Thom Breathnach, Travel editor with the Irish Examiner, joins Ciara King (filling in for Ray D'Arcy) on RTÉ Radio 1 to share his top picks for holidaying in Ireland. Listen back above.
Thom's first pick is the far-away and often budget-friendly Tory Island. The most remote of Ireland's inhabited islands, it can be found northwest of Horn Head in Co. Donegal, and can be reached by ferry from Magheraroarty strand.
"It's like this sleeping giant that just approaches you across the sea," says Thom, who describes it as "knock-out beautiful" with stunning cliffs and beautiful beaches. Bird watchers will also be thrilled to know that the illusive Corncrake has a stronghold on the island.
According to Thom, the island is home to a "wonderful budget hotel" called the Tory Island Hotel which offers rooms for €120 a night for August rates, and a €75 rate for solo travelers.
"When you're going away on an Irish staycation, that element of the islands, you kind of get that bang for your buck. There's something about taking a boat trip and going over seas, even if it's just 40 minutes to Tory; I feel you get extra impact for your getaway."
If you want a romantic getaway with a difference, Thom recommends an overnight stay in a lighthouse in West Cork. The Gallyhead Lighthouse is part of the Landmark Trust - an all-island charity working to save, share and sustain Ireland's unique built heritage.
"They're a great all weather attraction," says Thom, who notes that the Landmark Trust have a series of unique properties on offer across the country.
"Landmark Trust properties have a two night minimum but if you break it down with friends, you could stay in one of the gate lodges for less than €50 a night, so they're very reasonable. Lovely period furniture, no TV or Wi-fi, so they're a bit of a switch off, but I actually like that."
If you don't fancy staying overnight, Thom says there are plenty of lighthouses you can visit as part of a day-cation. Great Lighthouses showcase all the properties that are open to the public for visits or overnight stays.
We need your consent to load this Instagram contentWe use Instagram to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
For a bit of luxury, Thom recommends a spin to Connemara for a country house stay in Rosleague Manor.
"I had a wonderful stay there last year," he says, praising the warm hospitality, wonderful West of Ireland food, and spectacular location.
"It's pretty much got its own beach and forest, so who needs a spa when you've got that kind of natural amenities on your doorstep? It's always such a lovely vibe."
We need your consent to load this Instagram contentWe use Instagram to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
For those wanting to bring their dogs on a weekend away, Thom suggests Randles Hotel in Killarney and the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim (they have a dog dining menu).
For more staycation recommendations, listen back to Thom and Ciara's full chat above.
