Top ten Irish secrets

10. The Coral Strand, County Galway

Nearby the sleepy town of Carraroe in Connemara, a curious beach lies along the shore. Named “Trá an Dóilín” or “The Coral Strand”, the sand may at first feel a little odd. This is because it's made entirely of crushed coralline algae! Beaches like this are incredibly rare, but we have two very close to each other – there's another one near Ballyconneely too. They're sites of great important to conservation efforts and, luckily for us, they also make great spots for just sitting back and watching the world go by.

8. Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve, County Kerry

Look up! You’ll see the sparkling expanse of the universe come to life before your eyes. This is the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve. The sky here is devoid of light pollution, letting you gaze at the Milky Way, imagining yourself in a galaxy far, far away. Indeed, Star Wars was filmed not so far away from here. Or bring out your creative side and apply to the Cill Rialaig Artists' Retreat, which offers artists, writers and other creatives an opportunity to get away from it all and focus purely on their art. Bliss under the stars.

7. The Guinness Lake, County Wicklow

A lake made out of Guinness? Only in Ireland! Drive yourself up into the Wicklow Mountains, and you’ll find views over Lough Tay. The inky black waters are framed by golden sands, making this look like a lake poured directly out of the tap in your favourite Irish pub.

5. Sail out over the Atlantic, County Cork

If the weather is fair you can take a boat, but wouldn't you rather catch a cable car? That how the locals do it on Dursey Island on the Wild Atlantic Way. Hop on to Ireland's only cable car, often in the company of sheep who graze on the island’s lush pastures, and hang out over the Atlantic on your way to Dursey. Bring a picnic and enjoy unparalleled views over the ocean – next stop, America!

2. Cushendun Caves, County Antrim

The night is dark and full of terrors…. But the day is a time for exploring! Get yourself to the Cushendun Caves – HBO's Game of Thrones® fans will recognise this as the place Melisandre spawned a horrendous demon to kill Renly Baratheon. But whether you're a fan or not, the caves are fantastic to potter around. Formed over 400 million years, you can delve deep below the earth, explore the rockpools that cover the surrounding landscape or simply take in the breathtaking views of the sea.

Try to guess what the others are!

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