People often seek out overseas trips instead of exploring their own country, but Sports Editor Adam Schmitz believes we are missing out. Why not use mid semester break as an excuse to see your own backyard?
When looking for a weekend away we often jump straight to Skyscanner and Google Flights to see where in Europe we can go for a few nights. We seek out beautiful landscapes, interesting culture and a bit of peace and quiet away from college and deadlines. However, with the cost of flights rising and airport queues getting longer, it might be time to start looking a little closer to home.
There are eighty three islands off the coast of Ireland, twenty three of which are inhabited, and at least two of them have featured in Oscar nominated movies in the last decade. Let’s have a look at some of the best Irish islands for a weekend away and a brand new experience.
Achill Island, Mayo
Achill Island has coastal scenery that can compete with anywhere in Europe. From the beauty of Keem Bay to the sandy Keel Beach, you could easily spend a weekend travelling around the island just taking photos. There’s also no shortage of activities for adventure lovers on Ireland’s largest island. Dooagh Strand provides one of the country’s best surfing sports while there’s opportunities to canoe, rock climb and hillwalk. Achill Island also boasts a number of historical sites including the ruins of the ‘deserted village’. The island, which also houses a distillery, is easily accessible thanks to a daily shuttle running from Westport - it’s well worth a visit to the island’s 2500 residents!
Valentia Island, Kerry
When looking for a relaxing break from college for some scenic walks and quiet holidaying, look no further than Valentia Island. Connected to Kerry via a bridge, this island housing fewer than 700 residents has a collection of classically Irish sites to visit, from the old slate quarry to St Brendan’s Well. One of the best things to do here is visit Valentia Lighthouse, a fantastic building sitting on an incredible bed of rocks. Relax in the greenery or take a boat trip to see the famous Skellig Michael - Valentia Island could be the one for you.
Inishmore, Galway
Perhaps the most famous Island off the coast of Ireland is Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. The island has incredible views, sensational cliff walks, fascinating ancient ruins and, crucially, no shortage of accommodation. A quick browse on Airbnb reveals a lineup of unique sleeping locations, from a transparent dome giving you a view of the stars to a cozy cottage surrounded by cows. Inishmore might just be the unique travel experience you’ve been looking for - hiding just off the coast!