2021 is the year of the staycation and with seemingly most of the country eager to get even a mini break away, we’re constantly on the lookout for staycation inspiration.
With city breaks, cruise trips and luxe holidays to far-flung places not possible this year, we’ve become devoted to rooting out the hidden gems around the country.
Thankfully, TripAdvisor has served up the inspiration as they released their list of the top 10 staycation experiences in Ireland, as part of their Travellers’ Choice 2021 awards.
The Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Things to Do Awards, previously known as the Travellers’ Choice Awards for Experiences, and are chosen based on traveller reviews and ratings spanning 1 January – 30 April, 2021. They have also been revamped this year and broadened to include more of the experiences that keep travellers excited and eager for adventure.
And it couldn’t have come at a better time. With summer in full swing, we’re all looking for new ways to make the most of the outdoors, and with hiking trails and sea safaris included in this year’s list, there’s no shortage of inspiration.
Topping the list is the Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny by Shenanigans, a fascinating tour of the city’s Medieval Mile that one reviewer described as “a great tour of local facts with an extra bit of magic!” The tour enlists magicians as well as entertainers to bring the history to life.
The outdoors really shines in the list, as the ever-popular Howth Peninsula Hiking Tour was listed as no. 2 and Dingle sea safari comes in at no. 3, while the Dublin Bay Seal Kayaking Safari at Dalkey comes in at no. 5.
For TV buffs, there’s the Game of Thrones Tour, setting off from Dublin, at no. 6 and for the foodies, the Dublin Secret Food Tour is at no. 10.
Speaking about the awards, Kate Urquhart, general manager, experiences at Tripadvisor, said, “when I think about what makes a trip truly unforgettable, it’s those can’t-miss and truly unique activities like a sunset sail with my family, a bike tour with the most hilarious and knowledgeable tour guide, or doing something out of my comfort zone, like ziplining through the forests of New Zealand.”
“With no other accolades of its scale, the Travellers’ Choice Things to Do Awards are in a unique class of their own, highlighting all the activities travellers have determined are essential when visiting a destination.”
Read the full list of experiences below:
- Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny
- Howth Peninsula Hiking Tour
- Exhilarating Rib experience – Dingle sea safari
- Titanic Belfast Visitor Experience and Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from Dublin
- Dublin Bay Seal Kayaking Safari at Dalkey
- Game of Thrones Tour From Dublin
- Self-Guided Cycling Tour at Killarney National Park including Muckross House
- Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience Dublin
- Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin
- Dublin Secret Food Tour w/ Private Tour Option
Source: RTÉ