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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Top Ireland Travel Advisor—and These Are the Country's Lesser-known Gems
Steeped in myth and legend, yet humming with fresh energy, Ireland is a place where tradition meets modernity. From Michelin-starred restaurants and a rising film scene, to cultural experiences and contemporary art, the Emerald Isle is just waiting to be explored. Here are the parts of Ireland that absolutely can't be missed on your next trip. An Overview of Ireland's Lesser-Known Gems An aerial view of the Dingle Peninsula on the Irish Coast. Oleh_Slobodeniuk/Getty Images In Ireland, there's more to explore beyond the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. In Donegal, a town and county in the northernmost part of Ireland, wild beaches and rugged peaks meet a rich political history. It is quickly becoming a cultural capital too, with its traditional music, Gaelic language, and world-class festivals and events, such as the Arranmore Country Fest, that celebrates the arts scene here. In West Cork, a municipal district in the country's southernmost county, artists' studios, sea-kayaking tours, and artisan producers offer immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences. About four hours north of Cork lies Sligo, a small west coast town that has dramatic views of the Atlantic. For more coastal adventures, head to one of Ireland's teacup-sized island communities, like the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway. Another beautiful destination is Kerry Seas National Park, Ireland's first marine park in County Kerry. Where to Eat Ireland's culinary scene is experiencing a renaissance, with meals that are more innovative, sustainable, and exciting than ever. In Cork, food trucks and pop-up street eats are transforming unused spaces into dynamic dining hubs. Marina Market Cork, for example—once the location of the Henry Ford & Son's factory—is now a diverse food and drink market with over 35 vendors. In Belfast, a new generation of chefs are fusing global flavors with local ingredients; establishments like Stix and Stones, a premier steak and seafood restaurant; and Hendrix, a modern restaurant with cuisine ranging from Italian pastas to tacos—can't be skipped. There are also Michelin-starred restaurants that continue to draw global acclaim, like Homestead Cottage in Doolin, a small village on the west coast of the country known for its local and seasonal produce. Cultural Events and Activities Picturesque views of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic of years ago, Irish culture stunned the world with its language, music, and mythology—but it didn't stop there. In present day, the country's festivals, fashion, film, literature, and more continue to influence pop culture on a global scale. Film & Music With the global success of The Banshees of Inisherin and stars like Paul Mescal, Cillian Murphy, and Saoirse Ronan rising to fame, Irish cinema is having a breakout moment. While here, visit filming locations along the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,600-mile driving route along the country's western edge, or catch a screening at an indie festival like Galway Film Fleadh, which takes place in July each year. There is always good live music to listen to in Ireland, too. From the gritty lyrics of Belfast hip-hop trio, Kneecap, to live Irish traditional sessions in cozy countryside pubs, Ireland's music scene is louder, prouder, and more diverse than ever. Fashion Irish textiles use distinctive materials like linen and tweed. Perhaps the most famous of them being Donegal tweed, a rustic staple that is still sold in stores in the area, like Hanna Hats of Donegal and the Irish Tweed Store. Across Ireland, boutique ateliers offer a chance to shop locally made, sustainable fashion that effortlessly reimagines Irish heritage through its fabrics. My favorite ones are Oh!By Gum Galway, for its eco-friendly garments; Dublin's Scout, for its cotton staples; and Stable of Ireland, a shop in Dublin known for its for silk tops and wool knitwear. Language Once under threat, the Irish language is making a powerful comeback. You'll hear it in contemporary music or when passing by school children, or even see it in street art. Gaeltacht regions (where Irish is still spoken daily and Gaelic culture is preserved) like Donegal, Mayo, and Galway, offer a deeper connection for travelers curious about Ireland's linguistic heritage. Sports Few experiences match the buzz of a live Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) match, where locals cheer on their regional teams in football and hurling. Ireland also has a growing presence on the global sports stage; the country snagged medal wins in boxing and rowing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Literature Home to countless writers and storytellers like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett, Ireland's literary legacy is renowned. But it's not all history—modern voices like Sally Rooney, Claire Keegan, Paul Lynch, and Donal Ryan are reshaping the landscape. For a deeper dive, you can visit the Museum of Literature Ireland, in Dublin; explore sites like the James Joyce Centre; or take a walking tour that focuses on novels, like the Dublin Writers Walking Tour. Louise Kavanagh is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Ireland trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Kavanagh and her company Wilderness Ireland by contacting her at [email protected].
USA Today
18-06-2025
- USA Today
Exploring Paracas, Peru: What to know before you go
Ballestas Islands, a wildlife haven in Paracas, Peru – Photo courtesy of PIKSEL / iStock Via Getty Images Plus About four hours south of Lima along Peru's Pacific coastline, you'll find a small fishing town in the midst of the desert. This unique juxtaposition of topography is precisely the reason that wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and savvy travelers flock to Paracas, perhaps one of the most underrated destinations in Peru. The small port town has seen a boom in tourism with the emergence of several world-class hotels. Paracas means "strong winds" in Spanish, or in the indigenous Quechua tongue, 'rain of sand,' which gives rise to the unique coastal dunes formed over millennia. Thousands of years ago, the area was home to the Paracas culture, a pre-Columbian civilization that made its mark on the region with its advanced irrigation techniques, beautiful ceramics, and stunning textiles. Much of this ancient civilization remains protected in what is today known as the Paracas National Reserve, a sprawling 827,800 acres of coastal desert whose arid environment stands in stark contrast to the roaring sea just beyond its cliffs. The protected beaches are home to some of the most diverse wildlife found on the continent. Advertisement How to get to Paracas From Lima, the easiest way to get to Paracas is by car or bus. The town is located about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive south of the city, whose international airport offers many direct flights to destinations around the world. Once you're in Paracas, you won't need a car. The Paracas National Reserve is accessible by bike, buggy, or ATV, while other popular attractions (like the Ballestas Islands) are accessible by boat. Best time of year to visit Paracas Passing Candelabra, a prehistoric geoglyph in Paracas – Photo courtesy of Oleh_Slobodeniuk / iStock Via Getty Images Plus One of the best things about Paracas is its relatively temperate climate, which means you can visit just about any time of year. High season for the region tends to be the Peruvian summer, from December to March. During this time, high temperatures reach around the mid-80s. If you're looking to make the most of wildlife viewing — in particular the Humboldt penguins — April to November are the best months to visit Paracas. How much time should you budget for a trip to Paracas? While region is relatively small, there are many things to do in Paracas. You'll certainly need at least a full day to explore Paracas National Reserve (and likely more if you want to do all the activities available. We recommend three days minimum to enjoy the area and all it has to offer. Fun things to do in Paracas Whether you're interested in sand-boarding on the dunes of Paracas National Reserve, marveling at the Humboldt penguins on the Ballestas Islands, or simply soaking up the sun in this seaside village, you can scratch every vacation itch. Visit Paracas National Reserve Cathedral Rock Formation at Paracas National Reserve – Photo courtesy of xeni4ka / iStock Via Getty Images Plus Paracas National Reserve alone is reason to visit Paracas. As the country's oldest marine reserve, this natural wonder serves as home to more than 1,500 animal species, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, turtles, and hundreds of species of birds. You'll also find stunning red sand beaches, which get their unique coloring from the erosion of pink granodiorite. Perhaps the most popular way to explore the reserve is by ATV or dune buggy (which also allows you to do some pretty amazing off-roading). However, if you're looking for a solid workout, a standard bicycle will do the trick. Advertisement Go sand-boarding For the true thrill-seekers, there's little that compares to sand-boarding down one of the many impressive dunes in Paracas National Reserve. A number of tour companies offer a range of sand-boarding experiences, complete with lessons. Check out the Ballestas Islands Known as the 'poor man's Galápagaos,' the Ballestas Islands (or Islas Ballestas) is the premiere destination for seeing dolphins, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds. To get to the island, you'll take a 30- to 40-minute boat ride that'll pass by the Paracas Candelabra, an enormous geoglyph whose origins remain a debatable mystery to this day. Go wildlife-viewing and bird-watching You don't have to visit Paracas National Reserve or the Ballestas Islands to see incredible wildlife. Simply sit along the beach or drive out to any one of Paracas' many overlooks to enjoy the stunning array of fauna (and flora) the region has to offer. Advertisement Try out some water sports Given the strong winds that gave Paracas its name, it's no wonder that wind-based water sports are a big thing here. Kitesurfing and paragliding are available for the most adventurous, while sailing on catamarans, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are also widely available. Relax on Paracas' best beaches While Paracas isn't your typical beach resort in that temperatures tend to be too cool and winds too strong for a ton of beach swimming, the protected nature of many of the town's beaches make for some of the most beautiful vistas for beach strolls and lounging. Where to eat and drink in Paracas The freshest seafood in Paracas, Peru – Photo courtesy of Lulu Chang You simply can't go wrong with the abundance of fresh seafood in Paracas, which is — at its heart — a fishing village. You'll have some of the freshest ceviche that money can buy in this town. Advertisement Chalana Restaurant Not only is the ceviche incredible at Chalana Restaurant, but so too is the view. Part of Hotel Paracas and located at the end of a pier, this restaurant offers beautiful regional dishes and unbeatable waterfront views. Nautilus Seafood & Pastas The waterfront promenade of Paracas is home to several great restaurants. Nautilus Seafood & Pastas, however, is a local favorite, bringing together Peruvian, Italian, and other international cuisines. Waiki Pizza Bar You might not expect great pizza in Paracas, but you'd be wrong. Several restaurants in town sling pies, yet none are as delightful as the ones at Waiki Pizza Bar. Advertisement Where to stay in Paracas Incredible sunsets at Hotel Paracas – Photo courtesy of Lulu Chang Hotel Paracas Hotel Paracas is an excellent jumping-off point for any and all Paracas adventures. The hotel offers complimentary off-road bike rentals that can be used to head straight into the Paracas National Reserve (about a 15-minute bike ride away). You can also book a tour of the Ballestas Islands with the hotel. When you're done, relax by one of two beautiful pools before grabbing a gourmet meal. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa, which offers expansive guest rooms and common spaces, is perhaps best known for its fabulous spa. While you'll certainly have access to all the adventure activities that Paracas is known for, Aranwa also seeks to pamper its guests with customized spa treatments and attentive staff. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission.
