Whatever the weather, a good summer can always be made better by lining up some decent activities to wow the fam. Appoint yourself Tour Guide and venture out to a few of these top spots… and don’t forget the camera.
TIP: Pick the places, mark the map and make some picnic snacks for the journey:
1. Kitesurfing with Kitesurfireland.ie in Donegal, Mayo, Kerry or Wexford
With schools in Rossnowlagh in Donegal, Achill Island in Mayo, Brandon Bay in Kerry or Our Lady’s Island in Wexford there is loads of choice for intrepid waterbabies. Book your lesson in advance.
Why go? Your family will be taught by three-time Irish Kitsurfing Champion, Ryan Coote – cool, no? This guy has great stories about his times on the sea over the past 13 years. You will use an Ozone kite, a stable and easy kite designed for beginners. If you develop more of a grá for the coast, why not venture further along some of the hotspots of The Wild Atlantic Way.
What’s cool? There is a Brandon Bay surf cam on the roof of the local Beenoskee B&B (just above Gowlane and Stradbally Strands). You can take home a DVD keepsake of your watery escapades at the end of your trip.
How much? €60 per lesson, per person (one to one). €120 per three-hour lesson.
Tip: Bring factor 50 sunscreen. An overcast day in Ireland can still leave you exposed to the sun’s harmful rays.
Dublin Food Co-Op, Newmarket Street, Dublin 8 (close to St. Patrick’s Cathedral), August 9, 11am – 5pm.
Why go? This food festival has fresh kofta, delicate Lebanese food wraps, pulled pork plates, seafood delights and salads like the ones you’ve been pining over on Pinterest. There is a flamenco workshop and a number of Yoga classes for you to get your stretch on and if you like music, Spanish songstress Su Garrido Pambo is there to entertain you between courses.
What’s cool? This food-fest is on the fringes of ‘the Liberties’, one of Dublin’s oldest areas and the city’s burgeoning creative quarter.
How much? Free entry. Food will cost you, but it will taste out of this world.
2. Waterford Treasures Museum, Waterford City
Waterford (on the East coast) – tours at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.
Why go? The ‘Vikings to the Victorians’ tour will teach you a thing or two about how the past one thousand years has shaped our little island. The chivalry and romance of the era comes alive through an interactive exhibition of superb artefacts and screenings. A larger than life costumed tour guide will entertain you at every turn with stories of old (the kids will love this). There are swords, helmets, capes and fake furs for all the photo opportunities you desire. Fun-filled and educational with stunning illustrations to marvel over.
What’s cool? This is the only tour in Ireland that gives you access to six national monuments and Ireland’s third largest river, (the River Suir) on the same trip. Hello, culture.
How much? €7 per adult. Free for children under 14.
4. Skyline Tour of Croke Park, Dublin
Just outside Dublin city (on St. Josephs Avenue, off Clonliffe Road, beside the Cusack Stand). 10.30am – 3.30pm.
Why go? Give your kids a fresh look at Dublin’s fair city. This cool spot has five viewing platforms, is 17 stories high, 0.6 kilometres long and is set in one of the World’s best stadiums. The tour lasts two hours. This weekend there are four championship matches in the stadium, so why not include a bit of GAA action too?
What’s cool? This day trip will provide a cool bird’s eye view of Ireland’s capital for you and your family. Your ticket also includes free entry into the GAA museum on site. High five.
How much? Families, €52. Adults, €20. Children, €12.
FYI: For safety purposes, kids must be a minimum of three feet and eleven inches tall to join the tour.
Kilfenora, Co Clare – 9.30pm – 5.30pm
Why go? A guided ‘Walk Through Time’ tour of Ireland’s first interpretive centre is a unique day trip and something different for your family to enjoy. Discover local legends, experience the unique flora and fauna of the surrounding landscape and explore the extensive archaeological site at the Burren Centre. A 12th century Irish Christian High Cross takes pride of place on the grounds. There’s a pretty tearoom, too.
What’s cool? The Burren Centre is perched alongside the ancient Gothic Cathedral of Kilfenora – a beautiful piece of historic architecture that is worth a visit. The windows are an artist’s dream – beautiful (see below).
How much? The €27 ‘Burren 4 Ticket’ makes for a saving of 50 per cent and allows access to all four local attractions nearby: Cliffs of Moher, The Burren Centre, Ailwee Caves and Caherconnel Stone Fort. Sweet.
If you need some inspiration for an event near you, send on a quick mail: [email protected]
The bevs on board. Summer adventures make for thirsty adventurers. Fill a cooler with Capri Sun pouches, which now come with a clever easy-opening pouch… no more spills.
With a range of 12 great fruity flavours and no artificial sweeteners, flavours, colours or preservatives, kids and mums agree that Capri-Sun is Ireland’s favourite juice drink.
