Today is St David’s Day and to celebrate the occasion we’ve selected our favourite outdoor…
It’s almost St Patrick’s Day and to mark the occasion we’re sharing outdoor adventures to try on a visit to the Emerald Isle, with the top activities to try in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Outdoor adventures to try in Northern Ireland
See the sights of the Causeway Coast
The Giant’s Causeway is a must-see on this UNESCO World Heritage Site coastline. Step back in time as you walk over thousands of basalt columns, formed around 60 million years ago. If legend is to be believed, the Causeway was created by Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, as a path to battle a rival Scottish giant over the Irish Sea. The Causeway Coast is also a great choice if you’re looking for beaches. Head to the golden sands of Benone Beach and West Strand for a walk, picnic or even a refreshing dip in the sea. From Ballycastle, you can take the ferry to Rathlin Island, to reach the country’s northernmost point. It’s a popular location for stargazing, where the Northern Lights have even been spotted!
Have a two wheeled adventure
Prefer to explore Northern Ireland on two wheels? The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) recommends several cycling routes. Give the Belfast to Lisburn, Lagan Towpath route a go, an almost traffic free 12.5-mile route that features the towpath, the Lagan Valley Regional Park and even a megalithic tomb. More of a mountain biker? Mountain Bike NI lists more than 20 graded trails to try across the country.
Hike Northern Ireland’s mountains
Hike the Mourne Mountains for stunning vistas over this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. “The network of paths and tracks that cross over this mountain range are not all for the faint-hearted, but the views of the valleys, lakes, rivers and reservoirs make it well worth the climb,” according to the National Trust. The highest of the Mournes is Slieve Donard, rising to over 850 metres and there are several routes to its summit. Don’t miss Cuilcagh too, another Northern Irish mountain that has a unique route to the top. The ‘Stairway to Heaven/Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail’ features a wooden boardwalk through a bog, followed by 450 steps up to the mountain’s viewing platform – with views that are well worth the effort on a clear day.
Make a splash
If you’re a water sports fan, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Northern Ireland. There are plenty of options for surfers, with the Benone Strand being particularly good for beginners. Coasteering also offers an adrenaline-fuelled adventure in and out of the water. Many companies offer guided coasteering sessions along Northern Ireland’s coast. If you’re into kayaking and canoeing, there are plenty of places to choose from, including Strangford Lough, the River Lagan and Lough Erne.
Outdoor adventures to try in the Republic of Ireland
Travel the Wild Atlantic Way
Go on a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way to see attractions from County Donegal to County Cork, over 1,600 epic miles. The route can be split into 14 sections for shorter road trips too, so you don’t have to do it all (unless you want to!). Drive the Slieve League Coast section and stop at Sliabh Liag – some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. In this section you’ll also find Maghera Beach, golden sands that are perfect for a bracing beach walk, with views of nearby mountains. Whichever section of the route you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
Make waves on your trip
There are plenty of places to surf along the Republic of Ireland’s long coastline. Mullaghmore Head is a famed surfing spot in winter, named “one of the most hardcore surfing destinations on earth” by Surfer Today. This may be one for the experts, but you can always watch them from the safety of land for inspiration. Elsewhere, many beaches have surf schools and cater for beginner and intermediate level surfers. Conor Maguire, an Irish pro surfer, recommends spots including Whiterocks Beach, Killahoey Beach and Tullan Strand Beach in this Red Bull article.
Explore Ireland’s national parks
The Republic of Ireland is home to several national parks, waiting to be explored. Journey into the wilderness at Wild Nephin National Park, home to the Nephin Beg mountain range, the Owenduff Bog, rivers, lakes and plenty of walking trails. Trails are graded, with routes for all abilities. The park is also in the Mayo Dark Sky Park, so stay around on a clear night for a stunning celestial show. Killarney National Park is also worth a visit, for its waterfalls and native woodland. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Killarney Herd, the country’s only remaining herd of indigenous red deer.
Try a traditional sport
Why not try a Gaelic sport when you’re in Ireland? Whether it’s hurling, camogie or Gaelic football, there are plenty of sports to try! You can learn the rules and source the equipment yourself or sign up to sessions from one of the many companies that teach these sports across the country.
Image credits
Images 1 and 5 courtesy of Portrush Surf School
Image 6 courtesy of Hurling Tours Ireland
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