FFrom lush landscapes to be explored, wild waterways to be tamed and the full brunt of the Atlantic crashing into a rugged but stunning coastline, Ireland is undoubtedly an adventure-lovers playground. Navigate fast-paced rivers by kayak, explore the coast by wind power, surf perfect waves, mountain bike through rich woodlands or take in breathtaking views from the country’s highest peaks. While you certainly might need to battle the weather at times, it’s all part of the allure of adventure on the Emerald Isle.
Cork-native Brian Barry is a travel writer, photographer and digital nomad who has explored more than fifty countries. An adventure sports enthusiast, lover of the outdoors and independent travel advocate, Brian prefers the road less travelled. You can follow his adventures on Instagram @WanderingOn.
Among Barry’s favourite places to enjoy the great outdoors are a coasteering session along the Causeway Coast, where you can leap off rocks and bob in wave pools; kayaking or canoeing out to the monastic islands of Lough Erne; hiking the beautiful Kerry Camino; surfing the wild Atlantic waves off the coast of County Sligo; and cycling the Waterford Greenway at the Copper Coast.
Click the articles below to explore further…
Reproduced with permission from Lonely Planet ©2022
Wicklow’s seaside adventures in Ireland
Head to Wicklow’s seaside coast between June and September for prime sealife spotting, with the promise of dolphins and minke whales...
Wandering Wicklow, Ireland: A walker’s paradise
The 20km-long Glenmalure Valley in County Wicklow offers a mix of woodland strolls, energy-sapping peaks and scenic hikes above ancient glacial valleys...
Scrambling Ireland’s Causeway coast
The rugged shoreline of Ireland's Causeway Coast are tailor-made for coasteering and scrambling over basalt...
Surf lessons in Sligo, Ireland
Surfers should head for Sligo between September and May to make the most of the best waves in Ireland...

Lonely Planet’s Experience Ireland (RRP £16.99 paperback) is available from shop.lonelyplanet.com
