Holiday at home
More than nine million overseas visitors travelled to Ireland in 2017, which is reason enough to plan your own holiday at home this year! Here, some of the leaders in Irish tourism share their recommendations
More than nine million overseas visitors travelled to Ireland in 2017, which is reason enough to plan your own holiday at home this year! Here, some of the leaders in Irish tourism share their recommendations
The number of tourists coming to Ireland has risen year-on-year. Recent statistics from Fáilte Ireland have found that the typical vacationer is a couple (41pc) over 44 years old (44pc), while individual tourists make up 24pc of visitors. While travel is no doubt on the top of the list for Irish couples and empty nesters (those whose kids have flown the nest), typically this sense of adventure can often be associated with travelling abroad. This year, take inspiration from our overseas visitors and open yourself up to the new and unique experiences that are right on your doorstep.
MUNSTER: CO KERRY
“The convenience of home holidays is alluring,” says Danny Bowe, General Manager at Castlerosse Hotel & Holiday Homes (www.castlerosse.ie) in Killarney, “especially when Irish holidays can offer visitors a different experience to a traditional trip abroad.
“For many years, Killarney attracted mainly American visitors. More recently, we have seen a surge in Irish people choosing Killarney as their holiday destination. The combination of superb scenery, charming wildlife, such as the Irish Red Deer, and an iconic Irish town are highlights that cannot be undervalued.”
Adjoining the Killarney National Park, guests of the Castlerosse Hotel can cycle and walk trails through the park. They can enjoy the spacious ground on which the hotel resides and take in the uninterrupted view of Killarney lakes.
“The Wild Atlantic Way has also captured the interest of overseas markets,” says Danny. “Ideally located for such an adventure, Castlerosse Hotel and Killarney are just a one-hour drive to the Ring of Kerry and the same to the Dingle Peninsula”
Operating for over 50 years, the Castlerosse Hotel & Holiday Homes has witnessed holiday trends alter over the years. What has remained consistent, however, is the typical length of stay.
“Empty nesters, or seniors, like to stay three to four nights. Couples generally come to us for a weekend break. Families typically stay three to four nights in the hotel, but will stay a full week if they have booked one of our self-catering Woodland Cottages or Golf Lodges.
“A recurrent trend for home holidaymakers is a last-minute extension to their trip if they find the weather to be particularly good. In 2018, I’d advise booking early, as hotels are getting busier.”
CONNACHT: CO MAYO
“There’s no better way to discover Mayo’s charm than taking to the great outdoors,” says Anna Connor, Development Officer Mayo County Council (www.mayo.ie). “Right at the heart of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Mayo embraces the Atlantic Ocean with many of the county’s unforgettable landmarks dotted along its coastline. Must-visits include Croagh Patrick, Clew Bay and Achill’s majestic cliffs. Achill Island is one of Ireland’s most spectacular wild areas, with kayaking, surfing, fishing and kitesurfing facilities and five Blue Flag beaches.
“The Blueway Trails at Old Head, Killary and Achill offer the opportunity to experience world-class snorkelling and ocean kayaking. The Great Western Greenway, connecting Westport to Achill Island, offers an award-winning familyfriendly biking trail.”
For something more low-key, Anna says Mayo is a haven for walkers and anglers, “There’s a myriad of walks and journeys including Croagh Patrick and Cong, as well as the rivers Moy, Furnace and Owenmore, which are internationally renowned for salmon and sea trout angling. The hiker can escape the bustle of urban life by climbing one of many mountain ranges including Mweelrea, the highest peak in Connaught.
“I’d also highly recommend walking in the remote Ceathrú Thaidhg area in Ennis. Stop by Downpatrick Head, where legend says St. Patrick split the land and banished a pagan druid, and the Céide Fields, the oldest stone walled fields in the world (over 6,000 years old).”
LEINSTER: CO KILKENNY
“Kilkenny is a place where ancient and contemporary mix seamlessly,” says Maura Hickey, Tourism Officer at Kilkenny Tourism (www.visitkilkenny.ie). “It is rich in culture, a fantastic nightlife, food and craft, and outdoor activities. Highlights in Kilkenny City include the brewing and distilling experiences (such as Ballykeefe Distillery, The Smithwick Experience and the Kilkenny Whiskey Guild) and the Medieval Mile Museum.
“Plan your visit around one of the many festivals the city hosts, such as the Cat Laughs festival over the June bank holiday weekend or Tradfest in March, which makes Kilkenny the perfect St Patrick’s Day destination.”
Maura says Kilkenny has much to offer outside its vibrant city.
“Kilkenny is a county that is rich in beautiful scenery, with picture perfect towns such as Inistioge and Graiguenamanagh waiting to be explored. To fully immerse yourself in the culture, follow the below route:
“Head out to Bennettsbridge village, situated on the river Nore and home to the renowned Nicolas Mosse pottery. See the potters at work and enjoy some delicious cooked delights in their own café.
“Continue to Thomastown, home of the Mount Juliet estate, where you can stroll the grounds and walking trails. Visit Jerpoint Abbey, just outside Thomastown, then visit the now famous ‘Goatsbridge Trout’ farm.
“For more heritage, stop by Jerpoint Park, home to the lost town and gravestone of St Nicolas. Then, visit Jerpoint Glass studios and gift shop. The Leadbetter family have been in the glass business for many years. See their new creations or book a glass blowing workshop.
“Head back to Kilkenny City, via Stoneyford village, home to Knockdrinna Cheese Farm. Don’t pass without dropping in for some of their award-winning cheeses!”
ULSTER: CO FERMANAGH
“We’ve noticed a huge increase in visitors from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland in 2017,” says Louise Curry, Project Executive at Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism (www.fermanaghlakelands.com). “Local visitor attractions in Fermanagh such as the Marble Arch Caves and National Trust properties, have reported a significant increase in ROI visitors over the past year.
“Visitors travelling to Fermanagh are now looking for short-break destinations, to spend quality time with friends and family, enjoy natural scenic surroundings, value for money and ‘quirky getaways’. With that in mind, the Bubble Domes at Finn Lough have been extremely popular, with visitors travelling from all over the world to experience a night under the stars.”
One of the newest and hugely popular attractions in the Fermanagh Lakelands area is the Cuilcagh Boardwalk, more commonly known as ‘The Stairway to Heaven’.
“Part of the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, the Cuilcagh Legnagbrocky Trail will appeal to walkers with some experience of walking in the hills. The route is quite isolated and showcases the scenic wilderness of Cuilcagh Mountain. The trail meanders along a quiet farmland track before traversing a wooden boardwalk that consists of a steady climb to the mountain face. Here, a stepped boardwalk climbs through steep terrain and boulder fields, before reaching the summit plateau. On a good day you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the Sligo Mountains, Upper Lough Erne, The Atlantic Ocean, as well as counties Cavan, Leitrim and Donegal.
For something more leisurely, visitors to the Fermanagh Lakelands can enjoy a cruise on the Erne Water Taxi. Louise says, “The Lough Erne Food Trail is a must for anyone who enjoys great local food, stunning landscapes and story or two along the way.”