‘I think it’s time to bring back the Sunday spin – with a digital detox'

Are you up for a spin on Sunday? If you think this is going to the gym for a mad session pedalling on a stationary bike then you are missing out.

A Sunday spin is a trip in the car with or without a final destination in mind. Growing up we’d head off for a spin, the kids piling into the car, fighting over who got to sit by the window.

Sometimes we’d bring a picnic, other times we’d be treated to tea in a café. A planned spin might be to the zoo. We’d leave after milking and spend the journey guessing what exotic animals we’d see.

After the zoo, we’d run wild in the Phoenix Park racing each other up and down the steps of the Wellington Monument. At least once a year, we would go to Bettystown to build sandcastles, swim and enjoy soggy, sandy sandwiches.

I think it’s time to bring back the Sunday spin. We can even bring it right up to date and use it as an opportunity for a digital detox.

This is my proposal for a modern day Sunday spin. Firstly, decide where you want to go and then get out the map. Yes I mean a paper road map.

There’s probably one in the glove compartment of your car still in pristine condition dating back to when the car was bought.

Ignore Google maps and turn off the sat nav. I can see the scared looks on some faces at the thought of getting completely lost. Relax – it’s not that big a country, and sure, asking for directions is a great excuse to have a chat with a stranger.

Using the map, write a list of all the villages and towns you will drive through on your way there to keep you on track. I suggest you stay off the motorways as country roads will work best with the activities I’ll mention in a moment.

No screens for directions also means no screens for the kids in the back seats. A spin is a time for games, chats and craic. Games can start with the classic ‘I Spy’.

If the children are young, you can use colour rather than the first letter. In the same vein, but one that requires advance planning, is car bingo. Make a list for each child of things they may spot along the way. Have a few obvious ones like a red car or cows in a field so every child gets a few items ticked off. The list can include anything from speed camera signs, to grottos or cars with a particular county registration.

No screens for directions also means no screens for the kids in the back seats. A spin is a time for games, chats and craic. Games can start with the classic ‘I Spy’

A sing-along is great craic. Try and do this a cappella so there is no need to turn on your phone or car music system. After you’ve exhausted songs, you know it’s the perfect time to play the quiet game. Who can stay quiet the longest, and yes this includes adult. It is a great opportunity to just be silent together and watch the world go by.

What to bring? You can’t go wrong with a ball, frisbee, and a small bucket for cones, shells etc. Drinks and snacks are always welcome and decide if it’s a picnic or finding a local café for tea. I have found many a hidden gem by stopping randomly in cafes in small towns and villages.

A few towels are always handy as is a wet face cloth in a plastic bag (much more sustainable then wet wipes). I’d also suggest a change of clothes. That way you can let the kids run wild, jump in puddles, paddle, etc and not worry about the return journey in wet clothes.

A Sunday spin is as much about the journey as it is the destination. It’s telling stories, sharing family history and laughing. It’s a time for family jokes, yes, even really bad ones, and making memories. Years from now they will remember the time one of them lost a wellie in a bog, or have the really cool shell they found on a beach still on their shelf.

The grand stretch in the evenings is the perfect time to fill the tank, load up the family, turn off the devices and head off.