Brought to you by DiscoverIreland
Perfect for a last minute day trip in Ireland's Ancient East...
Make this summer one to remember whatever the weather and whatever your mood. Whether you want to soak up the sun and head to the beach or need an indoor activity for a rainy day, here are some brilliant attractions right on your doorstep.
Beach Days
There are few better places to be than in Ireland on a sunny day. And because these days seem few and far between, making the most of them is a must.
There are loads of sweeping sandy beaches across Ireland perfect for picnics with the fam or a session on the sand with the gang.
One of our favourite beach breaks is Youghal in Cork, a stellar spot for strolling, swimming, and surfing.
We also love the beaches along the Sunny South East. The coast from Waterford to Wexford - basically the Irish Riviera - gets 300 more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country. The beaches here are hopping when the temperatures soar.
Whatever type of beach day you crave, however wild or mild, check
Coast Radar for your nearest Blue Flag beach.
Wild Days
Feeling wild? Get back to nature and enjoy some of the wonderful wildlife experiences in Ireland.
Go all David Attenborough in
Fota Wildlife Park and admire animals from all over the world, many of which are free-roaming. Kangaroos hop right past you, cheeky monkeys swing overhead, and entertaining Humboldt penguins put on quite a show.
If reptiles rock your world, the
National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny is a marvellous spot where you can get close to crocodiles, learn about lizards, and stroke a snake (not a euphemism!). You can keep your distance and view the slithering creatures from behind the glass or get up close and personal at the animal encounter sessions. How brave will you be?
Alpaca trekking with
K2 Alpacas in stunning Wicklow is a truly unique, memorable and uplifting experience. Spending time with these cute, curious camelids with their floppy tufts and coy grins is guaranteed to cheer you up and turn that frown upside down. The trek ends with a glass of Prosecco - for you, not the Alpaca - and a selfie or two with your new fluffy friend.
Rainy days
When the summer showers hit, don't write the day off. Book a rainy day activity, and don't let dreary weather dampen anyone's spirits.
If you've always wanted to give pottery a spin, a throw-down workshop with
Florence & Milly is tremendous fun. Go with your partner and recreate the famous scene from Ghost or go with your mates and enjoy getting your hands dirty and getting lost in creativity for an afternoon. Creating a beautiful clay piece to keep at the end is a bonus. You'd pay big bucks for those on Etsy, boyo.
Another terrific and tasty rainy day activity is a workshop with
The Chocolate Garden of Ireland in Tullow. You'll discover the joy of chocolate-making on this delicious day out. You won't just watch the talented artists in action; you'll roll up your sleeves and make and decorate a unique chocolate product of your own to take home.
The
Robert Boyle Escape Room is a challenging and exciting experience at Lismore Heritage Centre. Solving puzzles, can you find the mysterious ingredient which can turn base metals into gold and give humans the gift of immortality? You and your teammates have just 60 minutes to try and do so before you are caught rapid!
So, what are you waiting for? Summer is the perfect time to discover Ireland’s Ancient East.
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. Start your discovery at discoverireland.ie
Brought to you by DiscoverIreland 
