Five ‘easy-going’ breaks to consider in 2019

1. Glamping:

Glamping is basically the evolution of an old favourite (camping) and it certainly seems to be taking the tourism industry by storm with outdoor accommodation in the form of log cabins, microlodges, reworked Romany caravans and bell tents – many of which include quirky bedsits and furniture, WiFi, and lovely porticos and decking areas. While the name and style of accommodation is certainly novel - even bordering on the chicly absurd - the experience is an amazingly unique one.

2. Cycling:

Now generally accepted as one of the fastest growing sports and recreational pursuits there is, it’s hard to travel far these days and not see a cluster of busy cyclists peddling away to their hearts content. But this is also a cracking way to incorporate a hobby with a break away. All across the length and breadth of the country these days you’ll find a major cycling event taking place, very often in some splendid scenery. Take for example the annual Ring of Kerry and Ring of Beara cycles. If events like this don’t present the perfect opportunity to get away from it all for a few days, it’s hard to know what else is does.

3. Movie tourism:

Ireland has now become a major destination for movie and TV productions which have added their own unique twist to the nation’s potential to attract tourists – from home and abroad. Take the resent swell of interest created by shooting scenes from Star Wars in Kerry; or the huge interest there is along the Antrim coast where scenes from the TV hit show Game of Thrones are filmed. But of course none of this is actually a new phenomenon for back in the days when Ryan’s Daughter and The Quiet Man were filmed it also created huge interest in movie tourism. If the big screen is your thing, then why not see where it all started.

4. Walking:

This is another monster activity that has escalated in recent years with hiking and hillwalking enthusiasts ditching the cars and deciding to enjoy the great outdoors. Local Camino walks are witnessing a resurgence again and with this comes lots more footfall potential for local tourism. Ireland still lags behind countries like Wales and Scotland when it comes to promoting walking tours. But a holiday that includes scenic walks by day and enjoying the best of local restaurants and pubs by night is hard to beat. The best of both worlds, basically.

5. Horse Trekking:

Horse trekking holidays are tailor-made to suit every level and whether you’re a Cossack-like pro, or just a novice eager to try horse riding for the first time, riding centres will be more than accommodating. This is really a fantastic form of leisure tourism as you enjoy the rugged terrain and soft, sandy beaches. Travelling on horseback is also a great way of venturing up quiet bohereens and getting close to wildlife. Horse trekking is a more serene and relaxing experience than driving, cycling or walking and if there’s a better experience than trotting quietly along a beautiful beach, I’ve yet to hear of it.