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21st Jul 2021

5 iconic Irish locations you need to visit this summer

Ann Cronin

Brought to you by Expressway 

Some stunning locations to add to your bucket list…

Our little island has no shortage of hidden gems for you to discover this summer.

From stunning coastal walks to incredible scenic views, another summer spent exploring everything Ireland has to offer sounds pretty ideal to be honest.

That’s why we’ve put together some must-visit locations around Ireland for you to explore on your next staycation.

All of the counties that these stunning locations are found in can be accessed with ease using the following Expressway coach routes:

  • Route 40 – Cork to Waterford
  • Route 51 – Galway to Cork
  • Route 64 – Derry to Galway via Sligo

You can reserve your seat in advance here.

All of these routes also include Expressway’s brand new fleet of coaches, adding extra style and comfort to any journey. The new fleets include toilet facilities, 4G Wi-Fi, charging ports and reclining leather seats, and you can also get priority boarding if you book your seat in advance. What more could you want!?

So, with all of that in mind, here are the hidden Irish gems you need to add to your bucket list…

1. Mizen Head in Cork

Mizen Head is Ireland’s most southwesterly point on the Wild Atlantic Way and it really is a must see for stunning coastal views. No day trip to Mizen is complete without a long stroll along the many coastline pathways, and be sure to visit the Mizen Head lighthouse too. There’s also a café on site to get a bite to eat if you’re feeling peckish or, if weather permits, you can always take a picnic too.

2. The Ardmore Cliff Walk in Waterford

For breathtaking landscapes, stunning scenery and a unique glimpse of Irish heritage, the Ardmore Cliff Walk is an absolute must. Along the way you’ll see a shipwreck from 1988, some lookout posts from past wars and more unique glimpses of Irish history. The walk is about 4 km long and takes about an hour to complete, but we’d recommend taking your time and soaking in everything the Eastern coastline has to offer.

3. Diamond Hill in Galway

If an active day out is high up on your priorities, hiking up Diamond Hill is an absolute must. It’s unrivaled when it comes to stunning views of Connemara National Park and the Atlantic Coast. There are two different trails you can take to the top of Diamond Hill. The Lower Diamond Hill walk is about 3 km in length and shouldn’t take more than an hour and half to complete, while the upper Diamond Hill trail is 7 km long and can take up to 3 hours to do.

4. Ness Country Park in Derry

Ness Country Park is the perfect place to stroll around on a summers day. This hidden gem features over 7 km of woodland walks and riverside strolls. There’s plenty of picnic areas around too, so be sure to bring one along with you on your visit. Keep an eye out for the park’s waterfall too, it’s not to be missed!

5. Coney Island in Sligo

A day trip to Coney Island is the perfect escape from reality. Featuring a number of quiet, tranquil beaches and some stunning scenic walking routes, it’s the perfect combination of everything that makes Ireland so magical.  You can get to Coney Island by boat from Rosses Point but it’s also one of the few islands in Ireland that can be accessed by foot when weather permits as, at low tide, you can take a scenic 5 km walk out to the island.

Visit expressway.ie to reserve your seat today.

Brought to you by Expressway