When can we Travel in Ireland and What can we do?

travel in ireland

With further easing of restrictions this week, the long anticipated reopening of retail is finally here and the all-important staycation in Ireland is finally within our reach. So when can we travel in Ireland and what can we do on a staycation in Ireland?

From the 2nd June, accommodation services which includes hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, campsites, holiday parks and hostels can reopen but services must be restricted to overnight guests and residents only.

From the 7th June, restaurant and all bars outdoor services can resume with groups limited to 6 people.

From the 7th June Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres can reopen however, some hotels may operate restrictions or limited availability to ensure safety measures so it is advisable to check when making your reservations if all services will be open in the hotels such as kids club and swimming pools.

For campers preparing to travel in Ireland, some campsites are requiring a minimum number of days for bookings and just check if you have to be self-sufficient in terms of washing facilities or if the camper’s kitchen is open. From our research a lot more are opening their kitchens this year than last year but not communal dining facilities.

What Activities will be Open?

things to do with kids in Cork

Almost all galleries, museums, other cultural attractions have reopened but you may need to book in advance or online as many are operating at reduced capacity.  A number of higher-risk activities will be considered at the end of June for later in the year including indoor hospitality (restaurants, bars, nightclubs, casinos. With proposals on the holding of a limited number of pilot live events for arts, culture, sport and live entertainment (indoor and outdoor). This is to inform the safe reopening of these activities and events when the public health situation allows. There is no date given for the reopening of cinemas and theatres however in the government’s roll out plans it does mention “preparation for the safe reopening of cinemas and theatres in June subject to public health advice.”

Pet farms and outdoor parks are reopened for tourists wishing to travel in Ireland. However, some outdoor activities have not been given the go ahead as of yet. Here is a brief list at a few of the most popular family destinations.

 

  1. Tayto Park Zoo Walk is reopened from Fridays to Sundays and their amusement park is due to open at a later date, yet to be confirmed.
  2. Dublin Zoo are now open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm with last admission at 3.30pm. Tickets must be pre-booked. Click here for more!
  3. Fota Wildlife Park is open seven days a week but gain tickets must be booked in advance including annual pass holders.
  4. Newgrange has reopening their outside only tour. There is no access to the chamber at Newgrange and this tour is self-guided with bookings must be made in advance.
  5. Bunratty Folk Park is open with a series of measures in place to ensure social distancing. All visitors are required to pre book in advance of their visit. To ensure proper social distancing, a one-way system has been designed to guide visitors around the Folk Park.
  6. The Dome Aqua Park is closed until further guidelines from the government are issued. Updates are available on their Facebook page.
  7. Zipit Forest Adventures have reopened all their sites, Farran Woods in Cork, Lough Key in Rosscommon and Tibradden Woods in Dublin. They are opened every weekend with group bookings during the week.
  8. Castlecomer Discovery Park is opened however, adventure activities are is currently closed. The park is open every day for walkers and the car park is open. The Jarrow Restaurant & Canopy Cafe are closed.
  9. Explorium have not announced a reopening date as of yet but hope to do shortly in line with government guidelines.
  10. Blarney Castle and Gardens – The Castle and Stone is currently closed to visitors, but their beautiful Gardens and Café (takeaway only) remain open.
  11. The Dursey Island Cable Car is operating again for tourist visitors. The number of people allowed to travel on the cable car is restricted to 4 per trip. This rises to the usual cable car maximum of 6 if all persons are from the same travelling family/group.
  12. The Model Railway and Smugglers Cove in Clonakilty have both reopened daily for the summer months.
  13. Spike Island Tours are available again from 31st May 2021.
  14. Imaginosity will remain closed until further notice.
  15. Dingle Oceanworld is once again open but pre booking is essential.
  16. Galway Atlantaquaria is also open with pre booking in place.

Summary