Take the scenic route this summer to Ireland’s lesser-known landscapes, where waterfalls, caves, abbeys and islands reward the detourMurlough Bay, Co Antrim. Photograph: Stefan Schnebelt/Tourism Ireland John G O'DwyerSun Aug 02 2026 - 05:24 • 6 MIN READRelative to its size, Ireland offers an incredible richness of terrain, with many dramatic contrasts. The richest reward from exploring the Irish outdoors is the belief, usually correct, that there must be a hidden gem lurking around the next corner. So hit the road this summer and visit some of the locations off the beaten path, as listed below. You will escape the crowds and enjoy a deeper, more relaxing, authentic experience.Assaranka Waterfall, Co Donegal Assaranka Waterfall, Co Donegal. Photograph: Fáilte Ireland Searching out the Maghera Caves in remote West Donegal, I stumbled upon Assaranka Waterfall. Transfixed, I gazed upon the exuberant plunge of water toppling with ceaseless intensity from the high plateau to the deep recesses of the clear plunge pool below. Perhaps it was the wildness of the location and the suddenness of the find, but at that moment, the blend of raw power and graceful beauty of the hurrying waters seemed mesmerising and hypnotic. If you are seeking a similar experience, the best time to visit Assaranka is after heavy rain, when the cascade can be breathtaking. Constant and predictable, the rhythm and power of the water should quickly slow down time and leave you resolutely in the moment. Located on the roadside about 11km southwest of Ardara, there is free parking at the base of the falls.Holycross Abbey, Co TipperaryHoly Cross Abbey on the banks of the Suir, in the village of Holycross. Photograph: IIC/Axiom/Getty Even in a county with what may seem too much history to handle, Holycross Abbey remains a must-see place of exquisite architecture and tranquillity. Abbeys are places at which to disconnect from the hectic pace of modern life, and Holycross ticks all the right boxes in terms of soothing stillness. Holding the highest flowering of Cistercian art in Ireland, there are expensively ornate windows, elaborate cloisters, a lavishly decorated Sedilia and a finely carved Waking Bier, which may have been used to display a relic of the True Cross. What draws me back there, however, is the atmosphere of peace about the place. The abbey still serves as the parish church, and has people regularly popping in to light a candle or simply bow their heads in prayer. If you would like a free guided tour of the abbey, they are available each Sunday and Wednesday starting at 2.30pm.The Caves of Kesh, Co SligoThe Caves of Kesh, Co Sligo. Photograph: Fáilte Ireland Viewed from below, there is something magnetic about the Caves of Kesh. Consisting of 16 gloriously unaltered caverns, the area remains much as it was when first visited by our Neolithic ancestors 10,000 years ago. Perhaps it’s the line of dark and mysterious cave entrances, contrasting with the white limestone cliffs, but immediately upon getting here I knew this was a place I had to explore. [ Ireland’s niche tour guides: Holidays for foodies, newlyweds and baby-boomersOpens in new window ]On arrival, I could see why it is renowned as one of Ireland’s most intriguing ancient sites. The caves, some of which are relatively deep and interlinked, bring an eerie sense of treading into the mystical past. The real attraction is the breathtaking view over Feenagh Lough in the south Sligo countryside. Free to visit and located south of Ballymote, it is a steep walk of about 25 minutes to the caves, where care should be taken on the steep ground outside the entrances.Murlough Bay, Co Antrim Murlough Bay, Co Antrim. Photograph: John G O'Dwyer Charmingly unaltered from medieval times, Murlough Bay was one of the locations used in Game of Thrones (for the Iron Islands and Storm’s End). On arrival, I understand why. A time-warp realm of idyllic pastures and ancient oaks on the north Antrim Coast, it offers views to Scotland and Rathlin Island. Coming with a “wow factor”, it is set apart from the Antrim plateau by towering cliffs. You can explore Murlough Bay on a 4km walking trail leading from the car park down to the coastline. Swing right to gain the pristine beach and then return to your start point by retracing your steps.Ballintubber Abbey, Co MayoBallintubber Abbey, Co Mayo. Photograph: iStock Celebrated as “the abbey that refused to die”, Ballintubber boasts an 800-year history of continuous worship since its foundation in 1216 by King Cathal O’Conor. The only church established by an Irish monarch that is still in use, it was restored to mark its 750th anniversary in 1966. Now one of Mayo’s best-kept secrets, it is a place at which to find calm and stillness in a turbulent world. What I enjoyed most was the guided tour exploring the abbey’s rich history. Stories of Cromwellian attacks, legendary priest-hunter Sean na Sagart and how the abbey was originally built in the wrong place were enthralling, but it was the stories of pirate queen Granuaile that added the richest tapestry to my visit.Bridges of Ross, Co ClareBridges of Ross, Co Clare. Photograph: Babett Paul/Getty Images In summer, when attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher become infernally crowded, I retreat to the relative quietude of the Loop Head area, where the ocean is a constant, restless presence all around. Making the obligatory stop at one of the hidden gems of the Wild Atlantic Way, I always enjoy crossing the one remaining Bridge of Ross with the sound of the tireless ocean directly beneath. What really attracts me here is the overall ambience: the meeting of sea and sky with the great cliffs that encircle the Loop Head Peninsula in a protective embrace. Go there, you will enjoy it.Barley Lake, Co CorkBarley Lake, Co Cork Give me time to reflect by a sequestered lake high in the mountains, and I am happy. And so it was when I lucked upon Barley Lake in the isolated Caha Mountains – it ticked all my boxes. A lonesome curl of water in a landscape unaltered since time immemorial, it is accessed by an unforgettably steep and challenging 7km byroad and track. The good news is, however, you don’t have to travel this by shank’s mare. From the Kenmare Road you can drive with care to an informal parking place, followed by a short walk of about 500m. On a sunny day, the lakeside makes the perfect place at which to recreate the Victorian tradition of a lakeside picnic.The Silent Valley, Co DownThe Silent Valley, Co Down As befits a place apart, it takes some time to reach The Silent Valley’s deepest recesses. To take advantage of the infrastructure provided by the construction of two great reservoirs to supply Belfast with water from the Mourne Mountains, the Silent Valley Mountain Park was created. What I like is the easy access it offers to the beating heart of the High Mournes. To get there, you walk the scenic 5km service road (accessible to buggies and wheelchairs) from the car park to the Ben Crom Dam. Climb the steps to the top of the dam and linger to savour the remarkable vista across the waters of the huge reservoir to the iconic peaks of Bearnagh and Meelmore. Afterwards, retrace your steps to the car park. The park entrance is located about 6.5km north of Kilkeel, Co Down, with admission £5 per vehicle.Arranmore Island, Co DonegalThe Arranmore Lighthouse is located at the north west corner of the island. Photograph: David Sleator/The Irish Times Often overlooked in favour of Tory Island, its more isolated cousin to the north, Arranmore is accessed by a convenient 20-minute sea crossing from Burtonport. A place of dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches where Ulster Irish is the vernacular language, it makes the perfect place to escape the pressures of 21st-century living. Most visitors will walk or cycle the 5km to the lighthouse on the west coast of the island. Here you can enjoy the expansive vista or, in good weather, take a thrilling and memorable challenge – descend 151 steps down a cliff-face on a vertigo-inducing stone staircase originally built to supply the lighthouse. Energetic visitors may follow the demanding, 14km Arranmore Loop, a 24-carat outing that takes in much of the island’s remote, lake-strewn interior, while overnight stayers should catch a traditional music session in one of the Island’s six pubs. IN THIS SECTION