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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Ireland

204 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Ireland

Updated May 7, 2025

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  1. Carlow
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  4. County Donegal
  5. Drogheda
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  9. Kerry
  10. Kilkenny
  11. Louth
  12. Mayo
  13. Meath
  14. Offaly
  15. Sligo
  16. Tullamore
  17. Westmeath
  18. Wicklow

Unusual Attractions in Ireland

See All 204 Things To Do in Ireland

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Ireland

See all 9 Places to Eat in Ireland
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Explore Ireland

Ruins 34
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Museums 21
Sacred Spaces 20
History & Culture 17
Celtic 17
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Medieval 16

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Dyeing the Chicago river green has been a St. Patrick’s Day tradition since 1962.

The Color of St. Patrick's Day Wasn't Always Green

Ireland’s patron saint was once dressed in blue—before his holiday got its signature hue.
by Bryan McGovern
The Cù Sith, an otherworldly hound of Scottish folklore, and its Irish counterpart the Cù Sidhe are sometimes described as green, the color associated with magic—and misfortune.

Death as a Dog: The Cù Sith of Scotland

The spectral, terrifying dog of Scottish folklore has inspired many a nightmare for centuries—and likely for millennia.
by Emma Cieslik

Rabbits Are Creatures of the Underworld According to Ancient Fears

From Ancient Egypt to 'Donnie Darko', beware the bunny.
by Charis McGowan

Is This the World's Oldest Eclipse Art?

There's something shady about the idea that an ancient rock carving on a Neolithic tomb in Ireland depicts the Moon blotting out the Sun.
by Indi Bains

Imbolc, Groundhog Day, and Brigantia All Celebrate the Coming Spring

Whatever you call it, early February's cross-quarter day reconnects us with ancient astronomical timekeeping traditions.
by Rebecca Boyle
Michael Cleary claimed the human Bridget had been abducted when walking through a nearby “fairy fort,” like this one in County Roscommon.

Podcast: The "Changeling" Murder of Bridget Cleary

In March 1895, a husband murdered his wife after accusing her of being replaced by an evil fairy.
by The Podcast Team
Wild bluebells, native to the area, are thriving once more on Eoghan Daltun’s land on Ireland’s Beara Peninsula.

Rewilding His Corner of Ireland's Beara Peninsula Is One Man's Labor of Love

Eoghan Daltun has spent 14 years creating a showcase of native biodiversity.
by Rory Carroll
Bonfires and revelry dominate modern Beltane celebrations, but the origins of the event are more mundane.

Beltane Is About More Than Fire and Fertility

The ancient “Celtic” start of summer is rooted in animal husbandry—and it’s not on May 1.
by Gemma Tarlach

Lists Featuring Ireland

The “pet ham” is 119 years old.

Bog Butter, Ancient Beef, and Other Remarkably Old Foods on Display in Museums

Some of these foods are centuries past their expiration dates.

6

Including Ancient Bog Butter, Preserved Victorian Wedding Cake, and World’s Oldest Edible Ham

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem0115 947 3171
The Star Tavern
The Eagle is among the best-known pubs in Cambridge.
The recreated apartment.

The Best British Pubs to Get Drunk on History

A 14-stop bar tour through Great Britain's past.

14

Including Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, The Star Tavern, and The Eagle

Original letter of Abraham, the son of Maimonides found in the Cairo genizah.
A sculpture of the Tower of Babel, by Alan Baughman, from the Introductory Room of the Museum of the Alphabet
Boontling word of the week in the tap room of the Anderson Valley Brewing Company.

A Linguistics Lover's Tour of the World

12 places to marvel at the history of human language.

12

Including The Cairo Genizah , The Museum of the Alphabet , and Boontling Language of Boonville

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