FYI... THIS is how you can keep the kids amused all summer long (you can thank us later)
The kids are tired, you're tired, there are so many end of year things on that you can't keep up – so it can only mean one thing: school is (almost) out.
After a long year of homework, matches, dance recitals, playdates, parent/teacher meetings and making lunches (the bane of our lives), it is time for a break from routine and everyday mundane tasks.
Sadly, however, not all of us can afford to head abroad for a week or two in the sun, no matter how much it may be needed.
But that doesn't mean you should resign yourself to the fact that you'll be holidaying in 'Costa del Casa' for the entire two months.
Ireland is an incredibly beautiful country and we are incredibly lucky to live here – so why not use this summer to spend time exploring the Wild Atlantic Way?
Whether you decide to go camping, opt for an AirBnB or choose a little hotel luxury, here are seven things you and your kids can get up to along the west of Ireland.
1. Trekking on a sandy shore
There is an abundance of equestrian activities to try on the Wild Atlantic Way – like exploring country boreens by traditional horse-drawn carriage. Then after a more pulse-quickening experience, head to Island View Riding Stables, Co. Sligo, were you get to ride horses on the beach between Grange and Cliffoney. The bracing air, the panoramic scenery – sand dunes, golden beaches, and crashing waves – make this ride an unforgettable experience.
2. Nature walk with a difference
Ards Forest Park is located on the sheltered western shore of Donegal’s Sheephaven Bay and is a magnificent place for the kids to feel like they’re truly getting into the wild with nature. But fear not if your children are small – there’s a boardwalk here that was specially constructed with buggies in mind. And at 1,200 acres, there’s so much to see. There’s a playground too – just in case…
3. Paddling… but not as you know it
One of the fastest growing water activities right now is stand-up paddling – or SUP-ping, to those in the know. An off-shoot of surfing, it was developed in Hawaii and has really taken on more sheltered parts of the Wild Atlantic Way coastline. Harbour Sup n Sail will help you get the hang of it and they operate at two bases: Enniscrone Pier, Co. Sligo and the Quay, Ballina, Co Mayo.
4. A children’s garden
Located close to Oughterard, Co Galway, Brigit’s Garden is the current holder of the Georgina Campbell Family Friendly Destination of the Year award. It’s something of a horticultural wonderland and will appeal to gardening aficionados of all hues, but it’s a magical place for the kids too with all manner of activities tailored for them including a children’s discovery trail and a natural playground that will help them feel at one with nature.
5. Making a beeline for the Burren
Few visitors to the stunning karst landscape of the Burren fail to be captivated by their surrounds, and it’s a particularly special place for families to explore. The Burden Nature Sanctuary near Kinvara in Galway is a mini paradise for kids. There’s a chance to see the remarkable plant and animal life of the area – and to witness the phenomenon of turloughs, the so-called ‘disappearing lakes’. Younger children will adore exploring the magical fairy trail routes in the woods that surround the Burren Nature Sanctuary.
6. Willy Wonka for a day
With spellbinding scenery at every turn and a seemingly endless choice of things to see and do, the idea of spending time indoors on the Wild Atlantic Way might seem odd. But throw chocolate into the equation and it’s a different story. Lorge Chocolatiers, near Kenmare, Co. Kerry, is run by French chocolate maker Benoit Lorge and he loves to help children learn how to make their own delicacies. The grown-ups can get to sample their creations too.
7. Bucket and spade time
Family fun is synonymous with sea and sand and there is an abundance of glorious beaches to make your own, including Ballymastocker in Donegal, which was once chosen by the Observer as the second most beautiful beach in the world, and secluded Mullaghroe at Belmullet, Co. Mayo – one of the county’s numerous Blue Flag beaches. While Trá Buí” (Yellow Beach) in Mulranny, Co. Mayo, is another long beach perfect for a leisurely stroll in the evening as the sun sets behind Clare Island and the mountains.
For lots of ideas and inspiration on how to embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of life this summer, see: www.wildatlanticway.com.