Multi-gen groups
Hike: Ardgillan is a gem. A stately country house with crenellations, the fairytale vision rises out of an impressive 194-acre demesne which once had its own private railway platform for the influential Taylor family, who lived here until 1962. Overlooking the Irish Sea, with views to the Mourne Mountains, this sweeping coastal estate offers open parkland, woods and acres of walks, trails and cycle paths. Gardening enthusiasts will enjoy the magnificent floral displays, from the wildflower meadow to Victorian walled garden. A fairy tree trail, guided quiz, deep woods and large playground will keep children nicely entertained. Comfy tearooms with additional garden tables provide refreshments and you can book afternoon tea twice a month in the house’s elegant drawing room. A tour of the house is available, too. – JB
We already know the great outdoors is healthy, but months of hibernation, continued limits on indoor gatherings and improving weather through spring and summer will, I think, push things to a whole new level.
So what about Ireland? I know it can sometimes sound like Scandinavians are better at everything. But Ireland s outdoors has come a long way in recent years, and there are signs that this pandemic could see our own fledgling friluftsliv take a quantum leap forward.
Fáilte Ireland is preparing to release outdoor dining grants, €63.5million has been given to a new wave of greenways, and new walks range from flagship trails like the 135km Royal Canal Greenway to simple, stunning loops like the Cahore Point Trail (here s a list of 20 walks to look forward to for future adventures).
A mural by Aches on Cork s Anglesea Street. Photo: Clare Keogh
“Getting the ‘walking bug’ is one of the few positive things to come out of 2020,” says Sara Zimmerman of Travel Department and TD Active. Bookings for future walking trips are outperforming all other holidays, both for overseas and homegrown options like their four-night Kerry Walking Holiday, she adds.
“So many more people have taken to the great outdoors during lockdowns to exercise and for their headspace, which has reinvigorated both the appeal and appetite to explore more on foot.”
New trails are being created, upgraded or waymarked both for local communities and future visitors all over the world. In Spain, the Camino’s Holy Year will be stretched over 2021 and 2022. New Zealand has added a new trail to its 12 ‘Great Walks’, with huts to stay in along the way.