Ideas for enjoying a family break – things for children to see and do this summer

Posted on 02/07/202402/07/2024 by hiddenireland-admin

Summer is almost here and with it will come the long school holidays, stretching out gloriously in front of us.

If you are planning to spend some, or even all of it in Ireland, then read on for some ideas to help keep children of all ages entertained, active and loving summer in the Emerald Isle.

Active kids

Ireland is blessed with easily accessible, stunningly beautiful coastlines offering a plethora of activities for sporty children.

From paddle boarding, water-skiing and surfing to sailing, hiking and fossil hunting, Ireland’s beaches and coastal resorts are fantastic for keeping the whole family fit all summer long.

Other options for active kids include numerous golf clubs, tennis courts, gyms and leisure centres located across the island and open all summer long.

Historical Ireland

History buffs may well appreciate a look round the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, or the City Sightseeing hop on-hop off bus that shows off the many delights of the Republic of Ireland’s vibrant capital city.

Another historical delight is Blarney Castle and Gardens in County Cork, where, folklore has it, you can also kiss the famous Blarney Stone to receive the gift of eloquence.

Explore Ireland’s links to the tragedy of the sinking of HMS Titanic at the Titanic Experience in Cobh in County Cork.

This moving museum is based in the original White Star Line Ticket Office, close to the departure point for the final group of passengers who boarded the fateful ship in 1912.

Nature fans

Ireland’s diverse nature and expansive countryside is second to one.

Nature fans are spoilt for choice. Ancient forests and woodlands offer fascinating walking and wildlife-watching options with trees for the kids to climb and signposted family trails to keep youngsters amused along the way.

Other options include the many wildlife parks, sanctuaries and nature attractions around the country.

Examples include Dublin Zoo in Dublin, Burren Birds of Prey Centre in Clare, Connemara National Park in County Galway, The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, County Cork, Secret Valley Wildlife park in Wexford and Wild Ireland in Burnfoot, County Donegal.

Adrenaline adventurers

Children will love to let off some steam after months coped up in the classroom.

This can easily be done during a trip to Ireland. Rollercoaster fans will enjoy a trip to Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) in County Meath, which also has a fantastic zoo and lots of space to run around.

The Aqua Dome in Tralee, County Kerry lives up to its name with plenty of pools, wave machines and water slides to explore.

Funtasia Theme Park in Drogheda, County Louth has plenty for adults and children too, including Pirate’s Cove for small adventurers and casinos for the grown-ups.

Great for wet weather fun.

Culture vultures

Ireland is famed for its folk dancing and lively music.

You can enjoy concerts, theatre, comedy nights, outdoor film showings, opera and dance in several different locations.

Look online for full details of music festivals happening too, including the famous Longitude Festival in Dublin at the end of June, All Together Now Festival in Waterford in early August and Electric Picnic in County Laois in mid-August.

Check out Ireland’s links to famous writers and artists too, including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Francis Bacon.

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Gearing up for wedding season in Ireland

Posted on 27/05/202427/05/2024 by HIBlog

Think of Ireland and images of romance, poetry and beautiful countryside are often not far behind. Ireland makes the perfect destination for a summer wedding, whether you are already a resident or are planning a trip for your special occasion.

Take a look at our Hidden Ireland guide to making the most of your time in Ireland this wedding season.

Logistics and paperwork

In Ireland, you must be over the age of 18 and not be married to anyone else at the time of your proposed wedding. Regardless of whether you live in the country or not, you must give three months’ notice to a registrar of your intent to tie the knot.

You and your partner will also need to meet the registrar in person before the wedding ceremony to sign a declaration stating that you do not know of any reason why the wedding cannot go ahead.

This rule applies to religious, civil and secular marriages. For more details, as well as a list of the documents you will need to bring with you, visit the Irish government’s website at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/ac59d3-get-married-in-ireland

Choosing a wedding venue

There is a huge variety of wedding venues in Ireland., From tranquil churches to chic country house hotels; cool city centre venues to rustic barns, the choice is up to you.

There are a number of Hidden Ireland properties that are licensed to hold wedding ceremonies that will offer couples and their loved ones a warm, Irish welcome. Some can also host wedding receptions too, making transporting guests far easier and giving people longer to party.

If you are opting for a civil ceremony, make sure the venue you choose is licensed for weddings and appropriate for the number of guests and style of ceremony you want. If you can, visit your shortlisted venues in person so you can get a feel for what it is like to spend time there.

Hens and honeymoons

Of course, the actual wedding is not your only chance to kick back and have fun in Ireland. Organising stag and hen parties is part of the fun in the run-up to the big day. Again, there are plenty of options in Ireland for exciting hen and stag mini-breaks. Adventure-seekers can enjoy watersports on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, or party the night away in a vibrant city or town. More peaceful times can be spent in a secluded country cottage, tucked away in the stunning Irish countryside. Walks in the woods and picnics in the garden are the ideal way to decompress before the frenzied wedding day preparations kick in.

Likewise, Ireland offers a huge choice of honeymoon destinations.

Take a look at the list of Hidden Ireland properties to find the ideal match to help you celebrate your perfect union.

Other people’s weddings

Finally, you don’t have to be tying the knot yourself to make the most of a summer 2024 Irish wedding. If you have been invited to a marriage ceremony this season in Ireland, why not turn it into a proper holiday and book yourself some extra nights at a Hidden Ireland cottage, country house or lodge? Bring the family and enjoy a proper break away.

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A photographer’s guide to springtime in Ireland: how to take pretty seasonal pictures

Posted on 22/03/202422/03/2024 by HIBlog

Springtime in Ireland is a wildlife and landscape photographer’s dream.

The vibrant colours that return after months of winter and the perfect seasonal lighting make for some beautiful scenes.

Many insects, birds and animals come out of winter hiding too, to add interest to countryside photographs. People also come out of winter hibernation to enjoy Spring breaks in the run up to Easter and beyond.

An Irish break offers the ideal opportunity to take the camera out and get some beautiful pictures to remind you of your stay.

Read on for some more seasonal photography inspiration.

Weather proof photography

Despite it being Spring, the weather does not always follow suit, especially in Ireland!

So, whenever you are heading out on a nature walk, or exploring a town and want to take some photos, wrap up warm and think about how you can protect your camera or smartphone against any rain.

Don’t be put off taking pictures in the rain, or when the sun is not quite as bright as you would have liked.

You can get some beautiful effects with softer light, as well as some really interesting close-ups of raindrops on leaves or petals and reflections in puddles.

Patterns, reflections and shapes

Look out for other interesting reflections, not only in puddles, but in lakes or ponds, shop window glass and car mirrors.

You could even see what can be reflected back in your Guinness or whisky glass to extend the Irish theme.

Spring flowers can also offer intricate shapes and patterns, which, combined with pretty colours and green foliage, create really beautiful photographs of Spring in rural Ireland.

Walking along the Irish coastline can also help you discover patterns in the pebbles and shingle and the movement of the sea.

You can also use a polarising filter on your camera lens if you want to increase contrast and help the bolder colours stand out, such as a blue sky or green meadow.

Frame your photos

You don’t have to wait until you return home from your Irish Spring holiday to frame your images nicely.

Look for natural frames to include in the photo itself. Hedges, arches, branches and doorways can all add interest to a Spring photo in Ireland and help draw the eye in towards the centre of the photo.

Use dramatic mountains or interesting horizons to add interest towards the back of the picture too. Change the angle to make the natural ‘frame’ work to your advantage. Get down to ground level, or climb up somewhere high and angle the camera down (carefully!)

Keep it simple

We often crave the simplicity of a quiet break somewhere lovely to get away from the complexity of daily life.

So it can work in the same way when taking photos of an Irish Spring scene. Look for smaller details, rather than trying to capture a wider scene.

Pick out a single flower in a meadow or person in a street scene.

Other ideas could include a log covered in moss, a row of spring daffodils or an especially lovely tree covered in spring blossom.

When you look back at your photographs later, it will often be these smaller details that will trigger a happy memory, or start a conversation that inspires you to reminisce about your time in Ireland.

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Mountains, mist and magic: exploring the Mourne Mountains region of Ireland

Posted on 16/02/202416/02/2024 by HIBlog

The Mourne Mountains in County Down are one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive attractions.

Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark, the scenery is glorious and the scope of things to see and do extremely wide. Granite tors sit at the very top, giving a dramatic summit and natural viewing point.

The mountain region is divided into two distinct areas.

The eastern, or ‘high’ Mournes and northern of ‘low’ Mournes.

Each region offers excellent hill walking, cycling and outdoor pursuits.

There is also a wealth of history to explore, such as the eight-foot-high Mourne wall that was built in 1922 to keep sheep and cattle away from the Silent Valley reservoir. The area also has a lively and fascinating past as a smugglers’ haven during the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Hiking, walking and exploring on foot

Such is the diversity of the landscapes in the Mourne Mountains region that you can pretty much find any type of walk to enjoy.

Coastal walks along sandy beaches like Murlough Beach offer dramatic and far-reaching views out to sea. Then, there are hill walks that take you through beautiful wooded areas like Tollymore Forest and across heathlands to see the flora and fauna that call the region home.

Choose from circular walks that set out and return from convenient car parks and starting points or linear walks that take you to new destinations and even more exciting adventures.

Walking festivals, tours and events take place every year, including the Wee Binnian Walking Festival in the early autumn. Guided hill walks that suit all levels of hikers and walking enthusiasts take place at different times of the day – and night – to show the region off at its seasonal finest.

Cycling challenges

The Mourne Mountains region is also an excellent choice for cycling fans.

Again, there is a wide range of routes from family friendly trails to more challenging tracks and lanes.

One famous cycling route is the Mourne Loop.

This is a 45-mile circular trail that takes cyclists on a mixed trail along easier flat areas, picturesque coastal paths, with a few challenging climbs and exciting descents thrown in for good measure.

Check out local tourist information sites for details of other self-guided and bookable cycling routes and excursions, including the Mourne trails and ales tour for local ale lovers. You can also hire electric mountain bikes for a different and fun experience exploring the beautiful region in style.

Local history and culture

St Patrick’s Day is only a few weeks away now. Ireland’s history is steeped in legend about this key figure and many others.

It is thought that St Patrick is buried in a graveyard close to Down Cathedral, located close to this fascinating region.

There are also guided walks along many of the routes St Patrick was believed to have walked in the area.

The Mourne Mountains also have a rich smugglers’ history, with valuable goods such as spices, leather, silk and tobacco coming into Newcastle and being trekked via ponies through the secluded mountain trails.

In fact, one commonly used trail in the high Mournes is still a highly popular walking route today, known as the Brandy Pad.

The unspoilt countryside and sweeping views really can transport visitors back to Ireland’s past, adding to the appeal of this stunning region. Several locations were used as filming backdrops for the HBO series Game of Thrones.

Check out our list of Hidden Ireland accommodation to find the ideal base for some Mourne Mountain adventures of your own.

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Why a rainy day in Ireland could be just what you need

Posted on 14/10/202314/10/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

October in Ireland always brings what you could call a ‘mixed bag’ of weather conditions. This year, however, the month has been more mixed than usual, with some gloriously sunny weekends sitting in amongst the misty mornings and rainy days.

Despite the lingering sunshine providing a welcome extension of summer lasting well into this month, it can also be highly satisfying to enjoy the alternative attractions of a rainy day. Autumn is arguably the most ‘sensory’ season, with gorgeous colours in the trees to look at, the smell of rain in the forests to enjoy and the sound of millions of tiny water droplets hitting the ground in a gently hypnotising rhythm.

If you are visiting one of our Hidden Ireland properties for October half-term week, or are planning an intimate long weekend for two, don’t worry if the forecast is looking like rain. Here are some ways to enjoy your stay, whatever the weather decides to do.

No such thing as bad weather…

There is a lot of truth in the well-known axiom, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing?” The secret to heading out for a rainy day outdoors is to make sure you dress for the weather. Once you have done that, there should be nothing stopping you heading out into the Irish countryside for a forest ramble, bracing coastal hike or long amble across beautiful Irish grasslands. Ask at your accommodation if they have any walking trails that you can try out, especially routes with particularly firm ground underfoot.

Out and about

When you wake up and pull the curtains, only to be greeted by pouring rain, this can present an unexpected chance to pull on your coat and head into a nearby city, town or village. You will find numerous shops, tea rooms, restaurants, museums and other historical buildings to pop inside and wait out the worst of the weather. Take a moment to research the attractions of your local towns and villages – you may stumble across something fascinating that you would never have thought about visiting before.

Get lost in a good story

Ireland has produced a large number of brilliant playwrights, authors, poets, novelists, essay writers and screenwriters. A rainy day offers the perfect excuse to curl up in a library, or your own accommodation, to read a good book with a cup of tea and slice of cake. See if you can find something that is set in the area, or that has been produced by a local writer. Or, visit your nearest cinema or theatre to watch a film or play and immerse yourself in a compelling story while you wait for the rain to pass you by.

Shopping in the rain

Finally, a rainy day can be a great excuse to head for the shops to get ahead on the Christmas shopping, buy a souvenir or two from your stay in Ireland or look for some seasonal fashion ‘finds’ to take you into winter. Spending a couple of hours looking in antique shops can also be a real treat on a rainy day, as can discovering the different types of shops that line the high streets of your nearest town. Bad weather needn’t stop play – get out there and dodge the rain by popping in and out of any shops that take your fancy. Break for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea to make a full day of it. Perhaps you will find yourself a brand new raincoat or umbrella to remind you of how much you enjoyed your rainy day adventures in Ireland this October!

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How to plan the perfect Irish country house weekend

Posted on 01/08/202301/08/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

Now that summer is well underway, many people’s thoughts turn to spending time away with friends and family.

When planning your next Irish country house weekend, it’s important to consider what everyone wants to get out of it – fun with friends? Sporting activities? A chance to escape the rat race for a while?

Whatever you decide to do, you will get the most out of it with a bit of prior planning.

Here are four top tips to help you enjoy the perfect country house weekend in Ireland.

Do your research

As with so many things, a little prior knowledge can make an experience so much more enjoyable. So, while you are preparing to go away, take a look ahead at what you might be able to visit, do and eat when you get there.

Read what your accommodation’s website or social media says about the area.

Check opening dates and times for local attractions – some places only open during tourist seasons. Work out whether you and your guests want to eat out or stay in. Does your accommodation offer in-house dining?

This can be a real treat for the whole party, when chefs use locally-sourced ingredients to provide delicious, authentically Irish meals.

Stay flexible

Plan a loose agenda if you wish, but don’t insist on your guests following it too rigidly.

Create lists of options for people to choose from, grouped under headings like ‘active’, ‘touristy’, ‘outdoorsy’ or ‘chilled’. While some things do need to be fixed, such as arrival and departure times or pre-ordered dining arrangements, everything else can be moved around to suit those present.

Keep an open mind – you may discover new things to do once you settle in.

Pack with precision

Don’t leave packing until the last minute.

The more time you devote to it, the less likely it will be that you will forget anything vital.

You can find packing lists online if that would help.

Some Hidden Ireland properties are located in quite rural settings without walking distance access to local shops, so the more prepared you can be with what you bring with you, the more relaxing your country house weekend will be.

Of course, you can always order anything online that you can’t be without for delivery to your holiday accommodation if you are going to be away for long enough.

Read – and leave – reviews

Always read the reviews for anywhere you are staying or planning to visit during your country house weekend in Ireland.

Not only will they tell you what other visitors have enjoyed doing and seeing, they can also provide other useful information.

For example, if previous guests mention the amenities available in your accommodation, you know what you do and do not need to bring with you.

Return the favour if you can – if you appreciated a place or an event local to where you have been staying, leave them a review to say so and share your good experiences with others.

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