Michelle on the Claire Byrne Show on Newstalk May 18th 2026
We often think we have to travel far away to see the exotic or fantastic but there’s lots happening around Ireland this summer. I’ve put together a few of my favourite adventure activities over the last year.
You don’t have to go on a cruise in Alaska to see whales and amazing sea mammals. Voted the number one activity on the peninsula on TripAdvisor, and consistently named in the top 10 experiences in all of Ireland, this is a genuinely world-class adventure on our own doorstep. What makes it so special? It’s entirely family-run all about the experience from start to finish!
The Flannery family, Jimmy, Bridget, and their sons Jamie and Colm, are all involved. Dad Jimmy was telling me that he knew fungi well and he used to come up to his boat everyday.
That knowledge, that passion, that care runs right through every tour the family delivers.
You jump aboard a fast, thrilling RIB – boat and head out along one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe, past majestic sea cliffs, into mysterious sea caves, out toward the Great Blasket Island. Some will have memories of Peig Sawyers from their school books. Depending on the season, you might spot seals, puffins, dolphins, or even a minke whale, basking sharks and if you are very lucky humpback whales. I went with the family last summer and we were followed by a pod of 4 mink whales and many more dolphins.
If you want to hire the boat privately for your group, a birthday, a family occasion, Private Hire is €800 for up to 12 people.
And if you’re looking for something truly elevated, the VIP Bespoke Experience offers a sheltered, luxury vessel for up to 8 people at €700.
I was staying at the fabulous Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa Resort in March and happened to meet Husband and wife team Conor and Celine of Gormu offer eco tours on electric bikes and swims. We cycled intoCclonakilty and saw Micheal Collins house etc but he told me about a very interesting experience that happens from mid-July until mid-October.
They organise small-group (8 max) and storytelling-led swims also, with a real focus on the atmosphere of the West Cork coastline after dark rather than extreme adventure. It is priced at €97pp, which includes hot drinks, snacks, wetsuits, 2 guides and all safety equipment. They find people come for the baraois, the local term for bioluminescence, but it’s the fireside storytelling session that stays with them.
Gormú eBike Tours are small-group guided adventures along the West Cork coastline using premium electric bikes. The tours combine scenery, local history, folklore, placenames (and food stops on some tours), taking guests out along quiet bóithríní and coastal routes that most visitors would never normally find. The electric bikes make the experience accessible on our hilly West Cork roads to a wide range of ages and abilities. Prices range from €74pp to €134pp depending on the tour and inclusions.
You don’t need to trek the Andes to meet exotic animals – I was up in Donegal a couple of years ago and met John McGonagle who has made this family run business Wild Alpaca Way one of the best attractions in Donegal on the Inishowen peninsula. Set along the breathtaking coastline of Malin Head on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Wild Alpaca Way is a multi award-winning visitor experience, proudly recognised as Donegal Tourist Attraction of the Year. This unique family-run attraction has become one of the most talked-about destinations in the northwest, offering visitors the chance to meet and walk with over 50 friendly alpacas while taking in some of the most spectacular views in Ireland.
Designed for all ages, Wild Alpaca Way is perfect for families, couples, groups, and animal lovers looking for a memorable experience during their time in Donegal. Guided alpaca walks lead guests through beautiful countryside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, creating the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable scenery. The oldest participant they’ve seen was 94.
The alpacas themselves are gentle, curious, and full of personality with fantastic names like Banba and Mojo and Ted, making them especially popular with children and families. Visitors are welcomed by the McGonagle family, whose passion and hospitality help create a warm and authentic atmosphere from the moment guests arrive.
Adult tickets are priced at €22.50, offering excellent value for a truly unique Irish experience.
Moving to lovely Mayo in the west. The Wild Atlantic Way has 2,600km of some of the finest coast in the world – there’s so much to see you can only take a short nugget at a time to savour and enjoy all that there is on offer. I’ve spent a spectacular few days in Mayo exploring the landscapes and local islands by bike. The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a combined bike and ferry route looping magical Clew Bay in Co. Mayo, including both Clare Island and Achill Island and about 105km in total. The trail includes two short ferry journeys, one from Roonagh Pier, near Louisburgh to Clare Island and the other from Clare Island to Cloughmore near Achill Sound. The Clew Bay Bike Trail can start at any point and can be cycled in either direction. I was led on a tour by Rachel of Rachel’s Irish Adventures. check out her website to book a bespoke tour https://rachelsirishadventures.com/. More info website https://www.clewbaybiketrail.ie/
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