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Irish Times
3 days ago
- Irish Times
Five of the best family friendly hiking trails around Ireland: From easy to demanding
As a family we love hiking. We started getting into it five years ago when our little boy was three years old. Before that we brought him, as a baby and toddler, on local town, canal and wood walks and saw the fun he had in discovering the outside world. Our boy is well able to keep up with other hikers now, but the old saying that you have to walk before you can run is also true for hiking – you walk before you hike. From three to four years old, your child can start going on slightly longer and more uphill walks. The trick is to choose interesting walks so that the rocks, water and scenery carry the load of entertaining your child. Watch your own physical and emotional wellbeing too – try to be in a good mood and not stressed so that you can support your child while also being able to look after yourself. The more walks you go on, the better hikers you and your children will become. A few uphill hikes on easy routes are recommended to build up stamina in your calf muscles before you undertake longer, more demanding hikes. By steadily increasing your hiking experience, you and your family will be able to climb most mountains in Ireland. Here are some of our favourite hikes to try. Diamond Hill, Co Galway An exhilarating hike through Connemara National Park Diamond Hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean Diamond Hill is one of the first mountain hikes that we undertook as a family and is still one of our favourites. It offers so much bang for buck in terms of the effort required to experience stunning vistas of the Twelve Bens mountain range and Atlantic Ocean. This walk has a great mix of safety and wildness. Our son loves the boardwalks and rocky steps and at several points was so entranced by the views that he spontaneously twirled and danced en route. On our first hike up Diamond Hill, we introduced the Irish saying of 'Tóg sos' (take a break) as a way to put brakes on our son who always clambers ahead faster than his parents. In our experience, children are naturally adept and agile hikers; it's the poor old parents who in the early days of hiking need to strengthen their calf and joint muscles and need multiple water breaks. There is a very companionable atmosphere on the mountain with fellow climbers urging each other on. There are stunning views of Kylemore Abbey and the Twelve Bens from the summit with lots of fun rocks for children to explore. You can also see the mountains where Fionn Mac Cumhaill and Cú Chulainn had one of their many spats, according to the legend. We have climbed Diamond Hill on calm days, windy days and cloudy days and it's a different experience each time. It is lovely to have a picnic on top on a calm day and exhilarating to experience it on a wind-buffeting day. There are shorter walk options for families with very young children but we would encourage aiming for the top if your children are over four years old. There is a playground and cafe at the start of the hike. Our son always has plenty of energy left to try out the slides and swings while we take it easy on the benches. READ MORE Mullaghmore, Burren, Co Clare A hike through a fascinating limestone kingdom Mullaghmore, in the heart of the Burren When we asked our son what his favourite hike was he told us quite definitely that it was Mullaghmore in the Burren, Co Clare . Our son loves the Burren in general – the unique flora and karst landscape – and this hike has it all. Mullaghmore and the surrounding hills look like giant coiled snakes or soft cake mixture and remind us that the landscape results from layers of seabed being twisted skyward 325 million years ago. The hike is clearly marked throughout and there is something truly satisfying about walking across the karst limestone. Our son especially enjoys the sections where you have to scramble a bit by using your hands to get up or down rocks. The views from the summit of Mullaghmore across the Burren are beautiful and offer much exploring and picnicking opportunities. We have visited this site many times, and each time it is so much fun. There is also something surreal about the landscape, and this is brought home by seeing the house used in Father Ted on the far side of Mullaghmore. As you cross some of the more barren sections of the limestone slabs, you may well think of the great line from that series, 'Are you on your holidays, Father?' Once you finish the hike, you may find that part of your heart has turned to karst limestone, ensuring that you will be compelled to return here again and again. Great Blasket Island, Co Kerry An unmissable hike exploring a bygone time The Great Blasket Island This hike is full of adventure, nostalgia and beauty and will last long in the memory. It starts with making the steep descent to Dunquin pier from where you take the boat to the Great Blasket Island. Even on a calm day, the waters of Blasket Sound are somewhat choppy. As we crossed, we noticed a small dinghy being carried behind the boat and imagined what it would be like if we needed to use it as a lifeboat. We were somewhat taken aback when we realised that we would have to transfer to the bobbing dinghy in order to access the harbour in Oldtown. Once safely ashore, tranquillity settles. You realise you are now on the most westerly point of Ireland and Europe, with the next parish being America. The old abandoned village puts you in mind of the people who lived on the island, the last of whom left in 1953. We are tempted to explore the beach first but since the island is relatively compact, we decide to walk around it before exploring the old houses and beach later. This proves to be a good decision and we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the other Blasket islands, including Inishvickillane, the island bought in 1974 by taoiseach Charlie Haughey and now owned by his family. Seals, whales, dolphins and puffins can be seen from the beach. The tour provided by the OPW was excellent and it was fascinating to hear the stories of the islanders, including their celebrated literary figures Peig Sayers , Tomás Ó Criomhthain and Muiris Ó Súilleabháín. Then it was back on the boat again and, to top the day off, we had a very delicious meal in Páidí Ó Sé's traditional and memorable pub in Ventry. Slieve Foye, Cooley Mountains, Co Louth Where Queen Maeve fought the king of Ulster for the Brown Bull of Cooley Overlooking Carlingford Lough on the way to Slieve Foye Slieve Foye is one of the first mountains that we hiked as a family and the experience was so amazing that it became our gateway to exploring the rest of the Cooley and Mourne Mountains. The views of Carlingford town and lough are beautiful from the start but it's at the summit ridge that the hike really comes alive, with its tremendous vistas and clambering opportunities. The route is clearly marked for the most part but there is a chance to test your navigational skills as you near the summit. Slieve Foye is the literal high point of Co Louth , and the route is made up of different terrains – rock, grass and bog. The walk can be shortened if needed for younger families but reaching the summit does require a bit of stamina or prior hiking experience. The views from the summit are so expansive and beautiful that it was here that we were first put in mind of the mythological Fianna who were said to roam Ireland in pre-Christian times. We could imagine Queen Maeve coming here with her army to raid the Brown Bull of Cooley and Cú Chulainn single-handedly defending Ulster on Slieve Foye against the invading Connacht army. It was within the Cooley Mountains that we began to understand the intersection between landscape and psyche in Irish mythology and decided to research the myths and folklore linked to other places we had hiked. The charming village of Carlingford is a great place to finish your day. Fair Head, Co Antrim A breathtaking hike along a sublime route The Fair Head coastline Fair Head in Co Antrim is surely among the finest cliff walks in Ireland. It offers adventure and superlative views for little effort. It is not far from the Giant's Causeway cliff walk (also stunning) but there will be very few if any people on this route. Right from the start at the car park, the waters of Murlough Bay rise up to meet you and the shores of Scotland and Rathlin Island are clearly visible. The path is clearly marked, navigation is straightforward and the walk can be shortened or lengthened as desired. It is thrilling to be able to walk near to the cliff edges and yet feel completely safe (children should be old enough to be fully secure on their feet and trusted not to go too near the edge). There are also many unusual rock formations to explore en route. There are beautiful inland views too as well as across the ocean. Chilling tales of the enigmatic Grey Man are linked to this path, usually associated with the grey mists and fogs that roll in off the north Antrim coast. Another mythological link to the area is the story of the Children of Lir, who were cursed by their stepmother to live as swans for 300 years in the stormy Sea of Moyle between Fair Head and Scotland. If I could be teleported to anywhere right now, I would ask to go to Fair Head. The 50 Best Family Hikes in Ireland by Mairéad Furlong and Fergal McLoughlin is published by Gill
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Tesco reveals new Clubcard pass offer that could save families £60 during summer holidays
TESCO Clubcard holders are in for a treat this summer, as the supermarket giant unveils a new offer. For just £60 in Clubcard vouchers, shoppers can now secure a special three-month " Merlin Fun Pass." 1 This exclusive deal is made possible through Tesco 's partnership with Merlin Entertainment. The pass unlocks access to some of the UK's most popular attractions, including Alton Towers Resort, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, and Thorpe Park. It also includes entry to other favourites such as Cadbury World and SEA LIFE Aquariums, making it perfect for family adventures. Worth £120 when exchanged via Clubcard, the pass allows families to enjoy a summer of thrilling rides, fascinating marine life, and chocolatey adventures without breaking the bank. Clubcard members can use any existing voucher balance towards the pass, topping up the difference with another payment method if needed. To redeem the offer, Clubcard members need to head to the Clubcard Rewards section of the Tesco app or website by August 31. From there, purchase the Merlin Fun Pass through the link to Merlin, exchanging just £60 of Clubcard vouchers for a pass worth £120. Tesco's group membership and loyalty director Shama Wilson said: "We know Clubcard members have been keen to get a pass for Merlin's attractions with their Clubcard Vouchers, and to mark 30 years of Tesco Clubcard we have delivered just that. "We are expecting this deal to be exceptionally popular with Clubcard members able to visit scores of top attractions across the country for free by exchanging just £60 of Clubcard Vouchers at double their value. This has got to be one of the best ways to reward yourself this summer." This new offer adds to an impressive range of reward partners, giving Tesco shoppers even more opportunities to redeem their vouchers for points. I'm 5'3 and a size 10 - Tesco is killing it with their summer co-ords, my haul was amazing & I got 25% off everything too For instance, those wishing to jet abroad this summer can double the value of their Clubcard vouchers to get money off an easyJet holiday booking. Every £0.50 in Clubcard vouchers is worth £1.50 towards easyJet holidays, making it a great way to cut costs on your trip abroad. Alternatively, holidaymakers can trade £5 in Clubcard vouchers for £10 to use on perfect for booking accommodation. For those staying closer to home, shoppers can also double their vouchers' value to enjoy discounts at ten major restaurant chains, including Pizza Express, ASK Italian, and Frankie & Benny's. Meanwhile, Tesco Clubcard members are being urged to act quickly, as £15million worth of vouchers are set to expire on May 31. How does the Tesco Clubcard scheme work? TESCO'S Clubcard scheme allows shoppers to earn points as they shop, these points can then be turned into vouchers for money off food or other reward partner schemes. When you spend £1 in-store or online, you get one point when you scan your card or app. Drivers using Clubcards now get one point for every two litres spent on fuel. One point equals 1p, so 150 points gets you £1.50, for example. You'll need a minimum of 150 points to request a voucher. These vouchers can either be worth the face value to spend in-store at Tesco, or you can double their worth to spend at reward partners, including restaurants, and on days out. Loyalty card holders can also get cheaper prices on over 8,000 items thanks to Clubcard Prices. These Clubcard prices save the average member £351 on their annual shop, according to Tesco. Check if you can reclaim lost points Many people lose or forget to use their Tesco vouchers, but there's an easy way to claw back the last two years of unused vouchers. Here's exactly how to find out if you have any unused vouchers. The first step is to log into your Tesco Clubcard account on or via the Clubcard app. You'll need your name, email address and Clubcard number to hand. Once you've logged in, navigate to "My Clubcard Account" and then click on "Vouchers" to see a full list of any vouchers you still have to spend. You can use the code included in your voucher to spend online. If you want to redeem them in-store, you'll need to print them off and take them with you.
WIRED
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- WIRED
Thule Chariot Cross 2 Review: Adventuring Is a Walk in the Park
I'm a big hiker and love the outdoors. Before my husband and I had our firstborn seven months ago, we regularly road-tripped to national parks—Yellowstone, Zion, you name it. Needless to say, I'm beyond excited to get out and about with the baby this summer. Photograph: Tyler Shane In my day-to-day, my baby and I take walks around the neighborhood in a stroller/car-seat combo (see our guide to The Best Strollers). There are a lot of perks to it, but it's not exactly the smoothest ride. As we roll over pebbles and sidewalk cracks, the impact sends my babe's chubby cheeks bouncing. That's why I've been loving the Thule Chariot Cross 2. Built to handle the outdoors, Thule's sturdy and efficient Swedish design makes for a smooth ride, no matter what kind of ground you're on. But it's not just for walking. With the simple insertion of a hitch arm, the Chariot hooks up to your bike and becomes a smooth-wheelin' buggy. I couldn't believe how light and easy to navigate the Cross 2 was as a stroller and bike trailer. For active families like mine, the Cross 2 makes adventure more accessible and manageable. Note: You can purchase the Cross 2 in a jogging bundle or with an add-on cross-country ski kit. Kansas City isn't exactly renowned for its cross-country ski trails, and I prefer biking to jogging, so I tested the Cross 2 by walking and biking. Strolling and Off-Roading You can still buy the original Chariot Cross, but the Cross 2 incorporates user-friendly upgrades, including an updated cargo bag, improved folding hinge mechanism, new hitch attachment with one-handed operation, and an easier transition between bike and stroller. It took me about 15 to 20 minutes to set up the Cross 2. Because Thule is a Swedish company, most of the instructions were given in the form of pictures, which can feel a little vague. It's manageable, nonetheless. Right away, as I strolled around my neighborhood, I was impressed with how easy the Cross 2 was to maneuver, despite being fairly large and bulky otherwise (just over 3 feet in height and width). It has an aerodynamic design that allows for plenty of legroom for the kiddo, and it's outfitted with two 20-inch back wheels that are sturdy enough to navigate rough terrain. The two front wheels are smaller, about 8 inches in diameter, and with the tug of a lever can be flipped up when transitioning to bike mode. (I dive more into bike mode below.) As I went for a walk with the babe in my older neighborhood, cracked sidewalks and awkward bumps in the road were suddenly manageable with the Thule. I quickly found myself off-roading at parks and through fields.
Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Telegraph
The perfect short-haul resort breaks for couples and families
There's a world of wonders to explore right on our doorstep. A short flight can transport you to sparkling coastlines and vibrant cities, lush islands and ancient, sun-baked ruins. Plan a short-haul break with British Airways Holidays and you can relax on the sweeping coastline of the Algarve, explore Sicily's cinematic landscapes or immerse yourself in the magic of Marrakech. Family adventures With a focus on fun, sun, and exciting sports activities, Club Med offers all-inclusive experiences across the Mediterranean and beyond for families, couples and groups. Savour a range of fabulous dining experiences, spacious accommodations, dedicated wellness programmes and exciting excursions, as well as supervised kids' clubs and exhilarating entertainment. Club Med Da Balaia, Portugal Set on the red cliffs of the Algarve, overlooking golden sands and the blissful blue of the Atlantic, this all-inclusive family resort is a golf lover's dream. Tee off on famous links courses such as Quinta do Lago and sweeten your swing at the resort's expert-run golf school. Little ones will have the adventure of a lifetime with the mini-golf course, flying trapeze activities, kids' pool and excellent kids' clubs. Club Med Cefalù, Sicily This luxurious all-inclusive Sicilian resort is perched on a rocky cape overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, with breathtaking views of Cefalù Bay. Enjoy exhilarating activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and Vespa rides (at extra cost) to picturesque nearby towns, savour the finest Sicilian delicacies in Il Palazzo, a restored, early 18th-century palace, and enjoy sunset champagne amid dreamy surroundings. Club Med Marrakech, La Palmeraie, Morocco Tucked away in Morocco's oldest palm grove, this majestic resort captures the magic of Marrakech's historic medina. Fragrant gardens, an elegant courtyard and swaying palms create a serene ambience. For an elevated indulgence, opt for the Riad, Club Med's Exclusive Collection Space that offers suites with private gardens and an exclusive swimming pool. Turkish delights Set on the glittering Turkish Riviera, Regnum Hotels promises upscale getaways and effortless glamour. Expect world-class entertainment, culinary magic featuring cuisines from around the world, sublime beaches and luxury spa treatments, as well as stunning poolside spaces, and a broad selection of lavish rooms and suites to suit all tastes. Regnum Carya, Antalya Set between fine powdered sands and pine forests, this premier all-inclusive resort hotel offers luxury villas with private pools, swim-up rooms, generously sized family rooms and more. When you're not blissing out at the beach or having fun at the Land of Legends water park, you can enjoy golf, the spacious spa and impressive entertainment that has included free live concerts by stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Dua Lipa. Regnum The Crown, Antalya Due to open its doors this summer, this stunning resort is set just a few sandy steps from Regnum Carya. It includes a collection of expansive suites and villas featuring private pools, terraces, and a dedicated butler service in selected rooms. A rooftop oasis reserved for adults features an infinity pool, restaurant and fitness studio, while the dining options range from five fine-dining restaurants to several beachside eateries. Island escapes Offering idyllic getaways across luxurious locations including the Mediterranean and Atlantic islands, Inclusive Collection's Dreams Resorts & Spas delivers for couples and families alike. From gourmet dining to indulgent spa experiences, pristine pools and expansive suites with ocean views, you're sure to discover serenity and adventure, making memories that last a lifetime. Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina, Madeira Recently refurbished, this haven features a dazzling design reminiscent of a traditional coastal villa, with blissful views over the Atlantic. Savour Portuguese specialties paired with local wines at Clube de Fado, succulent meat dishes at Carvão and Asian-inspired delights at Oishii. Little ones will enjoy a world of fun at the wonderful Explorer's Club, giving parents the chance to truly unwind and enjoy the lavish surroundings. Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada, Lanzarote This beachfront resort features elegantly appointed suites and a quintessential Mediterranean-style design. Children will adore the water park and the dizzying array of sports activities, while adults will find bliss with sparkling pools and indulgent spa. If you're feeling adventurous, explore the likes of Timanfaya National Park, the vineyards of La Geria or the idyllic beaches of Papagayo. Dreams Jardín Tropical Resort & Spa, Tenerife Set on an exclusive stretch of shoreline on Tenerife's Costa Adeje, this is another recently renovated Hyatt hotel, featuring a modern style with dazzling decor and sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean to the island of La Gomera. Enjoy a workout with a view at the Oceanfront Fitness Centre, diverse dining options, spectacular pools and stunning nearby beaches. *Based on two sharing. Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
