Make your way to Ireland during the month of May until July and witness as this country comes to life with a guaranteed sparkling surf, memorable camping trips, and colorful festivals. Though considered as the third largest island in Europe, Ireland is still a small mass of land that you can drive from north to south in six hours, giving you ample time to spend a morning on a mountain trail and an afternoon on the beach or in a city museum. Whether you’re up for a nature trip or you wish to explore the historical sites and admire its exquisite architecture, nowhere on earth is better to be during this time of the year than on this island in the North Atlantic. Plan your Irish adventure now as we’ve listed down the best things to do over the summer holidays in Ireland, that will surely fill some space on your itinerary.
1. Get up for a late-night moonlit kayaking experience
Posted by Atlantic Sea Kayaking on Tuesday, 3 January 2017
Enjoy a unique experience of being on the water from dusk into darkness in this magical tour on the Lake of Lough Hyne. Designated as Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve, the entire lake is surrounded by rich flora and fauna, visible in the daylight, but as night falls, the lake takes on a magical air complementing the breathtaking clear sky above your head. Expect to launch your two-man kayaks and paddle through the pitch-black water one hour before darkness, approximately around 9 pm, with the latest trips starting at around 9.30pm in summer. Don’t forget to wear some warm clothing to help you overcome the chilly nights.
The Moonlight/Starlight Experience
Address: Lough Hyne, Skibbereen, West Cork, Ireland
Website: Atantic Sea Kayaking
Opening hours: 9pm - 11:30pm (daily)
Price: 55 EUR (61.60 USD)
2. Experience a time warp at Boyne Valley (from USD 70.51)
Approximately 5,000 years old, one should not miss visiting the historic tomb called Newgrange that was built by Stone Age farmers located at Boyne Valley and is best known for the illumination of its passage and chamber by the winter solstice sun. Learn and admire the Neolithic art curved in the world-famous collection of decorated kerbstones that surround the passage tomb, visible as soon as you enter the monument passage and chamber. A limited number of tourists is only allowed per guided tour, so make sure to be engaged with your guide to learn everything about this monument that is older than the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge.
Celtic Boyne Valley Tour from Dublin
3. Take a glimpse of the largest bird sanctuary
Spend a half day walking around these privately-owned islands that are home to many sea birds and can be reached by boat trip from Kilmore Quay. If you love nature and photography, prepare your camera to witness and capture an amazing wildlife experience or simply enjoy bird watching during summer, especially on the months of May until June. As the largest bird sanctuary in Ireland, expect a haven for sea birds, from Gannets and Gulls to Puffins and Manx Shearwaters, nestling in the site, sending a marvelous sight. Make sure to know beforehand the safety precautions and the rules and regulations that the owners have been implementing on the entire island, for a hassle-free trip.
Saltee Islands
Address: Kilmore Quay, Ireland
Website: Saltee Islands
Opening hours: 11:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Kiss a stone of a castle wall (from USD 85.66)
Situated in Blamey, discover Ireland’s most famous castle and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone for a “gift of gab” for seven years. Crowded as it can be, you may need to queue for two hours and walk up the narrow, steep, slippery, and uneven stairs, so make sure to wear a comfy and reliable pair of shoes. If eloquence is not your top priority, choose to explore the castle grounds and walk through the poison garden to learn about herbs and flora that were used against enemies. Don’t forget to grab a quick bite in the cafe next to the mill store and shop to your heart’s content in the mill for souvenirs.
Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin
Duration: 13.0 hour
Ireland Tour Guide
Diana M
Hi there! I am Diana :) My passion in life (next to my loved ones) is travelling and meeting new people, showing others the beauty of the world, art in various forms. My private guided day tours are experiences that are unique and are a great way to do an interesting activity without being overwhelmed. You get to do something only few other travellers would get to do and a chance to gain a loc... Read more
Tours by Diana
5. Join the celebration of a colorful festival
Celebrate the historic Dublin Pride Parade where members of the LGBTQ community along with family and friends gather together with floats, marching bands, and colorful costumes leading out the Parade. Join the march celebrating the diversity and inclusion and to protest the inequalities that still exist in Irish society against the LGBTQ community. Show your support and follow the crowd while joining the groups you know or just watch and cheer them on from the sidelines. Make sure to book your accommodation ahead of time for the event draws a large crowd of well-wishers and supporters from the local community and tourists alike.
Dublin Pride Parade
Address: O’Connell Street and Parnell Square
Website: Dublin Pride Parade
Months: June
Price: Free
6. Soak yourself in a seaweed bath
Posted by Kilcullens Seaweed Baths on Tuesday, 19 February 2019
After exploring every nook and cranny of Ireland, pamper yourself and soak in a seaweed bath in Slingo County for a relaxing and therapeutic holiday break. Rejuvenate and let the seaweed baths sooth and leave your skin soft while relaxing in a pre-filled tub that you can top up with cold or hot water as you like. Visit Voya Seaweed Baths located in Strandhill or Kilcullen’s Seaweed Baths in Enniscrone, both well known for offering fantastic bathing experience. Don’t forget to put the water pitcher and a cup near you so you can drink to keep you hydrated for you sweat even while you soak.
Kilcullens Seaweed Baths
Address: Cliff Rd, Carrowhubbuck South, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, Ireland
Website: Kilcullens Seaweed Baths
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm
Price: From 25 EUR (28 USD)
7. Ring the bells of the oldest church
Featuring eight bells, the Church of St. Anne located in Cork is one of the oldest churches in the city situated on a hill, overlooking the River Lee. From the first floor of the church with Victorian wooden vaulted ceilings, visitors can enjoy ringing out tunes from world famous Shandon Bells and climb the 132 steps of the tower to see the spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Bring your camera and panoramic lenses for some amazing shots of the city or admire some interesting old manuscripts and nice stained glass inside the church. Grab the chance to say a little prayer and ask for guidance while you’re exploring Ireland before leaving the church.
Shandon Bells & Tower St. Anne's Church
Address: Church St, Shandon, Cork, Ireland
Website: Shandon Bells & Tower St. Anne’s Church
Opening hours: Varies monthly
Price: 5 EUR (5.60 USD)
8. Explore a historical and medieval site (from USD 50.0)
Enjoy the jaw-dropping architecture of the medieval capital of Ireland and take delight of the views of the Tipperary countryside from the Rock of Cashel. Known as one of Ireland’s most visited sites, this collection of ecclesiastical buildings rising from a grassy plain is the seat of the high kings of Munster and the clan of McCarthy. Prepare your camera and update your Instagram feed for every corner of this historical site is a sight to behold, especially during sunset, offering romantic shades of colors. This is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months, so make sure to be prepared for a long queue.
Kilkenny and Cashel Day Tour from Cork
9. Discover a dramatic location in Northern Ireland (from USD 85.02)
Learn the 60-million-year history of the Giant’s Causeway and marvel at the basalt columns which is the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. Go as early as possible to avoid the crowds and to make sure that you will not wait for the line for good photo spots. Spend time taking in the natural beauty of the coast and take the “red route” which goes up along the cliff with wildflowers and magnificent views. In addition, don’t forget to drop by in Dunluce Castle which is a great side trip option when visiting Giant’s Causeway, that a true fanatic of the TV series “Game of Thrones” will surely love.
Dublin: Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Tour
Duration: 10 hour
10. Stand on a cliff and explore a Bohemian city (from USD 54.64)
Visit the 700-foot coastal cliffs located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region and savor the panoramic views of the nature around you as you walk along the legendary Cliffs of Moher. Safety barriers keep visitors from getting too close to the edge of the cliffs but if the adrenaline junkie in you can’t resist standing or sitting right on the edge, keep walking away from the visitor’s center where the barriers end and do so at your own risk. In the afternoon, head north and discover the Bohemian city of Galway, renowned for its brightly painted pubs, live music and cafés.
From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher and Galway City Full-Day Trip
Duration: 13 hour
Compelling reasons to plan an Irish adventure this summer
Justifying the title of one of the most beautiful lands in the world, Ireland definitely has all the reasons to be included in everyone’s bucket list, especially during summer months when daylight stretches toward 11 pm. Make your Irish adventure a moment to remember with this list of the best things to do over the summer holidays in Ireland, carefully curated for you. Don’t think for too long for a fun Irish summer season won’t last long.
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