Check out these nature-based attractions and special areas to visit.
Hidden history from connemara
Glengowla Mines and Working Farm Experience Oughterard, Co. Galway, Ireland.
Glengowla Mines and working farm are steeped in history, old cuttings from well before the mine opened in 1850.
Open Daily
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Rain. Waves. Light. Calm.
Great Lighthouses of Ireland Various locations throughout the Island of Ireland
Great Lighthouses of Ireland offer a truly unique experience around Ireland’s stunning coastline in 14 breath-taking locations.
Open dates vary
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Follow the former railway line
Limerick Greenway Various hubs/ trailheads along the Greenway in West Limerick
Limerick Greenway is a 40km off-road walking and cycling route between Rathkeale and the county Border, and extending to Listowel on the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways. (Greenway is over 50.5km.
Visit Year Round
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An engaging experience
Paddle and Sea Cahersiveen Marina, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Try sea kayaking or canoeing to bring you around the scenic Fertha estuary or even out to the mouth of the Valentia harbour.
Open Daily Year Round
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Irelands Premier show cave
Aillwee Burren Experience Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, Ireland
Aillwee Burren Experience continues to welcome visitors to The Burren. The Birds of Prey Educational Centre is home to one of the largest and most varied collection of Birds of Prey.
Open Daily Year Round
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Journey through & above the forest
Beyond The Trees Avondale Avondale Forest Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Experience the longest Treetop Walk in Ireland & the UK, a unique new adventure above the canopy of the trees culminating at the magnificent 10-storey high Viewing Tower.
Open Daily Year Round
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World-Famous, Magnificent Cliffs
Cliffs of Moher Experience Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are a Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Looming over Clare’s west coast, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher stretch for 8 kilometres and rise to 214 metres
Open Daily Year Round
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Oldest operating lighthouse
Hook Lighthouse Fethard-on-Dea, Hook Peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Enjoy a tour of Hook Lighthouse, the most popular visitor attraction in county Wexford. This 800 year old is the oldest original operating lighthouse in the world… yes, the world!
Open Daily Year Round
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Time to explore
The Old Rail Trail Greenway Athlone to Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland
The Old Rail Trail traces the historic Midlands Great Western Railway track, past restored station houses and under pretty stone arched bridges.
Open Year Round
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On the edge of Europe
Caherdaniel Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry, Ireland
If you are looking for a holiday that combines the great outdoors with heritage and history then Caherdaniel is the perfect choice for you.
Visit Year Round
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Great tourist destination
Castlegregory Castlegregory Visitor Information Centre, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry, Ireland
The village of Castlegregory is located at the foot of a sandy peninsula called the Maharees separating Brandon Bay to the west from Tralee Bay to the east.
Visit Year Round
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Shaped by Sea & Stone
Mid & East Antrim The Gobbins – Information Centre, 68 Middle Rd., Islandmagee, Co. Antrim BT40 3SL
Discover a region that has been Shaped by Sea & Stone and home to The Gobbins Cliff Path and many Game of Thrones filming locations.
Open Year Round
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One of the highest cliffs in Europe
Slieve League Cliffs Teelin, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Slieve League Cliffs, situated on the south west coast of Donegal, are one of the highest and finest sea cliffs in Europe.
Visit Year Round
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Parklands and Mountains
The Great Outdoors Co. Offaly, Ireland
Lough Boora Parklands is a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna including over 130 species of bird and the majestic Slieve Bloom Mountains are a land of forests and blanket bog.
Visit Year Round
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Where the Shannon meets the sea
The Shannon Estuary Way Clare and Limerick, Ireland
Along the Shannon Estuary drive, you will find delightful towns, pretty villages and world famous shore fishing sites.
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One of Ireland’s largest castles
Tullynally Castle and Gardens Tullynally Castle and Gardens, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
The Pakenhams (later Earls of Longford) settled here in the 17th century and three generations still live here as their family home.
Open Apr to Sept
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Extraordinary island
Valentia Island Iveragh Peninsula, Co. Kerry, Ireland
The idyllic setting for sailing, fishing, kayaking, diving, coasteering, cycling, walking, rock climbing and lots more.
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A fascinating landscape
The Burren was awarded ‘UNESCO Global Geopark’ status in recognition of this amazing landscape and the management of this unique heritage.
Open Year Round
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Experience the magic
Dingle Peninsula Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Famed for its rugged beauty and indigenous cultural heritage, Dingle Peninsula has something to offer every visitor.
Visit Year Round
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Journey to the great stalactite
Doolin Cave Doolin Cave, Co. Clare, Ireland
Follow the footsteps of the men who discovered the Great Stalactite in 1952. Guides will lead you through the Burren underground where you will see the many wonders of the landscape.
Open Year Round
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Explore Calcite formations
Dunmore Cave Ballyfoyle, Castlecomer Road, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
The cave has been known to man for many centuries and is first mentioned in the 9th century Irish Triads.
Open seasonally
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Gothic revival castle
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens Johnstown, Co. Wexford, Ireland
This great 19th century castle in its beautiful setting was designed by the Victorian architect Daniel Robertson.
Open Year Round
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edge of the world
Loop Head Peninsula West Clare, Ireland
Loop Head is spectacular. This slender finger of land points out to sea from the most westerly point of County Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Visit Year Round
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An archaeological gem
Lough Gur Heritage Centre & Lakeshore Park Lough Gur, Bruff, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Lough Gur is an area of extreme beauty encompassing over 6,000 years of living history. Home to Ireland’s largest and oldest stone circle.
Open Year Round
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See indescribable cave formations
Mitchelstown Cave Burncourt, Cahir, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Mitchelstown Cave is one of the largest and most complex cave systems in Ireland.
Open Year Round
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Discover the natural world
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History Merrion Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
The Natural History collections comprise approximately two million specimens.
Open Daily Year Round
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Exciting interpretation of events
Rebellion at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Meet the key figures of the Rebellion, participate in the state of the art 4D battle of Vinegar Hill Experience and discover how weapons from the period worked.
Open Seasonally
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Rescue, rehabilitation and release
Seal Rescue Ireland Courtown Harbour, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Come meet the seal pups, learn their stories and get involved in protecting marine life! Open 7 days a week for free tours.
Open Year Round
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Torc Waterfall
Torc Waterfall Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Nestled at the base of Torc Mountain and standing at approximately 20 metres high, the waterfall is beautiful, rugged and at its most wild after a heavy downpour of Irish rain.
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Beautiful walled garden
Vandeleur Walled Garden and Woodland Bistro Killimer Road, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland
Vandeleur gives you a fascinating glimpse into the past, blended with a beautiful re-designed look for a new generation of garden lovers.
Open Daily Year Round
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Discover hidden gems
Waterford Greenway Various access points in Co. Waterford, Ireland
Converted railway line with a hard surface all the way offering a mix of coastal and inland routes with direct access to many sights along the way.
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Events, walks and trails
Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre Ballycroy, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Ireland’s sixth National Park, located on the Western Seaboard in northwest Mayo.
Open Mar to Oct
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Copper Mine Museum
Allihies Copper Mine Museum Allihies Village, Beara Peninsula, West Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
In the mid-nineties a group of Allihies residents came together to discuss how they might preserve and present the local copper mining heritage of this unique area. The museum is the result.
Open
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Aran Islands, Co. Galway
Aran Islands Aran Islands, Co. Galway, Ireland
The Aran Islands offer visitors spectacular views and natural landscapes and are a great getaway destination.
Visit Year Round
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Special North West Discoveries
Ards Forest Park – Heritage Trail Creeslough, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Moderate 5km walking trail between Creeslough and Dunfanaghy.
Visit Year Round
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Special Discoveries in the West
Ballyconnell – Canal Loop Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, Ireland
Walking loop starting from the bridge in the middle of the town and exploring the banks of the Woodford River and Annagh Lough Woods.
Visit Year Round
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Special Discoveries in the West
Benbulben Looped Walk Gortarowey, Co. Sligo, Ireland
Easy 5.5km walking trail suitable for all ages. Great for families.
Visit Year Round
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Special Discoveries in the West
Bothar na Naomh Cloone, Co. Leitrim, Ireland
Bothar na Naomh is ideal for families with its quiet rural landscape and regenerated cutaway bog.
Visit Year Round
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Listen to nature’s voice
Burren National Park The Burren, Co. Clare, Ireland
The landscape of the Burren has been home to people for millennia, with successive generations leaving the marks of their culture and traditions on the landscape.
Open Year Round
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One of the World’s Great Journeys
Causeway Coastal Route Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Coleraine, BT52 1EY, Northern Ireland  
120 miles of stunning coastline will transport you past rugged and windswept cliffs, spectacular scenery and fabulous unspoilt beaches.
Visit Year Round
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Special Discoveries in the South
Claragh Loop Millstreet, Co. Cork, Ireland
Moderate 10km walk starting at St Patrick’s Church in Millstreet. Optional detour to summit of Claragh Mountain.
Visit Year Round
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Special Discoveries in the South
Clonakilty Inchydoney Island Road Retreat Walk Clonakilty, Co. Cork, Ireland
Enjoy the views of Clonakilty Bay when you pass the Model Railway Village and Wildflower Garden.
Visit Year Round
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A great family day out
Crag Cave Castleisland, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Crag Cave is an ancient fossil cave system, older than mankind itself, within which can be seen the natural forces that created the complex and beautiful passages.
Open Year Round
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Diverse and rich flora and fauna
Dromore Wood Nature Reserve Ruan, Co. Clare, Ireland
Over 400 hectares of woodland, wetland and limestone pavement to explore. Discover diverse and rich flora and fauna with over 20 kilometres of woodland walks, lakes, and more.
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Special Discoveries in the West
Erris Head Loop Belmullet, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Erris Head offers spectacular views of this unspoilt and untouched part of Ireland.
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Southeast Special Discoveries
Gáirdín an Ghorta (The Famine Garden) Newmarket, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Gáirdín an Ghorta commemorates the Great Famine and honours the people who died of fever, hunger and starvation and those who emigrated.
Open Year Round
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Situated in Glencar Valley
Glencar Waterfall Glencar, Co. Leitrim, Ireland
Glencar Waterfall is situated in the Glencar Valley. The 50ft Waterfall served as an inspiration to William Butler Yeats and he mentioned it in his famous poem “The Stolen Child”.
Visit Year Round
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Special Discoveries in the South
Kilbrittain Castle Walk Kilbrittain, Co. Cork, Ireland
Kilbrittain is situated midway between Kinsale & Clonakilty.
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Historic 1,000 acre Estate
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden Kylemore, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland
Nestled in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore offers history, romance, nature and spirituality - making it the perfect day out for all the family.
Open Daily Year Round
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Special Discoveries in the West
Letterfrack Poetry Trail Letterfrack, Co. Galway, Ireland
The Letterfrack Poetry Trail consists of nine specially commissioned poems on plaques in various locations.
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The Park of the Privileged
Merrion Square Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland
Merrion Square has many associations with significant figures in Ireland’s political and cultural history. Former residents include Daniel O’Connell, Oscar Wilde and William Butler Yeats.
Open year round
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Special Discoveries in the West
Monivea Monivea, Co. Galway, Ireland
Moderate 1.5km walking trail through Monivea woods on what was once the Ffrench estate.
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Dramatic mountain range
Mourne Mountains Co. Down, Northern Ireland  
Any newcomer to the Mournes will be amazed at the variety of landscapes that can be encountered within such a confined geographical area.
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Special Discoveries in the West
New Village Walk Oughterard, Co. Galway, Ireland
Moderate 5km walking trail through forest plantations with amazing views of Lough Corrib.
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Special Discoveries in the West
Pigeon Hole Loop Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Easy 4.7km trail crossing the Cong river and passing several caves including Pigeon Hole Cave.
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Ancient portal tomb.
Poulnabrone Dolmen Carron, Co. Clare, Ireland
This ancient portal tomb dates back to the Neolithic period, 3200BC. It comprises of a tabular capstone supported by two slender portal stones, and bordered by a nearby cairn.
Visit Year Round
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Special discoveries in the South
Tarbert – John F Leslie Woodland Walk Tarbert, Co. Kerry, Ireland
A great walking trail to explore in county Kerry
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Shannon Region Special Discoveries
The Clare Glens Counties Limerick and Tipperary
With breath taking scenery, loop walks, numerous waterfalls and wild dense forestry this region offers tranquility and calm to all who visit.
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Environmental activities
Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco & Activity Park Ballyard Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Discover the magnificence of the wetlands and the animals and plants living here.
Open Year Round
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Immerse yourself in nature
Walk the Tintern Abbey Trails Saltmills, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland
To start each walk, turn right at the entrance to Tintern Abbey and continue to Trailhead.
Visit Year Round
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Southeast Special Discoveries
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve National Parks and Wildlife Service, North Slob, Ardcavan Lane, Co. Wexford, Ireland
About one-third of the world population of Greenland White-fronted Geese spend the winter on the Wexford Slobs.
Open Year Round
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