The luscious natural landscapes and the warm cozy nights in quaint little pubs that Ireland has to offer make it a great place to live. Why bother blowing your budget on a package holiday overseas when you can explore the many places nearby that you may not have had a chance to visit in a long time, if at all? After all, we are all guilty of taking where we live for granted, no matter how lovely it happens to be.

If you are planning a staycation this year, here are some of the most scenic places you might want to visit on the island of Ireland. Travel by bus, train, or car… and don’t forget to take your camera!

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway holds a great legend tale that your kids will love. Legend says that Finn McCool, an Irish giant, built the Giant’s Causeway as a bridge to get to Scotland to fight a Scottish giant called Benandonner. The Giant’s Causeway was actually a result of a volcanic eruption which then created these hexagonal rocks. It lies in the beautiful County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The easiest way to travel to the Giant’s Causeway is by car.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are monumental natural cliffs looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean. It may sound ordinary, but it is one of the most visited attractions in Ireland because of the sheer size of these great steep rocks, reaching 120 metres. They are located on the west coast of Ireland in County Clare. There is also a visitors’ center so that you and your family can learn about the history of these mesmerizing cliffs.

The Rock of Cashel

Dating back to the fourth or fifth centuries, the Rock of Cashel housed the Kings of Munster, who used the site as a fortress. It has a strong, elegant, yet ghostly feel to it that you are sure to remember. There are free forty-five minute tours which are very family-friendly. It is located in County Tipperary, on beautiful open luscious green lands.

Dublin

How could we not include the capital of Ireland? The city is full of character, full of life and is a wonderful day out with the family. Whether you are visiting the infamous Guinness Storehouse, the stunning St Patrick’s Cathedral, or the prehistoric Dublin Castle, there is never a dull day in Dublin. The only downside with Dublin is that because it is a popular tourist spot, prices overall have skyrocketed, but we think it is worth it for the brilliant vibrant city experience.

Before you start planning trips, it might be a good idea to upgrade your car insurance to a fully comprehensive insurance policy, in order to ensure you have the maximum amount of cover you might need – you can compare quotes for this at compareni.com.

The island of Ireland is a wonderful place to live. With so many amazing places to visit within easy traveling distance by car, a staycation is guaranteed to be much more fun than flying abroad for a week in the sun this year.