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13th August 2024
03:43pm BST
Sarah McKenna
Photo from Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails. Brought to you by Discover Ireland
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: this summer is all about embracing the Daycation.
So, what exactly is a Daycation? To put it simply, a Daycation is one incredible day packed with some of the very best experiences and attractions right on our doorstep, which allows us to enjoy a whole holiday's worth of fun into a single day.
This summer the Best Daycation Ever awaits, and we've put together some of the best adrenaline-pumping experiences to add to your itinerary.
Ready to dive headfirst into some incredible activities? From kayaking to mountain-biking to kite-surfing, these experiences make great additions to your next Daycation itinerary.
Infuse your next Daycation with a generous dose of adventure, courtesy of The Irish Experience. Here, you'll get to choose between a range of activities – stand-up paddleboarding, coastal canyoneering and sea cave kayaking – and explore the rugged coast of the Hook Peninsula. Once you've had your fill of activities, call into the nearby Hook Lighthouse and Visitor Centre or chill out on Duncannon Beach.
Include a visit to this adventure centre on your next Daycation, and you'll find an abundance of thrilling ways to explore the striking Offaly countryside. Take a stand up paddle boarding or kayaking safari, or whiz through the mountain's foothills on a mountain bike from Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Centre. Make the most of your Offaly Daycation by adding in a trip to Clonfert Cathedral or the sprawling Birr Castle Demesne & Historic Science Centre.
With a wide range of land and water-based activities, Derg Isle Adventure Centre allows visitors to seriously level-up their Daycation. Canoeing, kayaking, water-zorbing, zip-lining and climbing are just a handful of the activities you can choose from here. Afterwards, indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to Wilde Irish Chocolate and enjoy a ramble through the nearby Killaloe Village.
To add some thrill to your next Daycation, make sure you include a visit to Shannon River Adventure, where a world of adventure awaits. Try your hand at archery, challenge yourself with the climbing wall, enjoy a spot of orienteering or take to the water with pier jumping, kayaking or canoeing. Later, slow down with a relaxed walk through Carrick on Shannon, and to get your history fix, visit the National Famine Museum.
Dive headfirst into the thrilling world of stand up paddle boarding on your next Daycation by including a lesson from this SUP and sail club. Whether you're a total beginner or more experienced, a session from Harbour SUP and Sail is bound to bring your day out to the next level. After working up a sweat, chill out and relax with a visit to Enniscrone Traditional Hot Seaweed Baths.
On your next Daycation in Co. Tipperary, head to Lough Derg Watersports and take your pick from their huge range of outdoor activities to get the adrenaline pumping. Explore the Lough by kayak, embark on a hike or bike ride or learn about the benefits of safe cold exposure from a fully qualified Wim Hof Method instructor. Enjoy a well-earned relaxation session afterwards with a visit to Coolbawn Quay Spa and Wellness.
Hit the road on your next Daycation and check out the very best the Burren has to offer with the Burren Discovery Trail. This landscape is 330 million years old, and there's so much to explore. Visit the region's most picturesque villages and take in some of the incredible historical landscapes as you customise your own adventure with this handy guide. While you're in the area, add a surf lesson from Lahinch Surf School to your Daycation itinerary or check out some traditional Irish music in some of the area's great pubs.
Take in the rugged Atlantic coast through a series of adventure sports at this Co. Mayo spot on your next Daycation. Whatever your ability, you'll find a water activity to delve into, from coasteering to kayaking or surfing to snorkelling. You'll have worked up an appetite, so after your sea adventure, tuck into some tasty food at Talbot's Seafood Bar.
For a Daycation experience that combines a water-based activity with unforgettable wildlife adventures, book one of the many incredible experiences available from this sailing centre. Head out on a sailing adventure with a marine biologist or take to the ocean in kayak and keep your eyes peeled for the many seals, dolphins and birds that call Bantry Bay home. Finish up your Daycation here with a hearty meal from Murphy's Restaurant in Castletownbere.
Achill is renowned as an adventure destination, so to really get to its adventurous heart in one day, book an experience with Pure Magic Kitesurfing. Under the guidance of your instructor, you'll take to the waters of Keel Lake and get to the grips of this incredible sport. Squeeze in some relaxation on your Mayo Daycation by booking in with Achill Seaweed Baths for the ideal post-kitesurfing experience.
Experience the majesty of the striking Ballyhoura Mountain as you zip by on a mountain bike from Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails. There's over 90km of trails to explore here, making it an incredible activity to include on your upcoming Daycation. For even more wonder on your Daycation here, add a visit to the nearby Animal Magic - Falconry and Conservation to your itinerary.
Breathe in the fresh Leitrim air as you experience an activity made to be savoured with Slow Adventure Ireland on Lough Allen. Activities here include kayaking, Canadian canoeing, hiking, biking and horse-back riding. While you're in Leitrim, check out the Shed Distillery and learn the ins and outs of gin production.
The Donegal coast is a haven for surfers, and you can soak up some of those good vibes by including a lesson at Bundoran Surf Co. on your next Daycation itinerary. During your lesson, you'll learn the basics of surfing before taking to the waves and breathing in that crisp ocean air. Factor in some time post-surf to check out the West End Cliff Walk and take in some incredible views.
On your next Daycation, weave your way through Kenmare Bay on board on eco-friendly kayak from Emerald Outdoors. As you explore the historic waterways of this region, keep your eyes peeled for resident seabirds and enjoy the striking backdrop of the mountainous countryside. Afterwards, take a fully-guided brewery tour of the fascinating Tom Crean Brewery in Kenmare.
For a high-flying Daycation, take to the treetops of Leenane with Killary Adventure Centre. Here, you can test your nerve with the high ropes course of the Skyfall climbing tower, or you can enjoy a sunset boat trip or a hike along Ireland's famous Famine Trail. Finish off your Daycation here with some food truck goodies from Misunderstood Heron.
Ready for the Best Daycation Ever? Plan an unforgettable day at DiscoverIreland.ie
The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this summer and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help us protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.
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