📍 Ireland

SECRET PLACES OF IRELAND: HIDDEN VILLAGES AND UNKNOWN TREASURES

Whitewashed cottages nestled in valleys, stone churches crowning hills, rivers winding between forgotten villages. Secret Ireland.

≈ 11
Days
755
Km
10
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Dalkey and its coastal charm, walk Enniskerry's terrain, contemplate the sacred Rock of Cashel and reach lively Kinvara harbor. Cross Ballyvaughan and Cong, tour Achill Island, follow Mullaghmore, sail at Carrick-on-Shannon before returning to Dublin and its literary secrets.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Dalkey

clifftop village aristocratic charm

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6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Coastal village of Dalkey.
2
Dalkey Castle.
3
Dalkey Island by boat.
🎯

Activities

→
Panoramic Killiney Hill hike.
→
Swimming at Forty Foot.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 13.8 km
Travel time: 12min
2
Day

Enniskerry

mountain setting village refuge

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5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Picturesque village of Enniskerry.
2
Hidden Powerscourt Waterfall.
3
Great Sugar Loaf forest trail.
🎯

Activities

→
Djouce Mountain hike.
→
Secret garden visit Kilmacurragh.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 89.4 km
Travel time: 1h17
3
Day

Cashel

ecclesiastical ruins stone heritage

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6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Rock of Cashel after hours.
2
Isolated Hore Abbey.
3
Medieval village of Fethard.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking in Glen of Aherlow.
→
Traditional farm visit.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 121.8 km
Travel time: 1h45
4
Day

Kinvara

harbor magic bohemian soul

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Harbor village of Kinvara.
2
Dunguaire Castle little gem.
3
Lesser-known caves of Doolin.
🎯

Activities

→
Wild oyster picking.
→
Exploring the secret Burren.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3.4 km
Travel time: 3min
5
Day

Ballyvaughan

limestone gateway natural wonder

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4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Quiet village of Ballyvaughan.
2
Caherconnell prehistoric fort.
3
Green Road ancient path.
🎯

Activities

→
Sheepdog demonstration.
→
Burren botanical hike.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60.1 km
Travel time: 52min
6
Day

Cong

movie magic woodland silence

Cong - Photo 1Cong - Photo 2Cong - Photo 3Cong - Photo 4Cong - Photo 5Cong - Photo 6Cong - Photo 7Cong - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Cong village and abbey.
2
Ashford Castle exteriors.
3
Quiet Man Museum.
4
Pigeon Hole caves.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in Cong forest.
→
Fly fishing Lough Corrib.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 112.4 km
Travel time: 1h37
7
Day

Achill

wild island terrain ocean power

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7 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Achill Island deserted villages.
2
Keem Bay secluded beach.
3
Panoramic Atlantic Drive.
🎯

Activities

→
Croaghaun Cliffs hike.
→
Seabird watching.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 136.5 km
Travel time: 1h57
8
Day

Mullaghmore

coastal drama cliffside crown

Mullaghmore - Photo 1Mullaghmore - Photo 2Mullaghmore - Photo 3Mullaghmore - Photo 4Mullaghmore - Photo 5Mullaghmore - Photo 6Mullaghmore - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Mullaghmore port village.
2
Classiebawn Castle exterior.
3
Less crowded Bundoran beach.
🎯

Activities

→
Surfing at Mullaghmore Head.
→
Wild coastal hike.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 66.1 km
Travel time: 57min
9
Day

Carrick On Shannon

river heart waterway gateway

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5 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
River village of Carrick-on-Shannon.
2
Shannon cruise.
3
Costello Chapel smallest.
🎯

Activities

→
House boat exploration rental.
→
Pike fishing Lough Key.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 151.6 km
Travel time: 2h10
10
Day

Dublin

literary heritage quiet discovery

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6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Newgrange off season.
2
Village of Trim and castle.
3
Lesser-known Smithfield Dublin district.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in the Iveagh gardens.
→
Exploring vintage markets.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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IRISH GASTRONOMY — MARKETS, DISTILLERIES AND ATLANTIC FLAVORS

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🛡️ Travel advice - Ireland

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest days, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, festival season, vibrant atmosphere, advance booking essential.

Shoulder Season (April-May & September-October): Mild weather, fewer crowds, good value, comfortable temperatures, pleasant conditions, excellent photography, ideal balance.

Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, fewer tourists, reasonable prices, longer days, fresh atmosphere, excellent touring.

Fall (September-November): Comfortable weather, harvest season, beautiful colors, fewer crowds, good value, cozy atmosphere, cultural events.

Winter (December-February): Cool wet weather, shortest days, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cozy pubs, indoor attractions, festive atmosphere.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Ireland?

Emerald Isle with stunning landscapes, rich literary heritage, and warm hospitality. Experience traditional music, beautiful countryside, and authentic Irish culture. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and excellent storytelling traditions. Ireland provides cultural richness with natural wonders and warm hospitality.