Summer has finally arrived, and it’s the perfect time to plan your next adventure.
Whether you’re craving a quick day out, a cosy staycation, or jetting off for a change of scenery, Alana’s got something for everyone in this guide – plus a handy packing list to make sure you're ready for anything!
Day Trips at Home
Sometimes the best escapes are the simplest. We’re lucky to have some gorgeous spots right on our doorstep (like we mentioned here), making it easy to pack up the car with what we need and head off on an adventure.
- North Coast: Head up to the must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Giants Causeway. Once you’ve followed the footsteps of Fionn MacCumhail, drive by Dunluce Castle to White Rocks Beach off Dunluce Road. We did this last summer on a whim, and it was one of our favourite days. Bonus points if you head further across and finish up at Harry’s Shack for a fish and chip. 10/10.
- West is Best: Derry is one of my favourite cities and a great choice for culture, food and craic (walking tour, El Tapas Grá, and Sandinos – thank me later). Fermanagh is on the list for this summer, with Enniskillen Castle, Boatyard Distillery and paddleboarding on the lakes all sounding like great choices.
Ireland Staycations
‘Sure if we could guarantee the weather, wouldn’t you just stay home?’
This is something I frequently catch myself saying, as we’re very blessed to live on such a beautiful island. Some of the best views are a little too far for a day trip, so here are my picks for a long weekend, or a week – cross your fingers that the sun stays out…
- Killarney: I’ve been going to Killarney since I was small, as my grandparents moved here from Belfast, and it wasn’t until I was an adult that I fully appreciated all it had to offer. Deer-spotting in the National Park, the incredible gap of Dunloe and Ladies View, a short drive to Dingle – oh, and great pubs. It’s not a bit of wonder they call County Kerry ‘The Kingdom’.
- Donegal: I could talk about Donegal all day. I love being in Gaeltacht areas like Gaoth Dobhair and Machaire Rabhartaigh, listening to my five-year-old wirelessing away and putting my own (limited) Irish to use. More gorgeous beaches, fresh seafood and even more cosy pubs – there’s something magic about Donegal, wherever in the county you venture.
Further Afield…
Grab your passport – we’re avoiding eye contact with the ground staff at the airport, hoping they don’t make us put our hand luggage bag in the sizer. I’ve enlisted the help of some of our Clearbox team for this section, to get even more inspiration!
As I mentioned in a previous blog, I adore a city break. Last year, my family flew into Milan and rented a car. We stayed in Bergamo and took day trips from here to Milan and Lake Como. We then drove down to Pisa for a night, stopping off at the beach on the way. We spent five days eating our body weight in pizza, pasta, pastries and gelato, while craning our necks to look at art and architecture – it was amazing. I love Italy, whether you want to relax by the coast in Sorrento or explore an ancient city like Rome. It’s got everything for families, couples or friends, in my opinion. Top tip: if your destination has multiple airports, make sure you book your car from the correct one…
“My favourite type of trip is always, without a doubt, going to be a sunny holiday”, Zoe said. “If you know me, you've heard all about how well I can tan (cue the Clearbox team rolling their eyes because they hear this every time the sun splits through the clouds). My favourite destination would be Peñíscola, a place I like to describe as the Donegal of Spain because of how few tourists there were. I did come home with that fabulous tan and a belly full of pasta – what more could you ask for!”
“Writing this, it's very hard to sum up loving a festival,” Ella added. “Chaos, beers in the sun and great music? Camaraderie, port-a-loo's, and the overpriced big Co-Op? A lot to unpack. Don't get me wrong, I love a relaxing sunny holiday as much as the next person. But making the pilgrimage to a random field out in the arse-end of nowhere with your best pals, a tent and knowing you're about to have one of the best weekends is a feeling like no other.
“I love music - my colleagues will testify. Literally any music. Don't let the line-up of a festival put you off. It's all about who you're going with, listening to artists you love, discovering new artists, and having many, many laughs over trying to put a tent up. And beers too, lots of beers.
“My number one festival tip is to go with no expectations. It might rain, it might be blisteringly warm, you might get stuck in a gale force storm (shout out Leeds Fest). You might love all the artists, you might like one or two, you might not care and go for a laugh. Whichever the case, I'm sure you'll enjoy the vibe and have a great time. Camping isn't as bad as you think, and the camp sites will be the best craic of your life and miles better than a £1,000 glamping pod. A £20 Decathlon tent always does the job. Bring chairs, and toilet roll, and snacks. ENJOY YOURSELF!!!”
What to Pack
Packing right can make or break a trip. So here are some of our essentials, based on your break.
- Clothing: Staying in Ireland? You want the option of light layers, a waterproof, and of course swimwear. Grab a wetsuit if you have it. We get all seasons in a day and it’s all part of the fun – at least we don’t have luggage restrictions! City break? Comfortable shoes for clocking up the steps while you soak up the buzzing atmosphere. Chilled out beach trip? Something to easily throw on over your swimwear for heading into the supermarket to buy a baguette, deli meat and aioli - the dream combination.
- Toiletries: Honestly? If you’re flying, relax and save the space – we can pick most things up when we’re away. Don’t get sucked in by the 3-for-2 minis that cost the same as the full size!
- Extras: Portable chargers are a festival and city break necessity.
- Entertainment: The Clearbox team is big on reading – check out our blog for some of our recommendations of what to read or download!
Now if you don’t mind, I’m off to plan my next trip…
