1. Inis Oírr, Aran Islands
The smallest of the three Aran Islands, Inis Oírr has a unique charm and character that captivates visitors with its incredible views and old-world vibe. The entire island is just 3km by 3km wide, making it easy to cover on bike or foot and as the village is right beside the beautiful sandy beach, you don’t have to go far to make a day of it.
With ancient ruins, churches, a signal tower, shipwreck and the Holy Well of St Enda, you’re guaranteed a fascinating day of exploration. While there is a bus tour available, it’s highly recommended to explore the island on foot.
An aerial view of Inis Oirr island. /Martin Kalvaster
2. Mullaghmore, Co Sligo
This is one of the most scenic spots in Ireland and yet, it often gets overshadowed by the likes of west Cork or the Ring of Kerry.
Situated close to the border of Donegal, the Mullaghmore Peninsula is a haven for walkers, fitness enthusiasts, tourists looking for stunning views and surfers seeking epic waves.
For those wanting to get closer to Ben Bulben, there’s a 4km looped walk of relatively gentle terrain. Alternatively, there is an 8km walk along Bunduff Strand where you can see more of Mullaghmore.
3. Portumna Castle, Co Galway
With its impressive 17th century architecture and glorious surrounding gardens, a trip to Portumna Castle is never a bad idea. It was built around 1616 by the fourth Earl of Clanricarde, Richard de Burgo, and you can take a tour of the castle to see the interior, garden and kitchens as well as the ruins of a Dominican Friary.
If the weather is fine, take in the beauty of the nearby Portumna Forest Park that covers almost 450ha and is teeming with wildlife, sure to thrill any younger members of your party.
Portumna Castle and Gardens, Co Galway. /Destination Lough Derg
4. Glencar Waterfall,
Co Leitrim
Famous for featuring in a Yeats poem, Glencar Waterfall is a must-see attraction if you are visiting Co Leitrim. Situated in Glencar Lough, the waterfall is 50ft tall and can be seen from various viewing platforms along a wooded walkway, ensuring every visitor can experience the magical atmosphere without feeling rushed or crowded.
Entry to the site is free and there is a car park, picnic area, public toilets and a children’s playground for the comfort and enjoyment of visitors of all ages.
5. Strokestown Park House,
Co Roscommon
For a more meaningful and educational day out, check out Strokestown Park House and National Famine Museum in Co Roscommon. Although a famine museum might sound a tad grim, it’s actually a brilliant way to bring history to life for young and old alike with state-of-the-art exhibits and interactive displays that help shed light on the darkest chapter in Ireland’s past.
If that’s not your thing, you can also take a walk in the walled gardens or go on a guided tour of Strokestown Park House that depicts what life was like for gentry and servants in Irish country houses of the time.
A view of Strokestown House in Co Roscommon.
6. Coole Park Nature Reserve,
Co Galway
Coole Park is a very rare and special place that more people should know about. Not only is it a complex wetland system with underground rivers, turloughs and swallow holes, it was once home to Lady Gregory who co-founded the Irish Literary Theatre and the Abbey Theatre. In fact, in the early 20th century, Coole Park played host to literary giants William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, John Millington Synge and Sean O’ Casey who all came to experience its magic.
If you visit, make sure to seek out the Autograph Tree, an old Copper beech still standing in the walled garden today where they and many others carved their initials. If you get peckish, there’s also a fantastic café serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week.
Coole Park, near Gort, Co Galway. /National Parks and Wildlife Service
7. Keem Bay, Achill Island,
Co Mayo
Keem Bay has become one of the country’s most Instagrammed beaches thanks to the dramatic crescent of gold sand that caresses the remarkably turquoise waters of the Blue Flag beach. Snugly positioned between the cliffs of Benmore and Croaghaun Mountain, it was traditionally used by fishermen in Achill Island and is accessible by cars via a clifftop road. There is also parking close to the beach itself. A stunning spot, not to be missed.
A stunning view of Keem Bay on Achill Island in Co Mayo. /Fáilte Ireland
8. Great Western Greenway,
Co Mayo
Did you know that this walking and cycling trail in Co Mayo was Ireland’s first greenway? If you’re lucky enough to plan your journey for a fine day, you’re in for a treat. The Great Western Greenway begins in Westport and winds its way through the quaint towns and villages of Newport and Mulranny before coming to an end at Achill Sound.
Throughout the experience, you can expect to see breathtaking views of Clew Bay, Clare Island and of course, the holy mountain, Croagh Patrick.
Cyclists enjoying the Great Western Greenway along the Burrishoole Bridge section of the amenity which links Westport to Achill, Co Mayo. /Michael Mc Laughlin
9. Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Co Galway
There’s no doubt you’ve heard of Kylemore Abbey and perhaps seen the iconic image of the beautiful Victorian castle by the lake online or in a magazine. But have you ever visited? If the answer is no, this summer could be the time to change that. If you’re worried that there won’t be much to do, think again.
As well as a fascinating insight into the Benedictine nuns who have lived there for over a century, there are walled gardens to stroll around, a Neo-Gothic church to inspect, walking trails to enjoy and even a great shopping experience where you can purchase handmade Kylemore products and other wonderful artisan brands.
10. Lough Key Forest Park,
Co Roscommon
Combine nature, fun and adventurous activity and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect family day out at Lough Key Forest Park. Orienteering, treasure trails, kayaking, boat tours and an outdoor play kingdom are just a few of the amazing things on offer.
And don’t worry about the weather because there are plenty of fantastic indoor activities to keep everyone entertained too, like Boda Borg for children aged 7+ and saunas for adults.
1. Inis Oírr, Aran Islands
The smallest of the three Aran Islands, Inis Oírr has a unique charm and character that captivates visitors with its incredible views and old-world vibe. The entire island is just 3km by 3km wide, making it easy to cover on bike or foot and as the village is right beside the beautiful sandy beach, you don’t have to go far to make a day of it.
With ancient ruins, churches, a signal tower, shipwreck and the Holy Well of St Enda, you’re guaranteed a fascinating day of exploration. While there is a bus tour available, it’s highly recommended to explore the island on foot.
An aerial view of Inis Oirr island. /Martin Kalvaster
2. Mullaghmore, Co Sligo
This is one of the most scenic spots in Ireland and yet, it often gets overshadowed by the likes of west Cork or the Ring of Kerry.
Situated close to the border of Donegal, the Mullaghmore Peninsula is a haven for walkers, fitness enthusiasts, tourists looking for stunning views and surfers seeking epic waves.
For those wanting to get closer to Ben Bulben, there’s a 4km looped walk of relatively gentle terrain. Alternatively, there is an 8km walk along Bunduff Strand where you can see more of Mullaghmore.
3. Portumna Castle, Co Galway
With its impressive 17th century architecture and glorious surrounding gardens, a trip to Portumna Castle is never a bad idea. It was built around 1616 by the fourth Earl of Clanricarde, Richard de Burgo, and you can take a tour of the castle to see the interior, garden and kitchens as well as the ruins of a Dominican Friary.
If the weather is fine, take in the beauty of the nearby Portumna Forest Park that covers almost 450ha and is teeming with wildlife, sure to thrill any younger members of your party.
Portumna Castle and Gardens, Co Galway. /Destination Lough Derg
4. Glencar Waterfall,
Co Leitrim
Famous for featuring in a Yeats poem, Glencar Waterfall is a must-see attraction if you are visiting Co Leitrim. Situated in Glencar Lough, the waterfall is 50ft tall and can be seen from various viewing platforms along a wooded walkway, ensuring every visitor can experience the magical atmosphere without feeling rushed or crowded.
Entry to the site is free and there is a car park, picnic area, public toilets and a children’s playground for the comfort and enjoyment of visitors of all ages.
5. Strokestown Park House,
Co Roscommon
For a more meaningful and educational day out, check out Strokestown Park House and National Famine Museum in Co Roscommon. Although a famine museum might sound a tad grim, it’s actually a brilliant way to bring history to life for young and old alike with state-of-the-art exhibits and interactive displays that help shed light on the darkest chapter in Ireland’s past.
If that’s not your thing, you can also take a walk in the walled gardens or go on a guided tour of Strokestown Park House that depicts what life was like for gentry and servants in Irish country houses of the time.
A view of Strokestown House in Co Roscommon.
6. Coole Park Nature Reserve,
Co Galway
Coole Park is a very rare and special place that more people should know about. Not only is it a complex wetland system with underground rivers, turloughs and swallow holes, it was once home to Lady Gregory who co-founded the Irish Literary Theatre and the Abbey Theatre. In fact, in the early 20th century, Coole Park played host to literary giants William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, John Millington Synge and Sean O’ Casey who all came to experience its magic.
If you visit, make sure to seek out the Autograph Tree, an old Copper beech still standing in the walled garden today where they and many others carved their initials. If you get peckish, there’s also a fantastic café serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week.
Coole Park, near Gort, Co Galway. /National Parks and Wildlife Service
7. Keem Bay, Achill Island,
Co Mayo
Keem Bay has become one of the country’s most Instagrammed beaches thanks to the dramatic crescent of gold sand that caresses the remarkably turquoise waters of the Blue Flag beach. Snugly positioned between the cliffs of Benmore and Croaghaun Mountain, it was traditionally used by fishermen in Achill Island and is accessible by cars via a clifftop road. There is also parking close to the beach itself. A stunning spot, not to be missed.
A stunning view of Keem Bay on Achill Island in Co Mayo. /Fáilte Ireland
8. Great Western Greenway,
Co Mayo
Did you know that this walking and cycling trail in Co Mayo was Ireland’s first greenway? If you’re lucky enough to plan your journey for a fine day, you’re in for a treat. The Great Western Greenway begins in Westport and winds its way through the quaint towns and villages of Newport and Mulranny before coming to an end at Achill Sound.
Throughout the experience, you can expect to see breathtaking views of Clew Bay, Clare Island and of course, the holy mountain, Croagh Patrick.
Cyclists enjoying the Great Western Greenway along the Burrishoole Bridge section of the amenity which links Westport to Achill, Co Mayo. /Michael Mc Laughlin
9. Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Co Galway
There’s no doubt you’ve heard of Kylemore Abbey and perhaps seen the iconic image of the beautiful Victorian castle by the lake online or in a magazine. But have you ever visited? If the answer is no, this summer could be the time to change that. If you’re worried that there won’t be much to do, think again.
As well as a fascinating insight into the Benedictine nuns who have lived there for over a century, there are walled gardens to stroll around, a Neo-Gothic church to inspect, walking trails to enjoy and even a great shopping experience where you can purchase handmade Kylemore products and other wonderful artisan brands.
10. Lough Key Forest Park,
Co Roscommon
Combine nature, fun and adventurous activity and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect family day out at Lough Key Forest Park. Orienteering, treasure trails, kayaking, boat tours and an outdoor play kingdom are just a few of the amazing things on offer.
And don’t worry about the weather because there are plenty of fantastic indoor activities to keep everyone entertained too, like Boda Borg for children aged 7+ and saunas for adults.
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