There’s a Bank Holiday coming soon which gives you a great excuse for a weekend break in Ireland. You could head to Galway or Cork, rent a car and explore the Emerald Isle to your heart’s content. There are so many reasons to plan a weekend break in Ireland depending what you want to see and do. Road trippers can choose from routes such as the gorgeous Wild Atlantic Way (the longest touring route in the world) whilst history buffs can make their way around numerous castles, Skellig Michael (good for Star Wars fans too!), Knowth, or the Rock of Cashel.
So below are a selection of locations for a weekend break in Ireland over the Bank Holiday. These spots give you an opportunity to get to know the real Ireland and not just the Guinness Brewery or Aviva Stadium.
Explore Connemara & Galway
If you’re looking to spend a weekend in Ireland, I suggest you start here. Located in the North West corner of Galway, Connemara is undoubtedly one of the most stunning locations in Ireland. The landscapes range from coastal inlets to boggy highlands surrounded by the Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens mountain range. Interspersed between are numerous lakes, valleys, and rivers offering wonderful hiking options.
If you do decide to visit, you’ll likely be starting your sightseeing tour in the city of Galway. But don’t just stay in the city, first jump in the car and head out on the N59 towards Recess. From here you should take the R344 to Kylemore Abbey. Founded at the castle of the same name, it took in nuns who fled Belgium in World War I. One of the main attractions are the impressive Victorian walled gardens which have been restored by the Benedictine community.
Photo by: pierregaschet49/Fotolia
Just south of the Abbey lies Connemara National Park. This is the star attraction in the county! It’s home to 4,000 year old megalithic tombs and a wide variety of both flora and fauna including kestrel, sparrow hawks, merlin, and peregrine falcons. Its diversity of birdlife makes it a popular destination for ornithologists as well as being one of the most beautiful National Parks in Europe.
Day Trips in Connemara
Day trips from Connemara include the spectacular Cliffs of Moher a few hours’ drive to the south. Alternatively, head to Galway and explore the city and Bay before sampling some oysters and moving on to Athenry with its Norman Castle, Priory, and fields. Another popular sight is Dunguaire Castle perched on the south eastern shore of Galway Bay.
Cork and Killarney
Fly into Cork and you’re ideally placed to explore Ireland’s beautiful south western corner. Whist in town be sure to explore the Cork City Gaol, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and the English Market. Alternatively, check out the Franciscan Well Brewery which hosts regular beer festivals with other small breweries. Sports fans should head to Páirc Uí Chaoimh to see Cork GAA in action in the National Hurling League.
Just outside the city lies Blarney Castle, home to the famous stone. Whilst kissing a piece of limestone hanging upside down may not be top of everyone’s wish list, it is one of the most popular attractions in the country. Blarney Castle can be found 20 minutes outside Cork on the imaginatively named Blarney Road. Get there early as queues can build up.
Once you’ve had enough of the stone, head north on the N20 towards Mallow before turning west on the N72 towards Killarney National Park.
Photo by: tektur/Fotolia
Enjoy the Killarney Lakes (Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and the Upper Lake) including its extensive oak and yew woodland, along with the peaks and moorlands of the Knockrower and Purple Mountains. Like Connemara, Killarney is home to a wide variety of wildlife including white-tailed sea eagles.
Day Trips in Cork
Limerick isn’t far from Cork at all and is well worth exploring should you want to discover the north of Munster. There are a number of excellent museums and Angela’s Ashes tours which allow you to really get to know the city.
County Wicklow
Just south of Dublin lies the beautiful region of County Wicklow. Known for its mountains, wonderful coastline, and extensive walking trails, Wicklow is perfect for those looking for a break from the busy streets of Dublin. The following route ensure a fairly short drive and plenty of spectacular scenery.
To the east of the Wicklow Mountains lies Powerscourt House. This vast estate and gardens has been renovated after a fire in 1976 to create a spectacular setting. Whilst the house is now a hotel, gardens and waterfall are open to the public.
Photo by: spectrumblue/Fotolia
Next on your list of places to visit should be the beautiful valley of Glendalough. Leave Powerscourt and head down the L1011. Once you turn on to the R115 at Glencree you’ll really start to feel as though you’re in Ireland. This road takes you over some truly stunning scenery that blends Dartmoor and the Lake District into one unbelievable vista.
Some ruins and important buildings from the 6th century monastic settlement can still be found at Glendalough but it’s the scenery that will impress the most. The 2 lakes draw numerous visitors every year and the area has been used as a film location for movies such as Braveheart and P.S. I Love You.
If the idea of a long walk appeals, why not give the Wicklow Way a go? Stretching for 130km from Dublin to Clonegal it passes through nature trails, disused military routes, and past mountain lakes.
Day Trips in Wicklow
The town of Cashel, home to the famous Rock of Cashel, is a few hours’ drive south west of County Wicklow. The home of the Kings of Munster, the Rock is the most visited heritage site in Ireland and well worth a visit. On a side note, the town of Tipperary lies slightly further down the road which allows lots of singing opportunities!
Bonus location
We couldn’t recommend place to visit in Ireland without suggesting Craggy Island Parochial House, Fans of Dermot Morgan and Father Ted should head to Cloon in County Clare for their mini pilgrimage. If you book in advance you can even have a cup of tea in the house – Ah go on!
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