It’s August Bank Holiday Weekend and if you didn’t manage to book those flights to [insert fancy destination here] and are in Ireland for the hols, then we’ve got a bunch of things you can do instead that are just as awesome. And if you’re feeling really energetic, head on over to our Make Life Richer Map for even more good ideas...!
The Waterford Greenway
Our whole team did this a while back and even those of us who don’t cycle, well, really ever, absolutely loved it (and were well able to complete the full 46km)! Head over to Waterford, hire a bike, grab a coffee at Coach House and drink in the idyllic Irish scenery.
Have a baking/cooking sesh at home
We’ve plenty of ADVENTURE SNACKS! recipes up online now and if it happens to rain this long weekend because, Ireland, then why not have a little Great Irish Bake-Off of your own at home. Involve the friends and fam and get your cook on, and then your eat on. And then definitely let us know which recipes are your faves and feel free to drop samples into G+C HQ on Tuesday...
Indoor climbing at The Wall
Also a great option if the weather isn’t cooperating: head indoors and still get active at Dublin’s biggest and bestest bouldering facility in Sandyford. There’s options here for beginners as well as more experienced climbers and you can try your hand at Aerial Silk classes on the weekends too!
Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve
If it’s not raining, and the skies are clear, head out into the wilderness of Kerry and bathe in gold-tier rated starlight at the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. The area covers more than 700 square kilometres so there’s plenty of spots to head to see the Milky Way in all its glory.
Go Mountain Biking at literally any of these places
Apparently, we’re all about the mountain biking here at G+C. We did it ourselves when we adventured in County Down and we’ve even gone so far as to highlight 5 of the best mountain biking centres across Ireland. While a decent level of fitness (and a spirit of adventure) is required, you don’t need to be an expert cyclist to tackle some of these trails. Checkout Rostrevor or Ballyhoura to start with and go from there!
Take to the water on The Shannon
The Shannon Blueway covers a whole lotta activity including walking, cycling and kayaking so there’s more than enough options here to entertain your whole crew. Choose from a multitude of walkways and paths or get proper fancy and hire yourself a motorboat to do a bit of water-base promenading and make your Insta friends jealous!
Swing on a Rope Bridge
At the other end of the Emerald Isles, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge swings nearly 100ft above the Atlantic, up in Antrim. Constructed by salmon fisherman way back in the 1700s, the bridge takes you over to the cute island of Carrick-a-Rede and there are a couple of lovely options for a stroll and a coffee while you’re up there.
Zen out in West Cork
Need to relax and unwind or just get back to YOU for a bit? Head towards the ends of the island and check out Dzogchen Beara Buddhist Meditation Centre. There’s everything from drop-in meditation & yoga classes to full-scale retreats offered here. Plus. there’s a cafe on-site with one of the best views for supping your coffee and having a bite.
Get your read on (with a coffee, obvs)
We’ve highlighted a good few books that are on the G+C reading list, and we’ve got more on the way! If you really want to take it easy this Bank Holiday weekend, then head to your local bookstore, grab some material for the mind, sit back, relax and expand your mental horizons! We recommend taking a picnic and heading to your local park or woodland to maximise the Shinrin-Yoku!
Mweelrea Summit
At the other end of the activity spectrum, is Mweerea Summit! Up to 8 hours worth of mountain hiking awaits you here in County Mayo and while there’s a level of commitment required here, the views and landscapes are well worth the effort! Bring the crew (and the appropriate gear) and get lost in the magic of one of Ireland’s highest peaks!
