Despite Ireland's small size, the country has a vast amount of tourist attractions on offer, some of which Irish natives may not even have heard of. The problem is that our Tourism Websites tend to focus on the more mainstream attractions such as the Guinness storehouse or the Cliffs of Moher for example. For the reason, the Student's Guide Ireland wants to highlight some of the more authentic options available to Student's when exploring the Green Isle with the aid of the amazing photography provided to us by Discovering Ireland. This platform, run by an Irish Student, has been created for people coming to Ireland that want to see more than just the typical Tourist Attractions promoted by other websites. I now invite you to continue reading below to discover some of Ireland's hidden gems.
1. Poolbeg
Location: Poolbeg Lighthouse
Address: South Wall, Poolbeg, Dublin
Height: 20 m
First Opened: 1767
Poolbeg Lighthouse in Dublin Day is the first of our Hidden Gems. It offers the ideal location for a Sunday stroll with great views of the whole of Dublin bay. Everyday you will find people walking out to the lighthouse to catch a glimpse of some of the fantastic ships making their way into the port.
Pro Tip: Bring a Jacket! Even on the warmest days it can get windy out at Sea.
Address: South Wall, Poolbeg, Dublin
Height: 20 m
First Opened: 1767
Poolbeg Lighthouse in Dublin Day is the first of our Hidden Gems. It offers the ideal location for a Sunday stroll with great views of the whole of Dublin bay. Everyday you will find people walking out to the lighthouse to catch a glimpse of some of the fantastic ships making their way into the port.
Pro Tip: Bring a Jacket! Even on the warmest days it can get windy out at Sea.
2. Museum of Modern Art Ireland (IMMA)
Location: Museum of Modern Art Ireland
Address: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Dublin 8
Founded: May 1991
Admission = FREE
The IMMA is the home of the national collection of modern and contemporary art and offers a great free day out . Located in The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the finest 17th-century building in Ireland, the IMMA offers visitors not only the opportunity to appreciate the art on show but also the ability to explore the beautiful gardens contained within the premises as can be seen in the adjacent picture.
Pro Tip: Informal Guided tours (30 Mins) take place on Wednesdays at 1.15pm and Saturday and Sundays at 2.30pm. No booking is required.
Address: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Dublin 8
Founded: May 1991
Admission = FREE
The IMMA is the home of the national collection of modern and contemporary art and offers a great free day out . Located in The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the finest 17th-century building in Ireland, the IMMA offers visitors not only the opportunity to appreciate the art on show but also the ability to explore the beautiful gardens contained within the premises as can be seen in the adjacent picture.
Pro Tip: Informal Guided tours (30 Mins) take place on Wednesdays at 1.15pm and Saturday and Sundays at 2.30pm. No booking is required.
3. Dunamase
Location: Rock Of Dunamase
Address: Dunamase, Carlow Road, Portlaoise
Built: 9th Century
Admission : FREE
Located in the County of Laois, the Rock of Dunamase is an historically site that looks over the valley of the O'Moores. Just one hour outside of Dublin, this famous landmark, standing 45 metres high, offers a wonderful opportunity for a day outside of the hustle and bustle of the City Centre.
Pro Tip: Bring a Picnic and make a day of it
Address: Dunamase, Carlow Road, Portlaoise
Built: 9th Century
Admission : FREE
Located in the County of Laois, the Rock of Dunamase is an historically site that looks over the valley of the O'Moores. Just one hour outside of Dublin, this famous landmark, standing 45 metres high, offers a wonderful opportunity for a day outside of the hustle and bustle of the City Centre.
Pro Tip: Bring a Picnic and make a day of it
4. Howth Cliff Walk
Location: Howth Head
Address: Balscadden Road,Howth, Co Dublin - (15 km northeast of Dublin City)
Length of Walk: 6 Km or Approximately Two hours
With views of Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye, Howth Castle, the Martello Tower and the Baily Lighthouse, a visit to the Howth Cliffs is a must for both tourists and Irish natives alike. This coastal walk provides the opportunity for a great day out for everybody, especially wildlife enthusiasts with many native animals on display including grey seals in their natural habitat.
Pro Tip: Bring a warm jacket, a good camera and Binoculars.
Address: Balscadden Road,Howth, Co Dublin - (15 km northeast of Dublin City)
Length of Walk: 6 Km or Approximately Two hours
With views of Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye, Howth Castle, the Martello Tower and the Baily Lighthouse, a visit to the Howth Cliffs is a must for both tourists and Irish natives alike. This coastal walk provides the opportunity for a great day out for everybody, especially wildlife enthusiasts with many native animals on display including grey seals in their natural habitat.
Pro Tip: Bring a warm jacket, a good camera and Binoculars.