Freshness in the air, longer days, milder temperatures… say no more — it’s spring! Gone are the days of Netflix and hibernation, now’s the time to get out the door and explore. And if you’re looking to enjoy your spring break in Ireland with the family, we’ve got you covered!
With our Forest Adventure Parks in Ireland, the team at Zipit are expert in outdoor activities. We lead locals and visitors on thrilling obstacle courses through the treetops, giving them a one-of-a-kind experience in nature.
To help you find your next spring break adventure, we’ve created this guide to Ireland’s best outdoor escapes for families, from the Copper Coast to Killarney National Park and beyond!
Admire the Beauty of Slieve League
As some of the highest cliffs in Ireland and Europe, Slieve League is a sight to behold. Rising 600 metres above the ocean, they are nearly three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher! Located in County Donegal along the Wild Atlantic Way, you can walk along the cliff paths and admire one of the most exceptional views in all of Ireland.
Discover the Copper Coast
In County Waterford, the Copper Coast Geopark reveals how the area has formed over 460 million years! As a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, the Copper Coast is recognised for its exceptional geological history. You can explore this stunning coastline solo or as part of a guided tour, discovering diverse habitats, intriguing rock formations, historic landmarks, and picturesque beaches. If you want to really immerse yourself in nature you can set up your tent at the nearby camping sites!
Explore the Treetops with Zipit Forest Adventures
With so many adventures on land or at sea, Zipit offers a novel way of exploring Ireland’s great outdoors — among the treetops! We have forest parks across Ireland, including our Tibradden Wood Zipit Adventure Park in Dublin, Lough Key Zipit Adventure Park in County Roscommon, and Farran Park Zipit Adventure Park in County Cork.
Our parks have circuits ranging in height and difficulty, making it perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Kids from ages seven and up can tackle our thrilling activities, including ziplines, monkey bridges, and climbing walls. Up in the canopies, you won’t get a better view of Ireland!
Go Kayaking in the Dingle Peninsula
For a truly immersive experience of the Wild Atlantic Way, take to the sea with a kayak on Dingle Peninsula. Kayaking here is perfect for beginners, making it ideal for families with young children ages 10 and above. With a guided tour, you’ll be safely led through the Dingle harbour and see some awe-inspiring sea caves.
Hike in Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is an adventurer’s dream come true. Located in County Kerry, Killarney National Park spans 10,000 hectares, including the famed Lakes of Killarney as well as Ireland’s highest mountain range. One of the best ways to experience Killarney is on foot. There are numerous walking trails to choose from, ranging from an easy one-kilometre trail to a more strenuous seven-kilometre hike. An unmissable sight in Killarney is the Torc Waterfall, which you can either hike or drive to.
Hiking isn’t the only way to get around, as you can also cycle, horse ride, or even take a jaunting car through the park. You won’t want to miss the Lakes of Killarney either, where you paddle among some of the most picturesque scenery in a canoe or kayak.
Cycle the Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway is one of Ireland’s best cycling routes. It’s the longest off-road trail at 46 kilometres in length and is completely car free! Stretching from Waterford City to Dungarvan, this route takes you past the Comeragh Mountains, the River Suir, and the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Cycling the entire Waterford Greenway will take approximately five hours, but you can choose to do only certain sections depending on what you’d like to see. You’ll also want to make stops to refuel and soak up the awesome scenery. If you’re travelling with kids, cycling through the Ballyvoyle Tunnel is a particular highlight!
Have a Retreat in Wicklow Mountains National Park
Just outside of Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains National Park offers the perfect retreat into nature. Spanning 23,000 acres of pristine greenery, Wicklow is one of Ireland’s largest national parks! There are numerous hiking trails to be enjoyed, from gentle strolls to the iconic Wicklow Way, a scenic 130-kilometre route that takes several days to complete.
If you’d prefer a more leisurely trip, you can relax by the lake with a picnic, or explore the historic monastic sites of Glendalough.
Drive the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is undoubtedly the most famous driving route in Ireland and one of the most famous in the world. This circular route, spanning 179 kilometres, takes you to some of the best sights in all of Ireland. While you’ll be driving along the route, you’ll be spending much more time making stops and exploring.
Highlights of the Ring of Kerry include the mountain passes Moll’s Gap and Gap of Dunloe, which offer exceptionally scenic view points, and Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park. One particularly noteworthy destination is Skellig Michael, an island of dramatic rock formations and intriguing beehive huts used by monks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael will be easily recognisable to Star Wars fans as one its filming locations!
Ride the Ponies and Horses of Connemara
If you want to go horseback riding, then Connemara is the place to be. This region offers the perfect backdrop for cantering and galloping with your trusty steed, especially along the white sand beaches. Connemara is also famous for its eponymous breed of pony, which you may even have the opportunity to ride for a truly Irish experience!
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Ireland’s best outdoor escapes, with plenty more adventures awaiting! If you have any questions about what more to do or about our Zipit courses, feel free to get in touch with our team.
