Undiscovered Ireland

Beara Peninsula (Ring of Beara)

dzogchen beara buddhist retreat centre on the ring of beara in cork, ireland

The Dzogchen Beara Buddhist retreat centre on the Beara Peninsula

While tour buses hoon around the Ring of Kerry in pursuit of leprechauns, those in the know are holidaying on the neighbouring peninsula, savouring Ireland at its most tranquil.

Still relatively undiscovered, the 137km-long coastal road that winds around West Cork'

Arranmore Island, Co Donegal

Rugged and blustery, Arranmore Island is a 9km by 5km microcosm of Ireland. Cast out into the Atlantic, it is a mere 25-minute ferry ride from Burtonport in West Donegal.

Known to the 800-or-so Irish-speaking residents as Árainn Mhór, it has been inhabited since prehistoric times and boasts some impressive archaeological remains. Arranmore's diverse scenery encompasses bogs, lakes, sandy beaches, sea caves and cliffs. A walking path encircles the island, taking about four hours to conquer.

the entrance of newgrange in co meath, ireland

Newgrange is older than the pyramids and Stonehenge

Older than the pyramids and a thousand years more senior than Stonehenge, the prehistoric passage tomb of Newgrange is the king of Europe's Stone Age attractions.