Although travelling abroad may seem like a more exciting, and to some, irreplaceable travel option, a staycation has a lot more to offer than we may have initially thought.
And while it may seem like a less exciting option at first, having a vacation in your own land is both budget-friendly and fun, if you plan it well. From visiting museums to going to historic places in your city that you didn’t even know existed, there are hundreds of activities you can do on your next staycation.
To give you a helping hand, we have prepared a list of activities to try and places to go that are rewarding on multiple levels.
County Donegal
If you are an outdoorsy person, or if adventure runs through you and your family’s veins, then you can’t miss visiting County Donegal. There is the magnificent Lough Eske, something that abounds in water activities. From kayaking to fishing or taking a dip in the permitted areas, a visit to this area is ideal if you are looking for activities to do during the summer. You can find out more about Lough Eske here.
The Winter landscape is equally beautiful, but perhaps it is not the ideal time of year to camp in the area if cold weather is not your thing. If you are into fishing, summer is the time to go. However, you can spend hours hiking through the green land of Donegal. Throughout the county, you will find different places to stay, from places where you can camp or the most picturesque inns. To learn more about attractions and interesting places in the county and near Lough Eske, go here.
Kinsale in County Cork
For food lovers, the city of Kinsale in County Cork is the best place to stay if you want to try some of the finest dishes for gourmands. This city has a modern feel to it and in recent years it has become a gastronomic hub that attracts tourists from all over Europe, so people are certainly choosing to stay a night or even a few.
In Kinsale, you will find the best seafood in the whole country, especially, one of the foods that stand out is salmon in all its forms. Although the town only has a little over 2,000 inhabitants and may seem small at first, it has a wide variety of places to stay, from luxury hotels, boutique bed and breakfasts, and even self-catering places if you are looking for more freedom. To start your journey, learn more about Kinsale in County Cork on this page.
Tayoto Theme Park
Fortunately, Disneyland is not the only fun family-friendly place to take your family. Instead, why not explore the best theme park in Ireland? Tayoto Park is a place for every family member and has something to offer both to kids and adults.
This theme park is located in Kilbrew, in County Meath, and is the ideal place for the whole family to have fun. From movie theatres with 5D technology to mazes, roller coasters, and other extreme activities, it is impossible to get bored.
It has a junior zone for younger children, and an open zoo to be visited by all members of the family. The park has welcomed thousands of visitors since its opening in 2010. Even if you are not a fan of roller coasters, there are different activities that you can try, or just eat the delicious fair-style food that they serve there. To get more information, visit Tayoto Park official webpage.
City of Derry
If you are a lover of history, or you are one of those people who could spend whole days touring museums and city attractions, then you should write down a visit to the city of Derry as a must as part of your staycation.
Situated in the very Northeast, Derry is one of the oldest cities in Northern Ireland and attracts visitors from all over the world. The historic center of Derry has a lot to offer, and you’ll get a chance to explore the history of Northern Ireland first-hand. You will find that some of the greatest pubs in Northern Ireland are located here.
Even sports fans can have fun here, as Derry is home to Derry City Football Club, a football team currently playing in the Irish league. Learn more about the club on the official Derry City Football Club page.
Belfast
Another place in Ireland that is turning heads and attracting many tourists from all over the world, and staycationers is Belfast. The rise of this city can be attributed to the fact that a movie set in that place was recently released in theatres.
Get ahead of the arrival of tourists and mark Belfast as a place to go during your staycation. This is the largest city in Northern Ireland and the second-largest on the whole island, following Dublin.
Here you can do the typical activities of a city, you can go to spas or eat in pubs or restaurants on the banks of the river. You can also visit the Titanic museum, which is unique in the world because the famous ship was built in this same city in 1912. For visitor information visit titanicbelfast.com.
Waterford
If you are looking for a rich marine history, you should definitely take a tour around Waterford. This city was founded by Vikings in the year 914, so it has a rich and ancient history. Visiting this city can feel like a trip back in time in the best way since its streets have an air that transports you to medieval times.
You can take boat or ship rides, go to the different medieval themed buildings, and even if you go in July you can go to the world-famous “Waterford Spraoi International Street Arts Festival” which is a unique experience and in 2022 it turns 30 years old. To learn more about Spraoi go here.
Galway
If there could be one place you shouldn’t miss when choosing to staycation in Ireland, it would be the city of Galway. A dynamic, buzzing atmosphere and decent nightlife makes it a perfect spot for young people (or those who feel young). The city is known for its pubs, so it comes as no surprise that beer in Galway is exquisite.
The city combines modernism with medieval architecture in some parts of the city and offers all kinds of activities for people who are looking to have fun or just want to relax. From spa days to museum tours and stops at the best pubs, there’s nothing you can’t do in Galway. For more information about Galway museums and historic places, visit this page.
Best Way To Staycation In Ireland
Taking a staycation doesn’t always mean you’ll have to spend a fortune on your trip. A rooftop tent is a budget option that will allow you to travel fully equipped and stay comfortable without booking a hotel. It offers the best convenience for a staycation in Ireland, ensuring comfortable rest throughout the whole trip.
It offers the best camping-like experience, with improved commodities that transcend the experience of camping on the ground. The tent is elevated above the land and stays dry no matter the weather, so you will be able to enjoy every aspect of travelling, no matter the season.Mako56 Rooftop tents will fit any vehicle and come with a solar panel for maximum practicality.
Conclusion
This is our varied choice of the best places where you can do a staycation in Ireland, but without a doubt, any place in this country will be perfect for an unforgettable vacation. From activities in the great outdoors to days of complete relaxation or tours of historic sites, there is no way to get bored here.
