In Lunchtime Live’s latest segment, Andrea Gilligan is taking to the road and she searches for the best tourist spots and hidden gems in the country.
This week, ‘Gilligan’s Island’ sees Andrea chatting to Gillian Harvey from Where Are We Going Tomorrow Travel to hear about the best family-friendly spots on our doorstep.
Gillian has travelled to 32 countries with her husband and young daughters – but told Andrea they love travelling at home as well.
“As good as that is, we love travelling at home as well,” she told Lunchtime Live.
Ms Harvey’s first piece of advice for families looking for staycations was to keep the car packed with holiday gear “at most times”.
“Have the car ready and just head off on an adventure,” she said.
Families should consider amenities for children “within reach” of good hotels, according to Ms Harvey.
She said she was “literally just back” from the Shoreline Hotel in Donabate, Dublin’s only ‘beach hotel’.
“You can literally open the door of your balcony and the kids can roam the beach,” she said.
“They have it at their doorsteps.”
Family staycations
On the other side of the country, Galway’s ‘Wild Lands’ is a favourite staycation for children – and only 15 minutes from the city.
The self-catering cottages have an “array of activities”, including fairy trails, aerial courses and indoor climbing walls.
Ms Harvey said self-catering services are often wise when holidaying with family in Ireland.
Coming up on @LunchtimeLiveNT - Gilligan’s Island! 🏝️
A new segment where we chat to people about their favourite way of holidaying in Ireland!
This week, we are looking at places for families👨👩👧👦 pic.twitter.com/Je39zWsCyv
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) June 24, 2024
“Self-catering is great with kids if they’re just not in the humour to go to a restaurant,” she said. “But we kind of do a mix of everything.”
Families should also consider heading north for a day trip to Belfast, according to Ms Harvey.
“Belfast is a great place to head – only 90 minutes up the road and you’re in a different world,” she said.
She said there were plenty of free activities, including “one of the best playgrounds” she’s ever seen and walking trails.
Listen here to find out more about family-friendly staycations in Ireland:
