Derval O'Rourke: Breathtaking Irish landscapes to visit with grab-and-go snacks

I started making a list of family adventures in Ireland that I hope to tackle in the coming years with the kids.

Sat, 06 Apr, 2024 - 02:00

Make healthy food a part of your weekly menu

I spent years travelling around the world. I would go from country to country competing in athletics. Sometimes I would see loads while really getting a feel for a country or city and at other times I would only see an airport, hotel and running track. What traveling did for me was make me love an adventure, finding new places and experiencing something different. But what it also did was give me a deep appreciation for Ireland, for the landscape and how the country can be incredibly breathtaking.

I recently took a trip from Cork to Galway to explore with my family. The Wild Atlantic Way is 2,500km of spectacular coastline, making it the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. If you just consider that strip of Irish coastline you will come across 172 discovery points, places where you can stop, read and learn more about the area along with 15 signature points throughout the route, each in an iconic location with impressive views.

In a study of 20,000 people, researchers found that people who spent two hours a week in green spaces, local parks or other natural environments, either all at once or spaced over several visits, were substantially more likely to report better health and psychological wellbeing than those who don’t. This makes time in
nature much more a need to have than a nice to have!

This connection between nature and our wellbeing makes taking trips and immersing ourselves in the spectacular views on our island even more enticing. On my recent road trip with my family we stayed in ‘Wildlands’ in Ballyquirke in Galway. The activity centre has been created within 20 acres of woodland overlooking Ballyquirke Lough in Moycullen, Co Galway, right along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Spending two days among the trees and being active was such an energising experience. There was no screen time (bar me using my phone for pictures and videos of the fun activities) and it was so nice to see the kids (aged five and eight) tackle new challenges like zip-lining through trees.

After the trip I started making a list of family adventures in Ireland that I hope to tackle in the coming years with the kids. As they grow I know this list will only grow too!

My wish list of family adventures in Ireland:

Surfing in Sligo: Strandhill surf school in Sligo has lessons for all ages. Culleenamore Bay is a tidal reserve and seal sanctuary where the team sometimes take people out too.

Hiking in Kerry: Kerry Hiking offers guided walks with a touch of mindfulness on the beautiful mountains around Co Kerry and West Cork.

Hiking to the top of Sliabh Leag: Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) has some of the best sea cliff views in Europe. Leave your car at the car park and walk to the cliffs. For over a thousand years, there was a Christian pilgrimage to these sacred mountains to appreciate their cultural heritage.

Rock Climbing in Co Clare: Go rock climbing with the Irish Mountaineering Academy in Co Clare. Take in the impressive views of the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands and Connemara from the top of the climbs.

Skellig Coast Adventures: Skellig Coast Adventures in Co Kerry provide landing tours on the famous Skellig Michael and eco trips along the Skellig Coast. The company is an amalgamation of four tour operators that have been providing tours of Skellig Michael for many years.

Of course, you won’t always have the time to prepare snacks for your adventures, that’s why this week I’m sharing my list of ‘grab and go snacks’. If you’re short on time but need your energy for active day trips, try these zero-preparation snacks.