#celticsoul

🎄 ✨ 🎁 🎅

There’s something about Christmas in Ireland that feels different. Not the shop windows or the crowds, but the quiet corners — the places where the season settles softly, like frost on a tree branch.

This time of year, the real magic isn’t always out on the road. Sometimes it’s found in a warm room, a decorated tree, and the simple calm before the storm of December days. Gifts waiting. Lights glowing. A small world inside, while winter builds its own story outside.

❄️ ☃️ 🌨️ 🌲 🌬️

Ireland’s hidden gems aren’t only cliffs, lakes, and forests. They’re also these intimate, unspoken moments — a house dressed for Christmas, a quiet morning, the feeling that everything has slowed just enough to breathe.

🌲✨ Glenmalure, Cullentragh Park – Wicklow’s Wild Side ✨🌲

Hidden Gems Around Ireland

Some places remind you how good it feels to disappear for a while — Glenmalure is one of them. Today’s trail took me through Cullentragh Park, where the path glistened after the rain, the air smelled of pine, and the moon was still hanging quietly over the mountains.

No phone coverage here — and honestly, that’s the magic. Just the sound of water trickling down the rocky path, the colours of Wicklow’s autumn shrubs, and tall evergreens guiding you deeper into the valley.

If you’re looking for a place to reset, breathe, and feel completely off-grid, this part of Glenmalure is a treasure. Pure nature, no distractions, just Ireland at its raw and peaceful best. 🍃🌙

More hidden gems coming soon. 💚🇮🇪

#HiddenGemsAroundIreland #Wicklow #Glenmalure #CullentraghPark #IrelandHikes #OffGridIreland #ExploreIreland

Belmont-Demense Greystones, Co.Wicklow

🌿 Hidden Gems Around Ireland: Belmont Demesne, Co. Wicklow

By Maeve, TU Dublin Hospitality Management Student

Tucked just beyond the charming seaside town of Bray in County Wicklow lies one of Ireland’s true hidden treasures Belmont Demesne. This beautiful working farm combines nature, adventure, and a touch of history, making it a perfect day out for families, friends, and solo explorers alike.

🚶‍♀️ Trails for Every Traveller

Once you’ve paid a small parking fee, a whole world of outdoor fun opens up. Whether you’re after a peaceful walk through woodlands and meadows, a fun cycle along scenic bike trails, or an adrenaline rush on the pump track, Belmont Demesne has something for everyone. The trails cater to all ages and abilities, and onsite bike hire is available making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle without having to travel far from Dublin.

🍽️ Arthur’s Barn Where Film Meets Flavour

At the heart of Belmont lies Arthur’s Barn, a cosy onsite restaurant that offers hearty, wholesome food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. But there’s more to this spot than just great food it’s also steeped in movie magic.

Arthur’s Barn was originally part of the set for the Hollywood blockbuster King Arthur (2004), starring Clive Owen and Keira Knightley. The barn’s cinematic past adds a unique charm, blending Irish countryside warmth with a touch of Hollywood history.

And Belmont’s film credits don’t stop there the estate has also featured in hit productions like Vikings, Calvary, and Into the Badlands.

🚴‍♂️ Family Fun and Fresh Air

Belmont Demesne is a place that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and breathe in the fresh Wicklow air. Children can safely explore the open spaces and trails, while adults can enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride. There’s plenty of space for picnics, photo ops, and simply soaking in the peaceful countryside views.

📸 A Hidden Gem Worth Sharing

Though just a stone’s throw from Dublin, Belmont Demesne feels like a world away. It’s a spot that locals love and visitors are always delighted to discover a true hidden gem that captures the best of what rural Ireland has to offer stunning scenery, good food, and genuine hospitality.

So next time you’re planning a weekend adventure or a family day trip, put Belmont Demesne on your list. Whether you come for the trails, the views, or a meal at Arthur’s Barn, you’ll leave refreshed, inspired, and already planning your next visit.

🌅 Hidden Gems Around Ireland — Lake Lene, County Westmeath

By Kristine | Summer Reflections in the Heart of Ireland

There’s a moment in every Irish summer when the light lingers just a little longer — when the wind moves through the reeds and time seems to slow. This photo was taken at Lake Lene, near Collinstown in County Westmeath — a place that feels like it belongs to another world. 🌿

💧 A Lake of Legends

Locals say Lake Lene is enchanted — tied to ancient Irish legends of the Children of Lir. The still waters and gentle breeze create an atmosphere that feels quietly spiritual. You can almost imagine voices from centuries ago echoing softly across the lake.

🌞 Summer at Its Purest

The day I visited, the air was warm and golden. The sunlight danced across the rippling surface, turning every wave into a shimmer of light. Reeds swayed in rhythm, the sound of water whispering like a gentle melody.

No crowds, no noise — just the hum of nature. It’s one of those places that reminds you how powerful stillness can be.

🪶 Things to Do Nearby

Bring a picnic and enjoy the quiet lakeshore at sunset 🌄

Visit the nearby Fore Abbey ruins — another serene spot only a short drive away

Explore the Lough Lene Blueway for paddleboarding, swimming, or a peaceful lakeside walk

<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ya9rjJfFzrfhT8Hc6" target="_blank">📍 View Lake Lene on Google Maps</a>

🌾 Why It’s a Hidden Gem

Because it’s not a tourist magnet — it’s a local’s secret. Lake Lene feels intimate, untouched, and deeply Irish. It’s where the evening sky turns to gold, and you realise the best moments in life often happen quietly.

✨ Travel Note