Summer holds infinite possibilities for Irish adventures. As the darkness fades and days become longer, flowers begin to blossom and the temperature slowly climbs to being balmy, people start to head out en masse to explore the Emerald Isle.
The island of Ireland is a beacon of adventure. With endless, unspoiled terrain, wild landscapes, stunning sites and outdoor activities all around, the problem is not what to do, but what to leave out.
Here is our suggestion: five epic Irish adventures that you should try out this Summer!
5. Game of Thrones DIY Road Trip – for a road trip
Game of Thrones (GOT) is an HBO hit TV fantasy series which has become a cult classic since its inception in 2011.
Centring around the lives and love, feuds and friendships of the leaders of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, as they fight for power, it is needless to say GOT is a smash-hit.
The island of Ireland, particular Northern Ireland, was used heavily during filming, and today die-hard GOT fans can enjoy many of the locations up close.
Try out our Game of Thrones DIY road trip and save yourself some dollar. Although there is an abundance of tours on offer they cost a pretty penny!
4. Carlingford Adventure Centre – for adventure
For all you thrill-seekers out there, look no further than Carlingford Adventure Centre in County Louth. This venue is perfect for those looking to let loose and have some fun for the day.
Carlingford Adventure Centre offers endless activities including everything from archery and laser combat to rock climbing and zip lining. They even have holiday homes on site for those of you looking to elongate your epic Irish adventures.
With offers for hens and stags, summer camps and corporate events, too, this not only makes for a great day out but party venue, too!
Address: Tholsel St, Liberties of Carlingford, Carlingford, Co. Louth
3. Cycle the Gap of Dunloe – for the scenery
Feel like breaking a sweat and taking in the scenery in equal measure? Look no further than this epic Irish adventure which you need to try out this Summer.
Kerry is home to some of the most stunning landscapes and stretches on the entire island of Ireland, but if we were to vote one excursion worthy of the bucket list this Summer it would have to be cycling the Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry.
This moderately difficult route is 56km in length and takes around 3-3.5 hours depending on speed.
Cyclists will encounter flat stretches as well as more challenging terrains. There’ll be tonnes of places to stop and drink in the natural surroundings and will include Killarney, Moll’s Gap, Black Valley and Muckross Gardens.
Location: County Kerry, Ireland
2. Surfing in Bundoran – for watersports
If you’re looking for epic Irish adventures to try out this Summer, we suggest you look no further than a surfing trip in Bundoran.
Located in the South of Donegal, close to the Leitrim border, this seaside resort is popular with holidaymakers and surfers year round.
During the Summer months, this seaside town is a hotbed of activity and draws surfers from all over the world as well as newbies looking to learn how to catch a wave.
Top surf schools like Surf n Turf Lodge offer hostel accommodation and surf packages and with such an emphasis on community, you’re bound to make tonnes of friends from all around the world at one of the Bundoran surf schools.
Address: 6 Bayview Terrace, Magheracar, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, F94 TK53
1. Tough Mudder – for endurance
If you’re looking for the ultimate challenge this Summer, check out Tough Mudder. Hosted in County Meath on 21 & 22 July 2019, this endurance event will test your limits and promises to push you outside of your comfort zone.
The 10-12 mile obstacle course offers challenges at every turn and a series of different ways to test your strengths, ranging from the five-kilometre run to an intensive outdoor obstacle course.
The standard course (and most popular choice) offers participants a unique opportunity to test their strength and skills on this timed course which takes between 1.5-2.5 hours to complete.
Children over the age of 14 are welcome to participate (if accompanied by an adult) and teams, as well as solo entries, are welcome.
Course location: Ends at Loughcrew, Co. Meath
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