As the Irish government continue to advise people not to travel abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic, many Irish influencers have been enjoying what our own country has to offer by going on staycations.
Roz Purcell, Louise Cooney, Rosie Connolly, Holly Carpenter, Niamh Cullen, Aideen Kate and Aoife Walsh are just some of the Irish stars who have enjoyed breaks away without stepping onto a plane.
We rounded up some of their most stunning trips so far:
Roz Purcell – Dingle, Co. Kerry
Roz Purcell has often ventured around Ireland as part of her Hike Life adventure, picking out the best mountains and viewpoints the country has to offer.
Last month, the former Miss Universe Ireland and her boyfriend Zach Desmond payed a visit to Dingle in Co. Kerry – where they filled their days exploring beaches, mountains, and visiting Fungi on a boat ride.
The 29-year-old documented her trip on Instagram, and ensured her followers that their experience with social distancing guidelines in the shops and restaurants was “really positive”.
Roz and Zac stayed in a cosy Airbnb cottage with their dog Wilko, and they also hiked Ireland’s second highest mountain range Mount Brandon.
The couple also headed up to Dunmore Head, which is one of Ireland’s most Westerly points, and enjoyed a beautiful day at Coumeenole beach.
Louise Cooney, The Mourne Mountains, Co. Down
It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for Louise Cooney, after she was forced to move back home to Limerick from her new home in New York as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But that didn’t stop the 27-year-old from making the most of a bad situation, as she embarked on trips around her home country – including a stay in a luxurious cottage located in the heart of the Mourne Mountains.
Joined by her close friend Dearbhla Toal (aka Belle Azzure), Louise temporarily retreated to the Tara’s Hill Cottages where they enjoyed painting and prosecco, charcuterie boards, and some of the best views from the Down mountain range.
The duo climbed to the top of the Slieve Binian Mountains, stopping at the Ben Crom Reservoir to “take in the views”.
Following the hike, the girls enjoyed lunch with a view at the Carrick Cottage Cafe before watching the sunset while painting their stunning surroundings.
“Summer 2020 will be one to remember….the summer of staycations & extra time with family and friends,” Louise shared on Instagram.
Holly Carpenter – Co. Kilkenny
Next up is former Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter, who recently enjoyed a trip to Kilkenny.
The Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model star enjoyed everything from a top-class stay in the Lyrath Hotel, to horse riding.
The model shared videos of herself kayaking as well as enjoying dinner and drinks.
The LoveLift owner also stayed in the luxurious Mount Juliet Estate, where she shared photos of the stunning grounds.
Rosie Connolly – Glaslough, Co. Monaghan
Rosie Connolly recently enjoyed a staycation in Monaghan with her husband Paul Quinn, their children Harry and Remi, and her step-son Reuben.
The family-of-five retreated to a self catering lodge in Glaslough, where they enjoyed pizzas in Ambledown Cottage and icecreams from the award-winning Pocono.
They also enjoyed a walk in the beautiful Rossmore Forest Park, where Rosie shared a rare family selfie.
The blonde beauty admitted that “sometimes getting out of our usual routines and into the fresh air is all you need”, as the family explored the beautiful town.
Rosie also expressed her admiration for the flowers that surrounded her home for the weekend, saying that she could not recommend the break away enough.
Niamh Cullen –Â Kilkee, Co. Clare
Niamh Cullen and her boyfriend Jamie Gill enjoyed a romantic getaway to the West of Ireland last week, as they journeyed over to Co. Clare.
The couple drove along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping off at some of Clare’s most gorgeous cliffs with breathtaking views.
Niamh showed her followers the “stunning” scenic drive along the coast road, from Spanish Point to Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher, where she shared photographs from Ireland’s most famous cliffs.
After taking in the views from above, the couple stopped off at The Quilty Tavern in Ennis – where Niamh enjoyed a creamy pint of Guinness.
The 27-year-old also showed off her surfing skills alongside her two rescue dogs.
Aideen Kate – Doolin, Co. Clare
Aideen Kate and her boyfriend Dave Kelly were joined by fellow makeup artist Keilidh Cashell and Darren Kavanagh on a couple’s staycation to Ireland’s traditional music capital.
Located near the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, the couples explored all that the coastal village has to offer – including a trip out to the Aran Islands.
They even ventured outside of their base at the Fiddle + Bow Collection of holiday cottages to climb Croagh Patrick in Mayo.
Aideen was relaxed to the max as she enjoyed a bath with a glass of wine with the most gorgeous views, also enjoying a spa day while visiting the nearby town of Westport.
While in Mayo, the foursome climbed Minaun Cliffs and visiting Bertra Strand.
They also visited one of the most beautiful beaches – Keem Bay – which was voted the 11th best in the world by Big 7 Travel last year.
Aoife Walsh – Connemara, Co. GalwayÂ
Aoife Walsh wasn’t going to let the coronavirus stop her from enjoying what would have been her wedding day, as she decided to enjoy a staycation in the beautiful Ballynahinch Castle Hotel.
Aoife and her fiancé Gary decided to sit out and watch the sunset at Roundstone Beach, on the what would have been the day of their rehearsal dinner.
While enjoying the pink skies, the couple came across four white ponies, and Aoife said: “It turned a sad evening into something magical and created special memories for us.”
The couple then returned to Roundstone Beach to enjoy a romantic picnic – enjoying soup, sandwiches and fresh fruit from their fairytale castle.
Aoife ensured her followers that the hotel were strict on their safety measures, with a contactless check-in and temperature check on arrival.
The 31-year-old was also treated to a wine and cheese night – courtesy of her bridesmaids.
