Ireland unrushed: Why taking it slow is the ultimate escape
The island of Ireland’s leisurely lifestyle and soothing scenery make it ideal for slow travel itineraries
With soul-stirring landscapes, deep-rooted traditions and a pace of life that moves in tune with the waves that gently lap its shores, the island of Ireland is meant to be enjoyed unrushed. Every aspect of a trip to Ireland can be appreciated steadily, whether it’s the places you stay, the food you eat or the experiences you immerse yourself in. Here’s some itinerary inspiration to help you fall in love with Ireland’s leisurely pace of life.
Wind down with wellness
Ireland’s bucolic landscapes are a natural fit for a restorative adventure. There are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature, such as the remote natural drama of Achill Island in County Mayo – the spectacular end point of the Great Western Greenway – a 27-mile-long walking and cycling route. To rejuvenate those weary legs, take a soak in the island’s renowned seaweed baths (and even try a facial if you fancy). Achill was also the setting for Hollywood blockbuster The Banshees of Inisherin and fans of the film may recognise the Blue Flag beach of Keem Bay, famed for its basking sharks and golden sands.
Savour the food
Trying Ireland’s traditional cuisine is a great way to absorb its identity. Galway is one of the island’s premier foodie hotspots and visitors can get under the city’s culinary skin with help from guide Sheena Dignam of Galway Food Tours. She introduces visitors to local producers and the food on offer at the city’s weekend market, from cheese to sushi and oysters to curry stews. Encounters like these serve as inspiration to explore Galway’s culinary offering away from the tour, whether it’s dining at modern restaurant ArdBia or trying a brew at Coffeewerk & Press.
Choose slow experiences
There are plenty of ways to slow down near Dublin too. For car-free adventures, trace the Dublin Coastal Trail, which combines seaside villages, salty sea air and historic landmarks just a 30-minute journey from the city on the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail system. Highlights include Malahide Castle and the fishing village of Howth. For an alternative way to explore the coastline, opt for a low-carbon sailing with Dublin Bay Cruises, whose ship whisks passengers from Dublin’s centre and skirts along dramatic cliffs.
Top slow stay: Burrenmore Nest
For a real outdoor escape, the adult-only woodland lodges of Burrenmore Nest are hidden within leafy Downhill Demesne Forest in Castlerock. With a woodland sauna, floor-to-ceiling windows in each lodge and outdoor wood-fired hot tubs, this retreat makes it easy to connect with nature in Northern Ireland. The only company you’ll have is the inquisitive woodland peacocks.
Become a pro
Discover more ways to slow down in Ireland here or learn more at Tourism Ireland.
Scrub up your training with the Ireland Specialist Programme here.
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