Here in Irish Country Living we believe that young or old, age is just a number, and it should place no boundary on anyone.
However, in the main, it is hard to deny that generally people do in fact like to participate in different activities at various stages of their lives.
It is often perceived that younger people lean more towards high-energy nighttime events and as we get older, we have more of a penchant for tranquil daytime undertakings.
For those with a little more time on their hands, and perhaps even a free travel pass to get around with, we have profiled some days out that can be embarked upon alone, with your significant other or indeed, why not take the whole family?
So kickback, relax and get ready to break out that map.
That’s ancient history
History enthusiasts in Ireland are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to visit. Those with a keen interest will probably already have ticked many of the big players off the list. Anyone with a middle-of-the-road curiosity may still have a wealth of places to experience.
\ Anthony Murphy
Newgrange is one of the most notable Stone Age monuments in the world. Dating back to 3200 BC, the engineering and ingenuity gone into this site is astonishing. Seeing as it is on our own shores, a trip to Co Meath is probably a good starting point when planning trips around Ireland. At present, the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre attached to Newgrange and Knowth is closed for refurbishment, but shuttle bus tours of both are still running and are free of charge. For more information see www.worldheritageireland.ie/bru-na-boinne/.
All about country life
Gan dabht, all Irish citizens should pay a visit to the National Museum of Ireland at least once in their lifetime. Readers of this publication may also want to add a further clause to that prerequisite, attending the Country Life wing of the National Museum outside Castlebar, Co Mayo. It is located in Turlough Park and while there you can also take in the beautiful gardens and look around Turlough Park House. The main exhibition, displaying Ireland’s National Folklore Collection, is kept in the buildings next to the house. It explores a romanticised vision of Ireland’s past, changing times, bicycles through the years and many more themes. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the straw, hay and rushes display. Entry to the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life is free. For more information see www.museum.ie/country-life.
A Dublin day out
There are more touristy type things to do in Dublin than most of us will ever get to, and sometimes it is daunting and difficult to even know where to start. The good thing about our capital city is that it is relatively easy to get around. When driving up for the day, many opt to park at the Red Cow and take the Luas from there into the city. If you are arriving into Heuston Station, a quick Luas journey will take you to the city centre. However, you may want to start your sightseeing just across the road.
The Guinness Storehouse. \ Philip Doyle
The Guinness Storehouse – you can’t miss it from Heuston, just look up – is Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, telling the story behind the country’s most iconic drink. Some even maintain that a visit to the storehouse is as essential as the National Museum...
When booking online the visit costs €18.50. Also, if you have any interest in the GAA, this writer recommends a tour of Croke Park. There are a couple of different tour options, but the stadium one is priced at €11 for seniors.
Kyle Doyle (6) visits the GAA Museum in Croke Park. \ Leon Farrell, Photocall Ireland
Literature let loose
Seamus Heaney HomePlace, a museum dedicated to the poet’s life and work, is aptly named, seeing as it is situated in the heart of his native Bellaghy, a rural village in Co Derry. There was some discussion in the past as to whether HomePlace would have been better located in Derry city or Belfast city.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace.
Regardless of your thoughts on this, it has to be said that considering the inspiration Heaney’s homestead provided to him, the centre does sit well in this countryside. The interactive exhibition is a must-visit for anyone interested in Heaney’s work. Using his poems (which can be listened to on headphones through a handheld audio device as you journey around) it takes you through his life. A recreation of his Dublin study tells the tale of a time when Heaney won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Tickets cost £7. For more information see www.seamusheaneyhome.com.
Theatre tales
For those (like yours truly) whose favourite activities are the ones that allow you to sit down, why not try a trip to theatre? But, in all seriousness, the theatre is far more than a chance to simply put the feet up, a good play can stimulate the mind and awaken the senses. There are a whole host of regional theatres around the country, with a great variety of plays and concerts touring them. Óilean – Celebrating the Blasket Islands, runs at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee, Co Kerry from 5-9 August. It uses traditional arts – dance, song and live music – to capture the spirit of the islanders. Tickets cost €32 and are available at www.siamsatire.com.
Read more
Island hopping: Ireland's island treasures
Here in Irish Country Living we believe that young or old, age is just a number, and it should place no boundary on anyone.
However, in the main, it is hard to deny that generally people do in fact like to participate in different activities at various stages of their lives.
It is often perceived that younger people lean more towards high-energy nighttime events and as we get older, we have more of a penchant for tranquil daytime undertakings.
For those with a little more time on their hands, and perhaps even a free travel pass to get around with, we have profiled some days out that can be embarked upon alone, with your significant other or indeed, why not take the whole family?
So kickback, relax and get ready to break out that map.
That’s ancient history
History enthusiasts in Ireland are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to visit. Those with a keen interest will probably already have ticked many of the big players off the list. Anyone with a middle-of-the-road curiosity may still have a wealth of places to experience.
\ Anthony Murphy
Newgrange is one of the most notable Stone Age monuments in the world. Dating back to 3200 BC, the engineering and ingenuity gone into this site is astonishing. Seeing as it is on our own shores, a trip to Co Meath is probably a good starting point when planning trips around Ireland. At present, the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre attached to Newgrange and Knowth is closed for refurbishment, but shuttle bus tours of both are still running and are free of charge. For more information see www.worldheritageireland.ie/bru-na-boinne/.
All about country life
Gan dabht, all Irish citizens should pay a visit to the National Museum of Ireland at least once in their lifetime. Readers of this publication may also want to add a further clause to that prerequisite, attending the Country Life wing of the National Museum outside Castlebar, Co Mayo. It is located in Turlough Park and while there you can also take in the beautiful gardens and look around Turlough Park House. The main exhibition, displaying Ireland’s National Folklore Collection, is kept in the buildings next to the house. It explores a romanticised vision of Ireland’s past, changing times, bicycles through the years and many more themes. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the straw, hay and rushes display. Entry to the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life is free. For more information see www.museum.ie/country-life.
A Dublin day out
There are more touristy type things to do in Dublin than most of us will ever get to, and sometimes it is daunting and difficult to even know where to start. The good thing about our capital city is that it is relatively easy to get around. When driving up for the day, many opt to park at the Red Cow and take the Luas from there into the city. If you are arriving into Heuston Station, a quick Luas journey will take you to the city centre. However, you may want to start your sightseeing just across the road.
The Guinness Storehouse. \ Philip Doyle
The Guinness Storehouse – you can’t miss it from Heuston, just look up – is Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, telling the story behind the country’s most iconic drink. Some even maintain that a visit to the storehouse is as essential as the National Museum...
When booking online the visit costs €18.50. Also, if you have any interest in the GAA, this writer recommends a tour of Croke Park. There are a couple of different tour options, but the stadium one is priced at €11 for seniors.
Kyle Doyle (6) visits the GAA Museum in Croke Park. \ Leon Farrell, Photocall Ireland
Literature let loose
Seamus Heaney HomePlace, a museum dedicated to the poet’s life and work, is aptly named, seeing as it is situated in the heart of his native Bellaghy, a rural village in Co Derry. There was some discussion in the past as to whether HomePlace would have been better located in Derry city or Belfast city.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace.
Regardless of your thoughts on this, it has to be said that considering the inspiration Heaney’s homestead provided to him, the centre does sit well in this countryside. The interactive exhibition is a must-visit for anyone interested in Heaney’s work. Using his poems (which can be listened to on headphones through a handheld audio device as you journey around) it takes you through his life. A recreation of his Dublin study tells the tale of a time when Heaney won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Tickets cost £7. For more information see www.seamusheaneyhome.com.
Theatre tales
For those (like yours truly) whose favourite activities are the ones that allow you to sit down, why not try a trip to theatre? But, in all seriousness, the theatre is far more than a chance to simply put the feet up, a good play can stimulate the mind and awaken the senses. There are a whole host of regional theatres around the country, with a great variety of plays and concerts touring them. Óilean – Celebrating the Blasket Islands, runs at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee, Co Kerry from 5-9 August. It uses traditional arts – dance, song and live music – to capture the spirit of the islanders. Tickets cost €32 and are available at www.siamsatire.com.
Read more
Island hopping: Ireland's island treasures
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