Ideas for Couples
Day and OvernightTrips for a fun Irish getaway
Quick Day Trips
Doonbeg is a charming village located in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. Please also check out the Family Itinerary Page for more day trip ideas. Here are some easy day trips within an hour of Doonbeg:
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is a popular tourist attraction located just 30 minutes from Doonbeg. The park is a recreation of a 19th-century Irish village, with cottages, shops, and a castle to explore.
Loop Head Peninsula: The Loop Head Peninsula is a scenic drive that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. The drive takes about an hour and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventure.
Kilkee: Kilkee is a charming seaside town located just 20 minutes from Doonbeg. The town is known for its beautiful beach and rugged coastline, as well as its lively pubs and restaurants.
Vandeleur Walled Garden: The Vandeleur Walled Garden is a historic garden located just 15 minutes from Doonbeg. The garden is a beautiful place to take a stroll and enjoy the scenery, with plenty of colorful flowers and plant life to admire.
Scattery Island: Scattery Island is a small island located just off the coast of Kilrush, about 30 minutes from Doonbeg. The island is home to a number of historic ruins, including a round tower and a 6th-century monastic settlement.
Shannon Estuary: The Shannon Estuary is a beautiful natural area located just a short drive from Doonbeg. The estuary is a great place to take a scenic drive, enjoy a picnic, or go birdwatching.
Doonbeg Beach: Doonbeg Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located just a short walk from the village. The beach is a great place to spend a day relaxing, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
Galway
Start your day with a hearty Irish breakfast at a local café or restaurant. Many places in Galway offer traditional Irish breakfast dishes such as bacon, sausage, black pudding, eggs, and potatoes.
Take a stroll through the charming streets of Galway's Latin Quarter, which is known for its colorful buildings, lively pubs, and street performers. Stop by the Galway City Museum to learn about the history of the city and its surrounding area.
Visit St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, the largest medieval church still in use in Ireland. Admire the beautiful stained-glass windows and the historic architecture of this fascinating building.
For lunch, head to Ard Bia at Nimmos, a popular restaurant that offers a unique blend of Irish and international cuisine. Try their delicious seafood chowder or their famous fish tacos.
After lunch, take a scenic walk along the Salthill Promenade, which offers stunning views of Galway Bay and the surrounding coastline. Take a dip in the ocean or rent a bike and explore the area on two wheels.
Visit the Galway Cathedral, which is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Admire the intricate stonework and the beautiful stained-glass windows of this stunning building.
For dinner, head to Kai Restaurant, which is known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative dishes. Try their famous lamb shank or their delicious vegetarian options.
After dinner, head to Tig Coili, a traditional Irish pub that features live music every night. Enjoy a pint of Guinness or a local craft beer while tapping your toes to the sounds of traditional Irish music.
Kinsale
Enjoy foodie paradise with a trip to Kinsale! The charming port and fishing town is home to many well-known restaurants and fun shopping. Some great restaurants to check out are: Fishy Fishy, Bastion, Max’s Seafood, Saint Francis Provisions, The Black Pig, No. 19 Restaurant, and The White Lady Restaurant. You can also taste the town with a Kinsale Food tour.
There are many hotel options, including the Actons Hotel, the Trident Hotel, the Perryville House, and the Blue Haven Hotel.
Walk through the colorful cobblestoned streets and enjoy the many shops. Step back in time at Charles Fort and James Fort. Take a drive and visit the Jameson Distillery in Midleton. Try some Irish Mead at Kinsale Mead Co.
Ring of Kerry
Morning:
Depart Doonbeg and drive to Killarney, which is the starting point for the Ring of Kerry. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.
In Killarney, start your day with a visit to Muckross House and Gardens, which is a beautiful 19th-century mansion surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland. Take a guided tour of the house or explore the gardens on your own.
Drive through the picturesque town of Killorglin and stop for a photo opportunity at the famous statue of King Puck, a goat who is crowned each year during the town's annual festival.
Afternoon:
Drive through the stunning landscapes of the Ring of Kerry, taking in the breathtaking views of the coastline, mountains, and lakes.
Stop for lunch in the charming town of Cahersiveen, which is located on the Ring of Kerry route. There are plenty of local pubs and restaurants to choose from, offering traditional Irish cuisine and fresh seafood.
Continue your drive through the Ring of Kerry and stop at the Kerry Cliffs, which offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Skellig Islands. You can also take a guided boat tour to see the islands up close.
Evening:
Finish your day with a visit to the colorful town of Kenmare, which is known for its lively music scene and great restaurants. Stop at one of the local pubs for a pint of Guinness or a glass of Irish whiskey, and enjoy traditional Irish music played by local musicians.
Return to Doonbeg in the evening, taking the scenic drive back along the coast.
Recommended Hotels
If Doonbeg is a stop on a longer Irish getaway, check out some of our recommended hotels for other parts of your stay.
Conde Nast is a great resource for ideas as well.
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Adare Manor is a luxurious five-star hotel and golf resort located in the village of Adare, County Limerick, Ireland. The manor boasts of its stunning 840-acre estate, Michelin-starred dining, opulent accommodations, and a world-class golf course. In 2019, Adare Manor was voted the number one resort in Europe and was awarded the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Award for Best Resort in Europe.
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Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains just over an hour from Dublin, Ballyfin has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland. It is a place of history and romance, of tranquility and great natural beauty. With 20 bedrooms, magnificent grandeur, unparalleled seclusion and privacy, decorated with Irish art and antiques from around the world, Ballyfin is in the same spirit of refined elegance that the early House reflected in the 1820s. For today's guest, formality is blended with an informal and relaxed approach that is wonderfully warm and welcoming. Step outdoors to enjoy 614 acres of private parkland, a 28 acre lake, ancient woods, follies and grottoes.
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Amidst the dreamy landscape of western Ireland, Ballynahinch Castle welcomes you for an exclusive stay surrounded by the stunning views that exemplify the region of Connemara. Set against a magnificent natural backdrop of rolling hills, this exceptional hotel is nestled between picturesque green forests and the tranquil waters of the Owenmore River, which flows at its feet. It is a setting made for magical walks, memorable bike rides and great fishing. A 19th-century edifice standing within an estate of nearly 700 acres, Ballynahinch Castle prides itself on being both majestic and warm, refined and simple. Its cosy rooms, with large windows to make the most of the views, provide the perfect accent to the surrounding Irish countryside. Its restored walled garden invites you to enjoy a sense of tranquillity, and its private collection of Irish art is truly one of the finest in the country. At Ballynahinch Castle’s gourmet restaurant, chef David Bodas Gutierrez combines traditional skills with his expertise as a nutritionist, elevating the cuisine to a degree of equilibrium rarely achieved.
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Cashel Palace is a historic luxury hotel located in the charming town of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland. The hotel boasts of its elegant Georgian architecture, opulent interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens. It offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining experiences, and a variety of outdoor activities such as golf, fishing, and horse riding. The hotel's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rich cultural heritage and stunning scenery of Ireland's Ancient East.
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To arrive in this part of Ireland from Dublin, pass through the magical countryside of Wicklow, a county nestled between the sea and the mountains and boasting some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes. Rosslare port is also very close to Marlfield House. It is in this unspoilt, yet easily accessible region that the Bowe family chose to create their gem of a hotel, a model of conviviality and elegance complete with a rose garden and woodland walks. Dining in the conservatory is delightful. Here, life is about enjoyment, don’t we call the Irish “the Latin people of the North”?
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The Heritage town of Kenmare, in mystical Kerry, is home to this Victorian gem. Dating from 1897, the hotel enjoys a splendid location, with manicured gardens running to the lapping shores of Kenmare Bay. This is the Ireland of which you have always dreamed with its rugged coastal drives. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the many mountain and coastal walks in the area, championship golf links and fishing nearby. The SAMAS spa offers a wide range of personalised treatments. At the end of an idyllic day you can watch a classic in the hotel’s small private cinema, enjoying a very rare aged, peaty malt.
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Surrounded by purple heather-covered mountains, Kenmare is one of the spots in Ireland that the Irish themselves like best. Sheen Falls Lodge is not only perfectly placed for exploring the southwest, the Ring of Beara, Ring of Kerry and the famous Killarney Lakes, but it is also known for its piano-jazz ambience, its collection of old Irish whiskeys, and the dishes prepared with the salmon caught in the nearby river. There are unrivalled views of Kenmare Bay, the McGuillicuddy Reeks and cascading Sheen waterfalls. All of this, combined with outstanding Irish hospitality and Celtic legends, creates a sense of magic that pervades.
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Dingle Skellig Hotel is a charming four-star hotel situated in the heart of Dingle town, County Kerry, Ireland. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations with stunning sea or mountain views, an award-winning restaurant, and a range of leisure facilities including a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wild beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, with its picturesque beaches, rugged cliffs, and quaint fishing villages. The hotel also provides easy access to a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and surfing.
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The Lake Hotel Killarney is a luxurious four-star hotel set on the shores of the stunning Lake Lough Leane, just a few miles from the bustling town of Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. The hotel offers elegant and spacious accommodations, Michelin-recommended dining, and a range of leisure facilities including a spa, fitness center, and private gardens. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the scenic Ring of Kerry, with its spectacular coastal vistas, charming villages, and ancient heritage sites. The hotel also provides easy access to a range of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and cycling.
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The Killarney Park is one of the finest luxury hotels Ireland has to offer, minutes from town life and nature’s wonderful attractions. The hotel is superbly located in the very heart of Killarney town, set in mature grounds and framed by the legendary surroundings of Killarney National Park. Awarded the Number One Hotel in Ireland by TripAdvisor in 2018, this family owned, and operated property offers a warm and welcoming retreat for guests in search of exceptional comfort with all those little extra touches. Local produce is the star of the show in the award-winning, classily decorated Park Restaurant or in the more casual surroundings of the Garden Bar. Old World elegance meets modern day luxury where you can look forward to the solace and comfort of a real log fire and the very best of Killarney hospitality and flawless service after your journey. The highly knowledgeable and welcoming guest relations team can assist you with any aspect of your Killarney itinerary.
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The Actons Hotel is a charming four-star boutique hotel located in the heart of the picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland. The hotel is steeped in history, dating back to the 18th century when it served as the residence of wealthy merchant families. Today, the hotel offers stylish and comfortable accommodations, an award-winning restaurant, and a range of leisure facilities including a spa, fitness center, and indoor pool. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Kinsale's rich history, vibrant arts scene, and scenic harbor, which played a significant role in Ireland's maritime history. The hotel also provides easy access to a range of outdoor activities such as sailing, fishing, and golfing.
