Outdoor Adventures in Ireland

Ireland has some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth, so don’t come visit if you don’t plan on spending some time outside. Even if you’re not a bonafide adventurer, these are three accessible trips for the outdoorsmen in all of us.

Killarney National Park © Janmiko1 | Dreamstime

Killarney National Park

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has everything from hikes to bike trails to fishing. Many like to drive around the Ring of Kerry or walk the Kerry Way, while more adventurous-minded travelers will climb Macgillycuddy’s Reeks or kayak around Lough Lane, one of three lakes in the park

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge © Tony Webster | Flickr

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Fisherman originally built this bridge to connect the wee island of Carrickarede to the mainland, a tradition in existence for 350 years before all the salmon disappeared. Today, it’s popular with tourists, who brave the 66-foot-long bridge hanging 98 feet above the rocks. Some people are able to cross, but are too scared to come back. Fortunately, there’s a boat to ferry you across.

Fishing in Donegal

Ireland is a well-known fishing destination, but Donegal is a little known secret that hasn’t been inundated with tourists yet. Many come for the coveted Irish salmon, which is first caught here every year due to its large population. Plenty of trout and salmon are available in the area’s many rivers, making it a great destination for fly anglers.