I’ll get straight to the point here, let’s face it. There are so many places in Ireland that maybe you don’t care for or maybe you haven’t even heard of. Yes, I agree it’s fabulous to visit other countries, but why not try exploring our own for a change? Even if it’s just for a day trip.
I promise, if you stick with me, until the end of this post, you WILL want to visit at least one of these places, and you will not be disappointed.
The Belfast Beauty
Ok, going to start off with one close to home, and one which you have all definitely heard of. The Botanical Gardens. Now yea, it may sound ‘main stream,’ or not really a ‘hidden gem’ as such, but tell me how many of you have actually taken a walk through it and took the time to really take it in?
My guess is not very many of you…
The Botanical Gardens is full of blossoming flowers and plants in every season, my favourite obviously being summer, when it is full of bright colours.
So, next time you’re there, take your time, explore it, and I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
On an extra note, girls…and boys, it makes for a perfect Instagram spot!
Newtownstewart’s Nature (Co.Tyrone)
Moving closer to my hometown of Newtownstewart *eyeroll* is what I’m sure you are all thinking. What could it possibly have to offer? To be fair, I would be thinking the same thing… ‘like, seriously?’
I’m sure you have all seen the sunflower fields EVERYWHERE on social media at some point, yet many of you will never have been, or maybe just didn’t know where to go. Well, if good oul’ Newtown is good for something, it’s good for its’ Sunflower Fields in the summer months!
And who couldn’t love a sunflower, am I right?
So, take a trip down to the country and get those profile pics, and pick your own sunflowers to brighten up your home!
Remember: Bring some pennies, because it’s always for a good charitable cause!!
Beautiful Butterfly Farm (Co.Down)
Anyone who knows me knows I have had an obsession with butterflies from a very young age, and have in-fact only recently re-decorated my girlie purple butterfly themed bedroom, to a more suitable décor, for a 20 year old…boring I know.
So, when I took my first trip to the butterfly farm, I was so excited… and yes, I’ll admit it…. I cried.
One of the cutest experiences I’ve had in Northern Ireland, I couldn’t believe that there were so many butterflies flying around and you could get so close to them.
I did at one point consider taking one home, but don’t worry, I settled for a butterfly fridge magnet instead.
I recommend wearing bright clothes, as it attracts the butterflies so you can get those pics, and it’s bloody warm in that green house, so if you don’t want to pass out, wear light clothes!
Admission: £4.50 Adult/ £3.50 students and stay for as long as you wish. (You’ll want to stay forever, trust me.)
Downings’ Dazzlers (Co.Donegal)
So, I’ve been going to Downings with the fam since birth, quite literally, so this may be a slightly biased opinion, but I’m just going to say it, Downings has to have thee best beaches in the world. To name a few, Murder Hole (horrible name, lovely beach) Monks bay (Personal Fav) Rosapenna (longest beach in the world NEVER agree to a family walk, it’s never the short walk, it’s all lies.) and finally, Tranarossan (aka the pebble beach).
There is so much to do here, on the beaches, and in the water, so take a day, a week, however long you have, but go go go! It’s a must!
The beaches will speak for themselves, and your camera won’t know what’s hit it!
Alright Pumpkin (Co.Meath)
Don’t ask what possessed me to take this 2-hour long road trip (we took a few wrong turns) with my bestie, but, I did. And am I glad I did?
…Absolutely.
Not only did we get (personal opinion) thee best Instagram pics, it was an all-round enjoyable experience, especially in the run up to the spooky season!
The sun was out, and we parked up the mini, opposite a sea of orange! We got our pics, and picked our favourite pumpkins to take home and carve! This is only open on the weekends and I’d go sooner rather than later incase all the good pumpkins are gone!
If this isn’t enough to entice you, it’s free admission and you only have to pay if you’d like a pumpkin (note: remember Euros and bring your wellies!)
But seriously…make the trip, and your Instagram will thank me later!