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26th Jun 2017

The Perfect Spots For An Irish Summer Staycation — According To Our Team

James Fenton

If you haven’t started planning your summer holidays, you better get cracking.

But why waste time and money heading abroad when there are so many paradises on our little island?

The topic of ‘staycations’ came up in our office today so we decided to gather the best Irish spots for a holiday from our team. 

Hopefully, we can help find the ideal spot for you!

Westport, Co. Mayo 

Westport is one of my favourite places in Ireland to spend a few days away, as there’s so much to do and a really lively atmosphere around the place. 

It’s easy to get there by train and you’re less than an hour from Killary and Delphi Adventure Centres so you can spend the day kayaking in gorgeous countryside before rewarding yourself with a few pints in the evening! 

The food scene in Westport is really exciting as well, with a bunch of top quality restaurants to choose from. Having eaten in both Sage and An Port Mór lately, I’d definitely recommend both!

Marie Madden, Editor

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Dingle, Co. Kerry

Although it might be quicker to catch a flight to Spain than to drive the whole way to Dingle from Dublin, the trip down is worth it. 

Arriving via Conor Pass makes you feel like you are entering a different world. The scenery as you drive through highlights how expansive and wild parts of Ireland are. 

Dingle has attractions for all ages. Down in the marina you have the aquarium and marine tours, you can go out and see Fungi. 

There is a huge selection of restaurants and obviously a plethora of pubs, I loved The Chart House and The Global Village. The Dingle Gin tour is within walking distance of the village and is a superb experience.

Paul Donovan, Ad Ops Manager

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Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford

This is a gorgeous little spot in southern Wexford. It’s a favourite among locals and tourists alike for short and long stays. 

It’s the perfect place for a staycation. Spend your days walking along the Memorial Garden, and losing yourself in the sand dunes. 

There is a very cute craft shop where you could spend hours looking at every little gift, not to mention the chip shop. 

Saltee Chipper is known through Ireland for its chips, and you need to try them – be prepared to queue, though. If you’re looking to get away and take things a bit slower, then this place is for you.

Clodagh McMeel, Editorial Intern

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Lahinch, Co. Clare

I love this place for its beauty and peacefulness, but also that special kind of atmosphere that comes with being a small resort town.

If you like your staycations to be full of activity, you’ll have plenty to do in Lahinch. Golfers have two courses to choose from, Lahinch Golf Course and Lahinch Castle Golf Course, or there’s pitch and putt if that’s more your speed. It’s also a Mecca for lovers of water sports, like surfing, canoeing, skin-diving and sailing, if you fancy taking to the water.

The Cliffs of Moher are mere minutes away by car, so you can also feast your eyes upon one of Ireland’s greatest natural wonders while you’re in the area.

There’s a real charm here — pay a visit this summer and see for yourself.

Seán Kenehan, Deputy Editor

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Clifden, Co. Galway 

Fresh seafood and views of the Atlantic Ocean and 12 Bens Mountains make this the ideal spot for a chill weekend retreat. There’s plenty of incredible restaurants right by the town square, and you’ll always find a trad sesh in at least one pub. 

Being close to Dog’s Bay, aka the best beach in Ireland is an added bonus – make sure you walk over the grassy hill at the end of it to find the hidden ‘Puppy’ cove. You’ll have a little bay all to yourself.

Sarah Clayton-Lea, Journalist 

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Carlingford, Co. Louth

Amazing scenery including walks in the mountains and a wonderful coastline. 

Great pubs that serve good wholesome food and a laid-back vibe make it the perfect place to chill for a few days.

Niall Harbison, Founder

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Portrush, Co. Antrim

Right on the beach with lots of activities such as horse riding.

It’s a food paradise and the Harbour Bar is the best pub I’ve ever been to. Very small but seriously good craic. Live music most nights.

Caoimhe Sweeney, Account Executive 

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Kilkenny

Some of the best restaurants in Ireland are in Kilkenny.

Everything in the city is within walking distance and there’s a train station right in the centre. 

It’s ridiculously clean and really trendy. The cafe culture can’t be beaten. 

You have access to the country as well as the city so you get the best of both worlds. If I was a city I’d want to be Kilkenny!

Anna Nolan, Agency Sales Manager

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READ NEXT: 9 Of The Most Delightful Island Getaways Around Ireland

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