Kiss the Blarney, see the Cliffs of Moher, have a pint at Temple Bar… All the usual suggestions for a trip to Ireland. None of them bad suggestions at all! But, when I travel, I like to “live like a local” and adventure out to the less touristy areas. If you’re like me, then this list is for you!
Cute shops, quaint cafes, and fun stops off the beaten path all over Ireland.
- The Burren Perfumery – County Clare. The Burren is fairly touristy. Everyone wants to see the unique landscape and the beautiful dainty flowers that emerge in the cracks of the rocky terrain. It’s definitely pretty, but there’s very little to do for busy-bodies like myself. A few years ago I stumbled upon the Burren Perfumery. It’s a quaint garden featuring a lovely cafe and gorgeous gift shop. The darling atmosphere can instantly lift anyone’s mood! They have some wonderful products, including an amazing night cream that I purchased on my last visit in October of 2019. I highly recommend venturing off the beaten path for this little gem!
2. Hazel Mountain Chocolate – County Clare. Also in the Burren you can find one of the world’s smallest and most remote chocolate factories. They have a chocolate store in Galway which looks just as darling as the factory, but if you want the full experience I HIGHLY recommend checking out the factory. It’s situation in what feels like a little homestead with separate buildings for the factory, gift shop, and cafe. We did not take a tour due to time restraint, but I wish we would have! The chocolate makes a wonderful souvenir for your loved ones. You HAVE to try the hot chocolate in the cafe. It’s truly life changing. And of course, all of the baked goods are pure heaven as well.
3. Queen of Tarts – Dublin. Hands down my FAVORITE cafe. I stumbled upon the cafe on total accident during one of my trips. It has become the one place that I must visit every time I’m in Dublin. They have the most amazing apple crumble tarts. Actually, I’ve never had anything bad from Queen of Tarts and the staff is also friendly and so amazing. I can’t recommend them enough!
4. Murphy’s Ice Cream – Dingle. Okay, this one is pretty famous and well known, but I love how little and intimate this place is. Murphy’s brown bread ice cream is to die for! Murphy’s has multiple locations, but Dingle is the original and I’m all about getting the real deal!
5. Westport, Ireland. I realize this isn’t a little shop or cafe, etc. it’s an entire city. Honestly, Westport is my absolute favorite place to visit. There are so many adorable shops and restaurants in Westport, so it’s impossible to pick just one place, that’s why the whole town is on this list. Seriously, don’t pass it up!
