The Christmas/New Year festivities are over for another year so it’s officially time to return to your normal routine. Back to work blues? We’ve got good news for you; you don’t need to break the bank to treat yourself to a holiday. Our Emerald Isle is home to many beautiful beaches, spectacular cliffs and loads of fun-filled activities, making a staycation the perfect way of relaxing this January.

Discover One4all’s guide to the best places to explore for an Irish staycation.

Killarney is a vibrant and small town, surrounded by an incredible countryside, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Go Red Deer spotting in Killarney National Park, cycle through the Gap of Dunloe, kiss the Blarney Stone or visit Craig Caves in Castleisland. It’s so rich in history and heritage, you’ll never be bored!

Killarney National Park | Image: The irish Times

Blarney Stone | Image: Trip Advisor

Gap of Dunloe | Image: Wikipedia

The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry is a true Irish gem. About a five-hour drive from Dublin, this small port town has everything you need for a great holiday – from quaint local pubs to rugged hills, dolphins and surfing at Inch beach to Ireland’s best small music festival – Other Voices. Oh, and let’s not forget about the amazing Dingle Food Festival. No matter where you go, you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Dingle Peninsula | Image: kevinandamanda.com

Fungi the Dolphin | Image: Tripsavvy

Dingle Town | Image: Pixels

Donegal is a largely Irish-speaking region, boarding the Atlantic Ocean in north-western Ireland. If you want to learn more about the region and its heritage, visit the Glencolmcille Folk Village. For spectacular beaches and mountain views, go to Inishowern. To stand at Ireland’s most northerly point, visit Malin Head.

Killybegs | Image: Amazara

Glencolmcille Folk Village | Image: Anasarin Bhaoir

Malin Head  | Image: Stefan Schebelt

A dreamy small port town in County Down, Northern Ireland, Warrenpoint is the perfect spot for when you’re craving some peace and quiet. Enjoy afternoon walks, go boat watching, or follow the Narnia trail at Kilbroney Park. If you fancy something a bit more exciting, Carlingford Lough is only a short drive away where you can take in beautiful scenery.

Carlingford Lough | Image: Gary Mac Parland

Warrenpoint Bay | Image: @heyitsoladybul

The Narnia Trail | Image: Connolly Cave

Clare is a very popular destination amongst international tourists and it’s no surprise why. There’s the incredible Burren region which is a karst landscape of glacial-era limestone, with cliffs, caves, fossils, rock formations and archaeological sites. It’s also home to Ireland’s oldest caves, the Ailwee Caves, and the famous Cliffs of Moher. If you’re interested in learning about the history and heritage of the county, a trip to Clare Museum should be on your schedule. We also recommend an overnight stay in Ennis; this lively and cute little town is filled with tasty restaurants and friendly pubs.

Cliffs of Moher | Image: The Lonely Planet

Ennis Town | Image: Visit Ennis

The Burren | Image: Independent.ie

If you’re an active person who loves walking, trekking or climbing, Wicklow is the perfect place for you. Hike up the Wicklow Mountains and take in the beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and lakes, and take a trip to Ireland’s highest waterfall (121m), the Powerscourt waterfall. If you’re looking a for a good eating experience, go back in time to the Victorian era with an authentic tea experience at Victorian Tea Times.

Wicklow Mountains | Image: @heyitsoladybul

Powerscourt Waterfall | Image: Powerscourt Estate

Victorian Tea Times | Image: Visit Wicklow

Galway is a lively and very social city, making it the ideal location for people who enjoy going out for good food and nice drinks. There are so many delicious restaurants in Galway City; from Spanish tapas to Italian pastas to Irish seafood. And at almost every pub, you’ll be to enjoy a wonderful live performance from a trad band. It really is a magical place! However, if a lively night scene isn’t your idea of fun, there are plenty of fun activities for nature lovers. You can take a stroll along the Salthill beach or visit the Connemara National Park and enjoy 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the park’s mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range.  

Galway City | Image: Travel Inspires Experiences

Salthill Beach | Image: Pixels

Connemara | Image: Viator