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Are you sitting at home wanting to escape for a drive, but you just don’t know what epic destinations to hit first?
No worries we say!
We’ve put together some terrific spots around the country and assigned them to their province so wherever you are, you can do a somewhat local loop and return home in the evening.
Just don’t forget to have that precious car of yours in tip top shape.
Leinster
From Dublin, head to Glendalough in Wicklow. You’ll be submersed in scenic views like no other with the Upper Lake and the 12th century monastic site. Plus, you’re exceptionally close to Enniskerry where you can pick up an ice cream and indulge in some scrumptious pub grub. (Yes please.)
From there head to Kilkenny city. Here waits the 12th century Kilkenny Castle near the River Nore and it looks stunning! There’s also the infamous Black Abbey too if you feel like some extra touring. Kilkenny is quite the hot spot for night life, so if you do feel like staying over, it’s the perfect spot to do so.
An ideal addition to your day trip could be Newgrange and the Hill of Tara in Co. Meath. Yes, we’ve definitely heard this name promoted far too many times, but it really is particularly beautiful at this time of year, plus you can stop by at the beautiful Trim Castle and head on to Beaulieu House for a gawk at the ancient estate home that looks over the River Boyne.
Heading back into Dublin, Howth is a key town for getting in a bit of that much-needed grub after a long old day, PLUS it’s simply gorgeous! Nothing beats eating by the seaside, taking in those shoreline views during the summer months.
Munster
Killarney National Park in Kerry could easily take up the entire day or a few for that matter. However, it’s easy to pick and choose what aspects of this national treasure you’d be interested in most. To start, why not head out on a scenic walk to stretch those legs after all the driving – taking in the beauty of the highest mountain range in Ireland – the McGillicuddy’s Reeks – and dip your toes by Torc Waterfall. There’s beauty all-round!
Blarney Castle in Cork is a superb spot to visit. Although you might not be up for kissing that stone (ew.) a rummage through this fairy-tale-like wooded acreage is well worth it.
Steering on to Tipperary, there’s oodles to choose from. The Rock of Cashel is a real beauty that was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. If you happen to be on the prowl for some magnificent family adventures check out Lough Derg Water Sports for an absolutely epic few hours! Also, we hear Flanagans on the lake it quite the perfect spot for a delicious meal too.
The Burren in County Clare evokes an appreciation of Irelands unique plant life and terrain – this time of year allows spectacular beauty to be seen and it’s definitely worth a trip. The large village of Killaloe on the Shannon is well worth the drive – as a little tip, if you’re feeling like some baked goods, try out the Wooden Spoon for a delicious treat. The magnificent Cliffs of Moher make for some epic pictures too but do be careful on a windy day.
Connacht
A visit to Clare Island in Co.Mayo is an adventure and one worth doing. Its blue flag beach is located next to the harbour which makes it an ideal spot for a swim and a picnic. With lots of outdoor activities like coasteering, raft building and orienteering Clare Island is not to be missed. If you’ve time, Connemara is well worth exploring – you can’t go wrong as it’s only gorgeous.
Ulster
You’d think you know all the interesting facts and reports surrounding the Titanic – that is until you visit the Titanic museum in Belfast where you’ll get your claws on more truths surrounding the historic fatality.
We’re mentioning the Giants Causeway simply because it’s very, very fascinating. HOW did the lava set in the shape of hexagonal columns?!
For some outdoor fun, head to Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle. The gothic style pillars will be somewhat different to what we usually see in Ireland, plus the bridges, grottos and caves make for plenty of exploring. What’s also very interesting is the fact that oak wood from this terrific forest was used in the building of the Titanic too! A perfect family day out awaits as picnic areas are situated among the many exotic and native plants.
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