Summertime is people’s favorite season. Everyone eagerly awaits to take some time off work and maybe go on a vacation somewhere. If you like traveling, you’ve probably already planned a trip or two for the summer and you had to cancel it because of the pandemic. Or maybe you had only a vague idea of where you’d like to go. Even if the Coronavirus has temporarily put off your traveling plans, sitting at home gives you plenty of time to do some research on places to visit and plan your next trip. If Ireland is on your bucket list – good news – Ireland has something for everyone.
- Aran Islands, County Galway
This is one of the cornerstones of Irish culture and especially Irish language because it is a very popular destination for Irish language courses, traditional workshops, and craft classes. Each summer, people come here to perfect their Irish language skills and get in touch with their heritage. But there are lots of things to please the eye as well, such as the marvelous stone wall architecture, and the gorgeous Kilmurvey Beach.
- Main Beach, Bundoran, County Donegal
If you enjoy surfing, this is the best holiday destination for you. Main Beach used to host international championships, and for good reason – its Peak waves are every surfer’s dream. But Bundoran is not limited to only surfing activities, there are plenty of things you can do there in the summer: go kayaking, blokarting, stand-up paddle boarding; go to bars, nightclubs, cafes or simply go on a stroll along the coast to enjoy the beautiful landscape.
- Glens of Antrim, County Antrim
The idyllic scenery of Glens of Antrim is like no other: the green coastal vale, the forest parks, waterfalls, and rivers are beyond any description. Some of the best-known scenes in “Game of Thrones” were filmed here. It’s no wonder that the Glens coastline is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.
- Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Beach, County Galway
Dog’s Bay Beach and Gurteen Beach are two of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Dogs Bay is shaped like a horseshoe and together with Gurteen Beach, they form a tombolo that extends into the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most outstanding things about Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay is the white sand, which is made entirely of fragments of seashells.
- Murder Hole Beach, County Donegal
Those with expensive tastes will definitely enjoy Murder Hole Beach. Although the name might sound a bit gruesome, there is nothing eerie about this place, only beautiful caves, and cliffs. This private beach is one of the most impressive spots along the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Temple Bar, Dublin
Every nightlife lover has to go to the Temple Bar district in Dublin. The most popular bar there is the Temple Bar right in the heart of the district. It is one of the most visited and photographed places in the country. If you enjoy the Irish dance, you might also want to check out Old Storehouse, another pub in the heart of Temple Bar, and a hotspot for live music and dancing. Every Friday and Saturday night around 9 pm, an Irish dancer comes on stage and delights the audience with the sound of his/her Irish dancing shoes touching the ground rhythmically and graciously while epic traditional Irish music plays in the background.
- Cliffs Of Moher, County Clare
The scenic landscapes of these sea cliffs could take anyone’s breath away. You can take a stroll down the sun-kissed Irish coast facing the Atlantic and marvel at the beautiful view. You can also admire its spectacular wildlife, such as cute puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and rare flora, such as Cat’s Eat and Sea Pink.
- Harry Avery Castle, County Tyrone
If you want to visit an iconic ancient castle, Harry Avery Castle is a delightful option. The castle is almost 700 years old and it is thought to be a rare example of a stone castle built by a Gaelic Irish chieftain. In the summertime, the view from the mound on which the castle stands is simply breathtaking.
- The Fermanagh Lakelands, County Fermanagh
Fermanagh has many wonders to offer to the visitor: 700km of rivers, canals, islands, and lakes, as well as woodlands, forests, and parklands. There’s also the subterranean Marble Arch Caves Geopark, a UNESCO-recognised Global Geopark with historical landmarks such as old abbeys, tombs, and show caves. You can also go see the Cuilcagh Mountain, where Ireland’s longest river rises (River Shannon).
- Kinsale, County Cork
If you like small towns, you might want to put Kinsale on your list when you come to Ireland. It’s considered to be one of the best small towns to visit in Ireland. Its appeal lies in the coastal setting and the Spanish feel, especially in the summer. But Kinsale has more interesting things to offer to a visitor: sailing, fishing, and delicious seafood.
