Ever get stuck in a rut at home, whining that you never have anything to do?? Well, get off your ass and get out the door, because there are some great day trips right on your doorstep, whether it be shopping, culture or a bit of adrenaline. Here’s a few ideas for planning a day out of the house to lift your spirits and get you properly in the mood for Spring / Summer, without cleaning out your bank account first (though we’re not responsible for spending sprees in the shopping centres!!).
1 – Kildare Village is only about 40 minutes from anywhere in Dublin city, and as well as offering a huge range of outlet stores to indulge in a bit of retail therapy, it also offers something different for those looking to unwind before or after their big spend. The National Stud and Japanese Gardens are only a 5 minute drive from the outlet centre, and there are even shuttle buses that run all day long back and forth. Taken altogether, they’re a great day out and offer something for everyone, whether it be a nice stroll in a beautiful setting or splashing out on your fave designer for a fraction of the price.
2 – Oakwood Theme Park, in Wales is only a short ferry ride away, and has attractions for all age groups. You can arrange to get off the ferry, and onto a bus to be brought straight there, where you’ll spend the day on rollercoasters like the fearsome Megaphobia and exploring Neverland, a unique attraction designed to bring out the kid in you. In the evening time there are fireworks displays, before you pop back on to the ferry and enjoy a drink as you set sail home.
3 – Dublin Hop On/Hop Off tour is a fantastic way to explore the capital city. With fun commentary on all of the sights and a ticket that allows you to stop off at only the tourist spots that interest you, it really is value for money. There are buses leaving from loads of locations all over the city, and the ticket also gets you a discount into places like the National Art Gallery, Dublin Writers Museum and the Guinness Storehouse. Maybe its about time you had a relaxing pint and took in the views from the Gravity Bar at St James’ Gate??
4 – Fota Wildlife Park is nestled on an island near Carrigtwohill in Cork, and offers something a bit different for those of us who’ve been to Dublin Zoo umpteen times already. All of the animals have acres of space to roam free, and the more friendly ones like Kangaroos actually wander the park, to the delight of any kids in the place. Just down the road too is one of the few drive-in cinemas in the country, making a trip to that part of Cork a fantastic family day out.
5 -The Trafford Centre in Manchester is one of the biggest shopping centres in all of Europe. You can easily spend the day there splurging on dozens of top brands, and with over 275 stores there quite literally is something for everyone. It has the added bonus of having a football stadium just down the road, so if your other half detests spending his day carrying shopping bags, then grab a couple of match tickets for him and you and your friends can have hours of retail therapy at your own pace.
6 – The Connemara coastline is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole country, boasting sandy white beaches and crystal clear blue water that you’d expect to see more in the Caribbean than in Galway. Dotted along the way are gorgeous spots to stop off like Kylemore Abbey, or Ross Errilly friary, where you can take in some culture and soak up the stunning, peaceful surroundings, before heading in to Galway city where the nightlife is as good as you’ll find anywhere in the country.
7 – Warner Bros Studio Tour outside Watford in the UK has fast become one of the biggest selling attractions in Europe, for one simple reason – it features the Harry Potter studio tour. A great day out for fans of the series, or even just movie buffs, it’s full of great props and fully built sets like Diagon Alley and there’s even a glass of Butterbeer to quench your thirst! Offering guests an immersive experience, its perfect for a family day or even a weekend break if you’re thinking of taking in the sights of London as well.
So next time you think you never have anything to do, remember, there’s a whole wide world out there just waiting to be explored. Whether it be an action-packed day out, a lazy weekend away, or a full on travelling experience, never find yourself stuck indoors in front of the telly again, when there’s so much to see and do, without breaking the bank.
(Images courtesy DiscoverIreland, Tumblr, Pinterest, Warner Bros, TraffordCentre.com, IrelandTourism)
