7 Hidden Gems on Ireland’s West Coast

Skip the usual tourist attractions and travel off the beaten path to these little-known sites you'll have all to yourself.

Caves of Keash

County Sligo

For amazing views of the Sligo countryside from a place of historical and mythological significance, look no further than these limestone caverns just outside the town of Keash. Excavations have shown evidence of human settlement in the caves from the Neolithic era, and they're associated with tales of Fionn mac Cumhaill, a legendary warrior from Irish mythology.

Dursey Island

County Cork

Travel in Ireland’s only cable car to this tiny island for a day trip you’ll never forget. Follow signs for the looped walk around the island to see pastoral villages, dramatic cliffs, abandoned signal towers, and unspoiled nature around every corner.

Gleninchaquin Park

County Kerry

Nestled in an idyllic valley with jaw-dropping views of the Beara Peninsula, this quiet nature park offers multiple hiking trails featuring waterfalls, streams, woodlands, and lakes. Gleninchaquin also has reconstructed 18th-century thatched cottages showing how settlers of the valley lived.

Tetrapod Trackways

Valentia Island

350 million years ago, tetrapods stepped out of the ocean and walked on land for the first time, their footprints etched in stone on the shores of Valentia Island. Make a stop here to see evolutionary history and soak in the stunning views of the Valentia coast.

Ghost Village of Port

County Donegal

Down a narrow, winding road from Glencolumbcille, you’ll find the remains of a fishing village decimated by the Famine and completely abandoned by its inhabitants. The ruins of stone cottages are nestled along the rugged Donegal coastline and surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Dún Chonchúir

Inishmaan

Unlike the famous Dun Aengus on Inishmore, this ancient stone fort on Inishmaan has no entry fee and no crowds. Climb to the top of the stone walls for a spectacular view of the Inishmaan countryside and shoreline.

Check out our day trip to this forgotten Aran Island to see all Inishmaan has to offer adventurous travelers!

Menlo Castle Ruins

County Galway

Just a few minutes from Galway city, the ruins of Menlo Castle sit on the banks of the River Corrib. Although most of this 16th-century castle burned down in 1910, the ivy-covered exterior walls remain standing. You’ll need to hop a cow gate to access the castle, but it’s well worth the effort to explore these magnificent ruins.

What are your favorite hidden gems in Ireland? Tell us in the comments!