Enjoy a sporting life in Ireland in 2024

Posted on 21/12/202321/12/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

Hands up who overindulges at Christmas?

Thought so!

After several days of eating too much turkey and trifle and imbibing mulled wine, eggnog and fizz, many people’s thoughts turn in January to how to get fit and work off some of that festive excess.

This year, why not get a head start and plan some enjoyable sporting breaks in Ireland for the first few months of 2024?

From fishing and shooting to biking and walking, ether is something for everyone in this beautiful part of the world. If you prefer to watch sport from the stands, Ireland will also welcome you with open arms. Here are some ideas for getting sporty this year.

Mountain biking

Ireland is ideal for ardent fans of mountain biking looking for the perfect place for adventures in 2024. The Slieve Bloom mountains in central Ireland are well set up to welcome mountain bikers of all abilities, as are the Wicklow mountains and the Cliffs of Mohr and Doolin. Always check out the difficulty levels of each trail you are considering and ensure that you and your bike are in the best possible condition to tackle the challenge ahead. There are several options for mountain bikers of all abilities to enjoy. Wear a helmet and waterproof clothing, and pack water, snacks, bicycle repair tools and a fully charged mobile phone for safety.

Hiking and trekking

The majestic mountains, lush forests and stunning coastlines of Ireland offer countless options for hiking and trekking. As with the mountain biking, trails and waymarked routes vary in length, difficulty and habitats encountered. Hiking can be hugely enjoyable even in the winter, so long as you are prepared and are wearing the right clothing and footwear. Some good places to start researching your perfect hiking or trekking destination include the Giants Causeway, Wicklow Mountains and Wild Atlantic Way.

Fishing

The milder climates and temperatures make Ireland a great spot for fishing at any time of year. If you have been given brand-new fishing kit for Christmas, or simply want to reconnect with a favourite sport, head off to the Emerald Isle to see what bites you get. Always check what fishing licences you will need, as not every spot is free for anyone to use. Leave no trace of your presence when you leave and respect the countryside around you. Some lovely places to visit for an afternoon’s angling include Mullaghmore in Sligo, river Boyne in Meath, Cork harbour and the lakes of Killarney in Kerry.

Watersports

While on the subject of water, fishing is not the only way to have fun in Ireland’s lakes, coastlines and waterways. Several watersports are popular and widely available in Ireland, including paddle boarding, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. Lessons are available for beginners and those with experience seeking to brush up on their skills. You can also hire or buy the kit you will need to stay safe and have lots of fun. Take advantage of Ireland’s geography as an island with plenty of coastlines, beaches and shores to explore and enjoy. Head to the west coast of Donegal, Sligo and Clare for the best surfing, or Galway for kayaking and paddle boarding. The lakes of Tipperary are tailor-made for waterskiing and wake boarding.

Golf

Golf in Ireland is far more than ‘a good walk ruined’, with breathtaking courses and exciting gameplay available all over the island. The best time of year to enjoy a round of golf in Ireland is between April and October. Many courses are rated among the top 100 in the world. Call ahead to book and find out about green fees and available facilities, such as clubs and caddy hire, private coaching and golf buggies. Don’t forget to leave enough time to enjoy a pint and bite to eat at the welcoming ‘19th hole’ at the end of your game.

Spectator sport

Finally, if you prefer your sport to be played by other people, there are plenty of exciting sporting matches, games and events happening in Ireland, or involving Irish national teams in 2024. The 2024 Six Nations rugby tournament starts in February with Ireland as reigning champions – the perfect excuse for some late winter television dates. August brings the Dublin Horse Show, featuring showjumping and other equestrian competitions. The Irish Open golf tournament arrives at the Royal County Down Golf Club in Norther Ireland in September while the Dublin Marathon takes place at the end of October.

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Plan the perfect Irish Christmas break

Posted on 02/12/202302/12/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

Who doesn’t love to open a Christmas card and see a delightful scene of a cosy room decorated with fresh garlands, glorious countryside views out of the window and stockings set out by the fireplace?

You can picture yourself enjoying a rural Christmas, surrounded by thoughtfully selected gifts, deliciously festive food and drink and a general celebration of friends, family and fun.

After lunch, you might step out for a walk to clear away the cobwebs in stunning Irish countryside that has been gently dusted with frost and snow.

We may not be able to guarantee snow in Ireland this year but the rest of this beguiling scene can be yours by booking a festive getaway with one of the beautiful country house hotels, cottages and other holiday accommodation available through Hidden Ireland.

Our hosts are busily working behind the scenes, preparing to welcome guests seeking seek sanctuary from hectic Christmas planning in December, or looking to enjoy a few days away at New Year (click here to check availability).

Enjoy an Irish Christmas

Ireland has some beautiful Christmas traditions that you can enjoy – and take inspiration from – during an early December visit to a Hidden Ireland property. Many Irish homes are beautifully decorated with fresh holly and ivy alongside the main Christmas tree adorned with baubles and lights. A candle is also placed in the window to guide Mary and Joseph. Why not explore the decorated rooms in your holiday accommodation and introduce some of the finishing touches you find there into your own Christmas decorations at home?

Festive food and drink

Food and drink are a key element of any pre-Christmas break or New Year getaway. Again, Ireland has a rich and copious choicer of amazing festive fare to sample during your stay. The type of food and drink available will vary, depending on where you choose to stay. However, many Hidden Ireland hosts cook their own delicious meals and serve them to their guests in the welcoming surroundings of their holiday accommodation. Alternatively, many of the cottages, B&Bs and hotels are located close to villages, towns and cities brimming with amazing restaurants, cafes and eateries serving festive food throughout December and January.

Christmas shopping

For some people, no pre-Christmas break would be complete without the chance to do a spot of Christmas shopping. Choose between smaller towns offering local delicacies and locally made, artisan gifts and busy, vibrant cities hosting fun Christmas markets and tempting high street sales. To help with your Christmas shopping plans, write out a list before you set off from home with the names of all those for whom you need to get presents – plus some suggestions about what to buy. Lists can also help if you plan to purchase food, decorations and other festive trimmings while you are away.

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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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