Top 10 hidden beauty spots in Ireland

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The Cooley Mountains

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5.  Slieve Bloom Mountains Laois. One of the great natural assets of County Laois in the Irish midlands is the Slieve Bloom Mountains, which also touch surrounding counties such as Offaly.

They are without a doubt one of Ireland's hidden gems and under rated beauty spots.

The best entry point is via Portarlington. The magnificent Slieve Bloom Way boasts an almost unlimited amount of different activities including walking, cycling, auto touring, heritage tours, equestrian trails and Irish music and dancing festivals.

6. Cavan lakes. They say there are 365 lakes in County Cavan, one for each day of the year. Just drive to the county about sixty miles Northwest from Dublin and you will find them in abundance. Glorious angling, unspoilt vistas and well away from the tourist traps, the Cavan lakes are an undiscovered wonder.

7.  The Glen of Aherlow is a quiet country valley near Tipperary town, secluded but not isolated. There are sixteen miles of unspoilt countryside offering some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. a wonderful hiking, walking and outdoors vacation experience  

8. Birr Castle, in County Offaly features a great new attraction; Ireland's new Historic Science Centre features the many pioneering achievements of the Parsons family and of other great Irish scientists in the fields of astronomy, photography, engineering and horticulture.

In the grounds, the Great Telescope built by the third Earl of Ross in the 1840's; this was the largest in the world for 70 years. Birr Castle Demesne also host the most amazing Gardens in the country with Formal Garden and River Garden recently restored, parkland with thousands of rare trees and plants collected all over the world, rivers, lake and waterfalls. The neogothic Castle is the private family home of the Parsons family.

9. New Ross Wexford. Where the Kennedys set out for the New World as well and created the greatest political dynasty in American history. The Dunbrody, a recreated famine ship is an amazing adventure.  Nearby is the Irish National Historic Park where visitors can experience 900 years of history in just ninety minutes.

10. Boyne Valley. Stretching through large parts of counties Louth and Meath an unparalleled area of great historical importance, minutes North from Dublin Airport.  Following the path of the Boyne River, Newgrange and other historical sites, including the Battle of the Boyne heritage site can be seen. Helpful road signs direct you to the highlights

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