An extraordinarily beautiful outpost overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Glencolumbkille is sited in a lush green valley, west of the dark boglands. It is said that St. Columba established a monastery here in the 6th century and gave his name to the glen (its Gaelic name—Gleann Cholm Cille—means “Glen of Columba’s Church”). Today it’s home to the Glencolumbkille Folk Village, a wonderful “living history” park and craft center, set up and maintained entirely by local people. In a series of small traditional cottages, the park tells the story of this remote community in an engaging way. Guided tours are available, or you can take it at your own pace. Don’t leave without browsing the sheebeen—a little store selling traditional local products (seaweed wine, anyone?). There are miniature playhouses to entertain the children, while a tearoom serves traditional Irish stews and brútin (a stew of hot milk and potatoes). Guinness cake is a house specialty.