HAMPTONS Ireland beyond the obvious

Culture & History

Abbeys, monastic sites, strongholds and living heritage.

Places

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The ascent path to Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, the peak behind
Walk · Co. Mayo

Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick, a 764-metre peak near Murrisk, is a historic site where St Patrick fasted. It offers a steep summit path and a gentler circular walk, drawing thousands annually for the July pilgrimage.

Free to climb.· Allow 2–3 hours to the summit and back; 3–4 hours for the round.
Gougane Barra chapel on the shore of Gougane Barra lough, County Cork
Attraction · Co. Cork

Gougane Barra

Gougane Barra is a hillside hermitage above a small lake near Smerkistown on the Cork–Kerry border. It is the traditional home of St Finbarr and one of the country's oldest pilgrimage sites, accessible via an easy but memorable walk.

Free to visit.· Allow An hour up and down, plus time at the top
Kylemore Abbey reflected in Pollacapall Lough, County Galway
Attraction · Co. Galway

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey in Connemara is a working Benedictine monastery and former castle on the N59. It offers ticketed gardens and castle tours, free shore views, and quiet church access near Letterfrack.

Gardens and castle ticketed; the abbey grounds are free to view from the shore.· Allow 2–3 hours
The early medieval bee-hive huts on Skellig Michael, County Kerry
Island · Co. Kerry

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael is a steep, isolated island in County Kerry featuring a sixth-century monastery and beehive huts. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible only by boat.

Boat fare and a landing charge apply; check the current service for prices, the schedule and the booking requirements.· Allow A few hours for the visit.
The Great Blasket island off the Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry, seen from the boat
Island · Co. Kerry

The Blasket Islands

The Blasket Islands, located off the Dingle Peninsula, were home to a community until 1953. Today they serve as a nature reserve and host significant seabird colonies.

Boat fare applies; check the current service for prices and the schedule.· Allow A few hours for the visit.
Limestone pavement on the Burren, County Clare
Area · Co. Clare

The Burren

North Clare’s Burren is a 15,000-hectare karst landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark. It features dense flora, the Burren Way trail, and the Poulnabrone dolmen.

Free to walk.· Allow A half day for a short walk; a multi-day trip for the Burren Way.

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