Ireland's Best-Kept Secrets

Ireland, a mystical and magical island in the north Atlantic, makes for a fabulous holiday destination. An island mixed with modern-day conveniences and technology, yet retains its agricultural and natural character. Ireland, full of history, has a landscape dotted with castles, churches and druid ruins, as well as Pubs full of legends and tails of prominent local residents. Ireland, an island of secrets, yet a vacationer only needs to look to the Irish people to find the secrets of this emerald isle.

Ireland has white sandy beaches

Ireland not commonly known for its beaches has many pristine beaches. Kells is such a beach. Located on the northern coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, Kells has a sandy beach surrounded by a rural landscape. A little harbor, close by this white sandy beach, provides excellent fishing. The whole region, covered in color by the plant life that surrounds the beach area, offer a natural environment for soft adventures. The Bulter Arms Hotel provides accommodations for those seeking rooms nearby. Reservations may be made by calling +353 66 9474144 or by booking through their website at www.butlerarms.com/accommodation.html.

Ireland is for lovers

One of the best-kept secrets is the Longueville House in the Blackwater River Valley, County Cork. The House provides its guest with romantic candlelight dinners in a Victorian Conservatory and drinks by a log fire in the dining room. The property grounds are perfect for lovers to take long walks through the gardens and wooded areas. Longuevelle House offers an exciting destination for Irish weddings. The house can accommodate up to 42 guests in it rooms and restaurant. A local church offers a romantic background for an Irish wedding. Vacationers' from the United States may make reservations by calling 800-323-5463 or by visiting the websites at www.longuevillehouse.ie.

The Isle of One -- Omey Island in County Galway

A small tidal island, that many animals, birds, plant life call home, only has one full time resident. You will find many empty houses and historic sites to explore by hiking or on horseback. A historic well with waters, that legend has it, cures many ailments. The well is just one of many historic sites to explore. The island has a long monastic history. St Feichin, known for spreading Christianity throughout much of County Galway had a monastery built on the island. An old church, nearly 1500 years old, has been partially excavated creating a venue for learning about archeology. Visitors to the island must cross a vast sandy strand by car or on foot with the tide permitting. The island has no stonewalls or boundaries. It is, however, an open grassland island where wild cows roam around freely.

Hunted Castles of Ireland

Ireland offers many hunted castles, churches and forts for those interested in learning about the haunting history of Ireland. Listening to the legends of banshees, leprechauns and pookas, while sipping pints of ale at a local pub, is an excellent start towards a vacation chasing the ghosts of Ireland. Sitting in front of a Pubs peat fire, will allow your mind and soul to capture the essence of the old Ireland. Set out for one of five different castles that have ghosts that walk there halls. The Killakee House in Dublin has a sinister black cat and the members of the Hell Fire Club that wonders the rooms. The most hunted castle in Ireland is the Leap Castle in Offaly. The legend of the O'Carroll Clan massacre echoes the walls of the castle. The bloody chapel is where in the 14th century an elder O'Carroll killed his brother as he knelt in prayer at the altar. Yeat's young son hunts Thoor Ballylee tower, the summer tower home of the poet Yeats. Yeats was a disciple of the occult and believed in ghosts