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DutchWhen you’re planning your holidays or a short break and you’re looking for things to do in the area, do you like to experience something a little different? While there are hundreds of fantastic visitor attractions, scenic drives, beautiful beaches, and well-known places to visit across the country, sometimes it’s fun to try something a bit more unusual or quirky — a break from the norm.
Here are a few suggestions of things to do that you might not be aware of — hidden gems, unique experiences, and off-the-beaten-path ideas that could make your trip even more memorable:
Planning on spending a few days away along the Wild Atlantic Way or within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands? Book into one of the many great caravan & camping sites and get out and explore the area.
Have you heard about the Velorail in Mayo or the chance to visit the coal mines in Roscommon?
The Mayo Velorail is a fun railbike experience for all the family to enjoy in Kiltimagh, County Mayo. Ireland’s first velorail opened in June 2023 and is a family friendly rail-bike experience on 9km loop of refurbished track of Kiltimagh. Take a guided tour along the old Kiltimagh railway line at a leisurely pace, on a custom built railbike through the picturesque Irish countryside. The Mayo Velorail route will take you north or south of Kiltimagh Station, depending on the route in operation at the time of your booking. Velorail is an enjoyable and inclusive outdoor tour experience and offers three different railbike types, including those which are adapted to safely carry a standard wheelchair.
Pop on your miner’s hat in Roscommon and take a trip into the mountainside with Arigna Mining Experience one of Ireland’s few coal mines. Go on an underground tour with a former coal miner and listen to vivid storytelling and real-life experiences. Pour over historical documents, photographs, and early mining equipment, tracing 400 years of mining history. Explore one of Ireland’s few coal mines with a fascinating tour underground at The Arigna Mining Experience overlooking Lough Allen in County Roscommon. Explore the exhibition area with historical documents, photographs, and early mining equipment on display tracing 400 years of mining history in the area. Learn about the impact the industry had on the local communities over the years and watch a short film showing original mining footage recorded just weeks before the closure of the mines.
Ireland’s first floating boardwalk is located at Acres Lake in Leitrim. The 600m boardwalk, in the picturesque village of Drumshanbo, is the start of a 6.5km linear walking and cycling trail along the Shannon Blueway from Acres Lake to Battlebridge Lock, near Leitrim Village. The spectacular scenery at Acres lake make it a perfect spot for a picnic or even to just to sit for a while and take in the peace and tranquillity.
Travelling down the Wild Atlantic Way take a detour to Foynes in Co. Limerick and experience a Boeing 314 Clipper. The Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum in County Limerick, is home to the world’s only full-size replica of the Boeing 314 Clipper, a luxurious flying boat that played a pivotal role in transatlantic aviation during the 1930s and 1940s. You can also taste a delicious Irish Coffee where the first Irish Coffee was served in the world. Visitors can explore various exhibits
B314 Replica – luxurious flying boat
First Flights: Learn about aviation pioneers like John Alcock, Arthur Brown, and Charles Lindbergh, and their contributions to early transatlantic flight.flyingboatmuseum.com
War Years: Discover the role of flying boats during World War II and their strategic importance in military and civilian operations.
Flight Simulators: Engage with interactive flight simulators that offer a realistic experience of piloting a flying boat.
Control Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of Foynes and the Shannon Estuary from the restored control tower, which was operational during the flying boat era.
In Kerry a visit to Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco & Activity Park in Tralee is a must. Located on the canal and on the estuary of Tralee Bay this wonderful nature sanctuary has lovely walks around its lakeside and wild gardens for everyone to enjoy. You will meet ecologists and guides who will introduce you to the wildlife around you, whilst hearing about the natural history and folklore of Kerry. Learn about herbs, natural gardens, flora and fauna, trees, pond life and bird life. Enjoy the many activities such as pond dipping, learning to climb on the outdoor climbing wall or take to the water on a Pedal Boat where you can gently cruise around the lake or test your time and stamina by racing!
In Ireland’s Ancient East you will find many great caravan & camping sites suitable for families or couples with a host of great activities and attractions to visit.
A visit to Wicklow Gaol is a real winner for all the family. Get a glimpse into life in prisons of the past in an atmospheric jail museum experience. Here you will discover the harsh realities of prison life endured by its 18th century inmates. This atmospheric jail museum experience offers a glimpse of life in Ireland’s past in this thought-provoking attraction in Wicklow Town. Join an interactive tour led by experienced actor guides to hear the story of its prisoners including the participants in the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and inmates awaiting transportation to a new life in Australia.
Visit the world’s oldest licensed distillery dating back to 1757 at Kilbeggan Distillery Visitor Centre in County Westmeath. Discover real artisan Irish whiskey being made today and learn how Kilbeggan preserves its heritage. Find out how Irish whiskey was made in decades past. Discover the families that owned the distillery and the importance the local community had on the brand you see today. You will learn about the traditional methods of mashing in oak mash tuns, fermenting in Oregon pine vats, and will see the new Kilbeggan malt spirit flowing from ancient pot stills. The original waterwheel which once powered the whole distillery is still on show today. You will also get a masterclass in tasting 3 different whiskeys.
Northern Ireland is known for its giant adventures, giant feasts and giant welcomes. It is also home to some top quality caravan & camping sites to pitch up for a few days and experience the great welcome.
Fionn’s Giant Adventure – Children’s Story Trail is an innovative magical living storybook. The Trail takes visitors on an unforgettable journey of intertwined fairy house and arts features creating a fantastical childhood land of mystery, dragons, giants, witches and fairies. The art on Fionn’s Giant Adventure is all inspired by the rich tapestry of local legend and mythical folklore on over a mile of woodlands Fionn’s Giant Adventure is situated within the Slieve Gullion Forest Park
These are just a very small selection of different things to do and experience around Ireland. Whether you are planning a few days away or a longer break during the holidays there is plenty to see and do as part of your caravan & camping holiday.
Camping Ireland has so much information to help you plan your caravan & camping trip away. The website is very user-friendly and has a number of great features which makes it very easy to navigate. You can add filters to your selection. This will allow you to get information on parks that are specific to your needs.
You can now filter for sites as follows:
Camping type – camping, glamping, mobile home hire, etc.
Holiday type – beach holiday, countryside, family-friendly, dog friendly, etc.
Facilities – beach nearby, playground, games room, shop, etc.
County
Region – Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Dublin or Northern Ireland
Also, many sites are now offering online booking which will help you secure your pitch at the click of a button.
Whatever you want Camping Ireland has something to suit everyone. Enjoy the independence and flexibility that camping in Ireland can offer in quality approved sites. We look forward to welcoming you to Ireland’s outdoor living.
