I’m over the ‘well if I’m not travelling to some exotic destination abroad then I’m not going anywhere’ sulk and am so looking forward to heading off tomorrow. I wasn’t really in a position to complain anyway as I’ve been luckier than most, having been abroad twice in 2020 as well as enjoying a minibreak in Ireland in February. I got back from the US on March 4th – 21 weeks ago – I don’t know when last I spent as long a stretch here at home! And I’ve no idea as to when I’ll leave the country again but it could be a while!
I’d better embrace the whole ‘staycation’ debate before I go any further! Firstly, I acknowledge that, in its strictest sense, a staycation is a vacation based in one’s own home. However, I use the term in the broader context of travel in one’s own country. Secondly, I would never use the term to demean or cheapen the notion of a trip that didn’t involve travelling abroad. Sure the vast majority of vacations on the planet do not involve going to another country. I think its a European thing – so many small nations close together – its (relatively) easy to travel from one to the other. We Irish travel abroad for Vitamin D – we need our guaranteed fix of heat and sun. Otherwise, we’ve everything that we’d ever want right here on our own doorstep.
There are limits to an Irish staycation – primarily the scope of travel. We don’t exactly have an extensive landmass to explore when we hop in our cars – the entire island is 32,000 sq miles and there’s hardly a destination more than 400kms (240miles) from Dublin.
Trivia Moment:
- Japan is about 5 times bigger than Ireland.
- France is about 8 times bigger than Ireland.
- Australia is about 110 times bigger than Ireland.
- Brazil is about 121 times bigger than Ireland.
- United States is about 140 times bigger than Ireland.
- Russia is about 202 times bigger than Ireland.
But we all know that what really matters is quality rather than quantity. And what we lack in scale here, we make up for in a wealth of stunning locations and fabulous historic landmarks. So I’m all fired up and ready to embrace the beauty and adventure on my own doorstep.
We are heading to County Kerry in Ireland’s southwest – mainly because, apart from a few flying visits for weddings and funerals, its been years since we spent any time there. And I’m preparing for this as I would for any expedition – I’ve made my lists, done my research, charged up the kindle and told the neighbours…..
(Skellig Islands, County Kerry)
What I love on any trip is:
- Self drive
- Sun
- Sea
- Walks
- Wildlife
- Historical / archaeological sites – the older the better
- Great food and drink that doesn’t totally drain the pension fund
- Charming but vibrant villages and towns
So – I’m expecting most of the above to be guaranteed. Number 2 would be a bonus but no one here heads off expecting good weather. Number 7? I hope so – I’ll get the great food and drink all right but this will definitely be our biggest expense.
Misgivings:
Its probably wrong to use such a word because I don’t actually have major doubts or concerns but off the top of my head…
This is probably the most popular destination in Ireland after Dublin. There won’t be many foreign visitors but half the country seems to be heading to Kerry over next few weeks.
Its a bank holiday weekend.
Beaches will be busy if the weather is good.
I’m assuming that the Kerry natives will be actually happy to see visitors arriving.
Pubs are only open if they serve food (this must be a “substantial meal” costing at least €9) and customers can only spend a maximum of one hour and 45 minutes in a premises at any one time. No live music, no standing at the bar……
Best to prebook restaurants which takes away an element of spontaneity.
I’ve packed tons of sanitizer, masks and gloves. If Dublin is anything to go by, every surface in the country has been scrubbed and deloused to the nth degree so I’ll be careful, but hopefully not paranoiac, re door handles, menus, etc.
(Banna Strand, County Kerry)
The Positives:
When flying anywhere – even London, I leave my house 3 hours before the flight (3.5 hrs if flying to the US). A 3 hour drive will bring us almost to Kerry!
Packing – for a pair who can go abroad for 2 weeks with just hand luggage, its incredible what we ‘have to’ pack for 6 nights. We’ve practically emptied our house into the boot of the car. We all know that when travelling in Ireland during the summer you pack for the 4 seasons but still….. (this doesn’t sound very ‘positive’ but its actually brilliant not having to pick and choose!!!)
I could dust off the halo and start preaching about the advantages of staycations for the local economy and the planet. But, as a dedicated globetrotter, it would be rather hypocritical considering I’d be off and away given half a chance!
Finally:
Although we’re just going ‘down the road’ I’ll have no problem disconnecting – I’ll rarely check my phone and might leave the laptop at home (of course we do have all that space in the car…!)
So – time to switch off and embrace the moment…..
Meanwhile, stay safe y’all. Talk soon again…..
Before you go…..
If staying put in Ireland this year, have a look at some of these ….
Half day trip from Dublin City to clear the head!
♫ If you go down to the woods today…..♪♪
The High Crosses of Monasterboice
The Ruins of Old Mellifont Abbey
Hotel Stay – Lough Erne Resort
Fermanagh – Ireland’s Lake District (off season!!)
Ireland’s Alcatraz – Spike Island
(Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry)
I think 2020 is the year of staycations! We are heading on one this weekend 🙂 Also I am mind blown that March 4th was 20 weeks ago!!
It sure is – have a great weekend. The months are galloping past aren’t they! XXXMarie
Thank you!! They sure are! Soon I’ll be putting up my Christmas tree 😂
Only 149 shopping days to Xmas !!!!!! 🎄🎄🎄 😅 😂 🤣
I love a road trip as you can take loads of stuff ..you can always picnic as well. We are off down south next week to South West Western Australia ..it’s going to be cold and maybe rainy but I’m determined to make the most of it
Have fun
Have a great trip – looks like we’re going to enjoy the same weather – only difference is that its your winter and our summer!!! 😅 😂
Looking forward to seeing your photos
We didn’t get great weather but I have a few nice photos for ya!!!
Enjoy your staycation
Thank you – really looking forward to a change of scene. XXXMarie
I have to say … I hate the artificial neologism ‘staycation’, even if used in its intended form. Back in the day, we simply called such a trip in one’s own country ‘holidays’! But then, very few people travelled overseas in those days … we even thought the Isle of Man ‘exotic’! 🙂 Enjoy the trip, anyway … !!
Holidays here were spent at home until the late 70’s. I’d say at this stage that most Irish spend their main holiday abroad and then enjoy shorter breaks here although European city breaks have mushroomed in the past decade. My parents travelled abroad very little but I think one of their first trips – early 80’s maybe – was to the Isle of Man!!
It’s all about the staycation this summer. I’ve planning on going on a road trip in a few weeks to explore more of my home province of Ontario. Have a wonderful time in Ireland. Looking forward to reading all about it.
Ontario looks stunning- I know you wrote about Killarney Park recently – I’ll be in the ‘real’ Killarney tomorrow!!!
So exciting!! When I was doing research for my trip to Killarney, if I didn’t add “provincial park” to my search, it would return links to the Ireland Killarney. So now I obviously want to go to the Ireland Killarney. Looking forward to reading about your adventures there! Have fun!
Thank you
Have a fab time Marie! Ive no doubt you packed a rain jacket or two !!! Mx
(PS I bought one )
I’m taking out the beach chairs and putting in my winter coat and extra wet gear!!! Looks like your new rain jacket is going to get lots of use!!! Well to wear……
Enjoy! I’m so jealous!
You have to admit you’ve had a great time this past few years!!! And you’ll get going again I’m sure. Meanwhile enjoy everything Minneapolis has to offer …. XXXMarie
Oh, I totally admit we’ve had a couple of great years and will no doubt have more so we are luckier than most. But the best thing those of us in America can do right now is stay home. There is far too much virus circulating in the US to be out and about. I’m jealous of those countries that did things right and now are able to enjoy their summers.
You’re right – I’d be reluctant at the moment to travel in the US. This is the first year in a while that we haven’t been there – hopefully we’ll get back soon –
I’m looking forward to reading of your ‘adventures’, well, anecdotes. Your picture of the Skelligs reminded me of my own last trip there with my husband when he was alive. It was the time of the Bishop ??? scandal (must be 20 years ago?) and everywhere we went it was the sole topic of conversation. And by the time we got back to my mother’s place they were drowing in prayers and novenas.
Bishop Casey -That was such a scandal!!!! I’d say the people of Kerry must have been gutted.
That was the one. My English husband thought it was hilarious. At our hotel in Kerry the manageress was so distraught she came and sat down at our table as we were having breakfast and poured herself a cup of tea from his pot before launching into a “What’ll we ever do OMG….” Then when we got to Newry we had it all over again, in spades. Scandals just aren’t the same these days, are they?
Ah …. the good old days!!!! 😅 😂 🤣
Staycations are the way to go at the moment so we might as well make the most of them 🙂 Have a wonderful time!
Thank you Linda – will do….
Some of our fondest memories come from staycations within 30 km of home. I can think of few finer countries, than Ireland to enjoy a staycation Marie. Hopefully we all get to spread our wings again before too long. Allan
You’re absolutely right of course, its all beautiful here…. But!!.. here we are – almost a year since I wrote this!!! And HOPING to get a staycation this summer!! Unbelievable!