Recreation

Ireland offers number of options for recreational activities. These range from bird watching, cycling, cruising, equestrian, fishing, hiking & walking to horse & dog racing. Ireland has number of nature reserves and bird observatories. Some of the places that bird watchers must visit are Cape Clear Bird Observatory, Mayo National Park, Tory Island, The Murrough and Kilcoole Marsh.

Cycling

Cycling in Ireland can be an adventurous and leisurely way of enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the country. You can make use of the various cycling tours made available by numerous tour operators. The tours are for a round trip or a one-way journey and are for both the experts and the beginners. If you are an independent cyclist, you can rent a bike and go on a self led tour. You also have the option of being a part of any group cycling tour. There are a number of challenges organized throughout the island for recreational cyclists. These vary in distance from 25km to 600km.

Cruising

Cruising in Ireland gives you an opportunity to see parts of Ireland that are accessible only by boats. Cruising can be relaxing and a splendid way to explore the countryside. It is open to all tourists above 18 years of age and does not call for any experience. The fundamentals of cruising can be learnt in a relatively short period. You can either avail of a one way cruise which starts at one point and ends at the other, or a round trip cruise which starts and ends at the same point.

Horse riding

Ireland has some of the best breeds of horses to accommodate your equestrian interests. Well-trained ponies and horses are found for trekking, hacking, trail or cross-country riding. The various breed of horses include the Irish draught horse, the Connemara pony and the Irish Cob horse.

Fishing

Ireland is a fisherman's delight, as it consists of more than 3000 miles of coastline, 7000 miles of riverbank and thousands of lakes and bogs. Its marine environment, which is partly warmed by the Atlantic Drift, provides an excellent breeding ground for both the cold and warm water species. The best part is that fishing in Ireland is absolutely free and can be a great way of relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the country. Game, Coarse and Sea fishing are the three main types of angling in Ireland. Sea fishing is the most spectacular, as more than 80 varieties of saltwater fish can be caught in Irish waters. Popular species of saltwater fish include Mackerel, Mullet, Whiting, Plaice, Turbot, Shark, Cod, Flounder, Wrasse and Bass.

Ireland is known for its excellent game fishing. Angling for Trout, Sea Trout and Salmon are conducted in Ireland's serene lakes, rivers and streams. Seasons for game fishing vary according to the region and species. The most common coarse species in Ireland are Bream, Rudd, Pike, Trench, Perch and Roach.

Hiking

Walking and hiking are important sources of recreation. You can go on a walk independently or be a part of the walking tours that are conducted in various towns. Some of these are guided walking and hiking tours in Limerick City, Offaly way, Grand Canal way and the Slieve Bloom way. The walking tours can take you through the historical sites or expose you to the scenic splendor of Ireland.

Horseracing and the various festivities that accompany them are exciting and are the ultimate source of recreation. The jockeys are well trained to get the most out of their horses and provide a world-class excitement at the racecourse. If interested in dog racing, you have a variety of Greyhound Racing Tracks to go to, in Ireland. Usually there are eight to ten races per evening at fifteen-minute intervals.