Travel. To many of us, something we look forward to and plan for months in advance, has become just a six letter word. Holidays and weekend breaks have been cancelled, and pretty much the whole premise of containing the coronavirus has been the opposite of travel, stay at home.

At the end of the day, staying at home is no price to pay for the lives of many. But still, with lockdown measures now beginning to ease and a little (potential) light at the end of the tunnel, people are starting to ponder where they might go around Ireland if they were able again.

All going well, from 8 June, people will be able to travel up to 20km from their homes. From 20 July people can travel outside their region, museums can reopen and hotels, hostels and campsites can reopen on a limited occupancy. People with a desire to travel will be focusing on what’s possible domestically.

So, with this in mind, we’ve come up with some of the places in Leinster at the top of the list to visit when lockdown lifts and it’s possible to traverse the country again. Have fun, social distance and wash your hands.

The Big Shmoke

Guinness Storehouse, St James's Gate, Dublin 8.

It’s well documented that those of us from down the country love a day out in the Big Shmoke. Often, these trips tend to revolve around sporting events and shopping (what harm?) but there’s so much to do in Dublin.

Just to scratch the surface in terms of places to go, the Guinness Storehouse is the most-visited tourist attraction in Ireland. If you haven’t already gone, when you get the chance again it’s definitely one to prioritise, whether you’re a fan of the black stuff or not.

For GAA heads, the Croke Park Museum is a good option. The Irish emigration museum EPIC is definitely one to check out too, it was voted the leading tourist attraction in Europe last year.

In the capital you’re pretty much spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat. If you’re shopping on Grafton Street the nearby restaurant in the Kilkenny Shop is great if you’re looking for a good hearty meal. For some, going to Dublin is a chance to try more international cuisine. Toscana is a lovely Italian on Dame Street and not too expensive. The Malaysian restaurant Langakwi on Baggot Street is also great if you’re looking for something a little more exotic.

Bray to Greystones walk, Co Wicklow

Bray to Greystones coastal walk.

The Bray-to-Greystones walk along the Wicklow coastline is absolutely beautiful, and provides an aesthetic, active day out. It’s about 7km long and all-in-all takes on average about an hour and a half to complete. Mostly, it’s done starting in Bray, where usually there’s plenty of parking along the seafront, and then on to Greystones walking the cliff path. Although the terrain can be a little bit uneven, it’s not too difficult, so the normal clothes you exercise in should be fine. You can take the Dart back one stop to Bray or if you’re feeling energetic, you can also walk the return journey. Why not get a yummy frozen yoghurt in Mooch in Greystones to help refuel?

Hook Lighthouse and Heritage Centre, Co Wexford

Hook Lighthouse.

The sunny southeast. Wexford has always been a popular destination for tourists and daytrippers alike. With the warmest and driest climate in Ireland, and a coastline dotted with fabulous beaches, what’s not to like? One of the nicest attractions in Wexford is the Hook Lighthouse and Heritage Centre, which is located on the Hook Peninsula, right down at the very bottom of the county, approximately 40 minutes from Wexford town. It’s one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. Guided tours of the 800-year-old tower are available, detailing the long history of the lighthouse. If you’re looking for a further excursion on your way, Loftus Hall is only five minutes away and claims to be the most-haunted house in Ireland. Spooky!

Newgrange, Co Meath

Newgrange at sunrise. \ Anthony Murphy

We learned about Newgrange and profound archaeology since we were in primary school. The stories of the winter solstice and the sun shining in through the passage tomb are familiar to us. Many will have visited of course; but for some, maybe a trip always evaded them. As Brú na Boinne (the collective name for the tombs in the Boyne Valley) is a UNESCO world heritage site right here in our own little country, after lockdown might be the perfect time to visit it and experience some of our own history. The Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre operates tours to both Newgrange and Knowth (a satellite tomb). There’s also an immersive visitor experience that transports you back 5,000 years to the time when the tombs in the Boyne Valley were constructed.

Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre, Co Offaly

Between hosting the Ploughing and the Tullamore Show, the centre of the country is well known to Ireland’s farming community. Even though this year unfortunately we won’t get a chance to enjoy these events, we can still appreciate what else the area has to offer.

The Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre is housed in the Old Bonded Warehouse on the banks of the Grand Canal. Inside, it tells the story of how Daniel E Williams (DEW, where the name comes from) went from a stable boy to creating a whiskey that’s sold all over the world.

There are three different tours to choose from. The Ultimate Distillery Experience includes both whiskey tasting and whiskey making, which is sure to leave all in good spirits afterwards.

Carlingford to Omeath Greenway, Co Louth

A ewe and lambs at Cooley Peninsula on the banks of Carlingford Lough.

The Cooley Peninsula in Co Louth, where this greenway is situated, has some truly spectacular scenery. The Carlingford to Omeath Greenway runs for 7km along the old Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway, looking out on Carlingford Lough. It’s a section of the Great Eastern Greenway, which is currently being developed along the east coast. It’s away from the main road for the most part, so it’s ideal for parents with small children in buggies, walkers, joggers and cyclists. There’s plenty more to do around this area; for those who want more of a challenge, the highest peak in the Carlingford Mountains, Slieve Foye, rises to 589 metres directly over the lough. Carlingford is also a great spot for a night out, if the opportunity to get out on the town was ever to arise again in the future (please God).

The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, Co Kildare

The Living Legends at the National Stud.

This Co Kildare attraction has already begun a phased reopening, starting with annual members. For anyone with even the slightest interest in horses, you will be thrilled by some of the equine legends at the National Stud. This working stud farm’s residents include; Beef or Salmon, Hurricane Fly, Kicking King, Rite of Passage and Hardy Eustace. Guided tours are available and a self-guiding leaflet is available for the Japanese Gardens. The Horse Museum chronicles the history of racing, St Fiachra’s Garden adds to an already splendid garden experience and of course, there’s a children’s play area; so it has something for all the family.

Read more

A last hurrah for hilltop heroes

Take a hike