It’s quite an unusual year for all of us but right now where possible, people are making most of the staycation whether that’s taking a few days away to a different part of the country or simply enjoying a variety of days out whilst staying at their own home.
We asked the team here to share with us their favourite spots for a day out or break away here in Ireland, the result was quite a mix in a range of locations but you might just find somewhere here that you hadn’t thought of that makes for a great day out with your loved ones.
Bray, Wicklow – it’s not far from us here at GoQuest and whilst those more local to us may be quite familiar with it, some of our customers from further afield might enjoy a traditional day out at the seaside with a super sea-front boasting a range of restaurants and over-looked by Bray Head, the top of which lends itself to a spectacular view of Dublin Bay and makes for a fun albeit energetic day out.
Wicklow Gaol, Wicklow – based in Wicklow Town, this is an enjoyable experience that’s an interactive museum whilst at the same time sharing a piece of history too. Part of the experience involves giving you a real feel for what life was like 200 years ago, quite different to how life is today.
Brittas Bay, Wicklow – a spectacular sandy beach nestled amongst dunes, on a sunny day you should really head out early but even if the sun is in hiding this magnificent beach makes for a fantastic walk that all of us here have slipped away to at times.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park & Zoo, Wexford – this gem is hidden away in Co Wexford and makes for a pleasant day out that kids will love with 40 different species of animals ranging from ring-tailed lemurs and meerkats to tarantulas, it makes for a pleasant day out and lots of great photo opportunities too.
Hook Lighthouse, Wexford – guiding ships in for some 800 years this is a delightful day out with an insight into how a lighthouse operates and an insight into its very interesting history too. A great spot for picnics if the weather suits, there’s also an option to dine on site and the drive down takes in some super scenery.
Dingle, Kerry – a well known spot for a break away, from Funghi the resident dolphin to the Aquarium not to mention a variety of restaurants, bars and shops, Dingle is a super break away and is somewhere you’ll definitely visit again too.
Lahinch, Clare – superb for surfing it’s also a super spot for a break away with beautiful beaches and a selection of delightful restaurants and a range of local excursions including Ailwee Caves, Cliffs of Moher and Lisdoonvarna that are always popular with tourists and if you’ve not been there yet you’ll discover just why.
Lough Derg Blueway, Galway/Tipperary – one for those who are a little more active with activities including canoeing, paddling, walking, cycling and walking, there’s also fishing and a chance to enjoy nature in a way that’s designed to appeal to all ages.
Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny – archery, boats, woodland adventures and ziplining, just some of the activities that one of our team enjoyed on a day out.
Drumcoura City, Leitrim – a western-themed equestrian centre, country and western-themed entertainment and dining and the option to stay overnight makes makes for something of different staycation trip and just two hours from Dublin too.
The Chocolate Garden Of Ireland, Carlow – a chocolate factory and the chance to enjoy some of their fabulous treats too in the accompanying cafe. Situated next to Rathwood this can make for a nice day out with a combination of both to keep all the family happy.
The Irish National Stud & Gardens, Kildare – known throughout the world and considered to amongst the finest of their kind, these gardens date back to 1906 this is an enjoyable day out for anybody with an interest in the equestrian life with a kid’s zone on site too.
And last, but by absolutely no means least…
GoQuest, Dublin – well, we know we’re lots of fun for with families or friends and whilst you can read all about us here on our website why not pay a visit and find out why people love to come back time and again! Based in Carrickmines, South Dublin we’re just off the M50, a short distance from Dundrum or Bray to the south so make for an ideal day out that can easily be combined with a meal out or a trip to the shops too.
We know summer 2020 will be memorable for all sorts of reasons and while we do advise that you look into each of the options suggested for opening hours or availability in this post before hitting the road, we think there’s lots to be enjoyed around us here in Ireland and we hope that our pick of trips to take in on your staycation might just make for some days out with a difference.