- Glenveagh.
Of course this was going to be my number one place to visit. For those of you who don’t know, Glenveagh is what I would describe as my “heaven on earth” I visit here at least once a fortnight. I often get asked “God are you not sick of that place” How on earth could you EVER get tired of those views. I love how each time we go there its never the same. The different seasons bring different colours, different plant life, different wildlife and a different adventure for us. Noah was two weeks old when we first brought him here and now at 18 months, he loves nothing more than running through gardens and grounds exploring. Thymeout Tea Room in Glenveagh, is a must after all your exploring. I just LOVE the lemon drizzle cake here and the window displays are amazing, very seasonal appropriate. If you don’t fancy walking in and out, you can always get the bus.
2. The Glebe House & Gallery
Located only 18k outside Letterekenny, this place is ideal for an afternoon trip out of the house. Noah is at the stage were he just doesn’t want to be in the buggy for too long and just loves the freedom of being able to run about. I don’t take the buggy with me at all when I go here. The grounds are ideal for little people to explore. The fairy doors in the gardens are just so cute, especially the clothes line with the little fairy clothes hanging out on it. The walkway leads you down to a gorgeous part of Gartan lake were we could spend hours throwing stones in and watching them splash into the water. There is a lovely tea room located on the grounds here, where they serve your tea in a china cup….winner winner!!!!
3. Oakfield Park
We recently took a trip to Oakfield Park on a sunny Sunday in July and we were in luck, it was Steam Engine Sunday. We got a ride around the grounds in the Steam Train.As you can see from the picture below, Noah was just in awe of it all. Grounds here are fabulous and again our little man explored every inch of them and even got to see the swans in the lake. There is a coffee shop located on site here also.
4. Ards Forest Park
I have to confess, 2 weeks ago was my first time EVER to take a trip to Ards Forest Park. You really have it all here, walking trails, beach, play area and the cutest little coffee shop, Ards Coffee Tree. It costs 5 euros to park right down to the main carpark. Make sure bring change with you as the machine only accepts coins.
5. Inch Wildfowl Reserve Walk
Another gorgeous walk with amazing scenery. What I love about this walk is that its all flat, no hills whatsoever. Noah loves looking at all the birds and ducks throughout the walk. There are numerous look out huts too along the way. One downside is that at certain times of the year midgies can be a nightmare at certain parts of the walk. I always carry a wee bottle of insect repellent just incase.
6. Fintown Railway
My nephew’s words after our trip on this train “Its just like the Polar Express”. The train ride itself takes approx 20 mins from start to finish. There is a picnic area and play ground on site with a huge sandpit. I would DEF recommend bringing a wee picnic with you and have it before or after your trip.
7. Glenevin Waterfall
I was so impressed with EVERYTHING about this waterfall in Clonmany. The path right up to the waterfall itself is the most buggy friendly path I have EVER been on. Along the way there are numerous picnic areas and the cutest of all, on the trees along the path there are little fairies in them, very magical. There is a little seating area too when you get to the waterfall.
8. Banba’s Crown Malin Head
This place actually blew my mind away. WOW!!!!! Really did feel like we were on top of the world. The views from here are just breathtaking. There is a walkway and seats along the path. The walkway is very buggy friendly up to a point…lets just say the Icandy was put to the test that day and passed with flying colours lol!!!!!! There is a little mobile shop at the top selling, teas/coffees/ice cream.
9. Killybegs
Boats, boats and more boats and Noah just LOVED it here. The day that we went here we were so lucky in that a cruise ship was docking in the port for a number of hours. We had lunch in the Tara Hotel and sat watching the cruise ship docking from our table. We then took a walk around the piers and had a look at all the boats. I was amazed at how HUGE they were never mind Noah. Of course we had to finish our trip to Killybegs with an ice cream from Hegertys.
10. The Beach
No summer would be complete without a few trips to the beach. My goodness that sand does get EVERYWHERE!!!!!!! Rathmullan beach is my top beach to go to with Noah. Everything is very accessible, the beach itself from the carpark, the toilets, the play ground and most importantly the ice cream shop.
