Places to go where you won’t mind the rain!
A wise person once said that Ireland is a great little country all the same, if only you could put a roof on it! April showers, Summer storms, and September heatwaves, if you can think it, Ireland has had it. But fear not, because we’ve have come up with the ultimate list of places to go and things to do on a rainy day in Ireland, and the best part is they are all part of the unique culture and heritage that makes up the Emerald Isle!
Dingle (Kerry)
Sitting comfortably on the Atlantic coast of Kerry, Dingle is renowned for its scenic views and out-door adventure opportunities. However, Dingle is also home to some wonderful activities when con-ditions are wet and windy. Two of Dingle’s top three attractions are perfect for a rainy day; the Dingle Distillery, and the more family-friendly Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium. There’s also plenty of indoor galleries such as the Carol Cronin Gallery, museums, and shops to explore.
Cobh (Cork)
With dozens of prime holidaying hotspots dotted across the Rebel County, you can always count on Cork to accommodate your next trip to Ireland. While the harbour town of Cobh might seem made for a sunny afternoon, there’s more than enough fun to be had on a cloudy day. Firstly the Titanic Experi-ence in Cobh is an indoor attraction that is perfect for all ages all year round. This fantastic museum has been lauded for its careful blend of educational exhibits and family fun, and it not one to be missed on a rainy day. In addition to this, Cobh is packed full of quirky traditional Irish pubs, shops, and cafes that make it an ideal place to spend an afternoon under the umbrella.
Dublin
As Ireland’s capital city (though some Cork residents might disagree!), Dublin is primed with things to do when the weather is ag cur foirc agus sceana*. First and foremost is the quintessential trip to one of the most famous breweries on the planet; the Guinness Storehouse. Most visitors will have the Guinness Storehouse on their list of things to do no matter the weather. There is also a host of nation-al museums to visit to learn more about Ireland, including the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Natural History (which Dubliners affectionately call ‘The Dead Zoo’). Of course, with it being a capital city, there are plenty of more commonplace indoor activities to avail of too, such the cinema, the arcades, and bowling or laser tag. Popular shopping destinations in Dublin City Centre include Jervis Shopping Centre on Jervis Street and Upper Abbey Street, and of course the world fa-mous Grafton Street, headed by St Stephen’s Green.
*Tá sé ag cur foirc agus sceana is whats known as an Irish seanfhocal, a proverb or a saying, that in this case roughly translates to raining cats and dogs.
Waterford
No list of Ireland’s weather-proof locations would be complete without a mention of Waterford City Centre. Trips to the Crystal County are becoming more and more popular in recent years, and with good reason. The Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum, House of Waterford Crystal, and King of the Vikings virtual experience are just three of the best indoor unique experiences that Waterford has to offer. Activate Waterford is a sure-fire way to keep the kids happy on a wet day, with bowling, mini-gold, and a huge indoor playground all on offer. While The Great Escape escape room experi-ence is a no-brainer for teens and adults alike.
Donegal
We end our list of rainy day destinations with a northbound trip to Donegal, where indoor excursions are aplenty! While Donegal is home to some of Ireland’s most cherished walks and hiking trails, there are more than a few hidden gems for when skies turn grey. The Art House Ireland Art Gallery is a must-see for art lovers, while Bundoran Waterworld and An Grianan Theatre will never disappoint!
Below is a list of links to some of the indoor attractions mentioned in this article
Dingle:
Cobh:
Dublin:
Waterford:
Donegal:
Images Source: www.ireland.com
