5 great ideas for the June Bank Holiday weekend

5 great ideas for the June Bank Holiday weekend

The June Bank Holiday weekend is the start of summer. The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising and the kids are off school. Perfect excuses to get away for the weekend. Combine some of these activities with a weekend away at one of the many caravan & camping parks around Ireland. Parks will also have their own activities on site. Here are some ideas and suggestions of things to do this weekend. For more information on what?s happening check out www.discoverireland.ie

1. FREE ACTIVITIES

It doesn?t have to cost anything to have fun. There are lots of free activities which you and your family can enjoy. Why not visit some of the forest parks around the country and try and find some of the fairy doors. Head to Templemore, Co. Tipperary or Curragh Chase Park, Co. Limerick to find the fairy trails in the woods. There is also a magical fairy trails in the wooded surrounds of Derrynane House, Caherdaniel. Pack a picnic and take a stroll or cycle with the family.

Ireland boasts an incredible array of coastal walks. From the Beara Way in Cork and Kerry, to the West Quarter Loop on Inishbofin, there are breathtaking trails waiting for you. Pack the walking shoes and experience some of the most scenic routes in the country.

Tetrapod Trackway on Valentia Island is the place to go if you want to see footprints that are older than dinosaurs! On the island you will find one of only 4 sets of prehistoric footprints in the world! You can take the ferry or drive across the bridge. Stay a few days and experience this beautiful area of the Iveragh Peninsula.

2. MUSIC

Music and dancing is a huge part of Irish life and there is so much on offer this weekend. In Donegal, the Rory Gallagher International Festival takes place in Ballyshannon, the town where one of the world?s greatest guitarists was born. This wonderful festival celebrates the life and music of Rory Gallagher.

The Bandon Music Festival is one long list of musical reasons to go to Cork featuring performances from The Strypes and the Blizzards and a free festival music trail.

Set in the stunning surroundings of Lismore Castle and Gardens, Lismore Opera Festival is fast becoming a much anticipated annual event on the European Music Festivals calendar. It is Ireland?s only summer opera festival and a must visit event in Waterford.

3. FUN ON THE WATER

You don?t have to be a fantastic swimmer or even have to go into the water to enjoy the many water based activities in Ireland. Over the bank holiday weekend there are 2 big river festivals taking place. The Dublin Port River Fest will be fun for all the family, taking place on and around the river Liffey where you can visit the large old sailing ships or pop along to the Pirate Village with arts and crafts for the kids. There?ll be a Dublin Port Tug Boat Dance with Water Canon on the river and lots of other entertainment.

Cork Harbour Festival is a week-long celebration of Ireland?s unique maritime heritage, set in the second largest natural harbour in the world. The festival features 60 events taking place in Cork City as well as in 15 harbour towns and villages.

4. FESTIVALS

Festival season is fast approaching and there are great events planned for the bank holiday weekend.

Ireland?s largest gardening, food and family event, Bloom in the Park is back this year at Dublin?s Phoenix Park in Dublin City the June Bank Holiday weekend. Experience the best in Irish landscaping, floral design and summer fun.

Join Ireland’s largest gathering of motorcycle owners and enthusiasts from all over the world in Killarney at Ireland?s Bike Fest Killarney. Why not take this opportunity to travel along the Wild Atlantic Way and soak in the unique atmosphere.

The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival 2017 Ireland’s favourite comedy festival returns to Kilkenny with the best Irish, British and international stand-up comedians, set against the backdrop of Ireland’s medieval capital.

5. Experience the great outdoors

You don?t have to be going to an organized event to enjoy the holiday weekend. Why not make your own fun and get outdoors. Take your bike on one of the dedicated cycle paths dotted around the country or travel on the Waterford Greenway or the Great Western Greenway in Mayo.

Don your walking shoes and take a hike on one of the many walking trails or visit some of the national parks and explore the flora and fauna.

Visit one of the 79 blue flag beaches dotted around the coast of Ireland. If you?re brave enough you might even take a little dip. Don?t forget to pack the bucket & spades.

Whatever you plan on doing this bank holiday weekend, there is lots happening and lots to do. Experience all that Ireland has to offer from the comfort of your motorhome or caravan. Pitch up your tent in one of over 100 quality approved caravan & camping parks around the country.

Get out there go camping www.campingireland.ie