Ireland
Ireland - rain, Guinness, pubs, rain, drinking, Dublin, cliffs of Moher and... more rain. This is probably what most of visitors think about this green island.
However, when you are lucky enough to hit the jackpot and come across a few sunny days in the summer, you'll be so surprised! 15 minutes on the train from the dull capital - Dublin (yes, it's not too beautiful, but the locals are one of the friendliest in the world) and you can admire the cliffs, beaches, mountains and... subtropical flora! Palm trees, eucalyptus, cedar and rhododendron trees together with stunning sea views - feels more like at the Mediterranean sea rather than so far north.
Ireland boasts some of the beaches reminding those in tropical areas - with clear, turquoise waters and incredible fauna - in Skellig you can walk among thousands of wild puffins that seem to pose for photographs!
There are many little hidden spots in Ireland easily accessible by public transport - and they are virtually unknown to visitors. We've discovered them for you - have a look at the articles below and explore the amazing, little known places in Ireland:
Although Skellig Islands may be the most impressive attraction in Ireland, only few know about their existence. While places like the Cliffs of Moher or the Ring of Kerry are known world-wide, Skellig islands remain in the shadow of the most popular sites in Ireland. For me, Skellig is probably the best of all I've seen in Ireland. This tiny speck of land combines all you need for a perfect tourist destination into one: spectacular scenery, amazing wildlife with multiple sea birds and historical, unique, beehive-like monastery. So why is this magnificent site virtually unknown and less popular than, say, the Cliffs of Moher?
Ring of Kerry is a nearly 200 km (125 mile) long loop route in county Kerry among Ireland's most stunning landscapes - little, cozy villages, green hills and fields, castles, bare mountains and hundreds of lakes in Killarney National Park. Moreover, along the Atlantic Coast, as a part of "Wild Atlantic Way" - you can enjoy breathtaking views over dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches with surprisingly clear blue water and amazing and off the beaten path Skellig Islands (sometimes called Irish Machu Picchu) which are the home for thousands of colorful puffins that seemingly love to pose for photographs. Most of what Ireland is famous for can be seen concentrated within this little piece of land.
Giant's Causeway is obviously the most exceptional landmark of Northern Ireland. Looking at the hexagonal basalt columns, of different height and size, with perfectly even sides, it's difficult to believe that they were formed only by natural processes. Their resemblance to ancient ruins may lead you to believe that some mystical beings created this phenomenon a long time ago. No wonder, in the course of the centuries, many legends and myths came into existence in relation to the origin of the eerie formations. Moreover, not far away from Giant's Causeway, you can walk over the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and admire the cliffs, crashing waves and rugged coastline
Cork, with the population of only around 120,000 is the second largest city in The Republic of Ireland. It's a perfect destination for a few days, short break from Dublin, especially in the summer when the weather is better and the blue skies emphasize the clear waters of the beautiful coastline in the south of the Emerald Island. You will be surprised how many hidden, spectacular cliffs, beaches and coves the area can boast. The countryside is absolutely stunning, perfectly lush green, with little villages dotted here and there. On a sunny day you might get the impression that you are in a way more exotic place than Ireland!
Achill Island, Ireland's largest island lies in the western part of the country, in County Mayo. It's not far from Connemara, quite famous and beautiful National Park and 200 km (125 miles) north from the most popular attraction of the Emerald Island - Cliffs of Moher. Achill Island has a lot to offer: the natural beauty with beautiful coast, imposing mountainous peaks and, in my opinion, the most spectacular sandy beach in Ireland - Keem Bay. However, surprisingly, for some reason, (just like the magnificent Skellig Islands and Benbulben Mountain) Achill Island is virtually unknown to visitors. It's usually omitted in the tourist guides about Ireland and there are no tours available from Dublin (although the tours include the nearby Connemara). I found out about it by coincidence while browsing photos on google maps and decided it's a place well worth visiting! I wasn't wrong! For me, Achill Island was definitely one if the most spectacular spots not only in Ireland!
Powerscourt Waterfall may not be the largest or the highest waterfall in the world, but together with the breathtaking natural surroundings and Wicklow Mountains in the background, it creates one of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. Located near the picturesque village of Enniskerry and the famous Powerscourt Gardens, it attracts many visitors, especially during summer weekends. However, if you wish to venture into the wild, there is a beautiful trail in the mountains that will even allow you to see the waterfall itself from a bird's eye view.
The Howth Peninsula - located north from Dublin Bay is yet another place (besides the southern towns of Bray, Greystones, Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey) on the beautiful Dublin coast to visit while staying in the Irish capital. As I mentioned in the previous posts, the nature around Dublin is striking and also very easily accessible by public transport. Within minutes you can travel from a busy, crowded and somehow grey city to the mountainous seaside full of coastal trails running along magnificent rocky cliffs.
As I mentioned in one of the previous articles, one of the greatest things about Dublin, the Irish capital is how close it is to the beautiful coastal areas where the mountains and rugged cliffs meet the sea. Within only around 30 minutes by train from Dublin you can reach either the northern or southern parts of the coast. Especially beautiful in the summer, it has this sub-tropical touch provided by a wide variety of Mediterranean and exotic for this latitude plants, like Cedar trees or even palm trees. So don't miss it when you are in Dublin, you will be nicely surprised!
If you think about Ireland, the first thing that comes to mind is rain, drizzle, cold and wind. Although it is true, sometimes, during the summer months, the sun appears also in the Emerald Island (and in June and July it shines until 10 PM!)
When you are visiting Dublin in summer, it's great to get away from the grayish capital to the beautiful coastal areas, especially because they are so close and at the price of only 5 EUR (7 USD) for a return ticket, using public transport, you can admire the beautiful nature that surrounds the city. You will be surprised.
Powescourt Estate with the impressive castle that dates as far back as the thirteenth century and the 19 hectare gardens are one of the greatest tourist attractions of Dublin area. The estate is located among beautiful Wicklow Mountains scenery and offers breathtaking views of the distinctive Sugar Loaf peak. Very close to Dublin city, around 45 minutes drive from the center, it's a perfect place to enjoy a weekend, especially in the summer time when all the trees are lush green and all flowers in blossom.
The name "Glendalough" means "the glen of two lakes" in the Irish language. The valley is located only around 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the Irish capital city - Dublin. It's very easily accessible, only one hour drive and it's a perfect place for a weekend or even one-day escape from the city crowds. The ruins of the ancient monastic city, two magnificent lakes surrounded by cliffs and rocks, nearby forests as well as waterfalls create an unforgettable scenery. There are many trails available for visitors in the area. Hiking one of them is not too difficult, there are many observation points that offer a spectacular view over the whole valley, lakes and the monastic city.
If you don't know where to go on a sunny day in Dublin, Howth Rhododendron Gardens can be a great alternative to the crowded city parks. In contrast to the very popular center of Howth village, which when the weather is good, attracts many people looking for an escape from the busy capital, Rhododendron Gardens are relatively a little known, peaceful and relaxing place, ideal for hiking, picnics, enjoying the beauty of nature as well as admiring spectacular views of the peninsula, and you can be sure you won't meet crowds of people there, even during the long summer days.
Known by few, Benbulben Mountain (also spelled Benbulbin or Ben Bulben, from Irish "Binn Ghulbain") can be a great alternative weekend destination from the Irish capital, Dublin. Not crowded with many tourists and not difficult to climb from the south side, offers amazing views from the top over the Sligo town, the coast and the sea. Ben Bulben, at the elevation of 526 meters (1727 ft.) above sea level, is in fact a part of the Dartry range and its distinctive, table mountain-like shape was formed by moving glaciers during the Ice Age.
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Many of the visitors coming to southern Poland and Krakow region end up in Zakopane - the little town located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Some hike (or take a horse cart ride) up the easy and quite boring trail to the most famous landmark in Polish mountains - Morskie Oko lake which is undoubtedly picturesque and beautiful, but so overcrowded that it can get really irritating.
In this post, I'll try to encourage you to leave Morskie Oko behind and venture into the real, wild beauty of the area. As usual, the most attractive and stunning views are awaiting those who are brave enough to take a risk and explore something beyond the beaten path. I've already described the trek to Dolina Pieciu Stawow which is way nicer than the one to Morskie Oko and now it's time to write about my favorite trail in the Tatras - to Swinica peak via the less known Dolina Gasienicowa (Gasienicowa Valley) and Zawrat saddle. This trail features not one but several crystal clear lakes of different shapes and colors, spectacular views - incomparable with those on the way to Morskie Oko and it's perfect for those who love adventure and adrenaline rush!
On the second day of the extraordinarily beautiful trek to Poon Hill, we left the cozy village of Ulleri at sunrise and headed uphill towards another village - Ghorepani. Ghorepani is located at the elevation of 2750 meters and it differs from other towns with the distinctive blue roofs and houses. It is also a gateway to the most important point of the trek - Poon Hill (around 3200 meters above sea level) which offers a spectacular, 360 degree view of the Annapurna range in the Himalayas. Especially stunning in March/April when all the wild rhododendrons blossom and cover the mountainous valleys in bright red colors.
Lake Kaindy in southern Kazakhstan is one of the newest and most unique natural wonders on our planet. Although literally unknown in the West, if it was located in any European country, it would be its best tourist attraction. Especially beautiful in the fall (autumn), Lake Kaindy boasts not only exceptionally attractive blue color of water and snowy rocky mountains surrounding it but also the unique, silver trunks of dead spruce sticking out of the lake's surface. The "flooded forest" is indeed one of the natural landmarks of Kazakhstan. It all creates a fairy-tale like scenery, not seen anywhere else.
You might have seen photos of the gargantuan hole in the middle of the desert spewing out flames and a beam of light out of its core high up into the night sky while watching National Geographic or some documentary on the weirdest places on Earth. Although the Darvaza Crater has got quite large exposure in the media, it still remains very rarely visited by ordinary tourists. Central Asia is an extremely interesting place both naturally and historically. However, travelers almost always skip it choosing the popular beaches in Southeast Asia. Come to Darvaza and you'll feel as if you were teleported to Mars - it's a unique, outlandish and eerie experience that cannot be compared to anything else you've seen before.
While watching one of the Hollywood apocalyptic films or playing computer games - have you ever thought that a real ghost town is closer than you think? It is actually located in the center of Europe - in Ukraine. 110 kilometers (70 miles) from the country's capital - Kiev, very close to the border with Belarus. A visit to Pripyat is an extraordinary experience - something you most probably have never seen and will never see. It is completely different from the usual sight seeing tours. In this post I am presenting a gallery of photos of this ghost town literally abandoned overnight thirty years ago.
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2015 was a year full of adventure, surprises and amazing opportunities to discover even more of great and off the beaten path places. Just like a year ago, based on my own experience (I've been to all the countries described below), I'd like to present my list of destinations to visit in 2016 (click here to see the post from 2015). As usual, it will be different than most of such lists released by meainstream travel magazines. Instead of repeating all the well known places, I'd like you to get inspired and explore new adventurous and exciting spots. It has probably never even come to your mind that you could visit some of them and you'll surely get shocked when you learn where those amazing wonders actually are located!
The Shipwreck Beach (also called Navagio) on the Greek island - Zakynthos is the most beautiful beach I have seen. It's claimed to be the most beautiful - and I agree. After visiting numerous beaches in other, also way more exotic destinations (like Brazil, Thailand, Italy, Mauritius, Georgia, India, Croatia, Albania, Spain, Portugal), I have yet to discover a place that would enchant me as much as Navagio Beach. But there is a flaw in this perfection. The beach is indeed the most beautiful in the world, granted that it's viewed from the edge of the cliff that surrounds it. Looked at from the sea level, it looses its charm. However, most of the tour agencies offering a trip to the beach arrive there by boat and in this case you will not see it as it is on the postcards or leaflets - from above. It's also impossible to climb the steep rocky cliff from the beach. So what's the solution if you want to admire the famous view from the top?
One of the most important religious sites in Myanmar, seemingly defying the law of gravity - Golden Rock Temple (Kyaiktio or Kyaikhteeyoe Pagoda), although quite famous, is surprisingly not as touristy as the other destinations in the country - Bagan, Mandalay or Yangon. There are good and bad sides to it. The good thing is that the authenticity of the place is still preserved (unlike the temples in Thailand) and you'll see many more locals than foreigners around. The bad thing - to get there without an expensive, privately run tour or a taxi is pretty complicated, the bus schedules are not clear and the level of English among the Burmese is very low. And... to be honest, the site is one of those that look absolutely spectacular in the photos, a bit less so in real life. Having said that, the whole journey was a great adventure, definitely worth the effort and it left some priceless memories in my mind.
It might be a bit strange to see a post about a spa on a blog that describes mainly an active way of traveling and discovering some forgotten and unknown places where few even think of visiting. But Blue Lagoon in Iceland is different. It's an amazing proof how human engineering and nature can cooperate perfectly. It's not an ordinary, boring spa with swimming pools and massages. The Blue Lagoon is one of those experiences that, I think, everyone should try at least once in life. Especially after exploring some of the marvelous sites of Iceland - an outlandish island on the periphery of Europe.
The very south corner of Albania - the country which is still a black spot on the touristic map of Europe offers, in my opinion, the best beaches in the entire old continent: white sand, tropical color of the clearest possible seas, the exoticism of the area and most friendly locals. Most of the very few individual foreign tourists who get to the beach village of Ksamil arrive by ferry from the neighboring, overcrowded by tourists Greek island - Corfu. I followed the same route. And, I really thought that Corfu is amazing until I set foot in Albania's shore. My jaw literally dropped. I immediately felt as if I was transferred to one of the tropical, paradise-like postcard spots. It's a mystery to me how this exceptionally beautiful piece of land lacks any recognition among foreigners. But maybe it's better this way!
Ireland is best known for spectacular cliffs, endless green meadows, hundreds of sheep, ubiquitous pubs and of course, above all - Guinness. A beach is something that never comes to mind when you think about things to see in the Emerald Island. However, it’s good to know some nice place where you can relax and enjoy your time when the sun actually appears and chases away the gray cloud cover. During such a rare event, when you visit Dublin, you'll probably notice the masses escaping to Howth, Bray or the city beaches such as Portmarnock. They are all nice locations, however there are no sandy beaches in Howth and Bray and the ones in the north of the capital are long and endless with unimaginable crowds and murky water.
But what if we told you that we discovered a hidden little beach that is mostly known only among locals and it’s not worse than the beaches surrounded by cliffs in countries like Portugal?