Inside the Ultimate Irish Adventure Lover’s Bucket list

 

If you were to go on a random stroll down Dublin’s Drury, Capel, or O'Connell Streets and asked whoever you meet what their favorite Irish adventure destinations are, you will get many answers. Many will tell you how much they are dying to go kitesurfing on Duncannon Beach, sail the frigid emerald waters of Dun Laoghaire or perhaps hike the mighty Leinster’s highest Peak Lugnaquilla.

Ireland is a little jewel – an Emerald Isle with a lot of beautiful tourist attractions. In this greenest, friendliest, and most beautiful island on earth, ten million adventure-hungry tourists who fly in every year, arrive to simply marvel and appreciate its best gems.
Among those who arrive or perhaps have this adventure capital of Europe on their bucket list, the greatest absolute must-dos include:

Kitesurfing

Maybe you’d never heard this before, but YES, Wexford is one of the world’s greatest kitesurfers’ destinations. Here, you engage in wild, epic, and adrenaline-pumping kitesurfing expeditions, meet lots of experienced surfers and have fun.

But, it isn’t just Duncannon where ardent kitesurfing enthusiasts go wild on the water. The windswept shores of Achill Island and the top of Mt Leinster in the snow have long been considered the kitesurfing paradise, especially for those willing to brave the cold.

For an even more customized dose of thrill, there’s always an annual kitesurfing festival Hooked Kitefest complete with live outdoor music and DJ on the beach and kids’ fun activities. This summer activity is always worth looking forward to, especially for a tourist hoping to experience the true Irish adventure like a local.
Kitesurfing isn’t a skill everyone is born with. That’s why, for every kitesurfing greenhorn, a 1.5hr lesson consisting of practical instructions, theory, and the real fun is usually enough to induct one into the water for the real fun.

Day tours and sightseeing expeditions

Ireland has some of the greatest must-see spots in the world. It has the Blarney Stone that thousands visit annually for just a kiss, the Titanic Belfast museum that pays homage to the legendary ship built in Belfast, the spooky, haunted Leap Castle in County Offaly, and lots more.

For some who would visit the most iconic tourist spots in Dublin and across Ireland, their list must be too big to complete. However, some of the most iconic and unmissable spots may include the breathtaking Glenoe Waterfall, take the 20-meter long, 30-meter high Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in County Antrim or even surmount enough courage and visit the beautiful Murder Hole Beach.

Other spots to choose for a day trip in Dublin is the 19m Newgrange, a 5,200-year-old wonder believed to have been built by Stone Age farmers and perhaps the world’s most famous jail, the Kilmainham Gaol. You can also visit the Guinness Storehouse – where the world-famous booze originates from and The Old Bushmills Distillery – the planet’s oldest finest whiskey that still operates.

Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Backpacking expeditions

Hike enthusiasts in Ireland usually have Leinster’s highest peak, Lugnaquilla, to conquer. And as much as it is never easy climb, the majestic views of Dublin, Wicklow Mountains, and as far beyond as the breathtaking beaches of the Irish Sea coastline reward abundantly.

Lovebirds that can’t take the more arduous trails can choose a sunset/sunrise hike up Tonelagee and arrive at the beautiful heart-shaped Lough Ouler Lake. Rock climbers can, however, climb the 20m high vertical cliff of Dalkey Quarry or go for the insurmountable of them all – Carrauntoohil, MacGillycuddy’s Reek range in County Kerry. Or even visit Clare Island and scale the island’s rugged and rocky cliffs.

Other fantastic spots for a climb, mountaineering expeditions, or group hikes are the beautiful, tranquil, and remote Delphi Valley, climb the very distinctive Benbulben Mountain or the Wild Atlantic Way in north Donegal.

The list of the best things to do in Ireland doesn’t end there

On your list of epic adventure activities to do in Ireland, you still have to cycle up the country’s famous mountain trails, go on an afternoon water adventure in the Midlands or go swimming in Solomon’s Hole.
One cool thing about these particular trips is how adventure-filled they are. There’s never a dull day in Ireland, just identify your preferred tour destinations and head there!