Time to take a breather in Ireland

As its World Well Being Week (22^nd to 26^th June) maybe it’s time to consider taking a breather in Ireland with Specialized Travel Services – You take a rest while we do the rest! Your health is your wealth after all.

So what to do in BEautiful Ireland to help improve your mood and well-BEing?

BE Active

Go for a walk, a hike, a stroll or a run. Ireland is a walker’s paradise – its landscape and terrain varies richly from valleys to peaks, beaches to bogs, woods to the wilderness.

Get off the beaten track and connect with nature in the unspoilt and uncongested Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois and County Offaly in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, where you will find a great choice of walking trails ranging in distance from 4km to 75km.

Soak up the views of the iconic Causeway Coast & Glens route along Northern Ireland‘s most celebrated coastline. Let the wind invigorate you on golden beaches, take in the views from dramatic cliff tops, the numerous landmarks including the famous Giant’s Causeway and dramatic Dunluce Castle, the picturesque harbours and find secluded spots to create a special moment together.

Get on your hiking boots and try the Cronins Yard Loop Walk in County Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way – It’s an 8km looped walk that will take the average walker 2-3 hours and which has a climb of 300m. Once you reach the top of the walk you could push on yourself for even better views depending on your levels of fitness.

Explore one of the nine way-marked walking trails in the valley of Glendalough in County Wicklow in Ireland’s Ancient East. The walks vary from a short half hour stroll to a long four-hour hill walk.

One of the most famous walks in the West of Ireland is the pilgrimage trail up Croagh Patrick in County Mayo on the Wild Atlantic Way. The busiest day for the mountain (where St Patrick is said to have fasted for 40 days and nights) is Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July. On this day, many pilgrims make the journey barefoot.

On Your Bike – Ireland has some of the most spectacular cycling routes to suit any pace or ability –

Why not go on a leisurely cycle along parts of the Kingfisher Cycle Trail, which is a mapped and signposted cycle route in County Fermanagh and County Leitrim covering over 480km (300 miles). The unique mixture of lakelands, canal-side tracks, rolling hills, leafy laneways, and mountain climbs make the Kingfisher Trail the ideal choice for all levels of cyclist.

Clear your mind while cycling the Great Western Greenway following part of the 19th century Midlands Great Western Railway route between Westport and Achill – Ideally placed along the County Mayo stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s longest off-road cycling trail is brimming with unparalleled views and inspiring landscapes.

Or travel south to County Waterford and the Greenway trail, a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line, venturing from the quays of Waterford, a city founded by the Vikings, all the way through an area rich in Irish heritage to the historic port of Dungarvan, a vibrant seaside market town with a pretty quay-side setting.

In Dublin, Cork or Galway you can experience and learn the most unique modern cultural activity in Ireland – Gaelic Games! Each session starts with an audio-visual introduction to the concept of Gaelic Games, their history and unique impact on Irish Life. After this briefing, the real fun begins and you will be taught by trained coaches about the basic skills of the ancient stick and ball game of hurling, the simplicity and speed of Gaelic football and the fun of Gaelic handball.

Discover a physical activity you enjoy which suits your level of mobility and fitness. Research has shown being physically active can improve your mental health and well being. You’ll feel energized after getting out and about.

But it’s perfectly okay if the most exercise you get on your vacation is turning the pages of a good book that you’ve been meaning to read and relaxing with your feet up – Make sure your soul gets some exercise too.

BE Kind to Yourself

-Find Ways to Destress.

-Declutter your mind, look at some Mindfulness Techniques and focus on your breathing.

-Pay attention to the present moment – to your thoughts, feelings & to the world around you.

-Notice the BEautiful scenery and the wonderful wildlife in Ireland – There are amazing landscapes throughout the country that will make you want to pull in, hop out and stare.

-Take plenty of photographs for looking back at your Ireland vacation memories in years to come.

-Have a nice big cup of tea and a chat with someone – It’d good to talk and having Tea in Ireland is a ritual in itself – It’ll warm your hands and your heart.

-There are lots of fantastic Afternoon tea venues throughout Ireland but if you venture to Cork City you’ll have to try the afternoon tea at Hayfield Manor – You’ll be in for a treat –

-There’s nothing quite like a chilled break away to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Recognized as one of the Ireland’s leading spa destinations, Monart is the perfect place for some serious pampering. A five-star, adult-only spa, Monart is a one-stop relaxation shop – guests are encouraged to wear bathrobes and slippers all day, for the ultimate spa break experience.

Remember to always find time for the things that make you happy to be alive and always BE Yourself.

BE Curious

Take Up A New Challenge – Setting yourself a new challenge and learning a new skill will increase your confidence which can improve your mental health and well being.

Try your hand at brown bread making, learn some céilí dancing, play the bodhrán (Irish drum), hurling (traditional sport), milk a cow, cut some turf and help the working sheepdog…..Experience an authentic taste of Irish life at Causey Farm in the Boyne Valley in County Meath.

Ireland is fast gaining a reputation as a culinary destination, with not only amazing restaurants, artisan producers, and an array of food festivals but also world class cookery schools across the country. Nothing will set you on the right food path than a great cookery course. Sharpen your cookery skills at Ballyknocken Cookery School run by celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio and nestled in the idyllic countryside, between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea.

Learn to Surf and explore the vibrant West of Ireland surf scene along the Wild Atlantic Way. Throughout the year the surf schools in County Clare are a hive of activity, making it a buzzing spot for a surf holiday. Once you’ve brushed up on your skills, head off and practice at less crowded beaches such as Doolin, Doonbeg and Spanish Point. For the best surf spots along the Wild Atlantic Way look here –

For some stress relief in the Capital city and to paddle your worries away you might enjoy Stand Up Paddle Boarding in the Grand Canal Dock in Dublin City.

BE a Sleeping Beauty

Get A Good Night’s Sleep and recharge your batteries – When you get stressed or are just feeling like you need to get away from it all nothing beats the feeling of checking into an Irish hotel. There are lots and lots of hotels to choose from in Ireland to suit all tastes and budgets – Specialized Travel Services will be delighted to help you find those hidden gems and intimate hideaways to stay in for a good night’s rest.

For some wonderful locations that are perfect for any stay, Select Hotels of Ireland comprises of 29 of Ireland’s finest independently owned unique hotels nationwide. Their hotels are renowned for their Irish hospitality, dedication to service, great food and high standards of accommodation.

Even though you might have taken lots of “Insta-worthy” photographs during your private Ireland tour and you’re keen to share them on your social media, try switch off your screens a bit earlier and try reduce your caffeine intake.

And after a wonderful day touring parts of the Emerald Isle with Specialized Travel Services, relax, unwind and sleep soundly until the next day’s adventure…….  Welcome to Happiness – We hope you enjoy your stay.

For Your Own Well-being tour in Ireland contact Specialized Travel Services by filling in the Contact form Or by email: newyork@jeremyd50.sg-host.com

Once you’re here you can just breath it all in.