Relaxation in Ireland: Our Tips

Do you want to relax on vacation but also get to know the country and its people? In Ireland, you can travel at a leisurely pace and discover coasts, cities, and green expanses. Here are our travel tips.

Today here, tomorrow in another place. On vacation, you want to see as much of the country as possible. What often gets overlooked? Relaxation! For those who want to take their next trip at a more relaxed pace, we have the right vacation tip: a trip to Ireland. Here you can expect endless green landscapes, peacefully grazing sheep, and gentle waves rolling onto the coast, as well as cities with cozy cafes and special museums. Take your time to get to know the country and its people instead of rushing from one place to the next - and dive deep into the individual locations.

We present various destinations where you can get to know Ireland from a special side, be completely with yourself, and recover from everyday stress. Tip: To ensure you truly rejuvenate on your vacation, choose only two or three different destinations in Ireland for your trip. Use your time on-site to immerse yourself in the country, come into contact with locals, or simply sit in a cafe or pub and read a good book.

Dublin is home to Ireland's largest airport, so most travelers start their Irish journey here. If you like, take a few days at the beginning or end of your vacation to explore the capital. Do city trips and relaxed traveling not go together for you? Far from it: Take your time and stroll on foot through the vibrant districts and alleys with brick houses and learn more about the city's history and its residents on a guided city tour. Take extended breaks and enjoy the tranquility at special places in the city, such as the famous Trinity College - more precisely in the huge library.

Even quieter is slightly outside the city: using public transport, you can reach the coastal town of Howth within half an hour - you can also travel by boat from Dublin. From Howth station, four different paths lead along the Howth Cliff Walks around the peninsula. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the view of the water and the green landscape, and be completely with yourself. Afterward, you've earned a treat in one of the many seafood restaurants. Because, clearly: a relaxing vacation also includes the right soul food!

Looking for a good restaurant in downtown Dublin? Every Friday, there is a communal dinner at 'The Fumbally' at a long table. Here you can chat with locals. Engage in relaxed conversations and get to know the easy-going mindset of the Irish - it's contagious!

Vacation in Dublin - and entirely in the spirit of regeneration. More tips are available here:

An ideal destination for anyone looking to rejuvenate on vacation is Kilkenny. The medieval city lies on the River Nore, where you can explore the city excellently from the water, for example, on a boat tour or by kayak. Take long walks along the shore and let your mind wander. The gentle rocking of the water brings calm and lets thoughts drift. Do you feel like learning more about the city's medieval history? On-site, guided tours around the castle and through the interiors of Kilkenny Castle are available.

A highlight for those wanting to dive deep into the local culture is Kilkenny's artisan scene: near the castle, where the stables once stood, is the National Design and Craft Gallery. Here you can watch artists at work - or take part in a course yourself. The creative work with your hands brings calm, provides the opportunity to chat with fellow participants, and in the end, you have a great self-made vacation souvenir. Speaking of souvenirs: Unique mementos are also available at the Kilkenny Design Centre. Browse through the range of handmade jewelry, pottery, and many other beautiful items.

Discover how you can explore Kilkenny at a relaxed pace here:

Do you like the south of the island? Our next travel tip is Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. The journey by train from Dublin takes about 2.5 hours - and every second is worth it: through the window, the picturesque landscapes of Ireland's historic east pass by, you see sheep, rivers, endless green expanses - and eventually, you reach Waterford. The city was founded in the year 914 by Vikings. In the 18th century, wealthy merchants settled here, making Waterford one of Ireland's most important ports. During a stroll through the city, you can still admire the Georgian architecture today.

Explore the city at your own pace: for example, with a river journey into the Waterford estuary. Plan a few days for your visit to Waterford, so you can also explore the surrounding landscape. Take a bike tour on the 46-kilometer long, former railway route. Our tip for absolute relaxation: Nearby Waterford is the Copper Coast Geopark with its cliffs and bays - a stunning piece of nature. Here, you can fully enjoy the Irish nature.

Learn more about a relaxing vacation in Waterford here:

For many, Cork is a highlight of Ireland. The city is situated on a river island and is known for its numerous cafes, unique museums, and art galleries. Perfect for all gourmets is the culinary tour, where you get to know Cork from a delicious side - and learn more about the eating culture of its people. Speaking of cuisine: the ideal place for hungry city visitors is the English Market - here, you can find traditional foods from the region and international delicacies, as well as stalls with vintage fashion. Grab a drink, take an extended break, and observe the buzz in the market.

Do you feel like heading out into Irish nature? The bus ride to the Old Head peninsula takes just under 2 hours - plenty of time to read a good book or simply let your thoughts wander. On a walk on the peninsula, you always have the ocean in view, and your gaze gets lost in its deep blue. Alternatively, you can take a trip to the harbor town of Cobh, with trains departing regularly from Cork. The town is known for its colorful houses - the perfect photo opportunity!

Here are more tips for those who want to explore Cork the relaxed way:

Would you rather get to know Northern Ireland? Off to Belfast! A highlight for many visitors to the city is the Titanic Belfast - a building as tall as the ill-fated Titanic at six stories high. Titanic was designed and built in Belfast. Inside, you will find interactive exhibitions and an underwater cinema. For Belfast too: take some days to truly let your vacation be a vacation. This way, you have the opportunity to visit beautiful sites outside the usual attractions - for example, stroll through the botanical garden finished in 1852, settle here, and simply enjoy the green view.

From Belfast, you can reach the north of the island in about 2.5 hours by train to DerryLondonderry. The train ride itself is an experience because you pass one of the island's most beautiful train routes: the 11-kilometer stretch above Benone Strand along the sea. Keep your phone in your pocket and simply enjoy the view of the beautiful landscape. DerryLondonderry is Northern Ireland's second-largest city and has a magnificent history. From the over 400-year-old city walls, you get a good overview of the city.

On a guided tour, you will learn more about the violent siege of the 17th century and the residents' famines. We recommend a relaxing museum day, not just on rainy days. Stroll without hurry or pressure through the exhibitions of the city's numerous museums to learn more about the city, the people, and their culture. At the Peacemakers Museum, for instance, you get information about the city's history and the significant peace agreement in the Northern Ireland conflict.

By the way: The street art in the city also provides an impression of the time of the Northern Ireland conflict. Art and craft enthusiasts should visit the craft village in the city center. Our tip: Travel from Derry~Londonderry to Coleraine and take bus line 402 from there to Antrim. The tour is one of the most scenic bus routes in the United Kingdom.

DerryLondonderry connects the famous Wild Atlantic Way with the Causeway Coastal Route - both scenic routes that offer great panoramic views. From here, you can easily travel by bus to some of the most beautiful places along the Causeway Coastal Route, stretching to Belfast. Unique natural landscapes await you here - relaxation is practically guaranteed. Using public transport, you can reach Portstewart in about 1.5 hours from DerryLondonderry. The place is known for its dreamy beaches that invite endless walks, and golf fans can look forward to a golf course in a magical setting.

From Portstewart, continue by bus in 45 minutes to the ruins of Dunluce Castle. The legendary castle stands right by the water and is one of the most picturesque buildings in Northern Ireland. DerryLondonderry is also a good base for visiting Northern Ireland's most famous landmark: the Mussenden Temple, modeled after the Temple of Vesta in Italy. The journey from DerryLondonderry takes an hour and a half. The temple towers above the beach and is a popular wedding location. Our tip for visiting the temple: it shows itself at its best in the evening sun. Remember to pack a camera.

More tips for a relaxing vacation on the Causeway Coast:

Have you caught the travel bug to explore Ireland at a relaxed pace? Here you can find all the information you need for your vacation on the Emerald Isle!