Is the weekend looming and you have zero plans? Everyone thinks West is best, but why not head to the ‘sunny’ south east for some adventure.
If you are skint but still want adventure in your life, then look no further, we are here to help. Whether you’re in Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny or just fancy a little road trip to Ireland’s Ancient East, here’s a few ideas to get you out of the house this weekend for less than €50.
1. Waterford
Cycle the Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway is a newly opened 46km off road route from Waterford City to Dungarvan. If you get the weather, it’s a brilliant day out. Stop for lunch or coffee at the quaint Coach House cafe at the half way mark. Load up your own bikes onto the car or rent a bike at either end of the route.
Price: Bike hire: Adults €20 Kids €10
Drive the Stunning Copper Coast
Everyone’s heard of the Ring of Kerry Drive, but have you heard of the Copper Coast Drive? This hidden gem in Waterford embraces all the best seascapes, cliffs, bays and coves between Dungarvan and Tramore. The Copper Coast Geopark is an outdoor museum of geological records which includes; volcanoes, oceans, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the area. Follow the self-guided “Copper Coast” trail and walking cards available from The Copper Coast Geopark Centre in Bunmahon.
Price: FREE
2. Wexford
Cycle the Wexford Eurovelo Route
This 120km cycle route along quiet country roads is a gem of a cycle, encompassing beautiful little villages, stunning sea views, historical Norman sites and the Hook peninsula. Make sure to stop off at The Red Door Café in Carrig on Bannow to try their delicious home made strawberry muffins. Bring your own bikes or hire one from Hayes Cycles in Wexford town, they’ll drop the bikes out to you and collect them after.
Price: FREE
Take a Kitesurfing lesson in Duncannon
You may not believe it but Wexford is the perfect place to kitesurf! Take a powerkite lesson with Hooked Kitesufing in Duncannon. A 1.5hr lesson consists of a bit of land based instruction, theory and then into the water for some real fun! A great family run business that deserves your support.
Price: €40
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3. Tipperary
Visit Mitchelstown Cave
Explore the underground world in Mitchelstown Cave in Tipperary, to see some incredible drip stone formations, stalactites, stalagmites and huge calcite columns as well as amazing acoustics. At a constant 12C, it’s ideal to visit year round.
Price: €9 – adult
Go for a trek on a horse
When’s the last time you were on a horse? Maybe now is the time to get back on one? Tipperary Mountain Trekking Centre is the very place to do just that, with one-hour lessons or one-hour scenic treks to get you back into the swing of things!
Price: €30
4. Carlow
Walk, cycle or swim the Barrow Way
Voted as the Irish Times Best Day Out in Ireland competition in 2015, the Barrow Way is a beautiful walkway along the river. The full length of the Barrow Way from Robertstown to St. Mullins is 113km. But for a decent one day walk, head to stage 4, Carlow to Bagenalstown. It is one of our favourite parts with bridges, mill buildings and a large wooded area. Look out for heron and kingfisher sightings.
Price: FREE
Go Mountainbiking in the Blackstairs Mtns
If you have your own mountain bikes and are looking for some fun on new trails, bring your bikes for a spin in Kilbrannish Forest in the Blackstairs Mountains. The trails are fairly self-evident but if you are looking for more information, get in touch with the local triathlon and mountain biking club Racing 795.
Price: FREE
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5. Kilkenny
Cycle the South Kilkenny Cycle Loop
Explore Kilkenny on this 41 km cycle loop bringing you through Bennettsbridge, Stoneyford and Kells down idyllic country roads. Bring your own bikes or hire one for the day with Kilkenny Cycle Tours.
Price: €20 – bike hire
Canoe down the Barrow
Hire a canoe with Go with the Flow – River Adventures and paddle your way down the beautiful Barrow river. There is a navigation channel running the entire length of the waterway which avoids all weirs and rapids so it’s perfect for all abilities. If you have more than a day to spare, why not take the canoe for a few days and wild camp along the banks of the river!
Price: €40
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The lads at The Irish Experience / Hook Head Adventures in Fethard-on-sea will be devastated they haven’t made this list with their brilliant Sea Cave Kayaking Experience! Definitely the best adventure the South East has on offer!