Top Days Out in Ireland | Liberty Insurance Ireland
It can be a challenge to think of things to do at the weekend, especially when you have
to deal with variables such as the Irish weather! That’s why I’ve teamed up with
Liberty Insurance Ireland to pull together some suggestions for days out around the
country to get you outside and enjoying some of the great activities Ireland has to offer!
Skywalk Rope Bridge, Kells Bay House and Gardens, Ring of Kerry
Not for the fainthearted, the Skywalk Rope Bridge at the Kells Bay House and
Gardens estate, stretches 11 metres across the River Delligeenagh and is surrounded
by stunning sub-tropical woodland. The rope bridge was constructed when a storm in
2010 damaged the existing concrete bridge. Visitors can also explore the award
winning gardens that are filled with a variety of rare sub-tropical plants. These include
The Ladies Walled Garden, The Primeval Forest, The River Ramble and The Bamboo
Glade. Fallen trees on the estate have been artfully carved to resemble an armchair
and dinosaurs. Refreshments are available at the Café and if you can’t bear to tear
yourself away, accommodation is also available. The spectacular estate is located
between Cahirsiveen and Glenbeigh.
http://www.kellsbay.ie/visit-the-gardens
Bantry House & Garden, Co Cork
Bantry House and Garden is a stately home overlooking Bantry Bay in the Co. Cork,
located just over an hour from Kinsale. Originally the seat of the Earls of Bantry
(1690), the 18th-century mansion and magnificent gardens has belonged to the White
family since about 1765. History-lovers will delight in browsing the display of antique
furniture, tapestries and other rare works of art. The estate’s exquisite formal garden
provides a perfect back drop to spectacular views of Bantry Bay. The White family is
still in residence on the estate and are currently restoring parts of the estate that has
fallen into disrepair. Tea, guided tours and B&B are available but check the website
for seasonal opening hours.
https://www.bantryhouse.com/
Knights & Conquests, Granard, Co Longford
Experience Medieval Ireland in picturesque Granard village as you take an interactive
journey back in time beside Ireland’s Tallest Norman Motte. Standing at 544 feet
high, the Motte was built in 1199 by Richard de Tuite the Lord Chief Justice of
Ireland. Children can truly immerse themselves in the experience by dressing up in
Norman clothes and receiving their Norman name and duties for their visit. The
experience promises to be fun and educational as you come face to face with famous
characters of the period including Henry II, King Rory O’Connor and Pope Adrian IV.
You can also visit a created Norman home or dig for artefacts in the Norman CSI
room.
https://www.knightsandconquests.ie/
The Shannon Blueway, Co Leitrim
If you have energy to burn, then head to the Shannon Blueway where you can choose
from canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. If you prefer to stay on dry
land, walkers and cyclists can follow the Blueway’s trails and soak up the scenery
from there. A variety of local activity providers will help you on your way and when
you have worked up an appetite, head to The Barge in nearby Leitrm Village for a
hearty meal. Alternatively, if the sun is shining bring a picnic to make the most of it!
http://www.bluewaysireland.org/blueways/shannon
Ben Bulben, Co. Sligo
With its distinctive flat-topped shape, Ben Bulben stands at 526m above sea level and
is magnificent to behold. For those who wish to climb to the summit, Ben Bulben can
be accessed 8 km north of Sligo town on the N15. The mountain trail, which takes
approximately 1 ½ hours, begins in a secluded forest, home to wildlife and unusual
plants. As you continue along the trail, it opens up to provide an unrivalled view of
Ben Bulben Head. The summit of Ben Bulben provides panoramic views of Donegal
Bay and the surrounding countryside. Climbers are advised to climb from the south
side and to dress appropriately. Be sure to visit the nearby Glencar Waterfall, which is
a perfect spot for a picnic!
Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
This unique adventure park with outstanding natural and historical features is located
between Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim and Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The estate
dates back to the 17 th century when the King Family was granted it under the
Comwellian settlement. This area of outstanding natural beauty is home to many
species of wildlife and you might even come across such delights as ringforts, a
Wishing Chair, Fairy Bridge, Estate Chapel and Stables. There is a host of activities
available for all ages, including Adventure Play Kingdom, Orienteering and Wheel-O
(for those with limited mobility), Woodland Segway, Zipit, Electric Bike Trails, Boda
Borg, Woodland Safari, walking and cycling routes, and more. If you prefer to just
wander around the estate that’s also acceptable. Onsite facilities include a caravan
park, marina, visitor centre and Lakeside Café. Check out their opening hours before
you get there.
https://loughkey.ie/useful-information/opening-times/
Birr Castle Gardens, Birr, Co Offaly
Ireland’s largest tree house, a hobbit hut, a playground, beautiful walking trails and a
Science Centre that houses a telescope designed in the early 1840’s, can all be found
on the grounds. Entry into the castle itself is restricted to children over 12 years old
but there is enough outside to keep everyone entertained. The Treehouse Adventure
Area also includes sand pits, climbing frames, slides, picnic area and more.
https://birrcastle.com/kids/
Lahinch Surf School, Lahinch, Co. Clare
If you didn’t get your fill of the sea air in the summer, book a lesson with Lahinch
Surf School and you’ll be riding the waves in no time! The school was set up by
Former Irish Surf Champion John McCarthy in 2002 and offers a variety of lessons to
suit all ages. These include Family, Adult, Teens, Kids (9-12yrs) and Grom (6-8yrs)
groups. All the instructors are Irish Surfing Association Qualified Surf Coaches and
IWS/RLSI Lifeguards and aim to make the lessons as fun as possible. So if you are looking
for a day out with a difference and a lot of laughs, book a lesson! The surf school is located
50 metres from the Lifeguard’s Tower on Lahinch Beach.
https://lahinchsurfschool.com/surf-lessons/
We never promised they would be easy, but our suggestions are bound to get your
blood pumping and there is bound to be lots of laughs! Avoid cabin fever and get out
in nature to make some memories. If you want to discover great car insurance while
you are at it, get a car insurance quote from Liberty Insurance Ireland online today.
