It's World Tourism Day! The tourism industry in Ireland is MASSIVE and it’s not hard to see why! This tiny island of ours is absolutely jammers with incredible history and stunning landscapes. We created our Make Life Richer Map to help showcase some of these beautiful places + people, and to hopefully provide a bit of a guide to some of the wonders that exist in Ireland.
Check out just a handful of these places in ten counties that you can experience in a weekend!
Donegal
Ireland’s northernmost county, Donegal is a wealth of beautiful scenery and friendly locals. Get your hiking boots on and tackle Ireland’s tallest cliffs with a hike to Sliabh Liag and make sure to take a break (there and back) with a stop at the cutest cafe on wheels - The Pod! If you’re seeking an action-packed weekend or, you’re keen for a reason to go back for more, then add the Bluestack Mountain hike to your schedule and you’re all set for a Make Life Richer experience!
Antrim
It may boast the north’s capital city, but there’s plenty more outside of Belfast to see and do! Antrim is an incredible place to while away the time: check out the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge for some epic Insta shots, climb the cliffs of Fairhead/Benmore and make sure you stop in at Middletown Coffee Co. for that absolutely necessary caffeine hit!
Down
One close to our hearts after our Adventure Weekend spent here, Co. Down has so much to offer if you want to add a little adrenaline to your outdoors experience! Check out the Rostrevor Mountain Bike trails by Lough Carlingford, or scale the heights of Mourne Mountain! Once you’ve built up an appetite, make sure to stop into Church Lane for a Mexican-inspired feast!
Leitrim
Not sure whether you want to cycle, walk or kayak on your next adventure in Ireland? Then aim straight for Co. Leitrim! The Shannon Blueway meanders gently through this county and there’s a spectacular network of walking & cycling trails as well as plenty of on-the-water activities you can get involved in. Lena’s Tea Room in Carrick-on-Shannon will keep you fueled-up on your adventures!
Mayo
Home to one of Ireland’s most famous daughters, Grace O’Malley, Mayo is awash with Gaelic history. Head to an O’Malley stronghold, Clare Island and soak in the incredible scenery and wildlife - on bike if you fancy it - or head during the summer and park yourself at the beach for a lazy, sandy day! If soaring summits are more your cup of coffee, then add Mweelrea Mountain to the agenda, but make sure to set aside a full day’s hike for this monster!
Clare
County Clare’s famous Burren landscape is a must-see if you’re visiting this area and the North Clare Cycle Network is a great way to experience it and there are four different routes to take, depending on your ability levels. If walking is more your jam, take on the Black Head Loop walk starting at Fanore Beach, and make sure to stop in to say hi and fill up at Lahinch gem, DODI Cafe!
Limerick
Apart from the soon-to-be newest addition to the G+C retail family, Co. Limerick also has a multitude of awesome outdoor activities to keep you busy for more than just one weekend! There’s downhill mountain biking at the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails, the Lough Derg Way if you prefer your adventures to be a little slower-paced or if you’re a waterbaby, go kayaking on the River Shannon!
Kerry
Go for a full-outside weekend experience and camp under the stars in the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve and get your astro-tourism game on! On Day Two, trek the Bolus Head Loop Walk on the Iveragh Peninsula and keep an eye out for wildlife including soaring sea eagles and painted puffins! Smuggler’s Cafe is your final stop for a hard-earned plate of the freshest Fish + Chips in town!
Waterford
Another of our favourites, Co. Waterford was the destination for our first-ever G+C Adventure Weekend! Rent a bike and set out on the beautiful Waterford Greenway for an ambling cycle along waterways, over bridges and under tunnels. Stop along the way at Coach House Coffee for the obligatory (and delicious) Waterford Blaa sandwich experience, and then gear up for the incredible views of the Coumshingaun Loop the following day.
Cork
Cork is a slice of heaven at our island’s southern tip and there’s plenty to explore throughout the county. Head to Ireland’s only operating Cable Car and take a trip over to Dursey Island. If you time it right, you might even spot a few migrating whales! But if you’re looking for something a little more zen, drop-in or book a stay at Dzogchen Beara Buddhist Temple. There’s plenty of short classes here as well as full-scale meditation retreats so you can get yourself centred in the south!
We know there are so many other awesome sights to see and 22 more counties to see them in so let us know where you think we should adventure to next!
