Our little island is full of wonderful outdoor attractions for a fantastic family day out.
We have a plethora of world-famous tourist attractions here on the Emerald Isle, but sometimes it’s best to go off the beaten track to discover some of Ireland’s hidden gems, and with travel restrictions in place there’s no time like the present. So let’s hit the road and explore our island like we never have before at these seven less-obvious outdoor attractions.
Dun Bristé
Sometimes known as the broken fort, Dun Bristé is a reminder of how powerful mother nature is at times. Dun Bristé is a flat-topped rock which broke away from the mainland by stormy seas situated just off Downpatrick Head. You can catch breathtaking views of the 50-metre tall multi-coloured sea stack along the Atlantic Coast. An amazing family attraction.
Stairway To Heaven
Now a social media phenomenon, the stairway to heaven is a boardwalk in Cuilcagh Mountain Park in County Fermanagh. It is a picturesque wooden walkway which was constructed in 2015 in a bid to conserve the damaged peatlands that have eroded by local walkers over the years. The trail isn’t buggy or wheelchair friendly and stretches over 7.4km.
Kinnitty Pyramid
That’s right, Ireland has a 30-foot pyramid, and it’s one of a kind. Situated at the rear of a church in the quaint village of Kinnitty sits a burial tomb of 6 members of the Bernard family, who were once the wealthy owners of Kinnitty castle. It is an replica of the Great Pyramid of Giza and can be found at the back of the graveyard at Kinnity Church Of Ireland on Ballyshane Road.
The Nine Stones
Feast your eyes on unforgettable views in the colourful countryside of Carlow at these ancient dwarf stones aligned along a ten-metre stretch near Bunclody. On a clear day, you will be able to see eight different counties, including Carlow, Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Laois, Kilkenny and Tipperary. It’s spectacular.
The Caves Of Kesh
Also known as the Keash Caves, the limestone caves consist of 16 different chambers, some of which are interconnecting on the west side of Keshcorran Hill. There are many mythological stories associated with the stunning caves in Sligo, making it a popular one to pop on your summer bucket list.
Powerscourt Waterfall
Located just minutes away from Powerscourt Gardens in Wicklow, Powerscourt Waterfall is one attraction not to be missed. Enjoy beautiful parklands at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains where the stunning natural attraction stands at 121 meters tall, the highest in Ireland. There’s a small fee to enter, barbeques are welcome with plenty of space for picnics, and there is a large playground onsite to entertain the little ones.
The Dark Hedges
Who knew the rows of beech trees planted by the Stuart family back in the eighteenth century would become a worldwide phenomenon, especially for Game of Thrones fans. The beautiful avenue of tunnel trees located on a quiet road in Ballymoney, County Antrim is best viewed when dusk approaches as the light makes it both spooky and magical.
