When was the last time you packed a picnic basket, bundled everyone into the car and hit the open road?
A new survey by Keogh’s Farm has found that 60 per cent of Irish people have been on at least one picnic in the past 12 months, and 95 per cent of us plan to attend at one picnic this summer.
With that in mind, check out the fantastic array of picnic locations below. How many have you been to?
1. Phoenix Park, Dublin
Our fair capital city is home to one of Europe’s largest parks, and it’s also our top destination for the perfect picnic. Do some deer-spotting, check out the Phoenix monument and a whole lot more before you get down to the serious business of eating and drinking al fresco.
2. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
Sitting pretty in the heart of the Wicklow mountains, Glendalough is hands down Ireland’s most scenic picnic spot. Enjoy your snacks and sambos in the most beautiful surroundings imaginable. The perfect summer day out.
3. Fota Wildlife Park, Cork
The sprawling resort is our pick of the bunch in Co. Cork. Ruck into your crisps and hang sangwiches and watch giraffes, monkeys and lots more fascinating creatures stroll by. Everyone needs to do this at least once in their lifetime!
4. Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
Named Ireland’s ‘Best Day Out’ earlier this summer, Killarney National Park is brimming with great activities. From hiking and kayaking to visiting Ross Castle or Muckross House, there’s plenty to keep you entertained after your picnic!
5. Burren National Park, Co. Clare
The distinctive karst landscape of the Burren is like nowhere else in Ireland. Soak in the unique surroundings and dine in the open air. When you’re suitably stuffed, head down the road to the Flaggy Shore to walk off the picnic treats. Stop in at Kinvara or Ballyvaughn on your way home to pick up a 99. Bliss.
6. Irish National Stud & Gardens, Co. Kildare
The home of Ireland’s thoroughbred industry, the stud is the place in Kildare to enjoy a great day out. Feast your eyes on the sumptuous Japanese gardens and take a stroll through the incredible stables. The perfect place to throw down the picnic blanket and crack open some treats.
7. Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny
A really delightful place to set up camp for the day. Explore the extensive woodland trails around the castle and keep an eye (and an ear) out for some Irish wildlife. The walkways are surrounded by two trout-filled lakes with a pretty picnic area and boat house dotted around its edges. Just gorgeous.
8. Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage Site is on our bucket list to visit this year. And we’ll definitely be packing a picnic. Explore the array of hexagonal basalt columns dipping beneath the waves of the sea before settling in for some picnic delights.
9. Kylemore Abbey, Co. Galway
Nestled in the heart of Connemara, the setting of Kylemore Abbey hasto be seen to be believed. Pack your favourite sambos, park up and find the perfect spot in the grounds where you can admire the stunning abbey whilst munching on your picnic.
10. Hill of Tara, Co. Meath
The Hill of Tara is home to endless ancient monuments and fantastic views. Find a corner, sit back, relax and take in the beautiful scenery at one of the most well-known historical sites in Ireland.
Happy picknicking!
The newly-launched Keogh’s Farm Favourite Multipacks and entire Keogh’s Crisps range are available now in stores nationwide, RRP €3.69 and are the perfect picnic accompaniment. To plan your Keogh’s #PerfectPicnic and win weekly picnic hampers head over to the Perfect Picnic planning hub. Don’t forget to follow @KeoghsFarm on Twitter and Instagram!
