Have some fun

By Geraldine Fitzgerald

If the chorus of ‘I’m so bored’ made your head explode during lockdown, you better get organised for a summer of innovative ideas. Happily, you have oodles of choice this year.

Bring your bikes or hire some on one of the greenways dotted around Ireland and plan a route with the kids to keep them motivated. There are several around the country and the trick is to break up the journey in manageable bursts, with lots of stops and food.

Rent a boat. There are several options, from fairly simple little motorboats that you can take out on your own with a driver’s licence in harbours like Kinsale, to chartering a yacht in Baltimore for a run around the Fastnet (these come with a skipper, so you won’t end up on the rocks).

A river cruise on the Shannon is one for the bucket list. River cruising is slow and safe, so no experience is required. You can rent for a week or two and take your family dog with you. Carrick-on-Shannon and Banagher are the main rental spots, then you’re off and cruising with a slew of interesting places to stop along the way.

All-inclusive hotel packages are great for families. The good ones offer swimming, mini-golf, tennis, football, pony riding and spa treatments. Depending on your budget, you’ll find a family-friendly hotels to suit.

There are several options for daytrips too from ziplining, paintballing, wildlife parks, open farms and go-karting.

If we find ourselves in the midst of a soggy summer, it’s worth hopping into the car for a drive to nice dry indoor attractions, or onto the train to ‘The Big Smoke’. (note: no catering onboard trains this year as they can’t agree on a catering contract, so bring nibbles!)

Dublin will have a huge selection of galleries and museums open this summer, and the Guinness Storehouse is always worth a visit along with Dublin Castle; Kilmainham Gaol and the GPO or have a go at the indoor ski slope at Kilternan.

If you prefer to stay local, you can spend a day climbing the walls – literally – at Awesome Walls on the Model Farm Road in Cork.

Airtastic in Little Island is a brilliant choice for kids of all ages. The noise level is daunting initially but kids love the place. They offer inflatables of all shapes for children of all ages; bowling and an amusement arcade that will guzzle all your change but entertain the smallies for hours.

The golden rule is to bring snacks, keep the pace going and no fighting in the car!