There's no joy quite like stepping outside of your house in the evening and seeing that grand stretch.
I don’t know about you but it has me excited for the summer ahead; my calendar is now being studied carefully so I can make sure I’m ticking off as many activities across Ireland as I can this year.
Here’s my list to give you some inspiration to get up, get out, and embrace that sunshine while we have it.
1. Beyond the Trees - Avondale, Co Wicklow
Avondale Forest Park, just outside of Rathdrum, Co Wicklow has so much to offer. There are endless trails for those who love a stroll, tours in Avondale House for history nuts, and the most popular activity, Beyond The Trees.
Beyond The Trees is truly breathtaking to look at. En route, you’ll make your way across a fully accessible 1.4km walkway. Weave your way up and down through the trees, and as the forest floor falls away towards the valley, you will gently rise above the canopy before coming to the magnificent viewing tower. The tower is 38 metres above the forest floor and provides a 360-degree view of Wicklow. From the top you can slide down, which I highly recommend - it’s so much fun!
Tickets cost €16 for adults, €13 for children.
2. Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk, Co Dublin
The north coast of Dublin is one of my favourite places in the whole country, and it can really be overlooked. If you’re looking for picturesque views, the Donabate to Portrane Cliff walk is brilliant. Weave along the cliff's edge looking down at the wonderful beaches and wildlife below. This is an easy walk, which only takes about 30 minutes from one side to the other. I recommend bringing your swimsuit and going for a dip at Tower Bay before looping back.
3. Gougane Barra, Co Cork
If you wanted to take a photo to put on a postcard for Ireland, this would be the spot. The Gougane Barra can be found on the border of Cork and Kerry. Here you’ll find a tiny idyllic church on an island, surrounded by a lake and a vast valley. You can walk onto the island and into the church, which is really beautiful inside. There are also lots of trails around here to explore.
It’s free to enter the church and walk the grounds.
4. Blasket Island Tour, Co Kerry
We’re all getting more in touch with Irish culture and the Irish language as of late, and one of the best tours to embrace this — while getting outdoors of course — is by taking a boat to the Blasket Islands. Once home to a Gaeltacht community, and famous seanchaí like Peig Sayers, the second you step foot on this island you’ll uncover its magic. Along the route, you’ll see the ruins of the houses, colonies of seals, and some of the whitest sand across the Emerald Isle.
Boat tours go from Dingle Harbour and cost €75 for adults and €65 for children.
5. Guillamene Swimming Cove, Co Waterford
If sea swimming is your thing, there’s no place quite like the Guillamene, just outside of Tramore, Co Waterford. Take the steps down to this bathing area with crystal blue waters and jaw-dropping landscapes. You can walk or jump in here, with lots of different access points to the water.
Top tip: Head to Seagull Bakery in Tramore after your swim for an al fresco coffee and delicious baked goods.
6. Limerick Greenway, Co Limerick
We’re so lucky in Ireland to have stunning Greenway routes dotted across our island. The Waterford and Great Western Greenway are definitely the most popular, so you may have tried those already; but have you tried the Limerick Greenway?
Start at the Greenway Hub in Barnagh and rent bikes from Loco Motion. From here you can cycle right through to Co Kerry. When I cycled it I went as far as Newcastle West and looped back. The Greenway trail was gorgeous with lots to see along the way.
Bikes cost €25, electric bikes are €50.
https://barnaghgreenwayhub.ie/
7. Sligo Bay SUP, Co Sligo
Stand-up paddle boarding is a great activity for those who love the water, but don’t necessarily want to get wet. Sligo Bay SUP will take you along the Garvogue River, where you can test your balance on the board by standing or kneeling. Along the way, you’ll see local wildlife and meander through rushes.
When you’ve finished up I recommend checking out Koha - an outdoor food truck just five minutes from the SUPing location. These guys do amazing toasties!
Ticket prices: €40 for adults, €35 for children.
8. Surfing lesson in Lahinch, Co Clare
Make 2025 the year you surf more in Ireland. Tá an t-adh dearg orainn that we have so many brilliant surfing locations in Ireland. Surfing is great in all weather but there is something magic about doing it on a clear day. Ben’s Surf Clinic rents boards and also offers lessons in Lahinch. A few hours on the waves will put a pep in your step.
Lahinch is a particularly good place to learn to surf too. Lessons cost €40.
9. Lunch and an Al fresco pint at Murphy’s Bar, Co Kerry
Murphy’s Bar at Brandon Point, Co Kerry is probably about as scenic as you’re going to get. During sunny days, you’ll be able to sit outside overlooking the harbour and tuck into some delicious food - the menu here is extensive!
This place really does have a magic about it.
https://www.murphysbarbrandon.com/
10. Walk around the War Memorial Gardens, Co Dublin
It’s currently cherry blossom season and the War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge is a great place to see them. My dog absolutely loves it here - big open spaces, a river and two identical circular rose gardens.
A real hidden gem in Dublin City, and definitely one to visit for a sunny evening walk.
https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/irish-national-war-memorial-gardens/
11. Kite Surfing with Life is Pure Magic, Achill, Co Mayo
Keel Lake is home to Life is Pure Magic, one of the funnest activites I’ve tried in Ireland. They run kitesurfing and winging lessons — so you will need a bit of wind if you want to book in. Thankfully, even on sunny days, Achill’s Westerly Winds prevail.
Owner of Pure Magic, Francois, is a hoot and will have you laughing throughout the lesson. It’s a unique skill and takes a bit of time to grasp but if you want to try something a little different, I highly recommend it.
Kitesurfing lessons cost €135.
12. Beach Yoga with Seanie Smyth on Portmarnock, Co Dublin
Every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm and Sunday morning at 10am, yoga teacher Seanie Smyth runs outdoor yoga classes on Portmarnock Beach. The class is open to all levels and Seanie plays cool music throughout the session. It’s a great way to finish out the week. I like to bring my togs and head for a swim after the class too.
Bring your own mat and a bottle of water and you’re good to go - no need to sign up ahead of time. There will be a QR code available on the day if you’d like to tip Seanie for his time.
13. Sea swim at Malinbeg, Co Donegal
Silver Strand Beach is a majestic horseshoe shaped beach hugged by rugged cliffs. You’ll make your way down 60 steps to get down to beach from the car park.
The water is as clear as glass and you’ll even spy some secret waterfalls along the bay. If you’re lucky you might even spot pods of Dolphins.
Make 2025 the year you explore more of Donegal, what a county!
14. Kilfane House & Waterfall, Co Kilkenny
Did you know we have our very own Snow White’s Cottage in Kilkenny?
Kilfane Glen and waterfall is located about 20-minutes outside of Kilkenny City. The site has been untouched for 200-years. Along the route you’ll see woodland paths, rolling streams, a wonderful waterfall and a unique cottage. Kildare is listed as an Irish Heritage garden.
It costs €7 to enter. It is currently closed but will reopen for the season shortly. No dogs allowed.
http://kilfane.com/visit-kilfane
15. Visit Irish National Heritage Park, Co Wexford
An open air museum that tells the history of Ireland’s important ages. Walk through crannógs, board Viking boats and explore medieval ruins. There are 16 reconstructed sites to learn about across the 35 acre parklands.
I highly recommend doing a tour while here. The guides will be dressed in character and have incredible stories to tell.
Fun for all ages, but especially great for families. Tickets are €14 for adults, €8 for kids.
16. Giants Causeway, Co Antrim
I’m ashamed to admit that in my 30-years, I only visited the Giants Causeway for the first time two years ago. I’m sure there are others like me. It really is worth visiting.
Lying at the edge of Antrim, here you’ll see over 40,000 massive black basalt columns emerging from the sea. This site has inspired legends of the giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill striding over to Scotland.
Tickets cost £14 for adults and £7 for kids.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/giants-causeway
17. Kayak to Dalkey island
Get up close and personal with the seals of Dublin as you kayak from Dalkey Harbour to Dalkey Island. This award winning tour lasts 3-hours and is suitable for all skill levels. Tours run from Monday to Sunday at 9.30am, and 2pm, as well as sunset tours Wednesday to Sunday at 5.30pm so you can enjoy a stunning Dublin Bay sunset.
Tickets are €78.
https://kayaking.ie/kayaking-dalkey-dublin/
18. Visit Newgrange, Co Meath
Newgrange is one of the most iconic sites in all of Ireland. Built by Stone Age farmers over 5,200 years ago to align with the Winter Solstice. It is older than Stonehenge and The Great Pyramids of Giza. You can access the monument is via the Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre.
The mound is ringed by 97 large kerbstones, some of which are engraved with symbols called megalithic art.
Tickets are €18 and booking ahead is essential.
https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-knowth-and-dowth/
19. Joyce’s Country Sheepdogs, Co Galway
Joyce Country Sheepdogs, located in Connemara, is part of a family run farm. Here you’ll watch their talented Border Collie sheepdogs herding Connemara Blackface sheep.
Demonstrations take place at 11am, 1pm and 3.30pm Monday - Saturday. They have just reopened for the season and run until 18 October.
Admission rates for 2025: Adults €15, children under 12- €5
https://www.joycecountrysheepdogs.ie/
20. Derry bicycle tour
What’s better than a walking tour? A bike tour of course! You can get around to all of the sights speedily and cover much more ground.
Derry Bike Tours, will cover captivating stories, historical insights, as you cycle along the iconic Derry Walls, discover gems like the Secret Garden, and marvel at landmarks like the Peace Bridge.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Derry Bike Tours is a great way to see the city and its surroundings.
Tickets cost €96 per person.
