Ireland is a part of the UK that I must admit, I haven’t explored anywhere near as much as I wish I had. Don’t worry, though, because once permitted to do so, I do intend on rectifying that.
On the times when I have visited Ireland, I’ve left wanting to return and can safely say that I enjoyed every minute of my stay. The locals are incredibly friendly, welcoming, and charismatic, the scenery is stunning, the towns and cities are steeped in culture and history, and the atmosphere in general is like nowhere else in the world.
Each time I visited Ireland, it didn’t matter where in the country I visited, or the time of year, I found that it was more than a little wet. With the temperamental Atlantic weather rolling in off the coast, it isn’t uncommon for Ireland to see more than its fair share of wind and rain, even during the summer months, which can put a dampener on your break if you aren’t careful.
if you are planning on enjoying a summer holiday in Ireland, just be aware that blue skies and hot sunshine isn’t always guaranteed. Worry not, though, because I have compiled a list of 7 things to do in Ireland for when it is raining.
Visit the Guinness Stonehouse Brewery
Okay, hands up who honestly thought I’d compile an article about Ireland and NOT talk about Guinness?
This world-famous stout is memorable not only for its delicious flavour, but also for its stunning appearance and the contrast between the dark colour of the stout and the white and frothy head which is recognisable throughout the world.
In fact, Guinness itself is a beverage synonymous with Ireland, which is why its only fitting that you book a tour of the Guinness Stonehouse Brewery if you find yourself in Dublin on a wet and dreary day.
This brewery is top of most people’s list of attractions to visit in Ireland, regardless of the weather, which is why I’ve included it first. From the moment you see that enormous pint glass outside, you just know this vast building dedicated solely to the production of the black stuff is going to be special.
Book your tour and you won’t be disappointed. You’ll even get a complimentary pint of Guinness at the end, so what could be better than that?
Try to keep your footing at Dundonald Ice Bowl
Ice and summer generally don’t go together, unless it’s ice cubes in your drink to help keep you cool. Despite this, though, if you’re near Dundonald and find that the heavens have opened and you aren’t sure where to escape to, Dundonald Ice Bowl is ideal.
This indoor skating rink is perfect for fans of ice skating, plus there’s also bowling, arcades, Snowman and Penguin skating, and other attractions such as Indiana Land, that you and the kids will love.
Try not to sink at the Titanic Belfast
Everybody knows the tragic story of the Titanic, right? Well, if you are interested in this and wish to learn more about the ill-fated cruise liner, why not visit the very site that the ship was built upon?
The Titanic Belfast is one of the world’s most popular attractions, hosting nine interactive and interpretive galleries, dedicated not only to the ship herself, but also to the city and the individials who created her.
Here you’ll see artefacts, galleries, displays, and encounter smells, sights, sounds, and stories dedicated to the world’s most famous cruise liner. Be warned, though, this is not a quick in and out job, so once you drop anchor, you will be there for a good few hours, making it the perfect way to kill a wet and windy summer’s afternoon.
Spend the afternoon and probably the evening too, in a pub
Without getting too generalized or stereotypical, the Irish have a reputation for liking a drink or two, and knowing how to party.
If it’s throwing it down with rain and you want to stay nice and warm and dry, simply walk or get a taxi to a pub, or pubs, that you like the look of and spend your day enjoying fine beverages, homecooked meals, and experiencing the world famous Irish “Craic” that people always talk about.
You don’t need to get tipsy, you don’t even need to drink alcohol if you like, as the atmosphere inside most Irish pubs is like nothing you get back home.
Of course, if you do enjoy a drink or several, be ready for the hangover the next morning, which brings me to…
Enjoy traditional Irish grub
The reason I mentioned hangovers before leading on to this next suggestion is simply due to the fact that everybody knows that a cooked breakfast is the only cure for a hangover.
I’m not saying you need to be hungover to enjoy Irish food of course because you don’t. All you need to be is hungry.
If you want to start your day off right, a full Irish breakfast consisting of sausages, baked beans, bacon, black pudding, white pudding, bubble and squeak, fried bread, tomatoes, and mushrooms will certainly do that.
If however, you want to wait until dinner, how about a traditional pub lunch consisting of homemade soup with soda bread, followed by an Irish beef ribeye steak, accompanied by buttery and creamy colcannon or champ?
Head underground and explore the caves
If its grey, wet, and dismal on land, how about escaping underground and exploring some caves instead?
Ireland’s rugged coast and countryside is home to some of the most fascinating and vast cave systems in all of Europe, and if you want to get out and try something new, a guided tour through one of the many cave systems in Ireland is perfect.
The Dunmore Caves, The Marble Arch Caves, and the Ailwee Cave are all very popular tourist attractions.
A word of advice, though, if you do plan on visiting the caves, make sure you don’t watch the horror movie The Descent, the night before.
Try an Escape Room in Dublin
Finally, if you want a great way to have fun while escaping the weather in Dublin, head on over to Adventure Rooms in Dublin, and try your hand at escaping.
These escape rooms are great as you can basically work together in teams of 2, up to 14, with the sole purpose of solving puzzles in order to escape from a variety of different rooms before your time expires.
With Games such as ‘Mafia’ and ‘Black Queen’ along with ‘Original Swiss’ there’s plenty of choice to be had here. In fact, if it is forecast to be wet and dismal all day long, why not try 2 experiences instead, with lunch thrown in for good measure?
Ireland is a place that you should see at least once in your life. Even though the weather can be unpredictable, you’ll surely have a great time!
Until next time stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!
