Things to do / places to see in Ireland

[qwerty123]

I have a few friends who will be in Ireland next month on holiday, I'm out of the country at the minute myself but they were looking for some advice on 'non-touristy' things to do and see and if I'm being brutally honest I'm struggling to come up with anything. They are pretty open minded about everything really and don't mind trying different things. They'll be in Dublin for a good part of it, but they'll have a few days in Cork/Kerry, 4/5 days in Galway and a week up North. Any advice at all would be great. The only 'nugget' I have for them is to avoid Temple Bar!

[Denn Forever]

Go subterranean in The Marble Arch Caves in Cavan/Fermanagh.  http://www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com/.

Or do the tourist thing and relive scenes from Father Ted  in the Allwee Caves.   http://www.aillweecave.ie/.  I

Its a pity but they just missed the Fr Ted festival but tours are still available. http://www.tedtours.com/tours/

[Canalman]

Off the usual beaten track Dublinwise and going on the reaction to tourists I have brought there but you can recommend that they

1 Walk out the pier at Ringsend out to the lighthouse
2 Walk around the hill of Howth
3 Do Glasnevin cemetery tour
4 Go up the 3 Rock Mountain for the views of the city
5 Pop out to Dalkey on the dart and see the seals and harbours.

They no doubt will do all the other guidebook things anyway.

[God14]

No matter how many times ive visited it, I always enjoy walking round the Giants Causeway.

[Clinker]

Always enjoy the rugged climb of Slievegallion and then cutting across the green that seperates them for a declining amble down the winding Slieveban.

[Dinny Breen]

http://www.wonderfulireland.ie/

[Aerlik]

Malin Head.
The north coast road leading into the Glens. 
A cruise up the River Bann to Toome enjoying the views of one of Ireland's finest rivers.
And definitely the Titanic Centre.

Avoid Tyrone!

[Shamrock Shore]

Qwerty

A trip to Granard?

[Denn Forever]

Qwerty

A trip to Granard?

Does Pat the Baker's do guided tours?

[armaghniac]

This kind of question is impossible unless you provide some indication of the interests of your visitors. Some people like to visit old pubs, others couldn't car less. Some would find an old railway bridge interesting, others wouldn't even notice it. Some would visit gardens and look at flowers, others wouldn't dream of doing this.

[macdanger2]

Driving from Galway to Sligo on the N59 via Clifden, Louisburgh, Belmullet & Ballycastle is a great drive if you want wild scenery. Along the way:

- Alcock & Brown's landing site close to Clifden
- Killarey harbour on the Mayo / Galway border
- Climb Mweelrea or Croagh Patrick close to Westport
- Any end of beaches around Louisburgh
- Belmullet & Achill island
- Carrowtiege loop walk just outside Glenamoy http://www.mayowalks.ie/WalkingTrails/LocalisedLoopWalks/CarrowteigeLoopWalks/index.aspx
- Ceide fields outside Ballycastle http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/west/ceidefields/
- Museum of Country life in Turlough http://www.museum.ie/en/intro/country-life.aspx
- Michael Davitt museum in Straide http://www.michaeldavittmuseum.com/
- Jackie Clarke collection in Ballina (haven't been but it's supposed to be good) http://www.clarkecollection.ie/home/

Plenty of places for fishing along the way too

[Asal Mor]

I think Kilmainham Jail is fascinating.

[snoopdog]

Orangefest Belfast July 12th

[5 Sams]

+1 Achill Island. The drive from Keel to Keem.

Slea Head Drive...spectacular

[Harold Disgracey]

The 1916 walking tour is good value.