IRELAND STAYCATIONS 2021
WHERE TO VISIT?
WHAT TO DO?
HOW TO GET THERE?
We've got you covered!
Your one stop shop for the hidden gems, budget friendly activities and attractions to visit around Ireland without breaking your bank.
As a student I have spent a lot of time travelling abroad with friends, but in 2020 we saw this drastically change with the global pandemic. From this 'Staycations' were born!
I also understand how expensive travelling in Ireland can be, especially when compared to likes of Asia where I spent the previous summer, and this is why I decided to research the best ways to travel Ireland and find the free and budget-friendly hidden gems our beautiful country has to offer. I have picked my favourite spots and things to do, especially when travelling with groups of friends!
I hope you get some inspiration from my top picks of where to visit and share them with friends and family, and get onto booking your 2021 Staycation(s) ASAP!
BEST STAYCATION
...
Wild Atlantic Way (Donegal Bay and Sligo)
Last summer I spent five days 'staycationing' the Wild Atlantic Way and I could have easily spent another five because there was so much to see and do! Beginning in Bundoran and ending at Rosses Point, the myriad of beautiful beaches, cliffs and scenery left me wondering why it took me so long to holiday in Ireland! As a student, I took note of the best budget friendly and free attractions the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer and I can't wait to share them with you!
What to do?
Surfing- I had my first surf lesson at Rossnowlagh beach and I could not recommend this enough. The instructors at Bundoran Surf Company were excellent and made it such a wonderful first experience that I went back again the following day! There are many different options for surf schools and lessons (individual and group) and I have linked the top three below that are very affordable and offer student and group discounts, or if your a pro (unlike me) you can hire wetsuits and a surf board from the many different surf shops to surf the famous Atlantic Ocean waves!
Surf schools: Strandhill Surf School Rossnowlagh Surf School Fin McCool Surf School & Surf Shop
Golf driving range and pitch & putt- the west coast is home to some of the most famous golf courses around the world and with the global pandemic, this a great activity to do with friends as its outdoors and some friendly competition will do no harm! Prices ranging from €5-€15, this is certainly one of the most affordable attractions, and you can simultaneously admire the views of Benbulben from Sligo County Golf Club. You can even check out footgolf in Bundoran who offer great deals and discounts, or pitch and putt at Enniscrone!
If you're looking to book a 9 or 18 hole round of golf, this will set you back significantly more so you should account for this when planning your budget, but a great experience and day out nonetheless!
Photo credit: https://www.thewildatlanticway.com/listing-region/donegal-bay-sligo-ireland/
Beaches, Hiking, Horseback Riding- home to beautiful sand beaches, this is an excellent way to spend time on your staycation and it won't cost a dime! Alone, or with friends and family, there is lots to do to keep active or maybe you just want to relax, have a picnic and dip your toes in the salt water. I recommend spending some time at Enniscrone (Inishscrone) because not only is there lots to do in terms of student and group activities and nightlife, there are wide range of accommodation options, places to eat and places to visit close-by!
If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, hiking Benbulben or stopping off at some of the Wild Atlantic signature points along the way Mullaghmore Head or Downpatrick Head are excellent options with an abundance of nearby accommodation options, tours and restaurants!
Other great staycation locations include:
1. Causeway Coastal Route
2. Ring of Kerry
3. Lahinch, Co. Clare
4. Kinsale, Co. Cork
5. Galway
Photo Credits: https://www.pinterest.ie/pin/48484133474990115/ and https://travelinspires.org/15-things-to-do-in-galway-ireland-for-fun-memories/
STAY TUNED FOR OUR UPCOMING BLOGS ON WHERE TO VISIT NEXT!!!
Top tips on how to save money on Travel and Transport around Ireland:
Photo credits: https://www.studentleapcard.ie and https://www.linkedin.com/company/iarnrod-eireann-irish-rail/?originalSubdomain=ie
1. Get a student or adults leapcard:
Apply in advance for a leapcard when travelling by bus or train. Not only will thissave you money on each fare, but it is capped weekly for students and you will avail of student discounts. Adult leapcards also save you money on each fare!
2. Book Bus/Train tickets in advance:
From experience I have noticed that if you book your tickets in advance you can save up to 10 euro, definitely an incentive to plan ahead! The companies I recommend would be Irish Rail, Bus Eireann and Transport for Ireland, all which have this option and accept leapcards- helping you stay within your budget!
3. Book a Flexible train ticket:
In order to avoid ticket checkers from asking you for an additional up front payment if you miss your train by an hour, or maybe a day (depending on how disorganised you are- I've been there!) , you can purchase a flexible ticket option which is often the same price as a regular ticket to avoid costly charges!
4. Carpool:
Especially once you have arrived and you're travelling the Wild Atlantic Way or anywhere you choose to Staycation such as The Ring of Kerry or the Causeway Coastal Route, carpooling is hugely advantageous as public transport can be unreliable, infrequent and may not go to where you need to go! I recommend splitting the petrol money, taking turns of who is driving (if possible) and this definitely is the cheaper option if there is a group of 4+ travelling together.
Click below to discover more tips for Staycations in Ireland:
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