magnificent castles, medieval towns, friendly people and cozy pubs are all medals on the shelf for Ireland, leading people to this incredibly diverse island state year after year. But perhaps the best feature of Ireland is the sheer number of outdoor activities that a traveler can do there.
The country is blessed with gentle emerald hills, sparkling bays and roaring waterfalls. The dramatic coasts form fortified cliff barriers that protect the fragile ecosystem inland from the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
1. Hiking
There is no doubt that hiking in Ireland is one of the best in the world. The landscape is dotted with impressive mountains that taunt climbers, while stunning coastal paths discharge camera batteries at an alarming rate.
You also don’t have to go far to find incredible hiking and trekking opportunities in Ireland. Just a few hours from Dublin you will find the popular Lake coumshingaun Loop in County Waterford – a 5-hour hike with great lake views (when the clouds are not rolling).
If you want to climb something in the countryside, Croagh Patrick in County Mayo may be the right climb for you.
2. Fly fishing
If you love fly fishing, Ireland should definitely be on your fly fishing list. Ireland has one of the best fly fishing in the world. With huge 20-pound salmon moving up its rivers and the infamous fast-growing Farox trout lurking in the depths of the Great Lakes to the west.
Bring your best 3-weight fly rods for small streams and rivers where you can land beautiful brown trout weighing 2 to 4 pounds.
You should bring a heavier setup for Western lakes and for salmon-rich fisheries like the moi River and the Boyne River, where you might be lucky enough to hold on to 20- to 25-pound fish.
For a bit of saltwater fly fishing, head to the Dingle Peninsula, where you can cast your line from the beaches and get attached to beautiful pollacks, bass and wrasse.
3. Camper
All outdoor enthusiasts appreciate a good camping, and Ireland has something to offer for every type of camping. From RV parks and RV parks to wild camping sites and eco-lodges with campsites, you will find a nice place to pitch your tent or park your RV all over the country.
The best way to visit Ireland on a camping trip is to rent your own vehicle and travel around the country with a tent and sleeping equipment in the trunk. Fortunately, car rentals in Ireland are extremely affordable,
4. Bicycle
Just as there are many hiking trails in Ireland, there are also some awesome cycling trails. Whether you want to take a quick one-day ride or a multi-day cycling adventure, you can do it all in Ireland.
One of the best places in the country for cycling is located around Killarney National Park. There are many tour operators that you can take with you for a day, and you can also drive on the well-marked trails yourself.
