Ireland is a country that is beautiful at any time of the year but the summer months here breathe life into everybody, drawing people outdoors to the many gorgeous beaches, luring people into the oceans for swimming and surfing, opening up magical camping trips and fun-filled festivals.
Summer is a time for fun and adventure in Ireland and you should definitely come and get involved.
Road Trips
Th Irish landscape is absolutely stunning and varies so much from place to place. Although Ireland isn’t big there is an awful lot to see, so pack up your car and head out on a summer road trip.
Take in the magnificent Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge on the Causeway Coastal Route, soak up the history of Ireland with the castles and characters of Ireland’s Ancient East or explore the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way following the coastal path past wild rugged cliff edges dropping into the ocean, beautiful sandy beaches and little coves and rock pools perfect for adventure.
Plus the beautiful thing about a road-trip in Ireland is how welcomed you’ll feel by locals and travellers alike as you explore new destinations.
Camping
Camping is big news in Ireland meaning there are a whole host of perfect spots to set up camp. There’s nothing quite like waking up on a mountainside with little but a sleeping bag and a zip between you and the open air, camping is a real adventure for the whole family. There are those of us though that will not be persuaded into a tent and who are not as ‘at one with nature’ ! That's OK though; check out the Bubble Domes at Finn Lough in County Fermanagh; simply beautiful and still giving you the nature experience but without the outdoor part!
The Islands
Alongside the mainland of Ireland there lie some beautiful islands that are certainly worth a visit. From saintly Boa and Devenish to rugged Rathlin and Skelligs the islands are wild and beautiful and are picture perfect in the summer months. Hop on a boat across the water and enjoy the incredible walking trails and gorgeous little villages set amid the dry-stone walls of the island or take a trip on Ireland’s only cable car across the water to Dursey Island off the coast of County Cork.
Surfing
The West coast of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way is a paradise for surfers with huge swell and perfect conditions.
The stretch of ocean reaching from Donegal Town down through Sligo and to County Mayo is known as the Surf Coast and this is the place to head to for the surf fanatics out there.
As well as this popular stretch there are many other surfing destination in Ireland including the Cliffs of Moher, East Strand beach, Portrush and Brittas Bay in County Wicklow. There are surf schools in all of the major surfing areas so even beginners can get involved.
Festivals
Ireland has a whole host of festivals livening up the streets and countryside during the summer months and there is nothing quite like the warm sunshine to put a smile on the face of the Irish, meaning festivals are merry, loud and full of fun.
Some of our favourite festivals include the Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival in Donegal which has already taken place this year but early bird tickets are on sale for 202 already, A Taste of West Cork Food Festival in Cork which takes place in September and celebrates not only West Cork's unique food culture, but also the people and land that produce that food, and The Playing Fields in Co Kildare in August which sees a host of well-known Irish acts set to play.