore eyes.
The Ardmore Cliff Walk presents a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but visitors do need to take care as the excursion can get a bit windy and slippery during rainfall.