LISTEN, THE WEATHER isn’t horrible, and it’s supposed to pick up again this week. Stop waiting for the heatwave and escape to the midlands for a picnic.
1. Camaderry, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
The view of Glendalough from this mountain is the best you can get. It’s also the perfect spot to put down the blanket and mill into the flask of tea.
2. Powerscourt Waterfall, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow
If it’s especially nice weather you’ll be able to take a dip in the water, if not, you’ll have a gorgeous view to go with your picnic basket.
3. Lough Boora, Co Offaly
With amazing wildlife and scenic flora, the lough is the perfect place to rent a bike and make some tracks to build up an appetite. The highest observed air temperature in Ireland was recorded here on June 29, 1976, 32.5c. Who knows… it could happen again.
4. Clare Glens, Co Tipperary
This wooded area is nestled between Tipp and Limerick and can be a bit rough around the edges. If you want to skip the hike, there’s a lovely designated picnic area and a bunch of swimming locations including The Big Eas.
5. The Phoenix Park, Dublin
OK so it’s technically in a city, but it’s still the best place outside of the hustle and bustle to settle down with a picnic. Park yourself by the Pope’s cross and keep and eye out for the lingering ice cream man.
6. Glenveagh National Park, Co Donegal
It’s the second largest national park in the country and it’s simply beautiful. If you aren’t bothered packing your own picnic, the tearooms in the castle courtyard are more than an excellent substitute.
7. The Burren, Co Clare
Sure, it’s rocky, but it’s ripe for exploring before you load up with ham sandwiches.
8. The Ring of Kerry
Of course it had to get a mention. Pretty much any spot you can pull over is perfect to set up camp, but we recommend Ladies View at Molls Gap for a wonderful view of the lakes of McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Upper Lake and the Purple mountain range.
9. Connemara National Park, Co Galway
10. Johnstown Gardens, Co Wexford
The surroundings of Johnstown Castle in Wexford are perfect for a family picnic, with loads of space to run around and a designated picnic area over by the museum.
11. Garnish Island, Co Cork
One for the romantic couples to run off to. This island has to be accessed by boat, as it’s situated off Bantry Bay, but it’s worth it for the clock tower and Greek temple, and beautiful plants. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some seals.
12. Massey’s Estate, Co. Dublin
If you’re looking to get out of Dublin but not willing to venture too far, head to Massy’s estate via the Hell Fire Club. Freak out kids with the tale of the devil himself showing up to the card game, while making full use of Massey’s picnic area to ease the pain with Tayto and white bread.
13. Dun naRi Forest Park, Cavan
Just nature, at its best. The Cabra river runs through this tranquil park. It costs a fiver to park, but it’s well worth it.
