Stunning hidden gems to discover
Visit all kinds of museums and experiences
New museums, experiences, and outdoor adventures have been popping up all over the island of Ireland recently! Combine these with the exciting events lined up, and Ireland may be onto its best year yet.
First, here are the museums and exhibitions you’ll want to check out. The Irish Wake Museum in County Waterford is new on the scene and the first of its kind on the island. Set within one of Ireland’s oldest domestic buildings, the museum’s fully guided tour explores the traditions, superstitions, and customs associated with Irish wakes from early Christian times to the 20th century.
Happy days! You can visit the Derry Girls Exhibition! The Walled City’s Tower Museum is hosting this exhibition, which is all about the award-winning comedy series Derry Girls. Visit to learn more about the story behind Derry Girls through the show’s 90s-style costumes, sets, and props.
Ever wondered what it’s like to play for one of the best rugby teams in the world? Head to Limerick city and the immersive International Rugby Experience. Feel the excitement building in the dressing room pre-match, learn the history of the sport, and find out what it takes to be part of Ireland’s rugby team.
You may think you know all about Trinity College Dublin’s Old Library, but it’s made it onto your list because it’s looking a little different… The 18th-century Old Library is undergoing a conservation project that has resulted in the removal of more than 200,000 of its books. The experience still includes a viewing of the 9th-century gospel manuscript, the Book of Kells, and has been updated to include the Gaia, an illuminated sculpture by artist Luke Jerram highlighting the beauty and fragility of the earth.
Head outdoors for even more new adventures
Walk, cycle, or run the brand-new South East Greenway. This traffic-free trail is 24km long and follows what was once a railway line before it closed in 1963. The route passes through the counties of Kilkenny, Wexford, and Waterford, linking the riverside town of New Ross in County Wexford to Waterford city.
Another route to follow is the new Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail. Artist Thomas Dambo created these three sculptures to teach some of the stories associated with the Sperrin Mountains: Nowanois, the storyteller, can be found at the site of the former Sperrin Heritage Centre; Darach, the guardian, can be found at the peak of Mullaghcarn Mountain; and Ceoldán, the stargazer, can be found at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory.
In 2024, the Wild Atlantic Way celebrated its 10th birthday! This iconic 2,500km coastal stretch from Kinsale in County Cork to Malin Head in County Donegal continues to captivate travelers with its rugged beauty, charming villages, and windswept shores.
And the world has noticed—Lonely Planet ranked it fourth on its list of the best regions to visit in 2024! To celebrate, we’re unwrapping a special gift for you—our favorite hidden gems along the Wild Atlantic Way.
