Fourth generation fisherman Damien O’Malley shares his knowledge of Roundstone’s gorgeous coastline, including the flora, fauna, beaches and secret spots. Tours are for up to five people, with options such as an eco tour, a day on the otherwise deserted Inishlacken island, or the Catch & Cook, where you’ll pull crabs and lobster pots, before having your crustaceans cooked for you, accompanied by a sparkling glass of bubbles. From €100 per person, with optional lobster picnics extra; roundstonebayandisland.ie. Stay at the Roundstone House Hotel from €150 per room, B&B; roundstonehousehotel.com.
Escape to the Midlands
With so much coast, it’s easy to forget that Ireland’s Midlands are great spots for watery wonders too. Willie Hyland’s Midlands Escape offers paddle boarding, kayaking – and biking adventures (for those who prefer dry land beneath their feet). Designed as slow-down, health and wellbeing retreats, they’re also great fun for groups wanting to get away with some action on the side. Activities from €40 per head, and add a barbecue for an extra tenner. Inquire directly for a bespoke programme including yoga, meditation, cocktail classes and more; midlandescape.ie. Stay at Portlaoise’s Ivyleigh House, a charming guest house with excellent breakfasts from €140 per room, B&B; ivyleigh.com.
All fired up
Plan fast, and you’ve still got time to get to the GUL Fireball World Championship and Irish National Championship on Lough Derg (until August 26th). No, they’re not setting fire to the famous lake: fireballs, for the uninitiated, are sailing dinghies. The atmosphere promises to be great, on and off the water, with parties, activities and plenty of boat-y chat. Love the water, but not quite at competition level? You can kayak along a stretch of the leafy Blueways, or hire a cruiser and shout encouragement from your top deck. Find out more at tipperary.com, and via the Lough Derg Yacht Club at ldyc.ie. Stay at The Lakeside Hotel, with views of the Shannon at Ballina and Killaloe, from €153 per room, B&B; lakesidehotel.ie.
Take the waters
Have a unique experience at the Belmullet Tidal Pool, Co Mayo from September 16th to 18th, as The Performance Corporation present Disappearing Islands: Songs from the Edge of the World, at this amazing location. Featuring dance, music and song, it’s a full-on immersive experience, as the audience is also invited to take a communal dip as the show comes to a close. Tickets from €12; disappearingislands.ie. Stay at Belmullet’s Broadhaven Bay Hotel from €150 per room, B&B; broadhavenbay.com.
