It’s that time of the year again when we can start to think about holidays. You can keep your loud Brits in their union jack shorts singing soccer songs in Torremolinos – I’m off to rural Ireland!
I’m not the only one thinking about holidaying in Ireland... recently Irish Independent reported that staycations are surging as “over 2.5 million of us are expected to take a short break or a holiday at home this year.”
Fáilte Ireland reported that last year was the second best year ever for Irish Tourism, domestic holiday trips in Ireland were valued at €840m.
I think we are all guilty of thinking that far away hills are greener. I feel that everyone should try and have one holiday in Ireland each year if at all possible. Sunshine might not be guaranteed, but good company, great food, amazing scenery and the best of craic always is.
I grew up in the south east so I know the stretch of coast from Kilmore Quay to Dungarvan very well. However, most of my childhood summers were spent in Kilkee, Co Clare, where my father was born and my grandfather was the local bank manager (back in the days when it was cool to be a banker).
Even though Irish weather can be very unpredictable, as a child you always had fun - even if the sun wasn't always shining. I return to Kilkee for the first week of August every year and I look forward to it as one of the highlights of the year.
The early morning run along the cliff walk, breakfast from the pantry, fishing for mackerel or the odd lobster, swimming, early pints at The Greyhound, dinner in Naughtons - the day is packed but relaxed from dawn to dusk.
Travelling around the county on our “Winning Back The High Street” campaign on my Newstalk show Down to Business, I see beauty everywhere. Ireland is blessed with the most wonderful countryside.
Earlier this year I travelled from Limerick to Donegal. I was struck by the beauty of the West Coast and how well served we are by good pubs and eateries to stop in along the way. After visiting Donegal, I vowed to myself that this is a county I need to get to know – I was struck by the beauty of the place. By this time next year, I hope to have had a proper staycation in Donegal.
Staying in Ireland isn't cheap. When travelling with Mary and the girls I often feel like a mobile ATM. What is great is that your spend is going back to the local economy and this is vital if these areas of great beauty are to survive and thrive.
So, if you can grab a few days this summer, get in the car, get out into the wild, and take time to appreciate rural Ireland for all it has to offer. Spend a few of your hard-earned euro there – it will make a difference and you won’t be disappointed.
Happy travels!
Bobby.
Read more advice from Bobby on www.bobbykerr.com - and hear him live on Down to Business from the new time of 10am every Saturday on Newstalk.
Highlights, podcasts and more blog posts can be found on the show's page.
