I want you to imagine it’s July. The sun is bright, the rays are hot, and you want nothing more than to sit in its glory with a cold pint, yet lockdown still looms over Ireland like a dark cloud. Students you are one month into your long anticipated summer holidays, but still no pubs, no nightclubs, and no trips to Portugal.

Your left with the imposing question what is there to do? 

I know it’s not something we want to think about, but the likelihood is that we will still be in lockdown when the sunny season is upon us. Not to worry however, this is why I’ve created a perfect list of affordable student staycation activities that will entertain you all summer long. 

1. Surfing 

Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo 

Photo via surfdock.ie

Yes, surfing. Believe it or not but Ireland is considered one of the best, and most underrated, surf spots in the world. With 3172km of coastline, the Atlantic Ocean serves as a surfers paradise with waves reaching in between 6-9 meters on the West Coast. Places such as Lahinch, Easkey, and countless more have become popular destinations for surfers, and acts as the perfect activity for students on a hot day. If you're really confident in your surfing abilities you can even travel to Mullaghmore in County Sligo, which has one of the biggest wave breaks in the world. And if you don’t own a surfboard not to worry, just visit here for cheap rentals. 

2. Kayaking 

Lough Hyne, Co. Cork

Photo via atlanticseakayaking.com

If surfing feels a little too intense but you still want to get out on the water and relax, kayaking might be for you. Whether it’s kayaking along the Copper Coast in County Wexford, or Sandycove to Dalkey Island in County Dublin, there are tons of rivers and streams all across Ireland that students can explore. You can even kayak the Lough Hyne in County Cork at night! The Lough Hyne is the only inland saltwater lake in Europe, and Ireland’s first marine reserve meaning you're almost guaranteed to spot some of the local wildlife.

Check out Atlantic Sea Kayaking for more information. 

3. Hiking

Carrauntoohill, Co. Kerry

Photo via outsider.ie

If you're not too keen about water, then maybe try hiking! When it comes to hiking in Ireland there are tons of beautiful scenic trails all across the country in which students can enjoy. From Glendalough and the Spinc Cliffs in Wicklow, to the ‘The Stairway to Heaven’ in Fermanagh, there are tons of spectacular and breathtaking views all over the Emerald isle. If you're feeling really brave you can even do the Carrauntoohil Hike in Kerry. Carrauntoohil, standing at 3,407 ft tall, is Ireland’s tallest mountain. Following along the loose rock of the ‘devils trail’, the Carrauntoohil hike offers magnificent views of the Killarney lakes and the green landscape below. However fair warning this hike is not for the faint hearted, taking in between 4-6 hours. 

Checkout RedBull's list of top 10 hikes in Ireland here.

4. Cycling

Aran Islands, Co. Gallway

Photo via activeme.ie

Cycling is another fantastic summer pastime for active students. From shorter 60km routes, to more challenging 500km ones, the cycling options in Ireland are endless. There are trials located all over the country and are perfect for a day trip with your friends. The Kingfishers trail in Leitrim, the Valentina cycle loop in the Ring of Kerry, are only a couple of the many Ireland has to offer. The Inishmor loop cycle on the Aran Islands is particularly popular as you can cycle alongside the ruins of ancient civilisations. Here you can bike along 50km of beautiful coastline, and explore several prehistoric hill forts dating back to 1100 BC.

Checkout Ireland's best Cycle routes here

I know times are tough at the moment with lockdowns still present and no clear end insight, however there’s still plenty of COVID safe activities for students over the summer. These hidden staycation gems are the perfect pastimes to forget about the pandemic, and enjoy the good weather. Never too far from the coast, there are affordable student adventures to be found all over Ireland, and a never ending list of scenic places to visit. 

Is there any hidden gems you think we missed? Comment Below

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