Off the beaten track in Ireland
You don’t have to go long haul to escape from the crowds. With its pristine landscapes, picturesque villages and wide range of rural retreats, Ireland is the perfect place to get back to nature. Here’s how to discover the country’s secret side.
Coast is most: You might not associate warm-water sports like scuba diving and surfing with Ireland – but the country’s magnificent coastline, secluded beaches and crystal clear waters lend themselves to ocean fun. Try diving off the Atlantic coast of Donegal, attending the Irish National Surfing Championships, or soaking up the sun in your very own secluded cove. If the waters of the Atlantic are a little too bracing for your taste, you can admire the stunning scenery during a drive around the Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula.
Island idyll: If you’re keen to penetrate Ireland’s remotest corners then venture off the mainland and explore some of the country’s offshore islands. The Aran Islands off the coast of Galway are a great place to start, but to really get off the tourist track visit less-frequented spots such as Tory Island and Skellig Michael – both pristine and windswept wildernesses.
Adrenaline spikes: Ireland has taken full advantage of the adventure tourism market, with sports on offer including caving, hand-gliding, paragliding and rockclimbing. For an authentic taste of adventure, pick up on the country’s national sport and spend a day or two horseback trekking in the beautiful County Wicklow region. Alternatively, enjoy watching other people ride from a safe distance by attending the races at Leopardstown, The Curragh or Fairyhouse.
Get your boots on: With over 3,000 kilometres of long-distance paths, Ireland lends itself to serious hiking. To get a taste of the country’s history and pass through some wonderful scenery at the same time, try walking the Wicklow Way, which runs from Dublin all the way to County Carlow. If you prefer to explore on wheels rather than by foot, there are some fantastic cycling tracks in the undulating central plain.
Finally, even the most confirmed solitude lover should combine a visit to the wilds of Ireland with a short spell spent in Dublin. This historic city has plenty to recommend it, from a thriving cultural scene to hundreds of traditional Irish pubs. Budget airlines serve the city and it’s easy to find good deals on Dublin hotels through booking sites such as Octopus Travel – so adding Ireland’s capital to your itinerary shouldn’t play havoc with your budget.
Coast is most: You might not associate warm-water sports like scuba diving and surfing with Ireland – but the country’s magnificent coastline, secluded beaches and crystal clear waters lend themselves to ocean fun. Try diving off the Atlantic coast of Donegal, attending the Irish National Surfing Championships, or soaking up the sun in your very own secluded cove. If the waters of the Atlantic are a little too bracing for your taste, you can admire the stunning scenery during a drive around the Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula.
Island idyll: If you’re keen to penetrate Ireland’s remotest corners then venture off the mainland and explore some of the country’s offshore islands. The Aran Islands off the coast of Galway are a great place to start, but to really get off the tourist track visit less-frequented spots such as Tory Island and Skellig Michael – both pristine and windswept wildernesses.
Adrenaline spikes: Ireland has taken full advantage of the adventure tourism market, with sports on offer including caving, hand-gliding, paragliding and rockclimbing. For an authentic taste of adventure, pick up on the country’s national sport and spend a day or two horseback trekking in the beautiful County Wicklow region. Alternatively, enjoy watching other people ride from a safe distance by attending the races at Leopardstown, The Curragh or Fairyhouse.
Get your boots on: With over 3,000 kilometres of long-distance paths, Ireland lends itself to serious hiking. To get a taste of the country’s history and pass through some wonderful scenery at the same time, try walking the Wicklow Way, which runs from Dublin all the way to County Carlow. If you prefer to explore on wheels rather than by foot, there are some fantastic cycling tracks in the undulating central plain.
Finally, even the most confirmed solitude lover should combine a visit to the wilds of Ireland with a short spell spent in Dublin. This historic city has plenty to recommend it, from a thriving cultural scene to hundreds of traditional Irish pubs. Budget airlines serve the city and it’s easy to find good deals on Dublin hotels through booking sites such as Octopus Travel – so adding Ireland’s capital to your itinerary shouldn’t play havoc with your budget.
