10 Hidden Gems in Ireland You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

So, you’re heading to Ireland? Great choice, I’m jealous! You’ve probably got the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry on your list, and maybe you’re even dreaming of kissing the Blarney Stone, right?

But let’s be real, you don’t need another travel guide telling you about places everyone already knows about (although I do have a guide about that). You need the hidden gems.

If there’s one thing we learned our on two-week road trip, it’s that Ireland’s best spots are the tucked-away ruins, wild coastlines without the crowds, and places that feel like secrets only the locals know.

If you love uncovering hidden gems, this Ireland travel guide is for you. These ten spots might not be on every tourist’s radar, but they’ll make you fall even more in love with Ireland. Let’s go find some magic!

An Epic Road Trip Around Ireland

We spent two weeks road-tripping around Ireland and drove basically the entire coastline—it was a lot of hours behind the wheel, but every twisty road, unexpected detour, and beautiful view made it so worth it.

We found misty cliffs that vanished into the sea, hidden beaches with not a soul in sight, and ancient ruins that felt like something straight out of a legend.

And yet we still barely scratched the surface. Ireland is packed with hidden gems and no matter how many times you visit, there’s always another secret spot waiting to be discovered.

1. Coumeenoole Beach on Slea Head Drive

If there’s one place that completely stole my heart in Ireland, it’s Coumeenoole Beach. It’s located along Slea Head Drive which is one of the most scenic coastal routes in the country—so it’s really not surprising that I loved it so much.

This wild, windswept beach looks straight out of a fantasy movie. Towering cliffs wrap around the beach, waves lap along the shore, and the whole place feels like a secret paradise. If you’re road-tripping through the Dingle Peninsula, don’t skip this beach! You’ll thank me later.

But the biggest surprise was defintely the water. We weren’t expecting such turquoise colours in Ireland! Who knew this country had beaches that could rival the Mediterranean?

And not only was the water stunning, but we actually swam in it! Yeah, it was a little chilly at first, but once you’re in, you adjust fast. We didn’t go too far out though because the waves are powerful and the currents can be quite dangerous.

A couple of things to keep in mind: parking is a nightmare, especially on a sunny day, so be prepared to circle a bit or park further up the road. And if you’re planning to swim, there’s nowhere to change — I highly recommend bringing a PackTowl changing poncho to make it easier.

2. Moore Hall in County Mayo

Hidden deep in the woodlands of County Mayo, Moore Hall is another great hidden gem—overgrown, crumbling, and wrapped in just enough eerie legends to keep things interesting, it sparked my imagination the second we stepped onto the estate.

The story goes that back in 1792, wealthy wine and brandy merchant George Moore decided this was the spot to build his dream home—despite the locals warning him the land was cursed by King of Connaught’s druid, Drithliu in 400 A.D. Classic bad decision in every ghost story, ever.

Whether the curse is real or not, things went downhill fast. Shortly after moving in, George suffered a stroke that left him blind. More family tragedies followed and then in 1923 the house was burned down during the Irish Civil War.

Now, all that’s left are towering stone walls, crumbling archways, and nature slowly reclaiming the mansion. You can’t go inside, but walking around the exterior is pretty cool.

And of course, it wouldn’t be an Irish ruin without a few ghost stories. Some say you can hear ghostly laughter echoing through the ruins. Others claim to have seen shadowy figures moving between the trees or have had doors mysteriously slam shut on their own. Paranormal investigators have even snapped photos of what they swear are ghosts.

Did we see anything spooky? Nope. Did we get eerie vibes? Not even a little. Honestly, we had a blast wandering through the ruins! It felt more like a secret garden than a haunted mansion. There are even adorable little wooden animal carvings hidden around the trails.

But then again, we didn’t go at night.

3. Powerscourt Waterfall at Powerscourt Estate

Powerscourt Estate is fancy. It’s all perfectly manicured gardens, grand architecture, and Downton Abbey vibes. But tucked away just a short drive from the main house is Powerscourt Waterfall—and I think it’s the real showstopper.

Even though it’s right next to one of the most famous estates in Ireland and is the tallest waterfall in the country, Powerscourt Waterfall somehow remains a hidden gem. Locals know what’s up, but tourists? Not so much. Which, if you ask me, makes it even better.

We showed up expecting to take a quick look and ended up hanging out way longer than planned. There’s just something about waterfalls—so powerful, yet so peaceful. I could’ve stayed there for hours, just soaking it all in.

And there’s no massive trek required! It’s an easy, paved walk from the parking lot which also makes it one of the most accessible waterfalls in Ireland. So if you’re heading to Wicklow, don’t sleep on this one. It’s stunning and deserves way more hype!

4. Glenevin Waterfall in Donegal

Glenevin Waterfall doesn’t get nearly as much hype as some of Ireland’s other waterfalls, but I think that makes it even better! Tucked away on the Inishowen Peninsula, we didn’t expect to love this 30-foot watefall as much as we did. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs and take a break from driving around Donegal.

We loved this walk! The trail to Glenevin Waterfall is about 15-20 minutes and it’s as easy as it gets—gravel paths and plenty to look at along the way. Wooden footbridges crisscross the stream, picnic tables are scattered around, and fairy houses line the trail—a fun little touch that kids (and, let’s be honest, adults) will love.

And when waterfall finally comes into view, it’s a beauty. After a good rain, the water crashes down the rock face. On drier days, it’s a gentler flow, but still a stunning sight. Either way, it’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy some Irish magic.

If you’re road-tripping through Donegal, defintely add Glenevin Waterfall to your list! It’s an easy, quiet stop and a great excuse to slow down and take in Ireland’s beauty.

5. Grianan of Aileach in County Donegal

We accidentally stumbled upon Grianan of Aileach — we were just driving through County Donegal when we spotted a sign for the ancient fort and thought, sure, why not?

Turns out, this place is epic! Sitting 244 metres above sea level, Grianan of Aileach is a massive circular stone fort with unreal 360° views over Donegal, Derry, and Tyrone. And the best part is that we were practically the only ones there. It felt like we’d discovered some secret stronghold!

Also, it’s windy. Not just a light breeze—this was hold-onto-your-hat, lean-into-the-gusts, hair-whipping-everywhere kind of windy. But that just made it more fun! Looking out over Lough Swilly, Lough Foyle, and the Inishowen Peninsula, we couldn’t believe we had almost driven right by.

Grianan of Aileach is ancient. Legends says it’s tied to the Tuatha Dé Danann (aka the Fae Folk), the mythical beings who ruled Ireland before the Celts arrived and that Dagda, one of their gods, built the fort as a burial site for his son. However, most estimate it was built at the end of the Iron Age. Later, it became an early medieval royal seat for the Uí Néill clan who were one of Ireland’s most powerful ruling families.

Grianan of Aileach is free to visit and is a must-see if you love history and epic landscapes. If you’re road-tripping through Donegal, pull over for this one—you’ll love it!

6. Glencar Waterfall in County Leitrim

Since Jacob loves literature, we had to stop by Glencar Waterfall—after all, W.B. Yeats wrote about it in The Stolen Child. And after seeing it in person, it’s easy to see why he was so inspired.

Tucked away near Glencar Lough, the 50-foot waterfall tumbles straight down over a layered, moss-covered cliff which gives it a really unique look. The whole place feels peaceful and untouched, like a little hidden escape from the world.

The walk to the falls is short and easy, just a quick paved path with a staircase leading up for a better view. There are a few different spots along the way to stop and enjoy the view, and if you look back, you’ll get a beautiful glimpse of Glencar Lough stretching into the distance.

Glencar Waterfall is free to visit with parking, picnic spots, and even a little tea shop nearby. If you’re road-tripping through Leitrim or Sligo, this is the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy a quiet moment in nature.

7. Aillwee Cave in the Burren

We didn’t realize Ireland had cave tours, so stumbling across Aillwee Cave in the Burren was a great surprise! Turns out, this underground cave system has stalactites, stalagmites, hidden waterfalls, and even bear fossils. It’s dark, eerie, and nothing like the rolling green hills full of castles and ancient stone structures we expected from Ireland.

The tour takes you into the limestone caves where we walked through narrow tunnels, past underground waterfalls, and into huge caverns. At one point, the guide turned off all the lights and for a few seconds, we were in complete darkness (it reminded me of Ape Cave in Washington).

One of the coolest things about Aillwee Cave is that ancient bear bones were found here which proves that brown bears once roamed Ireland! It’s wild to think about how long this cave has been around—and how many creatures have called it home. In fact, it’s one of the oldest caves in the Burren (and maybe even Ireland).

The tour is short and easy (about 30 minutes) which makes it a great stop if you’re exploring the Burren or Cliffs of Moher. There’s also a bird of prey centre right next door where you can watch hawks, falcons, and owls up close.

If you’re looking for something unexpected in Ireland, Aillwee Cave is worth the stop! It’s got history and is a fun underground adventure.

8. Rossbeigh Strand along the Ring of Kerry

For a beach this beautiful, you’d think Rossbeigh Strand would be packed—but it’s not. Even though it’s a pretty popular stop along the Ring of Kerry, it somehow flies under the radar on most travel guides. Which just makes it feel even more like a hidden gem in my books.

But Rossbeigh doesn’t just have great views—it’s got plenty of adventure too! The Atlantic winds are perfect for windsurfing and kite surfing, and if horseback riding along the sand has ever been on your bucket list, this is the place to do it. In the summer, the calm waters are great for swimming and there’s even a playground for the kids.

We stayed at an Airbnb just a short walk away and completely fell in love with the area. After a long day of exploring, we stopped by Rosspoint Bar & Restaurant and grabbed a seat outside with an ocean view. The fresh mussels and clam chowder were some of the best of our trip!

If you’re road-tripping through the Ring of Kerry, don’t skip Rossbeigh Strand! Whether you’re here for the views, adventure, or just a quiet spot to unwind, this is easily one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets.

9. Corcomroe Abbey in the Burren

We stumbled upon Corcomroe Abbey by accident, which is half the fun of exploring Ireland! Hidden in the rugged Burren landscape, this 13th-century Cistercian monastery feels like a piece of history frozen in time.

The abbey is surprisingly well-preserved and you can still see detailed stone carvings, including an effigy of King Conor O’Brien who helped fund the monastery and was later buried here. The weathered stone walls still stand strong and the whole place has a quiet, almost haunting beauty.

The dramatic hills and open countryside surrounding the ruins make it feel even more remote—like a secret piece of Ireland’s past just waiting to be explored. And as if finding a hidden abbey wasn’t cool enough, we also stumbled across a great chocolate shop nearby which made the whole detour even better.

Corcomroe Abbey is free to visit and a perfect quick stop if you’re exploring the Burren or heading to the Cliffs of Moher.

10. Fahan Beehive Huts on the Dingle Peninsula

If you’re driving Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula, keep an eye out for the Fahan Beehive Huts—they’re easy to miss but worth a stop. These mysterious stone dwellings, also known as clocháns, are believed to be over 1,000 years old!

We had so much fun exploring these huts! They’re made entirely of stacked stone, using a dry-stone technique that has kept them standing for centuries without mortar. They’re similar to the beehive huts on Skellig Michael which were famously used in Star Wars.

The site isn’t huge, but the history is interesting. The huts sit right off the main road, so they’re super easy to visit—just park, pay a small fee, and wander through these ancient structures. And with the epic coastal views in the background, it’s well worth the quick stop on your Dingle Peninsula road trip.

Ireland’s Best Hidden Gems

Ireland is full of bucket-list destinations—Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Giant’s Causeway—but some of the best places are the ones you don’t hear about as often. Whether we stumbled upon them by accident or went out of our way to find them, these hidden gems made our trip unforgettable.

From hauntingly beautiful abbeys and ancient stone forts to quiet beaches and underground caves, each of these places had something special—no crowds, incredible history, and a little Irish magic.

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and want to go beyond the usual stops, add a few of these places to your itinerary. You’ll probably even find your own hidden gem along the way!