Just a short plane journey from the British Isles, Ireland is a popular travel destination for UK holiday makers. A country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, Ireland offers a range of iconic attractions for visitors to explore. From the breath-taking cliffs of Moher, and the mythological Giant’s Causeway; to the bustling capital city of Dublin, and the pub-lined streets of Galway, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in Ireland.
Beyond the most crowded tourist attractions, however, a host of quirky hidden gems lie waiting to be unearthed. Venture off-the-beaten-path and check out some of the lesser known, quirky things to do and see in Ireland.
6 eccentric experiences to have in Ireland
Bath in seaweed
Pay a visit to one of Ireland’s coastal towns, and indulge in a traditional seaweed bath. Despite being worlds apart from your typical spa experience, seaweed baths have been popular in Ireland for almost a century; with bathers reporting improved skin, better sleep, and reduced aches and pains.
Some of the most popular seaweed baths in Ireland include:
- Kilcullen Seaweed Baths in Enniscrone, County Sligo
- Connemara Seaweed Baths, County Galway – home to the only saltwater seaweed baths in the west of Ireland
- Voya Seaweed Spa, Strandhill County Sligo Ireland (pictured above)
Visit a leprechaun museum
Ireland is home to over 200 museums, including the notable Natural History Museum in Dublin. For a history lesson a little less ordinary, however, you can’t beat a trip to Dublin’s National Leprechaun Museum.
Step into the world of Irish myth, folklore and legend with the aid of your guided storyteller, and discover the history and legend behind Ireland’s most elusive faerie folk.
Hunt for leprechauns
Did you really visit Ireland if you didn’t get to spot one of the country’s most iconic mythological characters, the leprechaun? Visit a popular tourist area like Dublin, and you can embark on a leprechaun hunt. Not only is hunting for leprechauns incredibly fun, but it’s also a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Irish folklore.
According to legend, if you manage to capture one of these cheeky little tricksters, you’ll be blessed with the “luck of the Irish”, along with three wishes!
Play the Irish lottery
Feeling lucky after your leprechaun hunt? Why not play the Irish lottery with Lottoland and see if you’re on a winning streak?
The Irish Lottery is so popular, it’s one of the top games of choice for many players in the UK, let alone within Ireland. The rules of the game, and how the game is played, don’t differ all that much from traditional games. However, the odds of winning any prize are 1 in 29, with minimum jackpots of £1.7m.
Join a guided ghost tour
Shrouded in history, Ireland is closely associated with ghosts and legends. Head to a busy city like Dublin or Cork to join a guided ghost tour, stopping off at the eeriest local spots, as your guide tells spooky stories about the history of each site, and ghostly sightings in the area.
Dress up as a Viking
The oldest city in Ireland – with a Christian parish predating St. Patrick – Waterford was established by the Vikings, in around 914AD.
Visit Waterford Treasures Museum to explore the restored historical city centre, the Viking Triangle. Book the ‘King of the Vikings’ virtual reality adventure to discover the story of Reginald, King of Waterford, and York. Plus, don’t miss your opportunity to don traditional Viking costume and dress up as a Viking for the day!
While Ireland is home to a string of well-known tourist attractions worth visiting during your stay, you’ll be surprised at what lies waiting in store a little off-the-beaten-path. So, don’t be afraid to venture away from typical tourist destinations while on holiday to Ireland, and make time to visit some of the most quirky things to see and do in Ireland. Remember to check the seasonal availability, opening hours and admissions costs of any locations you’re hoping to visit, in advance of your trip – and prepare to embrace the many quirky things to do in Ireland!
Can you think of any other quirky things to see and do in Ireland? Let me know by leaving a comment below, and I may add your suggestion to my list!
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