Irish gem hidden in 'gorgeous lesser-known woodland trail' is a must-visit

A travel influencer has highlighted a "hidden gem", a stunning set of ruins that are a must-visit for tourists in the area.

Content creator The Lady Travels asked her followers: "Have you ever been to this hidden gem in Country Waterford? You will find the remains of Ballysaggartmore Towers, which was constructed back in the 19th century as an entryway to what would have been a grand castle."

Ballysaggartmore Towers are a set of elaborate and ornamental Gothic-style gate lodges located near Lismore, County Waterford, Ireland.

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They were constructed in the 1830s by Arthur Kiely-Ussher, a wealthy landowner, as part of his plans to build a grand mansion on his estate. However, the mansion was never completed, and only the gate lodges and a bridge, also known as the "Folly," were finished.

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She detailed the spot is "right in the middle of a gorgeous woodland trail, which is about two kilometers long and because this is one of Waterford's lesser-known trails it is usually nice and quiet."

The towers were intended to be the entrance to the mansion and are characterized by their romantic and fantastical architecture, featuring turrets, battlements, and elaborate stonework.

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The structures were built during a time of significant poverty in Ireland, and the extravagance of the project is often seen as a stark contrast to the conditions faced by the local population.

Visitors can explore the towers, walk along the trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The towers have been described on TripAdvisor.com as "Ireland's best-kept secret."

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Rated "excellent" by 75 out of 100 reviews, one reviewer described it as "a monument to greed with nature slowly reclaiming it."

Another said: "The overall walk is about two kilometers of bliss.

"It is very quiet with only the sounds of birds and streams, bliss. The whole visit took me about three-quarters of an hour. I will return!"