15 in ’15: Holidaying in Ireland this year? Here are 15 hidden gems well worth visiting

Some of the best places to holiday anywhere are right on our doorstep here in Ireland.

We can get a bit blasé about our own country as we scour foreign destinations looking for somewhere to go on holiday, but if the truth be known, we live on an island of breathtaking beauty. We've had a look at some destinations around the country which are well worth a visit. 1. The Conor Pass The Conor Pass is the highest mountain pass in Ireland, situated near the gorgeous town of Dingle. In fact, if you are ever travelling to Dingle, make it your business to get there via The Conor Pass. This narrow, twisting road runs between Dingle and Kilmore Cross on the north side of the Dingle peninsula. At the summit there is a car-park and this is where it gets magical. The views there are incredible, with a glaciated landscape of mountains and corrie lakes. Pics via Dingle Peninsula You can even see as far as the Aran Islands in Galway on a good day, such is the vantage point. The road itself has restrictions so don't try and do the journey in a camper-van or caravan or you will be forced to turn back. Oh and of course, leave the horse at home. 2. John Kavanagh's pub in Glasnevin, more familiarly known as the Grave Diggers pub. Pic via Restaau   Obviously, we're not advocating spending a vacation in a pub, but in the capital city lies one of the most historic pubs in all of Ireland. Situated beside the old gate entrance of Glasnevin Cemetery, it's only a few minutes from Dublin city centre. Founded in 1833 by John Kavanagh and still in the Kavanagh family, this pub is one of the best in Ireland and is steeped in history. It has remained virtually untouched by the sands of time. There is a story that the original landlord requested that any proprietors after him would leave the decor as it is. Pic via pubsandsnugsofireland What you are left with is a pub from a bygone era and untarnished by modern decor and to top it off, many feel it serves one of the best pints of the black stuff anywhere in the world. We dig this pub. Nope. Not even remotely sorry. 3. The Glen of Aherlow The Glen of Aherlow is a valley situated near the town of Tipperary between Slievenamuck and the Galtee Mountains in the western part of the county. It rolls through sixteen miles of unspoilt countryside affording some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable.   Pics via Aherlow.com It looks like a location Peter Jackson would use for making films about small people and elves. There is a wide variety of guest accommodation available in the Glen with guesthouse accommodation, hotels, and caravan and camping facilities. It's also the home of our favourite commentator of all time, the wonderful Effin' Eddie. Go check him out on YouTube and thank us later. 4. Glenariff Forest Park Glenariff Forest Park is situated in County Antrim and is found in one of the nine Glens of Antrim. Often labelled the most beautiful of the nine, the unique Waterfall Walkway, opened 80 years ago, provides a rich backdrop for photography enthusiasts, as do the other forest trails that offer panoramic landscapes and peaceful riverside walks. It covers an area of 1185 hectares, of which 900 have been planted with trees. Bisecting the park are two small but beautiful rivers; the Inver and the Glenariff, containing spectacular waterfalls, tranquil pools and stretches of fast, flowing water tumbling through rocky steep-sided gorges. It's basically a living, breathing postcard. Pics via discovernorthernireland.com 5. Glencolmcille Glencolmcille is situated on the Slieve League Peninsula at the south-west point of Donegal. It's a tiny coastal hamlet which lies between Glen Bay and a barren moorland and is part of Donegal’s Gaeltecht. It's a place decorated with mountains, lakes, sea cliffs and beaches; a place of quiet roads, stone walls and fuschia-bordered lanes. It's a magical haven of peace and relaxation for those desiring a holiday in an unspoilt environment. There are many local pubs which like to have evenings filled with songs and music. A veritable feast of Irish culture awaits you here. Pics via Glencolmcille.ie 6. Lough Melvin   Pic via rossinver.com This beautiful lake can be found on the border of Leitrim and Fermanagh in the shadow of the Dartry Mountains. It's a place frequented by angling enthusiasts as it's famous for its early run of Atlantic salmon. The lake covers an area of over 200 hectares and is a location for some of the best trout in the country. We here in JOE like to switch off the phone, lock away from the outside world and just fish. It's good for the soul and helps us re-align our minds. Honestly. There are few better areas in the country than this. There is good public access with boat jetties at Kinlough Pier, Stracomer, Breffni Pier, Dernaseer and Garrison. Boats, and in some cases, boatmen and outboards, are available for hire. Seriously lads, what's not to love? 7. Slieve Bloom Mountains   Pic via irelandwanderer.com We've all read about them in school, but how many of us have taken the time to visit this beautiful range of mountains in the county of Laois? The Slieve Bloom Mountains rise from the central plains of Ireland, forming a natural link between counties Laois and Offaly and are among the most unspoilt and least explored areas in Ireland. The magnificent Slieve Bloom Way boasts an almost unlimited amount of different activities including walking, cycling, car touring, heritage tours, equestrian trails and Irish music and dancing festivals. Irish dancing festivals! 8. The Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio No, this is not the birthplace of Larry Gogan, this is in fact a place in Howth in Dublin dedicated to all things radio and of historical nature. It is situated in Martello Tower North in Howth and boasts a collection of radios, gramophones and other radio-related paraphernalia.   Pics via hurdygurdyradiomuseum From May to October the museum is open daily from 11am until 4pm. During the months of November to April the Hurdy Gurdy is open only on Saturday & Sunday 11am until 4pm but is well worth a look. 9. Carlingford   Pic via Carlingford.ie The old Viking town of Carlingford is situated in the north east of the country in County Louth and is one of the most picturesque places in the country. It is surrounded by Slieve Foy, Carlingford Lough and the Mourne mountains. The town itself has a very medieval feel to it with it's narrow streets and there are tons of activities such as sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing on the lough. We're going to dress up like the lads from Assassins Creed and walk around that town like we own it. 10. Benbulben   Pic via VirtualTourist Situated in Yeats country in the county of Sligo, Benbulben is a stunning rock formation which is part of the Dartry Mountains. It's an amazing sight to behold and is a haven for rock climbing enthusiasts from all over the world. It is often referred to as Ireland's own Table Mountain. Whichever route you choose to get to the summit, you will be rewarded with a phenomenal view over the coastal plain of north County Sligo and the Atlantic ocean.   If you're into your history and literature, William Butler Yeats, the famous poet, is buried at Drumcliffe churchyard some six kilometres from the trail head of the wonderful Gortarowey walk. Impress partners with your ability to recite a Yeats poem as you look at his grave. 11. Cape Clear   Pic via chuckkruger Not to be confused with Cape Fear and measuring three miles long by one mile wide, it is an island which lies eight miles off the coast of West Cork, which, as we know, is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It is the home to Mizen Head, which is the mainland’s most southerly point. Cape Clear is connected year-round by ferry from its North Harbour to Baltimore, West Cork. Though English is widely-spoken, over one hundred inhabitants keep the Irish language alive and during the summer, the population swells with the influx of students trying to improve their Irish.   Pic via capeclearisland.ie Its wild scenery, its sparkling harbours, its cliffs, bogs and lake all makes this a must see place on your bucket list of places to see in Ireland. It's the perfect place for relaxation, peace and finding your mojo. 12. The Swiss Cottage, Kilcommon   Pic via HeritageIreland.ie Not the pub in Santry, but the stunning 19th century house found near Cahir in Tipperary, it was designed and built by the famous Regency architect John Nash as an idyllic pastoral retreat for some rich folk. We've always fancied an idyllic pastoral retreat of our own in fairness and we can't think of a nicer one than this one. Now, we are sure you, like us, love everything Hobbit-related and this house just oozes Hobbit-ness. It looks like it should be located in the Shire and we half expect to see Bilbo Baggins coming out the front door every time we look at it. 13. The Inishowen 100   Pic via InishowenGateway.com This is not a film representing the injustices against a large group of Irish people, but a stunning route along the Inishowen peninsula in the glorious surroundings of Donegal.   Offering a stunning natural and superb coastline, this is total escapism and solace from life's hectic pace and let's be honest lads, we all need a break sometimes from the sheer raw pace of life. This is a large area encompassing a lot of towns and there are tons of things to see and do so you'll never be bored. 14. Keem Bay, Achill Island A lot of us are well aware of Achill Island, but not many of us would be too familiar with this piece of stunning beauty. Keem Bay is a perfect horseshoe bay. Located at the western tip of Achill Island, this makes it one of the most westerly points in Europe. The beach at Keem is perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving, with its crystal clear waters revealing a variety of fish and sealife. If you're fond of heights, you'll be chuffed to know that on the eastern side, the slopes rise up to meet Croaghaun mountain, which has a peak of 668m making them Europe's highest sea cliffs. 15. The quarry in Cork city Cork city is full of hidden gems - ask anyone in Cork and they'll only be too glad to tell you - but there's a really special place in the city that people mightn't know about. Walk down the alleyway beside Ballinlough Pitch and Putt Club near Templehill, and once you get into the park, head to the bottom left hand corner, you'll find the hidden gem. There's an opening in the trees that leads to the top of a quarry; it's a little dangerous so be careful, seriously. Walk to the the end of the pathway and you'll find a stunning view of Cork city. Trust us, it's amazing.