10 Things to do for Honeymoon in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands That You Shouldn't Miss

August 3, 2021 Marissa Gamble

Discover the best top things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland including Glengowla Mines, Dun Aonghasa, Burren Birds of Prey Centre, Scattery Island, Kilkee Cliff Walk, Dog's Bay Beach, Wild Atlantic Way, Mannin Bay Blueway, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle.
Restaurants in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

1. Glengowla Mines

Oughterard Ireland +353 87 252 9850 [email protected] http://www.glengowlamines.ie/
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 426 reviews

Glengowla Mines

Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,

Reviewed By sarahoR5721WQ

One of the best afternoons spent in Connemara. Great for kids and adults. The staff were all friendly and very patient with my son (and his millions of questions). The Sheepdog display is a must, we loved meeting Jess the sheepdog and watching her herding the sheep to us so we could pet and feed them. The mine tour was great, limited group numbers so not rushed and really interesting with a very knowledgeable and funny guide. We were taught how to pan for gold and even given a little bag to bring our treasure home. A relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings to wander around. Great attention to Covid measures, everything we touched was cleaned. I Highly Recommend a visit here!

2. Dun Aonghasa

Cill Mhuirbhigh, Province of Connacht Ireland +353 99 61008 [email protected] http://www.heritageireland.ie
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,399 reviews

Dun Aonghasa

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dun Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise consisting of blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several burials. Visitor safety information: The fort is about 1km from the Visitors Centre and is approached over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock and care is needed, especially when descending. Boots or strong walking shoes are recommended. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff.

Reviewed By geraldine946 - Western Ireland, Ireland

Well worth a visit, rain hail or sunshine....have been here a few times and loved it, the most amazing views on the island and definitely worth it.

3. Burren Birds of Prey Centre

Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan Ireland +353 65 707 7036 http://www.aillweecave.ie/birdsofprey.html
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 688 reviews

Burren Birds of Prey Centre

DYNAMIC FLYING DISPLAYS where the visitor can interact and get up close and personal to the birds as they fly overhead and through the audience. A HOME to Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Owls from all over the world.EDUCATION into the amazing world of Raptors, their biology, conservation and the ancient art of Falconry.HAWK WALKS which are a once in a life time opportunity to interact with some of nature's top predators. Guided and instructed by experienced Falconers, this hour long 'Walk with a Hawk' through hazel woodland and across Burren limestone pavement is tailor made for anybody seeking a totally unique experience.

Reviewed By 346katier

The centre is staffed by knowledgable and friendly people. The birds are well-kept and in great condition. Toilets (importantly!) also clean. There's a shop with a good collection and also a farm shop with local produce. The bird show is informative and the staff clearly engaged very much in conservation: staff are also very much on hand and welcome questions. In the show we saw, volunteers were allowed to have a hawk fly to their fist which was done as part of the show very well indeed. We loved it, and I am certain fellow visitors did too. It was lovely to see handlers so clearly interested in conservation and bird welfare. Very well done.

4. Scattery Island

Kilrush Marina Merchants Quay Shannon Estuary, Kilrush Ireland
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 405 reviews

Scattery Island

Scattery Island Tours offers a daily ferry service to Scattery Island, at the heart of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Scattery offers a unique Cultural & Heritage experience for visitors with a range of Monasitc & Heritage sites. Scattery Island is an EDEN award winner for Sustainable & Cultural Tourism. Sailings depart from Kilrush Marina in Co. Clare May to Sept. Guided Walking Tour included.

Reviewed By blackcatw13 - London, United Kingdom

Great trip would recommend wearing boots as trails muddy and slippery, also have to cross a stream to get to the lighthouse. Guides more than knowledgeable on the history

5. Kilkee Cliff Walk

Dunlicky Road, Kilkee Ireland http://www.loophead.ie/where-to-go-in-ireland-kilkee-cliff-walk/
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 496 reviews

Kilkee Cliff Walk

Reviewed By _wilmount - Limerick, Ireland

A delightful walk along the wild Atlantic way, breathtaking scenery and the ocean is majestic, a must do when in Kilkee

6. Dog's Bay Beach

Roundstone Ireland http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/dog-s-bay-beach/88690
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 252 reviews

Dog's Bay Beach

Reviewed By victoriafoody - Victoria, Canada

We discovered this beach at the end of our day driving the Wild Atlantic way. In hindsight, we should have driven straight here and just hanged out at the beach. We arrived here without any beach gear (swim suits, towels etc), but it didn't matter. We were just happy to walk or sit on the gorgeous white sandy beach, play in the crystal clear water and admire the beauty of the landscape. We had only allowed ourselves an hour here, next time we'll make sure that we can spend most of the day to relax at the beach.

7. Wild Atlantic Way

Wild Atlantic Way The Atlantic Coast of Ireland, Galway Ireland +353 91 778 778 http://www.wildatlanticway.com/home
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,705 reviews

Wild Atlantic Way

Reviewed By 2hopeless - Chichester, United Kingdom

After spending 3 days in Dublin we headed to the west stopping en route at the diner in Ballinasloe which was good for a quick lunch. We spent 3 nights in Galway, taking in the Galway Food Tour and enjoying the bars and street entertainment in the Latin Quarter. Onward for a few nights in Doolin Co. Clare visiting The Buren, Inis Oirr Aran Island, and the local hostelries. A lengthy scenic drive through Kerry, around the lakes of Killarney (unfortunately on a rainy misty day) to the Beara Peninsula for 4 days. Whilst we enjoyed all of it the change in scenery at each place captured the imagination and we all felt that it was merely an introduction for us to revisit soon. We travelled in June, however, roads are narrow and at peak holiday time it may be annoying as there are so many camper vans and huge tour buses at some of the more well known sights so cars have to move over, getting superficial scratches from the hedgerows. Be careful because there are ditches alongside the roads which are not obvious as they are covered in vegetation and may appear as solid ground.

8. Mannin Bay Blueway

Clifden Ireland
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 46 reviews

Mannin Bay Blueway

Reviewed By L3K - Guisborough, United Kingdom

This is a stunningly beautiful bay, with white coral sand and turquoise sea. Well worth a stop to take it all in.

9. Rock of Cashel

Rock Vista Moor Lane, Cashel Ireland +353 62 61437 http://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/rock-of-cashel/
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,052 reviews

Rock of Cashel

A majestic medieval fortress now in ruins: contains the Hall of Vicars and a 13th century cathedral.

Reviewed By Kelly-Irishlove

Our visit to the Rock of Cashel was intriguing The views are spectacular Explore the site on your own and with the guided tour, each offers a plethora of experiences and views The guides are very knowledgeable and have a great sense of humor as well. There is plenty of parking in the car park, there are also gift shops near by.

10. Cahir Castle

Castle St Ireland +353 52 744 1011 http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/cahircastle/
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 795 reviews

Cahir Castle

This imposing 15th-century castle was long a military stronghold.

Reviewed By LenSydneyAustralia - Glenbrook, Australia

Self toured this castle with some narrow staircases. It had some very interesting history which is on display plus different rooms as it was. Worth a visit.

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