Have you completely run out of ideas for presents for your loved ones? Or are you simply tired of buying the same old bottle of perfume or socks? Have you a bit more money to spend this year?
Whatever the reason, staycations are a cool, unusual gift to give your friends and family this Christmas. There are two different types of staycations, one is when you go on a holiday within your own country and the other is when you take part in leisure activities within driving distance that don’t require overnight accommodation.
Ireland has plenty of things that will keep you entertained without breaking the bank. For instance, if you live in Dublin, there are countless nice things you can do in a day and still go home to your own bed.
For instance, you and one of your loved ones can go to the Guinness Storehouse for just under €40. This is a perfect gift for your dad or a boyfriend who we all know are impossible to buy for. Or if your loved one is more into whiskey; you could go to the Jameson Distillery where they offer whiskey blending classes and whiskey cocktail making classes.
Do you want to get your parents something different this year? How about you just spend the day together. You can start by doing a walking tour of Dublin. You might live there but have you ever gone to all the museums? End the day with a lovely meal in one of Dublin’s hundreds of restaurants and get the last bus home.
Now for the staycations where you don’t go home at the end of the night. Why not spend a night or two in Clare, where you can visit the gorgeous Cliffs of Moher, take a tour of the Aillwee Caves or go hiking through the Burren?
Or if you wanted to go even further from home without leaving the island, consider Antrim. Home of the Giant’s Causeway, Antrim is a huge tourist attraction. There are more things you can do than visit the unique rock formation as the stunning Antrim Castle gardens are worth the journey. There are also very impressive buildings such as Antrim Castle, Shane’s castle and Clotworthy house.
Fancy something a little more kid friendly for your little siblings?? Why not travel to Cork for a weekend. Fota Wildlife Park is fun for all the family and a nice change from Dublin Zoo, which we’ve all been to a hundred times by now. If you’re not limited by money, Trabolgan is a great option for a family staycation. Trabolgan is perfect for every family occasion, with everything from an amazing pool to children’s entertainers to having bars, restaurants and shops all on the campus.
Looking for something for you and your significant other? Romantic weekend getaways are easy to find around Ireland. You can get all the privacy and freedom you want without leaving the country. Spa weekends are great gifts for your partners. Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort in Cavan is a lovely spa that isn’t too expensive. You can also agree before Christmas to buy a staycation for each other and cut the cost in half.
Whatever type of staycation you choose to get your loved ones this Christmas, it’s an unusual and exciting gift that allows you to spend some quality time with the ones you love.