Your safety-first guide to the best Irish attractions for social distancing this summer

As the days get longer and the temperatures climb into the tens and eventually – hopefully – twenties, the promise of the sunshine season hangs in the air. 

The smell of fresh-cut grass lingers and it feels like farmer tans are making a comeback, once again. 

Yes, summer on the Emerald Isle: nothing sounds sweeter after more than a year of lockdown life. And, as we wiggle free from the confines imposed by Covid, we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, it is time to #exploreirelandagain.

Here we round up the 10 best Irish attractions for social distancing this summer:

Phoenix Park, County Dublin

Located a mere stone’s throw from the capital itself is Phoenix Park – Europe’s largest enclosed city park. If you are seeking Irish attractions for social distancing this summer, look no further.

There’s much to see and do in Phoenix Park. Home to the President of Ireland, Dublin Zoo and a thriving herd of wild deer, this is the perfect place to feel surrounded by space in the heart of Dublin. 

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s poster child for must-see attractions. Spanning 14 kilometres along the west coast of the country they tower 702 feet above the wild Atlantic Ocean and offer a most impressive backdrop – particularly at sunset.

Surrounded by little other than rugged beauty and Ireland’s wild elements, safe social distancing comes by the bucketload here.

Killarney National Park, County Kerry

Located in County Kerry, this was Ireland’s first-ever national park. Home to waterfalls and forest paths, impressive vistas, peaceful lakes and flourishing flora and fauna, this is the type of Irish attraction for social distancing that we can get on board with. 

It’s located close to the picturesque town of Killarney and is popular with a variety of travellers who share an appreciation of the great outdoors.

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Tracing the water’s edge along Ireland’s northern tip is the Causeway Coastal Route. 

The route, which starts in Belfast City and ends in Derry, offers endless photo-ops along the way and features filming locations from the HBO TV series, Game of Thrones. Spanning 212 kilometres, the Causeway Coastal Route covers key Irish attractions for social distancing. 

The Burren, County Clare

Recognised for its unique lunar-type landscape of karst rock, the Burren is one of Ireland’s most unusual Irish attractions for social distancing this summer.

It is one of Ireland’s six national parks and its proximity to the Cliffs of Moher make it a great pit-stop on any tour of the west coast. 

Aran Islands, County Galway

Located off the mainland, the Aran Islands are almost a portal to the past. They offer insight into island life seldom seen in modern culture.

Care to meet some friendly locals and escape the humdrum of mainland life? This is without a doubt one of the best attractions for social distancing in Ireland.

Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim

The Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder synonymous with the Emerald Isle. The UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that drift from land into sea.

Entirely outdoors with the ocean swell and salty breeze to accompany any visit, this is an ideal place to visit when it comes to safe sightseeing this summer.

Ring of Kerry, County Kerry

Few sites are likely to be more beautiful than the world-renowned Ring of Kerry in Ireland. This scenic loop can be cycled, driven, or – if feeling adventurous as we tend to be – walked!

Tracing through sleepy coastal towns and tackling forgotten mountain passes, it is safe to say this is a destination that won’t soon be forgotten.

Connemara, County Galway

Craving the sun on your skin; the wind in your hair; fresh air in your lungs? Connemara is an ideal Irish attraction for social distancing this summer. And, what better way to connect with Galway county than by e-bike? 

Explore ancient castles and be swept away against awe-inspiring backdrops of land and sea in a safety-first setting like Connemara.

Wicklow National Park, County Wicklow

They say that Wicklow is the ‘Garden of Ireland’, and after one look, it’s plain to see why. Indeed the fun and laughter of the pub on a Friday night may be temporarily put on hold. Although the same sense of community and shared fulfilment can be found in some of Ireland’s most magnificent attractions. 

Pack a picnic or don your favourite hiking boots, an adventure in Wicklow National Park promises memories to last a lifetime.