Day trip ideas

Looking for a fun way to punch in the time and spend a day in the west?

 Shed Distillery, Co Leitrim

Drumshanbo in Co Leitrim is where Gunpowder Irish Gin was born. The gin is the brainchild of PJ Rigney and a result of experimenting with wild grains, Irish flora, and exotic botanicals. Visit the Shed Distillery and discover how Gunpowder Irish Gin, and PJ’s other creation Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, are created. You’ll get a fully guided tour and finish with a refreshing gin and tonic at the Honey Badger Bar in their majestic botanical glasshouse. Open seven days a week, from 10am-6pm, during the summer. An adult ticket is €19. There’s also a gift store on-site, and the bright and spacious Jackalope Café serves a wide range of hearty Irish foods.

Visit thesheddistillery.com

 Aqua Dome, Co Kerry

For a fun day out for all the family, head to Aqua Dome in Tralee, one of Ireland’s largest indoor water worlds. It is brimming with attractions, including the 90-metre

High Flume Slide and Lazy River, as well as a Vitality Spa for the adults. The spa has a new Himalayan rock salt-tiled steam room, Luxor heated seats, and a cool plunge pool. General admission to Aqua Dome is €17 per adult, €15 for juniors (under 18) and free for those under two years of age. Family admission ticket options are also available.

There’s also an exciting 18-hole minigolf course located alongside the Aqua Dome, which is great craic for old and young alike. Prices for Aqua Golf are €7 per adult, €6 per junior, and €20 for a family of four.

Visit aquadome.ie

 Ards Forest Park, Co Donegal

Ards Forest Park is one of the most unique forest walks in Donegal and somewhat of an undiscovered gem for many. It’s filled with beautiful woodlands, coastal scenery, megalithic tombs, picnic areas, rivers, and saltwater lakes. There are nine different trails, suitable for all ages and abilities. These include the Binngorm Trail, which is a strenuous 3.5km walk and the Heritage Walk, which is a moderate 5km walk. There are lots of places to stop along the walks and trails to take in spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the Atlantic Ocean.

Visit discoverireland.ie/donegal/ ards-forest-park

 Ferry around the Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare

Everyone might have viewed the wellknown Cliffs of Moher from land, but have you seen them from sea level? Set sail with The Doolin Ferry Co, to truly take in the majesty of these iconic cliffs. During the trip, you’ll listen to live commentary from their experienced crew and learn about the Cliffs of Moher and the area. You will see Ireland’s largest seabird colony at An Branán Mór (Sea Stack), as well as the sea cave used in filming Harry Potter & the

Half Blood Prince

The tour takes approximately 50 minutes to one hour and there are a number of times available. Return trip for an adult is €25, student/senior is €20, child (5-15 years) is €13, and a child of four years and under is free. Family tickets are also available and a ‘combination ticket’ for the Cliff’s Cruise and any Aran Island trip is available too.

Visit doolinferry.com

 Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens, Co Galway

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens in Connemara is a spectacular attraction, and a haven of beauty, serenity and history. Located just over an hour from Galway City, Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman and liberal politician. Today, Kylemore Abbey is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence there since 1920. Go on a day trip to Kylemore and enjoy the new visitor experience. Explore the woodland and lakeshore walks, magnificent architecture and Ireland’s largest walled garden. An adult ticket is €15, student/senior is €12.50, under 16s are free and a family ticket is €38.

Visit kylemoreabbey.com