10 FUN FACTS ABOUT IRELAND Author | Raphael Adewusi The Republic of Ireland, also known as Éire in Irish, is a small but vibrant country located in the northwestern part of Europe. It is a land of stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history. Here are some fun facts about the Republic of Ireland that you might not know. Ireland is the only country in the world with a musical instrument as its national symbol. The harp, which has been played in Ireland for over 1,000 years, is a symbol of Irish culture and is also featured on the country's official coat of arms. Image source: My Irish Jeweler The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions, with over one million visitors each year. These stunning cliffs rise over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. Image source: Cliffs of Moher The world-famous Guinness Brewery in Dublin produces over 10 million pints of beer each day. The bre...
As the year starts to pick up its pace, so do people and their plans. According to data from Fáilte Ireland, this year we can expect an increase in locals taking short domestic breaks due to a prominent domestic market and a rise in overseas visitors, specially Americans on account of the dollar strength. Visitors often come to the Emerald Isle in search of beautiful sceneries and natural attractions, reasons cited by 91% of visitors (Fáilte Ireland, 2022), for example, Giant's Causeway and Cliffs of Moher. However, as enchanting as these may be, the island has many hidden gems that are just as worthy of the fame but don't receive the proper attention, and as seasoned travellers ourselves, we do like to look for cool and unusual things to do in Ireland. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the country as a tourist or a staycation as a local, here are 5 reasons why you should visit Ireland and explore it.
1. Portroe Quarry
Image Source: We Love Ireland, Ireland Before You Die
Location
Corbally, Portroe, Co. Tipperary
About
If you're wondering "why should I visit Ireland" then look no further. No doubt about it, County Tipperary is home to one of the most beautiful places on the island. The dive center originates from a slate quarry, a pit from which slate is extracted for commercial purposes, which was flooded by a spring of freshwater. Originally only accessible through trespassing, it has become a commercial dive center open to the public on the weekends, from 9am to 5pm. Be sure to bring something to warm you up after a dip, since it does tend to get very cold. The surrounding scenery also makes for that perfect selfie to share online.
2. Irish Sky Garden
Image Source: Liss Ard Estate
Location
Castletownsend Road, Skibbereen, Ireland
About
As the name suggests, this garden promises a mesmerizing and enchanting experience as an art collaboration between humans and nature, done by the American land artist, James Turrell. The place invokes a serene atmosphere as visitors enter through a stone arch into an oval-shaped interior that has a stone plinth at the center that can be used to lie down, as it provides the perfect view into the sky and the universe. It is open from April to November, from 10pm to 5pm daily.
3. Dunquin Pier
Image Source: The Wild Atlantic Way
Location
Ballyickeen Commons, Co. Kerry
About
Serving as a departure point for the Blasket Island ferry, this pier is as mesmerizing in real life as it is in the pictures. The unusual road embellished by the rocky peaks and valleys throughout its path, gives view to a dramatic and wonderful scene. Be careful as you go about your walk down the pier, as it tends to get very windy in there. Once you're done with it, don't worry, as there's plenty to do since it's near the village of Dun Chaoin.
4. The Glen Sligo
Image Source: Go Strandhill
Location
County Sligo, Knocknarea
About
Hidden away from the naked eye on the side of the Knocknarea mountain, you'll find one of the most unique places to visit in Ireland. The Glen Sligo certainly does look like it just came out of a fairy tale and even though there are no proven theories behind its formation, it is certainly far from man-made. It is a peaceful, green and natural area embellished by walls of mossy rock and running water, emerging ferns and shrubs as well as trees that go up in the sky to have you completely immersed by this gentle and captivating atmosphere.
5. Serpent's Lair
Image Source: Guide Ireland
Location
Inishmore, County Galway
About
Also referred to as the "Worm Hole", the Serpent's Lair is a natural formation often frequented by extreme sports lovers. It has the shape of a perfect rectangle and is made of limestone and granite. Even though it is said to be a natural swimming pool, it is filled by the rushing tide water via an underground channel, therefore, movement can be quite unpredictable and agitated depending on the weather. It is not advised to enter the water. You might recognize the Serpent's Lair as it was the first stop in the 2017 Red Bull's Diving Series.
Piqued your interest?
Map of Locations
This list is merely a taste of some of the crazy things to do in Ireland. As an island of 84,421 km², one can only imagine all of the hidden gems that're in store for them and as a bonus, you will be practising staycation in Ireland, you can learn more about this trend here. Are you ready to experience these off the beaten path with us?
Now it's your turn. What are some of your favourite spots in Ireland? Let us know in the comments below.
References
Tourism Barometer Strategic Research and Insight. (2022). Available at: https://www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/Publications/failte-ireland-tourism-barometer-december-2022.pdf?ext=.pdf.
O’Sullivan, M. (2021). Cork in 50 Artworks, No 12: Irish Sky Garden, Liss Ard Estate, Skibbereen. [online] Irish Examiner. Available at: https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-40333706.html.
dingle-peninsula.ie. (n.d.). Dún Chaoin - Dunquin. [online] Available at: https://dingle-peninsula.ie/10-explore-the-dingle-peninsula/towns-and-villages-on-the-dingle-peninsula/14-dunquin-dun-chaoin.html.
The Irish Sky Garden looks straight out of a fairy tale! I completely agree with you, Ireland has so many hidden gems that are not paid enough attention to, but I guess that's what makes these spots so special as well. I'm a huge fan of TLOR series, so I can only imagine that the Glen Sligo would transport me to something straight out of that era! - Julio
It's great to have a guide on where to go and what to see. I'm excited to plan my trip to Ireland and experience these hidden gems myself. Thank you for sharing your insights and inspiring us to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.
Surfing in Tramore & dinning out in Kinsale
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely be adding Dunquin Pier to my list it looks stunning. Great tips! - Simone
ReplyDeleteThe Irish Sky Garden looks straight out of a fairy tale! I completely agree with you, Ireland has so many hidden gems that are not paid enough attention to, but I guess that's what makes these spots so special as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of TLOR series, so I can only imagine that the Glen Sligo would transport me to something straight out of that era! - Julio
Amazing places! I’d like to go all of them!
ReplyDeleteWow these look so cool, definitely gonna try check em out
ReplyDeleteAmazing places! I will put in my bucket list for sure!
ReplyDeleteWow, I grew up 30 mins from Skibbereen and had never heard of the Sky Garden. It looks stunning 😍 can't wait to check it out this summer!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to have a guide on where to go and what to see. I'm excited to plan my trip to Ireland and experience these hidden gems myself. Thank you for sharing your insights and inspiring us to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.
ReplyDeleteI wish i saw this post earlier.
ReplyDelete