Even if you feel you've already ticked most of Ireland’s secret adventure spots off your list, there’s always something else hidden away that’s waiting to be discovered. With Easter approaching, and the Cadbury Worldwide Hide returning, we wanted to help remind you of the joy in creating priceless memories in special places across the country.
But how do you find these places, especially if they’re supposed to be hidden? Luckily, we’re going to let you in on some unmissable Irish hidden gems - just don’t tell too many people or they won’t stay secret for long!
1. The Sheep’s Head Way, Cork
This lesser-known walking trail offers stunning coastal scenery and breathtaking views of Bantry Bay and the Beara Peninsula. It’s perfect for outdoorsy types, as the main walking route is around 93 km long, and done over six days.
It begins in the market town of Bantry, and from there, you can hike right to the end of the Sheep’s Head peninsula where you’ll find the Sheep’s Head lighthouse and stunning views across to Mizen Head. If that seems like a mammoth trek, you can also opt for one of the 25 loop walks, which can last from one hour to seven, depending on your preference.
2. The Magic Road, Donegal
If you haven’t heard of this optical illusion phenomenon, you’re in for a treat. And while you’re there, it’s a win-win, as you’ll also get to experience some of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most scenic views on the drive. So, how do you find this road?
Once you get to the Mamore Gap, you’ll need to look out for the white stone on the side of the road as you descend, at which point you should stop the car and put it in neutral. Then, you’ll feel the car begin to seemingly roll up the hill, defying gravity and belief. In truth, a slight downward slope appears to be going upwards due to the shape of the surrounding land, but it’s more fun to put it down to magic!
3. The Copper Coast Geopark, Waterford
This UNESCO global geopark is found between Tramore and Dungarvan, spanning 25 km along the coastline. It tells the exciting story of the formation of Ireland, displaying how the land has evolved over the last 460 million years in stunning form.
Explore one of the many walking trails along the beautiful coastline, where you’ll experience miles of scalloped beaches and coves surrounded by rocky headlands. Be sure to check out the 'Cursing Stone’ on your travels, but be warned, legend suggests your curses will come true if you walk around it anticlockwise.
4. The Arigna Mining Experience, Roscommon
Try something a little different with this award-winning underground attraction where mining was carried out from the 1700s until as recent as 1990. The experience offers a fascinating insight into Ireland's coal mining heritage, where you can explore the underground tunnels of the Arigna Mines and learn about the lives of the miners who worked there.
It’s an immersive setting, as the building has been designed to resemble the slag heap that would typically be part of a coal mining operation. Many of the tour guides actually worked in the mine, so you’ll get expert insight into what life was really like working below the ground.
5. The Dark Hedges, Antrim
You’ll find these picturesque trees along the Bregagh Road, which is between Armoy and Stranocum. Given their stunning natural formation, the hedges are a must-see for all nature enthusiasts, as it makes for an other-worldly experience walking or driving under their tunnel-like form.
The hedges are also essential viewing for Game of Thrones fans, as they were used as a location for filming, and Transformers enthusiasts will also recognise them from two movie locations. The beech trees date back to 1775 and legend suggests they’re often visited by a ghost, believed to be the daughter of the trees’ planter, James Stuart. So keep an eye out, if you dare.
This Easter, make your special place even more extraordinary with Cadbury
Worldwide Hide! With the Cadbury Worldwide Hide you can hide an easter egg online for someone you love. You just need to give them a clue about where to look. Somewhere only they know. Visit Cadbury Worldwide Hide for more.
