10 ways to experience the great outdoors on the island of Ireland
Charlotte CullinanWith its breath-taking coastline, picturesque beaches, pristine lakes and scenic mountain ranges, the island of Ireland boasts an array of activities and adventures. Here are 10 ideas to suggest to clients.
In Ireland visitors can get out and about, soak up the scenery and embrace the great outdoors.
For clients seeking a unique, affordable and easily accessible short break, Ireland has plenty to tempt them throughout the year. Get ready to be inspired by the rugged, untouched beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, the intriguing history of Ireland’s Ancient East, the natural splendour of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the vibrant culture in and around Dublin and all of the giant experiences on offer across Northern Ireland.
To inspire you and your clients, here are 10 outdoor experiences that will fill your heart with Ireland:
1. Walk with alpacas
Enjoy a Wild Atlantic Way coastal walk with a difference with Wild Alpaca Way in County Donegal (pictured above), where a team of 23 alpacas join visitors for walks along the stunningly beautiful Knockmanny Bens. Located at Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head, there’s plenty of opportunities for photos along the way. It’s an ideal activity for birthdays or special occasions, with options for individual travellers, families and groups.
2. Try stand-up paddle boarding
Join the two-hour City Paddle Boards tour in Derry-Londonderry with Far and Wild for a relaxing and fun activity. It’s ideal for all abilities as expert guides share top tips and all gear is included. The team at Far and Wild can arrange for guests staying in the city centre to change into their wetsuit at their hotel, and the lesson starts just five minutes’ walk away. Recommend stopping off at Pyke N’ Pommes street food eatery afterwards for a delicious taco.
3. Explore the Causeway Coast
Uncover the beauty of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast by joining a guide from Away a Wee Walk on a five-mile walk. The route from Dunseverick castle to the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre takes just over two hours, walking through the heart of Northern Ireland’s only Unesco World Heritage Site. Guides point out flora and fauna and the highlights of the ever-changing landscape.
4. Enjoy a Canoe and Cake experience
During this Canoe and Cake wellness experience in Killinchy, County Down, guests canoe around beautiful Ballymorran Bay, on Strangford Lough. There are more than 300 little islands on the Lough, and as a marine nature reserve it’s home to an amazing variety of sea life. Afterwards local baker Tracey waits on the shoreline, ready to take visitors on a two-minute walk to her home, where she cooks warm breads on the griddle, serving them with her homemade jams and butters.
5. Go island hopping
The Aran Islands of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr are the last lands to the west before you reach America. Located 30 miles away from Galway Bay, the trio are famed for their wild landscapes, distinctive knitted jumpers and pretty cottages. Visitors can soak up the culture and heritage of traditional Irish life in these remote outposts, and you may recognise Inis Mór as one of the filming locations for The Banshees of Inisherin.
6. Walk above the trees
Get a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful County Wicklow countryside with Beyond the Trees Avondale – a sustainable and fully accessible tree top walk at Avondale Forest Park, located 38 metres above the forest floor. The walk takes around two hours, weaving among the trees to the viewing tower, which boasts panoramic views of Wicklow. Then either whizz back down on the gigantic spiral slide, or opt for the gently sloping boardwalk.
7. Cycle along a canal
Enjoy a leisurely cycle along The Royal Canal Greenway which offers 80 miles of level towpath. There are cafes, picnic spots and attractions along the way, with a backdrop of rolling fields, pretty waterside villages, working locks and historic landmarks.
8. Explore by water taxi
Erne Water Taxis offers chauffeur-driven boats on Lough Erne, Enniskillen and Devenish island, with onboard guides on hand to showcase the local history. The all-electric Island Discovery pontoon boat carries up to 12 passengers and is the first of its kind on the island of Ireland, offering incredible panoramic views.
9. Spot dolphins
Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours have been providing tours from Dingle Bay in County Kerry since 1987, so have a knack for spotting marine wildlife. Look out for the dolphins, whales, seals and puffins that visit the stunning coastline. The team offer a range of tours, including the three-hour Blasket Island Adventure Tour and the two-hour Mini Eco Tour.
10. Relax in picturesque gardens
Ireland’s Ancient East is home to a number of stunning gardens, including the recently redeveloped Mount Congreve Gardens in County Waterford, which is home to one of the largest collections of plants in the world. Don’t miss the 47-acre gardens at Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, which include formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks.
Easy access
The island of Ireland benefits from quick and easy access from Great Britain with plenty of air and sea routes to choose from. What’s more, the continuation of the Common Travel Area (CTA) means British and Irish citizens can travel between the two islands without a passport or visa restrictions, subject to ID requirements from their travel provider.
Further information
For more information visit trade.ireland.com
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Charlotte Cullinan
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