I thought that this week I’d be having a quiet week at home getting back into the routine. Getting clothes and lunch boxes ready but now the week is here I’m not ready for it to end.
We’ve defiantly made the most of it but let’s face it, we’ve not had the best summer. No holiday abroad, no meeting with family, no festivals or fairs. And yet I’m not quite ready for it to end. So I’m going to stretch out the summer by making the most of each of the 7 days left and enjoy it while we can. Especially with kids my age you can do really simple things in your own county and they think it’s fantastic.
1.Walk in the Woods
Jump in muddy puddles, get off the beaten track and explore the outdoors. Bring a change of clothes and get as dirty as you can because there is nothing like the outdoors to spark imaginations.
2. Have a Play Date
Getting back to school is great but it’s been a long time since they saw friends. Arrange a play date with one of the kids that they will be seeing on their first day at school to get over any shyness and let them have a long over due social with kids their own age.
3.Go Swimming
Swim, splash, snorkel, surf, or just paddle. The is something magical about the ocean that kids love. According to Google Carnagh is the mid point of the country and that’s only an hour in the car from the coast. We are blessed to be an island so pack up the picnic and head to the sea. Take a change of clothes and let the kids get wet if they want to, it’s magical. If you’re not brave enough for the ocean a swimming pool will do. We’ve been to a few and they have been very well organised with the new measures.
4.Visit a Zoo or Aquarium
I know some people don’t agree with them but I’ve got to say the kids do love them. We are going to try and visit the aquarium in Achill for the first time and combine with a day out on the Island. You can find the list here on the Ireland website. https://www.ireland.com/en-gb/what-is-available/attractions-built-heritage/zoos-and-aquariums/all/1-87317
5. Go on a Fairy Walk
There are lots of Fairy Walks all over the Country. We have a great one in Belleek Woods in Ballina but the fairies are never too far away. Wells House and Garden Gorey, Co Wexford, Bridgit’s Garden Roscahill, Co Galway, Malahide Castle Malahide, Co Dublin, and Templemore Park Templemore, Co Tipperary to name but a few.
6. Visit an Island
Only 20 out of the 80 Irish islands are inhabited, so you will more than likely find peace, tranquillity, serene nature, and wildlife at your disposal.
https://www.wildernessireland.com/blog/top-15-islands-of-ireland/
We have loads of Islands off the coast of Mayo but it doesn’t have to be and off shore Island. There are lake and river islands in shore and the excitement of going across the water to the island destination is just as much fun.
7. Visit a Farm
There are lots of farms around the country that you can visit. They are easy to find in google or like us if you are lucky to know a sister of a friend that has one….visit them and don’t forget to bring some cake!
I would highly recommend Glendeer Pet Farm just outside Athlone. With loads of stuff from talking Parrots to Llamas the kids love it – and don’t feed the Emus!!!!!
