The most underrated landmarks in Ireland - SumUp

Ireland is celebrated for its lush landscapes, vibrant cities, and iconic sites, but some of its landmarks are less famous than others. Whilst the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle understandably receive countless visitors every year, there are many lesser-known landmarks that deserve just as much attention.

The Famine Sculptures along the River Liffey, for instance, commemorate the brave souls who emigrated during the Great Irish Famine. Then there’s Salthill Promenade, a scenic coastal walkway that stretches along Galway Bay, which comes with a tradition of kicking the wall at the end for good luck.

With so many incredible places to visit, the team at SumUp decided to look into the most underrated landmarks in Ireland and why you should include them during your next trip!

What are the most underrated landmarks in Ireland?

We carried out some research to find out which landmarks in Ireland are the most underrated. Here are the top five, with a total score out of 100:

1. 14 Henrietta Street (score: 98.35)

Located in Dublin’s north inner city, 14 Henrietta Street is a remarkable museum that tells the story of the area’s social history through the lens of one building. Originally built in the 18th century as a grand Georgian townhouse for Dublin’s elite, it later became a tenement building, housing over 100 people in cramped conditions during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Today, 14 Henrietta Street offers immersive tours that explore the realities of life for Dublin’s working-class families, shedding light on Ireland’s social and economic changes over the centuries. This hidden gem is a must-visit if you’re a history enthusiast, as it offers a deeply personal and moving experience through carefully preserved rooms and evocative storytelling.

2. Skellig Michael (score: 95.94)

A rocky island off the coast of County Kerry, Skellig Michael is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising sharply from the Atlantic Ocean, this remote and mystical landmark is home to an ancient monastic settlement dating back to the 6th century. The island’s well-preserved beehive huts, stone steps, and breathtaking views add to its charm, attracting nature lovers from near and far.

In recent years, Skellig Michael gained worldwide recognition as a filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, where it served as the secluded refuge of Luke Skywalker. This cinematic connection has attracted thousands of visitors eager to experience its otherworldly beauty.

Accessible only by boat, the island offers a unique adventure, but visitor numbers are limited due to conservation efforts.

3. Slieve League (score: 93.32)

Located in County Donegal, Slieve League is home to some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, soaring over 600 metres (1,972 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean. Offering breathtaking panoramic views, these cliffs are nearly three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, yet they somehow remain one of Ireland’s most underrated landmarks.

If you pay Slieve League a visit, you can take in gorgeous surroundings from multiple viewing points or embark on the One Man’s Pass hike for a thrilling, high-altitude experience. The area is steeped in human history too, with ancient stone remains and early Christian sites adding to its cultural significance.

Unlike more crowded tourist spots, Slieve League provides a tranquil escape, making it the perfect destination if you’re looking for raw beauty.

4. Wicklow Mountains National Park (score: 89.23)

Wicklow Mountains National Park is located just south of Dublin. Spanning over 20,000 hectares, this breathtaking destination is known for its rolling hills, deep glacial valleys, cascading waterfalls and serene lakes. 

The park is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts because it offers countless hiking trails, including the Wicklow Way, one of Ireland’s most famous long-distance walking routes. If you’re a lover of wildlife, you’re sure to spot some red deer, peregrine falcons and many other native species along the way.

Thanks to Wicklow Mountains National Park’s dramatic scenery, parts of it have been featured in movies such as Braveheart and the popular TV show Vikings. 

5. Howth Head (score: 88.75)

Howth Head is a stunning coastal peninsula located just outside Dublin, offering breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. This rugged headland is famous for its scenic cliff walks, where you can experience unspoilt landscapes, wild seabirds and historic sites, including the 19th-century Baily Lighthouse.

Beyond its natural beauty, the area is home to a vibrant fishing village with a bustling harbour, renowned for its restaurants and traditional Irish pubs. Whether you’re looking for hiking, heritage or fresh seafood, Howth Head is a perfect escape from Dublin’s city centre, offering an authentic slice of Ireland’s coastal charm.

If you haven’t visited Howth Head before, you may recognise it from movies such as Love, Rosie and P.S. I Love You. It was also referenced in James Joyce’s epic novel Ulysses.

The impact of landmarks on small businesses

Landmarks in Ireland play a crucial role in supporting small businesses by driving tourism and increasing visitor numbers. Whether it’s historic sites or cultural hotspots, these attractions draw visitors from around the world, creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive. In the process, landmarks also contribute to the local economy through increased demand for accommodation, dining and transport services.

Social media has led to an increase in visits to lesser-known Irish landmarks, with travellers and locals actively seeking out hidden gems to escape the crowds of major attractions. This trend boosts local businesses in unexpected places, helping them to gain visibility.

By preserving and promoting these landmarks, Ireland not only protects its cultural heritage but also ensures sustainable growth for small businesses across the country.

Corin Camenisch, Marketing and Growth Leader at SumUp commented on the report, saying "We created this ranking to spotlight some of Ireland’s hidden gems—places that are often overlooked in favour of the usual tourist spots like Dublin Castle or Guinness Storehouse. By highlighting these underrated hotspots, we’re hoping to show people spots they might not know about and spread the benefits of local tourism."

"With TikTokers and influencers constantly sharing cool, off-the-beaten-path places, more and more people are eager to discover unique destinations, and we think that's a great way to help local economies thrive. By bringing attention to these lesser-known landmarks, we hope to not only provide visitors with new and enriching experiences but also support small businesses that may not have the same visibility as those placed in larger, well-known, tourist attractions. These hidden gems often rely on tourism to sustain their operations, and by shining a light on them, we’re hoping to ensure that local businesses can benefit from a steady flow of visitors, which is crucial for their growth and long-term success."

Methodology

Using 'traveller favourites' on TripAdvisor, 30 Irish landmarks, including viral locations tied to pop culture and film/TV were ranked based on how underrated they are. To do this, 5 different factors were used. Once the data for the factors was collected, the factors were then normalised, to provide each factor with a score between 0 and 1. The normalised values were then summed and multiplied, to give each landmark a total score out of 100. The landmarks were then ranked from highest to lowest, based on their total scores.

The factors included are the number of 5* Reviews, number of reviews, number of Instagram posts, search volume for each landmark name, and Brandwatch mentions for each landmark name.

All data is correct as of 21/02/25. The ranking data shown is a compilation of multiple data sources and may not be representative of real life. All data is accurate with regard to the sources provided.