Summer 2015 - Ireland’s Best Kept Secrets

Are you planning an Irish road trip this summer? Here are four of Ireland’s best kept secrets of summer 2015 that you won’t want to miss.

1. Lighthouse at Fanad Head, County Donegal
Perfectly positioned on the Wild Atlantic Way, this magical place is on the north coast of County Donegal. It is set between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay. It is the site of the famous Flight of the Earls which took place in 1607 and in addition to that has one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the country. The views on this drive are spectacular with Inishowen Peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll see an amazing view down to Portsalon and Ballymastocker Bay, which was voted the second most beautiful beach in the world by Observer Magazine.

Lighthouse at Fanad Head, County Donegal
Lighthouse at Fanad Head, County Donegal

2. Foynes Flying Boat Museum, County Limerick
This is not as well known as many other tourist sites in Munster but the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum is really worth the trip. It is unbelievable to think that back in 1937 – 1945, a small Irish village became the epicenter of commercial aviation. This truly romantic era has been recreated here in this amazing museum. The museum houses the world’s only replica Boeing 314 Clipper and houses an exhibit which allows you to experience exactly how it felt like to fly in that era!

Boeing 314 Clipper
Boeing 314 Clipper

3. Ireland’s Only Cable Car, Dursey Island, County Cork
At the very tip of the Beara Peninsula, this tiny, quiet and beautiful island, Dursey Island can be reached – but only by cable car. And it’s Ireland’s only cable car too. Not for the faint-hearted, the cabin travels 250m above the sea and can carry 6 people at a time. Islanders are given priority for the cable car so there can sometimes be a wait. When you reach land you can continue on foot along the Beara Way walking route.

Dursey Island, County Cork
Dursey Island, County Cork

4. Watch Dolphins at Carrigaholt, County Clare
Fungi is Ireland’s best known dolphin and has made the town of Dingle even more famous as a result. However there is a lesser known way of seeing dolphins in Munster and you are likely to see many magical marine sights on this trip. The dolphin and nature boat trips go down the mouth of the Shannon, which is Ireland’s longest river. Those on the trip can watch wild bottle-nosed dolphins and potentially whales, seals and other sea-life and wildlife in addition to learning about Eco-diversity,

Carrigaholt Loop Head, County Clare
Carrigaholt Loop Head, County Clare (www.loophead.ie)

What’s your favorite secret sight in Ireland for the summer of 2015?
Posted on July 24, 2015