If you’re looking for somewhere that has it all this Summer, look no further than the Munster Vales, an incredible 1,100-kilometre stretch of olden routes and timeworn trails through the counties of Waterford, Tipperary, Cork and Limerick.
Summer Holidays in the Munster Vales
There’s so much to do, see, eat, drink and experience around the Munster Vales that you’ll need to plan your visit over a few days so that you can fully experience all that it has to offer.
If you’re a couple or a solo traveller that enjoys hiking and the great outdoors, you can hike to the five highest points of the Munster Vales – encompassing the Comeragh, Knockmealdown, Galtee, Ballyhoura and Nagles mountain ranges.
Munster Vales has plenty of activities and sites that are certain to keep everyone entertained. We’ve selected a few of our top highlights and attractions, but you can also create your own tailor-made trip.
Get Active
If you want to get active then you need to experience St. Declan’s Way, a pilgrim walking route which takes you all the way from St Declan’s Monastery in Ardmore, Waterford to the Rock of Cashel. Stop at the Round Tower where St Declan built his monastery, and take a walk along the coastal cliff path to drink in the incredible views.
When you get to Lismore, make sure you stop off at Lismore Heritage Centre and Lismore Castle Gardens where you can learn more about the significance of the historical buildings and then take the trail along the River Suir, past the Swiss Cottage and Cahir Park Gardens as far as Cahir, see here.
You’ll definitely love a visit to the Liscarroll Donkey Sancturay in Cork. Here you can book some time at the open farm and check out how Lockdown Lockie, the foal, is getting on. Afterwards, stop by Thatch and Thyme Café to sample their luscious salads, creamy chowder and big, wholesome bakes, see here.
Explore History and Heritage
There are also plenty of places to learn about the history and heritage of Munster Vales such as the beautiful Lough Gur in Limerick. Lough Gur is a shallow lake measuring 3.5 meters at its deepest level. The exhibition in the visitor centre provides an overview of one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites and is the only area in the country where you can see visible evidence of every age since Neolithic times, see here.
Ormond Castle in Tipperary is the finest example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland. Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormond, built it in 1565 in honour of his distant cousin Queen Elizabeth. Audiovisuals and technological installations bring the castle’s intriguing history to life while you explore The Long Gallery and The Earl’s Chamber. Admission is free but pre-booking is advised, see here.
Value Places to Stay
You can stay at Hotel Minella in Tipperary from €600.00 (total stay) with their ‘Midweek Double Package’ (Based on two adults sharing). You can enjoy three nights in the spacious king room with stunning river or mountain views with full Tipperary breakfast each morning and complimentary 1/2 bottle of prosecco in your room on arrival. You’ll also get to visit the Minella Racing Stables with entry to Fethard Horse Museum (Subject to availability & opening hours) along with full access to Club Minella Leisure Centre, book here.
Or you can stay at the Charleville Park Hotel in Cork from €185.00 per night with their ‘Stay & Dine’ package. You’ll get to stay in a luxurious room with a delicious breakfast and a two-course dinner included. You’ll also get to experience the Leisure Centre which has a pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room & gym, book here.
Make 2022 the year you experienced all Munster Vales has to offer!
