Brought to you by DiscoverIreland
Planning your next adventure? Don’t miss these fun and affordable activities…
Staying in Ireland this summer? Here are some fun activities to enjoy across the country, whether you are into the great outdoors, grand landmarks, or glorious history.
Avondale Beyond the Trees – Ireland’s Ancient East, Co. Wicklow
Fancy scaling a 12-storey tower and snaking back down on a giant slide? We thought so! Beyond the Trees Avondale in Wicklow is the longest treetop walk in Ireland that takes you 38 metres above the forest floor till you stand taller than the surrounding Yew and Giant Redwoods.
At the top of the tower is a spectacular viewing platform with sweeping 360° views over Wicklow. When finished in the clouds, you can zoom back down to earth by taking the fun twisty slide in the middle of the structure. Apart from being great craic, the tower is a stunning piece of design. A must-see summer attraction.
Patrick Kavanagh Visitor Centre – Ireland’s Ancient East, Co. Monaghan
If you’re looking for a destination that combines culture with the great outdoors, we’ve got just the spot for you. The Patrick Kavanagh Visitor Centre is a carefully curated exhibition and an engaging way to re-introduce yourself to the life and works of one of Ireland’s most remarkable writers.
Once you’ve flexed your brain, you can then flex your muscles on a walk or cycle along the Kavanagh Trail, which takes in the unique drumlin landscape of South Monaghan and numerous sites associated with the great man himself.
Arigna Mining Experience – Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Co. Roscommon
The Arigna Mining Experience is Ireland’s first coal mine museum, telling the story of the region’s 400-year mining industry. As you follow your guide, an ex-miner, deep into the darkness, you’ll experience the miners’ exhausting and hazardous working conditions and environment. Yes, you really do go deep into a mine and get to wear a hard hat!
Emerging from the dark mine into daylight, you’ll be even more appreciative of the panoramic views of the stunning surrounding mountains and deep valleys. Singing ‘heigh-ho, it’s off to work we go‘ is optional but really heightens the experience.
The Shed Distillery Experience – Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Co. Leitrim
The Shed Distillery is where Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is made, the first whiskey to come out of Connacht for more than 100 years. It’s also where Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin and Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka are made.
On a fully guided tour of this working distillery, you’ll uncover the distillery’s secrets, witness the distillers in action and discover the botanicals unique to each drink. Of course, you’ll also get to taste them too as you swirl, sniff and sip your way through the tour.
Afterwards, have a drink in the Honey Badger Bar and refuel with fresh, tasty food from the Jackalope Café which can be enjoyed al fresco on the outdoor terrace to make the most of the summer weather.
The Great Blasket Centre – Wild Atlantic Way, Co. Kerry
Escape to the edge of Europe to the rugged, breathtakingly beautiful Dingle Peninsula, where you’ll find the brilliant Blasket Centre. This cultural hub celebrates the life, lore, language and literature of the people who lived on the Blasket Islands.
Enjoy immersive exhibitions, engaging displays, artefacts, audiovisual presentations and artworks about life on the island. They lived on the rugged islands right up until their evacuation in 1953. There’s also a viewing platform where you get sweeping views of the wild Atlantic coast and Great Blasket Island.
Céide Fields – Wild Atlantic Way, Co. Mayo
In magical Mayo, you can marvel at Ireland’s most extensive Neolithic site. The Ceide Fields – a fascinating archaeological treasure nearly 6,000 years old — contain the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world.
On a visit, you can take a guided tour with an archaeological specialist and learn how to use an ancient probing tool to uncover buried walls – Indiana Jones, eat your heart out.
Back in the Céide Fields Visitor Centre, you can enjoy excellent exhibitions and admire the 4,000-year-old pine tree unearthed from a nearby bog that soars from the floor through the roof. It’s spellbinding.
Custom House Visitor Centre, Dublin
Looking for an insightful, informative and interesting experience inside one of Dublin’s most iconic buildings? Then head to the Custom House Visitor Centre in Dublin, home to a brand new historical exhibition created by award-winning designers and curated by some of Ireland’s leading academics.
Spend a fascinating few hours exploring the exhibitions that take you on an engaging journey through the history of Ireland from the 1700s to the 21st century. You’ll also learn about the remarkable story of the Custom House, including its building, burning and restoration. This activity is a great way to get an overview of Irish history and a deeper appreciation of this architectural landmark.
So, what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to plan a summer full of fun, culture and craic.
The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this summer and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help protect the natural environment. Love this place; leave no trace.
Brought to you by DiscoverIreland
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
