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7th August 2024
09:41am BST
Sarah McKenna
Brought to you by Discover Ireland
We're calling it. Summer 2024 is the summer of the daycation.
What's a daycation, I hear you ask? A daycation packs all the fun of a holiday into a single day, giving you a well-deserved break to unplug, relax and enjoy some time with your friends and family.
Of course, no daycation is complete without some quality food and drink to go with it. You're going to need some fuel for that stint of surfing in Sligo or some hiking at Croagh Patrick, or a tipple to help you unwind after absorbing knowledge at a museum or zoo. Nothing adds to a holiday like some tasty grub, or sinking a drink from one of Ireland's beloved breweries, so why should your daycation be any different?
Ready to take your daycation to the next level with a series of winning food and drink experiences? Here's what we recommend.
For the craft beer lovers, a daycation would not be complete without popping into one of Ireland's many breweries. If your destination for the day is Sligo, then the White Hag Brewery makes the perfect stop-off spot for a tour and of course a taste of some incredible wine and whiskey aged beers.
Embark on a self-guided bike tour along the Middleton Greenway, where you'll pass cathedrals, beaches, castles and forts. Afterwards, you'll have worked up quite the appetite, so head to Middleton Greenway's Snack Bar and Takeaway where you'll find a delicious array of smoothies, milkshakes and crepes.
A daycation to Lough Derg sounds heavenly, with the peaceful shores and long history, so while you're in the area, why not pay a visit to Wilde Irish Chocolates? Chocolate lovers can delight in the factory, enjoying a true feast for the senses, before returning to the gorgeous waterscape.
Pop into the Ahascragh Distillery in Co. Galway and discover the ins and outs of a sustainable distillery. Book a tour of the striking building and then pop into the Old Mill Café for a spot of lunch.
Irish black pudding is famed the world over, so on your next daycation, why not visit the home of this beloved breakfast staple? Here, you can take an interactive self-guided tour of the purpose-built facility and finish up with some delicious black pudding in the café.
As its name suggests, the Chocolate Garden of Ireland makes for a truly delicious daycation. Step into the world of professional chocolate making, take a chocolate mould making workshop and indulge your sweet tooth at this chocolate haven. Ideal after a road trip spent in Carlow, known for its many scenic walks in the likes of Altamont Gardens and Blackstairs Eco Trails.
Delve into 300 years of whiskey history with the Portmagee Irish Whiskey Spirit of the Sea Tour. Kerry is an idyllic daycation destination for many reasons - the iconic views, the sensational food spots, the gorgeous beaches - and with this drink experience, you can relax and toast to your jam-packed day with some whiskey tasting, whilst also learning about Portmagee's fascinating history.
Experience the rich food culture of Kinsale with Kinsale Food Tours. This isn't just an excellent opportunity to tuck into some tasty bites, it's also a fabulous way to see this buzzy town and its community.
The Irish coast is highly regarded for its oysters, and if you want the full oyster experience, plan a daycation at this oyster farm. You'll have the opportunity to tour the farm, learn how to shuck your own oyster and then relax with a tasting experience.
Spend your daycation in the pretty town of Drumshanbo and visit the iconic Shed Distillery. Learn the story of PJ Rigney and enjoy an expert-led tasting experience.
Enjoy a food tour with gorgeous sea views by following the Sea Louth Scenic Seafood Trail. You can customise your own route and then pop into one of the 40 local participating restaurants for a hearty seafood meal, making this the icing on the (crab) cake on a perfect daycation exploring Louth.
Head to the rugged Co. Mayo coast for your daycation and immerse yourself in the seafood culture. With Croagh Patrick Seafood Tours, you'll explore Clew Bay before sampling its oysters.
Waterford boasts a rich food and drink history, and with Taste Waterford you truly get a sense of that. This website has put together the very best food producers of Waterford, so check it out and customise your own foodie daycation.
Venture on a daycation to Athlone and call into Dead Centre Brewery. Here you can enjoy an interactive tour before relaxing over the river with a handcrafted beer and a fresh pizza.
Join host Anthony Gray for a tantalising food tour of Sligo. On this walking tour, you'll taste local ingredients and culinary delights from award-winning restaurants and beverages from nearby distilleries.
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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