Things to do in Ireland

Ah, Ireland, 'The Emerald Isle'! A fairy-tale land where people like to follow the rainbow to see if there's a pot of gold on the other side. At least that's how we like to think of it. But you don't need to be chasing the leprechaun to have a good time here. There's no shortage of places to see and things to do in Ireland, especially if you can travel across it in mere hours in a caravan. So, we thought we'd introduce you to some of the lesser known Irish places of interest, to maximise your potential to embellish your stories after this caravan caper. So, here are four must-see places in Ireland for those of you travelling in the comfort of a caravan, and some of the many things to do in Ireland in these tourist hotspots.

Go Bat Tracking in Glendalough

The luck of the Irish won't help you ward off speeding tickets or embarrassing wrong turns, so remember that road signs use kilometres, not miles. Also, speed limits in Ireland are similar to those you'd see across Europe, so brush up on your driving laws there before you set off. But even if you go by the book, there are other ways for a caravan to drive you batty in Ireland, literally. Drive to Glendalough, about 40 miles south of Dublin, and you'll catch our drift.

Over a million people visit Wicklow Mountains National Park each year, a natural oasis with myriads of things to do in Ireland. Some of them have the grit to go on a guided bat walk at night. Throughout the year, visitors pay a small parking charge and come up to the Information Office, where a cloud of bats spills out from above and scatters away through the forest. Armed with a torch, some insect repellent and unflagging patience, they then try to track down the winged flittermice using bat detectors. Don't you just wish you could be one of them, boasting your detective skills?

Defy Gravity on Magic Road

Nearly 100 miles south along the eastern coast waits another one of the best things to do in Ireland. If you're caravanning in Ireland, then you'll probably take the N25 to reach it. Between Dungarvan and Waterford, take the R676 towards Mahon Bridge, then turn left at Mahon Bridge, and right on Commeragh SE. You should be able to find it using map coordinates 52.217903, -7.531496. A rag tree serves as signpost. When you reach it, put the car in neutral, take your feet off the pedals, sit back and prepare to be amazed as you watch your car slowly roll uphill.

In reality, you're not defying gravity. The landscape is laid out so that it creates an optical illusion. You're really going downhill, but all your senses tell you otherwise. Also, while the name 'Magic Road' makes it one of the most conspicuous places to visit in Ireland, it's not unique to this part of Ireland. Various other places have been known to make cars seem like they're rolling uphill, including this one near Dundalk, featured in a TV show. Still, it's a good place to show off your car's magic powers to unsuspecting bystanders.

Follow in Father's Footsteps

A fun pit-stop is County Clare, which, for those of us caravanning in Ireland, is another 100 miles to the west on the N24. It's here that they filmed the 'Father Ted' sitcom in the '90s. TedTours runs paid tours throughout the year, taking you round to the parochial house, the roundabout, the 'campsite from Hell' and even The Very Dark Caves. Burren boasts one of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe, with limestone eroded by acidic rainwater over many thousands of years, a hollowed surface, and rare wildlife dwelling over it. It's home to over 700 species of tropical, alpine and arctic plants, amounting to about 75% of all species native to Ireland, and nearly all of them bloom from April to October. Aillwee Cave, Doolin Cave, the Birds of Prey Centre, and Poulnabrone dolmen are not far from here.

Chill out on Achill Island (but Call It Acaill)

Caravanning in Ireland can be stunning, especially when you make the drive another 100 miles north. Just south of Castlebar is your next pit-stop. When you reach Carra Caravan Park, the friendly staff at Mayo Horsedrawn Caravan Holidays will be standing by to hand over the reins to an Irish horse that draws a different kind of caravan. But don't get too attached, because you'll be spending the night further west on Achill Island. The Achill Yawl Festival takes up most of the summer, and there's an annual Summer Walks Festival in these parts, as well. Summer is also the ideal time to visit Keem Beach - one of the most geographically secluded and yet inviting places to visit in Ireland – and to go on a Blueway kayak or snorkel trail.