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Our Irish writers pick their favorite vacation spots in Ireland
We asked four travel writers about their favorite under-the-radar vacation spots in their native Ireland.
With its dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities and rich heritage, Ireland inspires all sorts of adventures. But away from the world-renowned Cliffs of Moher and the literary trails in Dublin, where do locals go when they want to steer clear of the crowds?
Here, four Lonely Planet writers and editors from the Dublin office share favorite destinations for laid-back holidays in Ireland.
Rossnowlagh, Donegal
Aoife Breslin grew up in Donegal Town in the north-west of Ireland. Now living in Dublin, she visits home as much as she can.
Why Rossnowlagh?
Just 8km (5 miles) from Donegal Town, Rossnowlagh has been a special place for me since childhood. At first, I wasn’t thrilled about being dragged to the beach on chilly, rainy mornings for surf lessons. But over time, my love affair with the area grew and it became a place of comfort. Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, Rossnowlagh has a way of making you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.
Must-do activity
Rossnowlagh is a haven for surf lovers. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned surfer, Fin McCool Surf School has everything you need to ride those legendary Wild Atlantic waves.
For families, Castle Adventure Farm is the perfect place for children. Packed with fun activities, kids can bottle-feed lambs, take a trip aboard the barrel train, and even get behind the wheel of a real digger.
Where to stay
The Sandhouse Hotel is just a stone’s throw from Rossnowlagh Beach, which means you get incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. After a day of adventure, I think there is no better place to watch the sunset than in the coziness of its Surfer’s Bar.
Where to eat
For breakfast grab a coffee and a freshly baked pastry from the Bakery Shack. If you’re on the hunt for fresh seafood, the fish and chips at Smuggler’s Creek is a must. On Fridays be sure to head down to Rossnowlagh’s Farmers Market to sample delicious, locally sourced produce.
A seasonal event worth planning around
One of the best weekends in Donegal’s calendar is the Rory Gallagher Festival, a celebration of the legendary rock artist, which features incredible live music and performances. Held in Ballyshannon, Ireland’s oldest town, it is just a 10-minute drive from Rossnowlagh.
Roundstone, Galway
Fionnuala McCarthy works on Lonely Planet's digital content team. She lives in Dublin but heads west for a three-day weekend whenever she can.
Why Roundstone?
It's to the tiny Victorian fishing village of Roundstone on the edge of Connemara, where I escape to recharge my batteries. Two of the coastline's finest beaches sit on the outskirts of Roundstone: Gurteen and the horseshoe-shaped Dog's Bay, which has the softest of white sand. In summer locals rename the popular strand after an affluent Dublin postcode due to its popularity with well-heeled Dubliners, yet it still remains unspoiled.
Must-do activity
Today, the village is also a creative hub and the home of many artists and writers. The old 1830s Franciscan Monastery has been redeveloped as the open workshop for Malachy Kearns, Ireland's master maker of bodhráns (drums made of goat hide) – and well worth a visit.
The surrounding countryside is wild and open, with nothing between you and the looming Twelve Bens mountain range but sheep, lakes and stone walls. Even at the height of the summer season, you can spend hours walking the countryside without encountering another soul.
Where to stay
We usually stay at a quaint renovated fisher's cottage in the heart of the village, but a recent find was the Scandi-style Stilt House in Fernwood Eco Farm, a short drive away in nearby Clifden. This hideaway is set in a woodland with private trails, and a sauna by a saltwater lake, with the only sounds you'll hear from the trees and the rescue donkeys on the farm.
Where to eat
Roundstone is one of the oldest fishing villages on the Atlantic coast, and the three local pubs all serve up the freshest of seafood – though in my opinion, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything to rival the chowder served in O'Dowd's pub.
Lough Dan, Wicklow
Amy Lynch is a commissioning editor for Lonely Planet. She's based in Dublin but loves getting out of the city for hiking and biking trips in nearby Wicklow.
Why Lough Dan?
Wicklow – the "Garden of Ireland" – is known for its scenic hikes, stately homes and sandy beaches. But when I want to enjoy the beauty of Wicklow away from the crowds in Glendalough or Bray, I head for two small lakes hidden amid the mountains. Lough Dan, mainly used by locals, is a tranquil, green, gorgeous area near the village of Roundwood.
Must-do activity
Accessed via a scenic walk from Luggala Lodge, it is popular for kayaking and hiking. We usually bring a picnic and swimwear, and take a couple of hours preparing ourselves to dip into very cold lake water!
When we are ready to move again, there's a great walk from Lough Dan to Lough Tay (also known as the Guinness Lake), a beautiful lake 10km (6 miles) south of Lough Dan. There are numerous viewing points at Lough Tay to take in the stunning landscape.
Where to stay
There are many guesthouses and B&Bs in the area, particularly in Roundwood, but camping in Lough Dan is usually the top choice for many visitors.
Where to eat
When all the activities are done, Kavanagh's Vartry House in Roundwood is a great place to rest up, with a solid menu and cozy atmosphere. And if you're lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, you'll get to enjoy some live traditional music with your pints. 
Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny
Sasha Brady works on Lonely Planet's digital content team. She lives in Dublin and is always looking to get out and about in green spaces.
Why Graiguenamanagh?
Graiguenamanagh (pronounced greg·nuh·maanah) is rightfully celebrated as one of Ireland's most charming towns. It's only a 90-minute drive from Dublin, yet international visitors rarely make their way down here. The town is home to the beautifully restored 13th-century Duiske Abbey, and its location on the River Barrow makes it a perfect hub for outdoor adventures.
The best time to visit Graiguenamanagh is in summer to make the most of the outdoors, particularly in late August when the Barrow is at its warmest and buildings are transformed into bookshops for its long-running (and beloved) Town of Books festival.
Must-do activity
One of my favorite things to do is to rent a bike and cycle the wooded riverside trail from Graiguenamanagh to St Mullin's, especially during late summer when I can fill my basket with ripe blackberries and raspberries. But you can't visit the Barrow without getting wet, so I always encourage visitors to rent paddleboards, canoes and kayaks here and enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of the river and its canals. Afterward, the Finnish-style sauna by the riverside is a lovely way to soothe muscles after a day's exploring.
Where to stay
Bandon Hill Camping provides excellent value with well-maintained facilities for families wanting to embrace the outdoors. Alternatively, try Waterside Guest House, a boutique hotel that occupies a converted mill building where rooms feature stone walls and windows that frame the river.
Where to eat
The Waterside serves what locals consider the best full-Irish breakfast in town. For lunch, make the 15-minute drive to the cafe-museum-bookshop Goodly Barrow. Its spicy chicken caesar salad bowl, sticky toffee pudding and Moroccan mint tea is generally my answer when someone asks me what my last meal will be.
For drinks Mick Daly's is one of my favorite pubs in Ireland, especially when a live music session is in full swing. With a history that dates back to the 1800s, the pub has retained most of its traditional features and even houses an old-school grocery shop where you can find everything from fishing tackle to tea.
