A better guide to Ireland - Dont follow the flock, get off the well beaten track

Posted on Friday, June 10, 2011 at 01:11 PM

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The recently published ‘official’ list of Irish visitor attractions leaves most of us (those in the know) scratching our heads and wondering why or how some of them even made the cut?

As is often the case the 'must see sights’ in any country (but most especially in Ireland) are the very ones to avoid? No prudent independent traveller wants to be ripped off or more importantly, waste their precious holiday time on over-rated tourist traps that should have been closed down a long time ago.
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Which would certainly be no real loss considering we now have world class attractions such as the Glasnevin Museum, Blackrock Observatory and Irish Museum of Country Life (free) running alongside such stalwarts as the Guinness Storehouse, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and the Cliffs of Moher. Buts there’s even more and dare I say better to be found (depending on your interests) throughout Ireland. Beauties like Beaulieu House, warm favorites Foxford Woollen Mills, the Foynes Flying Boat Museum and the wacky West Clare Railway.

Take your pick from over 100 listed on www.irelands-hidden-gems.com all of which have been independently visited, reviewed and photographed. Only the very best passes the test in terms of value for money and quality of experience. Which is why the listings are limited to the Top 10 in each of the categories ie Landscapes, History & Castles, Sacred Places, Culture & Tradition, Museums and Galleries. It keeps everybody on their toes (including me) and ensures you the visitor of a top quality experience of Ireland.

Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Now available as a travel app - Ireland Things To Do

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pepper5691 | Feb 14, 2012, 10:09 AM EST

Beaumaxx99 I totally agree with you. My husband and I went to Ireland in 2009 for 2 weeks. That was not enough time to see everything you could possibly want to see. I felt at home and wanted to come back to the states, sell my house and move back to Ireland. Maybe someday. :)It definitely leaves you thirsty for more!

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SusanByron | Jun 13, 2011, 03:59 AM EDT

George, I am a lifetime in Ireland and am constantly finding attractions, perhaps you are not digging deep enough? And of course you are right the revamped Botanic Gardens is a great free resource ditto the new Glasnevin Museum just over the wall, Susan.

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SusanByron | Jun 13, 2011, 03:55 AM EDT

So glad you enjoyed your 'homecoming' trip to Ireland beaumax99, I felt the same way about Copenhagen (Viking blood?) when I visited a few years ago. Hope you will be back again soon, Susan

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GeorgeDillon | Jun 11, 2011, 11:41 AM EDT

I disagree with beaumax. I would think two weeks is too long. The country doesn't have enough attractions for a two weeks stay, especially in the rain. One week is enough, combined with a week in London or Paris. On another point, did they recommend the Dublin Botanical Gardens? If not I do. I'm a gardening fan but even folks with no interest in gardening would enjoy a few hours there. And it's free. A bit hard to get to, that's the only drawback.

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beaumax99 | Jun 11, 2011, 10:41 AM EDT

Being 50% Irish, 25% German and 25% French, I finally managed to get to Ireland via CIE Tour in 2008 before the econonmy took a turn for the worst in Ireland. I had the strangest feeling that I had been there before and I had felt so at home and most comfortable. I had visited both France & Germany years ago and although both are beautful countries I never experienced a connection with either one. Ireland had stolen my heart & being. I was quite sadden when it came time to leave Ireland as I felt I was leaving home. I eagerly await the day when the opportunity presents itself to return for a longer or perhaps, if meant to be, a permanent stay. It is a beautiful country with many historical sites of interest. A two week visit is only a drop in the bucket and leaves you thirsty for more.

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