Easter break can be more than just chocolate! 5 things to do over Easter

 

 

Spring has sprung, daffodils are blooming, and the Easter break is the perfect time to explore the beauty, history, and fun-filled activities Ireland has to offer. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a romantic getaway, or just want to make the most of the long weekend, there’s something for everyone this Easter.

People have been busy over the past few weeks booking their pitches in one of Camping Ireland’s top quality approved caravan & camping sites throughout Ireland.  From Malin Head to Mizen Head from Dublin Bay to the Aran Islands you will find some of the best places to pitch up over the Easter break.

If you haven’t booked already you need to get on this straight away.  Why not explore a new area or go off the beaten track.

Here are our top 5 things to do over the Easter break.

  1. Take the family to visit the animals

 

Dublin Zoo

 

Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park is a must for any family. From gigantic elephants and towering giraffes to tiny chipmunks and cute monkeys, there’s an endless amount to see here.  Located in the Phoenix Park in the heart of Dublin city is one of the world’s oldest and most popular zoos, home to some 400+ animals on 70 acres.

Book into one of the top quality caravan & camping sites in Dublin or the surrounding areas of Wexford and Wicklow and get the dart or train into the city.

 

Cork’s Fota Wildlife Park is set on 100 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour and is only 10KM from Cork City by rail or car.  Fota Wildlife Park is a unique place where you can come face to face with free roaming animals and birds from different parts of the world. It also features the recently opened Asian Sanctuary with Asian lions, Sumatran tigers, Indian rhino, Warty pigs, Visayan spotted deer, Lion tailed macaques and Red panda.

Take a trip to Cork, pitch up for a few nights and spend the day at Fota Wildlife Park

 

 

Nore Valley Park Pet Farm in Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny is an adventure for visitors of all ages. Guests are greeted by friendly animals including playful lambs, fluffy bunnies and cheeky goats.  Enjoy hands on activities such as bottle feeding lambs or marvel at newly hatched chicks, a delightful experience for the entire family. Hop on pedal go karts, take a tractor trailer ride, try crazy golf or challenge the family to a giant chess match.  At Nore Valley you can pitch up your tent, caravan or campervan in their quiet family run caravan & camping park or one of other sites in Kilkenny.

 

Parson’s Green Tipperary

 

Parson’s Green in Tipperary is an ideal location for a day out for all the family.  The pet farm has some old farm yard favourites and also some unusual animals. You can take a pony and trap ride or a boat trip along the river.  Try your hand at crazy golf or take a walk down by the river.  You can also pitch up for a few nights at the onsite caravan & camping park.

Tipperary  is home to some amazing caravan & camping parks all within easy reach of Parson’s Green

 

  1. Take to the mountains

Ireland’s natural beauty really comes alive from April.  There are some fabulous mountain trails throughout the country.  You don’t have to be an experienced walker to enjoy many of the trails.

 

Blessington Lake

 

Explore the wilds of Wicklow Mountains National Park. Wander along trails through the park, spanning an area of nearly 20,000 hectares, and see beautiful wildlife in a spectacular setting.  Visit Glendalough, nestled in a picturesque valley in the mountains, to view the life’s work of St. Kevin.

Spend a few nights in Ireland’s Ancient East in one of the many quality approved caravan & camping parks.

Explore the spectacular Galtee Mountains spread across the borders of three counties in Munster, Limerick, Tipperary and Cork.  There are mapped walking routes across forest tracks and open moorland, visit corrie lakes and enjoy mountain scenery and landscape. There are countless trails throughout the mountain range and in the nearby Glengarra Woods.

 

Slieve Bloom Mountains

 

The Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Festival is a two-day festival taking place the 26th & 27th April. Spanning the County Offaly & Laois border in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, these trails offer over 100km of exciting biking on fast and flowing single tracks. The Slieve Bloom Mountains are crisscrossed with a network of walking trails that are ideal for every level of walker. Set off on a relaxing 3km looped stroll through the peaceful countryside or pack your backpack and tackle a multi-day hike

 

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands runs through the middle of the Island and includes exciting waterside towns, picturesque rural villages, hidden tracks and trails as well as fascinating Blueways.  It also has some great spots to pitch your tent, caravan or motorhome for a few days over Easter.

 

  1. Take a scenic drive

 

Coast road at Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry.

 

The Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) is the longest defined coastal touring route in the world, spanning 2,500km along the west coast of Ireland. The WAW starts at the tip of Donegal and weaves its way along the western coastline finishing in the very southern tip of the country in Cork. Unless you have a few months to travel the full 2,500km it is advisable to break it up into areas and come back and do another route at a later stage. This is not a trip to be rushed. You need to take your time and enjoy the spectacular scenery.  Why not chose a part of the route over the Easter break and explore the area.  Take a trip around the spectacular Ring of Kerry or Loop Head in Clare.  Take the coast road from Galway city out to Connemara or hire a bike in Westport and cycle out to Achill Island.  See the surfers in Strandhill or travel to the top of the country and visit Malin Head.  This is a touring route that has something for everyone.

Many caravan & camping parks are located on the touring route while others are just a short detour away.  Click here for a list of sites all on the WAW

 

Causeway Coastal Route

 

Widely hailed as one of the world’s top road trips, the Causeway Coastal Route offers an astounding adventure from Belfast to Derry. Hugging the north Antrim coastline, this magnificent route delivers both pulse-racing epics and serene beauty. Experience the thrill of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, marvel at the grandeur of Mussenden Temple, and explore the geological wonder of the Giant’s Causeway. The Causeway Coastal Route takes in the Glens of Antrim as it winds its way along the north Antrim coast. There are nine glens in total, each rich with legend, dotted with charming villages, and famous for their festivals.

 

Use one of the many top quality graded campsites throughout Northern Ireland and be assured of top quality accommodation in great locations.

 

Copper Coast Waterford

 

The Copper Coast Drive in Waterford embraces panoramic seascapes, cliffs, bays, beaches and coves between Dungarvan and Tramore. Starting in Dungarvan, it also takes in the fabulous beaches of Clonea and Bunmahon and passes through the villages of Boatstrand, Dunhill, Annestown and Fenor before you arrive at the lively resort of Tramore.

 

Pitch up in Waterford or along Ireland’s Ancient East and travel along the Copper Coast

 

  1. Experience the thrills of an Activity Park

 

 

 Lough Key Forest & Activity Park

 

Lough Key Forest & Activity Park in County Roscommon is one of Ireland’s most extensive and picturesque forest parks. Enjoy the scenic nature walks, beautiful bog garden, enchanting wishing chair, magical underground tunnels, ice house and epic views from the observation tower. Wander along the tree canopy trail, get a team together for the Boda Borg Challenge or try the thrilling zipline.  Lough Key also has its own caravan & camping park.

 

International Outdoor Adventure Centre Wexford

 

The IOAC, International Outdoor Adventure centre, is an award-winning camp site and adventure centre based in Rosslare Co Wexford.  The Adventure Centre has many activities including High Ropes, Crate stacking, Kayaking, Archery and Axe Throwing and more.  You can book a pitch at the centre for a few nights or stay at one of the great sites in Wexford and book activities onsite as a day visitor

 

Hidden Valley Resort Wicklow

 

Hidden Valley Resort in Wicklow is not just a caravan & camping park.  Day visitors can enjoy a range of on-site activities while at Hidden Valley such as, kayaking, pedal boats, rock climbing wall, water balls, bungee trampolines, combat laser tag, adventure mini golf, bumper boats, playgrounds, football pitch, fishing, cinema nights and the new aqua park.  Book into the resort or stay at one of the other top quality caravan & camping sites in Wicklow and take a day trip into Hidden Valley

 

  1. Follow the Easter bunny

Of course, Easter holidays wouldn’t be complete without some Easter egg hunts and fun for kids of all ages.

 

Hop down to Strokestown Park, Roscommon this Easter for some great special Easter adventures! Their mischievous bunnies have scattered clues throughout the Victorian Walled Gardens in their Easter egg hunt.

 

Beyond the Trees Avondale House Wicklow

 

Beyond the Trees Avondale in Wicklow is a great spot for family entertainment.  Enjoy the daily Treetop Walk & Scavenger Hunt, plus loads of fun activities.

 

Westport Adventure at Westport House

 

The Easter Bunny at Westport Adventure has been hard at work, carefully hiding clues across their breathtaking historic grounds at Westport House. Expect a day of thrills, laughter, and family fun! Soar through the treetops on exhilarating zip lines, conquer climbing walls, and explore our enchanting woodland trails.  You can also book at pitch at Westport House in their top caravan & camping park or stay at one of the great sites in Mayo and take a day trip into Westport House.

 

Many of the caravan & camping sites will also have their own onsite activities and Easter egg hunts.

 

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about what to do and see over the Easter Holidays.  So whether you are planning a few days away over the Easter weekend or a longer break during the holidays there is plenty to see and do as part of your caravan & camping holiday.

Camping Ireland has so much information to help you plan your caravan & camping trip away.  The website is very user-friendly and has a number of great features which makes it very easy to navigate.  You can add filters to your selection.  This will allow you to get information on parks that are specific to your needs.

You can now filter for sites as follows:

Camping type – camping, glamping, mobile home hire, etc.

Holiday type – beach holiday, countryside, family-friendly, dog friendly, etc.

Facilities – beach nearby, playground, games room, shop, etc.

County

Region – Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Dublin or Northern Ireland

Also, many sites are now offering online booking which will help you secure your pitch at the click of a button.

Whatever you want Camping Ireland has something to suit everyone.  Enjoy the independence and flexibility that camping in Ireland can offer in quality approved sites.  We look forward to welcoming you to Ireland’s outdoor living.