OUT & ABOUT
Emerald Park, Ashbourne, Co Meath
e Meath-based theme park and zoo (formally known as Tayto Park) is going from strength to strength, with recent development and expansion. e latest addition to the park, Tír na nóg, which is the focus of a documentary currently on RTÉ One, o ers two new-state of the art intertwining rollercoasters, ‘Na Fianna Force’ and ‘ e Quest’. For those not looking for an adrenaline rush, the zoo is a great way to spend a few hours. emeraldpark.ie
Hill of Tara & Trim Castle, Co Meath
A recent trip to these two historic sites renewed my appreciation for what’s on our doorstep and o en ignored. With only a 20-minute drive between the two, they’re a great combo option for a day out with the kids. e Hill of Tara with its origins from the Stone Age, through to the Iron Age and Early Christian Period is a fascinating history lesson, while getting your steps in. Top tip: if it’s a wet day, bring the wellies; if it’s dry, pop to Trim Castle a erwards for a picnic on the grounds with Ireland’s best-preserved and most impressive Anglo-norman castle as your backdrop.
Moher Hill Farm, Liscannor, Co Clare
If you’re holidaying in Co Clare this summer, this is a great spot for a fun- lled day. With stunning sights, Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park is situated overlooking Liscannor Bay and spans 14 acres. As well as the petting zoo and farm, there’s a wide range of activities to ensure that all ages are kept entertained, regardless of the weather, with bouncing castle, indoor and outdoor go karts, ball pool, all-weather outdoor play area and miniature golf course.
Aillwee Caves, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare
An oldie but a goodie! Located in the heart of the Burren in Co Clare, 40 minutes from both Galway and Shannon, this is one of the most spectacular examples of caves in Ireland. e tour consists of a 30-minute stroll through the beautiful caverns – over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall which sometimes gently sprays the unsuspecting visitor. ey opened a Birds of Prey Centre in 2008 and it’s a vistor highlight. aillweeburrenexperience.ie
Inis Oírr, Galway Bay
If you get the weather, this really will be a highlight of your summer. e smallest of the Aran Islands, its lost-in-time charm is refreshing. Get the ferry from Doolin – the journey is only 15 minutes. Once you reach the island, which is only three square kilometres, enjoy the beautiful sandy beach, walk to the lighthouse or take a horse and carriage ride to the famous shipwreck of the Plassy. Finish your day with some sh and chips at Tigh Neds on the harbour as you wait for your boat back.
Limerick Greenway
In recent years, greenways have proliferated around the country, but one of the most noteworthy is this accessible 40km o -road route. Since it opened in 2021, Limerick Greenway has recorded more than 1.5 million visits. ey are attracted by the 40km route through the verdant Co Limerick countryside, taking in ve hub towns, Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh and Abbeyfeale. e route features the 115m Barnagh Train Tunnel, the cast-iron Ferguson’s Viaduct and a number of former station houses, all restored relics of the 19th Century Limerick-kerry rail line. You can join the Greenway at a number of points along the route and if you want to continue your journey, it’s now possible to go on to Listowel in Co Kerry on the Kingdom of Kerry Greenway.
For more information, including bike hire, amenities and itineraries, visit limerickgreenway.ie
Glenveagh National Park
ere’s always something to do in the hills of Donegal, but if you’re up that way, make a bit of time for Glenveagh. e National Park is currently planning for its next phase; a project to restore native woodland to 600 hectares of land. glenveagh or Gleann Bheatha, meaning
Glen of the Birches, was covered by native woodland until the middle of the last century when re, along with pressure from grazing and us humans’ activity le the glen mostly bare of trees. Check it out, have a co ee in their great café and don’t forget there’s a new all-terrain electric wheelchair available for use; it’s free but needs to be booked in advance. nationalparks.ie/glenveagh
Up Errigal!
And if you are in the area, nip up and across the road from Glenveagh and plan a walk/hike up the iconic Errigal mountain. A new path has been added to both protect and conserve the mountain and make it more user-friendly to visitors. Stick it on the list!
Donegal Pier Summer Festival
is summer, the picturesque town of Donegal will come alive with the vibrant rhythms and melodies of the Donegal Summer Festival. Set against the stunning backdrop of the pier, the festival promises a weekend of unforgettable live music experiences from Friday June 28 to Sunday June 30. And with music ranging from Derek Ryan to Lavengro, there’s bound to be something to satisfy your musical tastes. Tickets from eventbrite.ie