Top 5 free things to do in Ireland

With the mid-term break nearly upon us, JOE has teamed up with DiscoverIreland.ie to offer you some suggestions for fun activities all across the country. And the best news is that it's all free!

Aloha! The Surf is up this autumn!

JOE has never surfed in Hawaii and the likes, but it seems fairly easy. Doing it in Irish weather is what puts hairs on the chest. We are pretty lucky to have such a rugged and beautiful coastline, a wide variety of beaches, reefs and break points to choose from. And it’s a given we have enough wind to make an attempt at a surf.

Little wonder serious international surfers make a beeline for Irish shores. And whatever about them, it’s a bit of craic for beginners too and we can pretend we are in Summer Bay for a day.  Now if only April was around to really make it plausible.

This is the start of surfing season – the ‘bad’ weather does have its merits – and it runs right through until May. For those of you a little sensitive to the cold weather, a) man up and b) wetsuits are provided so there are no excuses.

Whether an you are looking to improve your surfing ability or a first-timer, it is a great outdoor sport to get into. Also pretty good at blowing away the cobwebs.

Say Aloha to autumn with www.discoverireland.ie/surfing, which also has a surfing video from Ireland’s top pro-surfer, Easkey Britton, and a real-time surf report from around the country.

Get a culture fix…Check out some of Ireland’s Museums & Architecture for free

We here at JOE are not too proud to admit that at times our lack of culture can be a downfall. Whether it’s complaining about the lack of Barry’s Tea while on holidays or not knowing how to give tourists the directions to any gallery/museum in the country, we don’t always cover ourselves in glory.

We have an array of top museums or galleries to choose from and we recommend visiting for a number of reasons. Firstly it gives the impression that you actually have a brain cell. It is a great conversation in the pub at the early stages of a conversation. Don’t ruin the good work by saying you had to ask for directions there.

Thirdly, you might actually enjoy yourself and learn some things you took little or no interest about when in school or college.

Those featured here are just some of those that are FREE to visit in the capital.

• Science Gallery, Dublin
• Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham
• National Photographic Archive, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar
• National Museum of Ireland-Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks
• The CHESTER BEATTY LIBRARY at Dublin Castle

Follow a Film Trail….

We are well known for enjoying our films – obviously Taken 2 does not fall into this category – but you get the drift. We like to think that Ireland truly deserves a lifetime achievement award for its contribution to the history of the feature film, not that we are biased. Or humble.

From Michael Collins to Braveheart, from Saving Private Ryan to Angela’s Ashes, we have provided the setting for some of the worlds best loved cinematic classics, resulting in a long and enduring love affair with the silver screen.

Ballinesker beach in Saving Private Ryan

And we wouldn’t dare let Liam Neeson tarnish our reputation by allowing filming of Taken 3 on our shores.

See where some of the most well-known movies have been filmed at The Atlantic Film Trail

http://www.discoverireland.ie/places-to-go/kerry/pdfs/Atlantic-Film-Trail-Brochure-FINAL.pdf

The Made in Ireland Movie Map for the Irish Film Board

http://madeinireland.irishfilmboard.ie/

Blow away the Autumn weather blues with a brisk coastal walk

We have a lot of coastal walks in Ireland. Hardly a revelation given the fact we are an island, but something that is often over-looked. Shame on us.

Walks are terribly under-rated. It is exercise that doesn’t involve too much effort which is always a bonus. Running can be a bit of a chore, but casually putting one foot in front of the other should be well within the capabilities of most of us.

We have some great walks on our doorstep, and loads of themed walks all around Ireland with everything from Island to mountain and family friendly.  Not sure which ones would suit you?  Check them out on

http://www.discoverireland.ie/Things-To-Do/Activities-and-Adventure/Walking-and-Hiking/Themed-walks/Coastal-walks

Discover the National Parks

Did you know Ireland has six National Parks? No, neither did we until we had a closer inspection. From watching eagles soar over the spectacular 40,000 acre GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK in Co. Donegal  to breathtaking scenery at Glendalough in WICKLOW’S NATIONAL PARK, with its ancient monastic settlement of St. Kevin to the world famous BURREN NATIONAL PARK in Co. Clare, each park has something different to offer.

Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

Connacht has two gems in CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK in Co. Galway, and BALLYCROY NATIONAL PARK in northwest Mayo. Both are a nature lover’s paradise, with scenic mountains and vast expanses of bogs, heather and woodlands. In Mayo you will see one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Western Europe.

Last, but by no means least is KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK, where the only remaining wild herd of native Red Deer in Ireland live amidst the most extensive area of natural oak woodland left in the country.  And a great place to go out after all the physical activity during the day.

JOE has yet to get to all six but we are working on it.

General access to all the National Parks is free, although charges may apply to particular attractions within the parks.

For more great suggestions on breaks this Autumn, check out Discover Ireland's new Autumn Winter brochure. The brochure is available in Discover Ireland Centres nationwide and available to download on DiscoverIreland.ie