Discover quirky Irish experiences that will help you press pause
Goat meditation session, Kinedale Donkeys, Ballynahinch, Co. Down
Moments of playfulness, immersion in nature and connection to place can be grounding experiences that resonate with travellers long after their journey has ended. In Ireland there are many opportunities to enjoy unrushed, off-beat adventures from walks with wolfhounds to foraging and fairy folklore.
Wolfhounds are Ireland’s national dog, intricately linked with its history and mythology. The Irish Wolfhound Experience invites you to meet a pack of majestic wolfhounds and walk with them and their owner through St Stephen’s Green in Dublin, learning about the breed and their importance in Irish history as you enjoy a slow ramble through one of the city’s popular green spaces. A great way to connect with nature and Irish heritage as part of your Dublin city break.
2. Relax in an outdoor sauna, with added goats
The Goat House Sauna in County Laois is a top-class, wood-fired outdoor sauna and cold plunge that provides a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The sauna sits in quiet countryside, visible through its floor-to-ceiling window, adding a further calming dimension. But the standout element is the herd of pygmy goats whose playful antics outside the sauna imbue the experience with pure joy.
3. Embrace a world of woodland wonder
Led by a folklorist and eighth‑generation Bean Feasa (wise woman), this walking workshop blends wild foraging, tree lore, pagan tradition and the mystical stories tied to Ireland’s ancient fairy forts. As you move gently through Courtown Woods in County Wexford, tasting herbs, listening to myths and learning the secrets of the forest, you will find yourself reconnecting to the earth’s natural rhythms.
Courtown Woods, County Wexford
4. Meditate with donkeys and goats
While many people practice meditation, far fewer get the chance to discover how goats and donkeys can lead you to serenity. At Kinedale Donkeys, in the rolling countryside of County Down, you can take part in a Goat Meditation session which includes interacting with these playful animals before doing guided deep breathing exercises. Follow this with a calming Donkey Trek along scenic trails, which is part meditation, part slow walking – perfect for soothing body and mind.
5. Listen to fireside folklore
Gather around the fireside in one of the Storytelling Houses of Wexford to listen to folklore, music and local tales. These free sessions, held across the county in tucked-away rural places, are a connection to Ireland’s strong oral storytelling tradition and community roots. Join in or simply sit back and listen and be transported to bygone days when the pace of life was slower. Then share a cup of tea and a bun with locals.
6. Combine knitting and sightseeing
Knitting is a tactile, meditative activity and one that is rooted in tradition. On a guided Knitting Tour in Ireland, you get the chance to learn from master knitters in workshops, visit local wool and yarn outlets, enjoy craft demonstrations and tour some of the island’s most stunning landscapes and historic attractions. The experience combines hands-on textile experiences with listening to stories from Irish makers as well as simply sharing the joy of knitting with your group.
7. Immerse yourself in forest bathing
Head for the magnificent ancient oak forest in Glengarriff Nature Reserve, County Cork, and give yourself the gift of time spent quietly immersed in nature. The forest bathing experience begins with a guided nature meditation to awaken the senses to the sounds, scents and sights of the forest. A gentle wander through the forest then helps to still the mind and deeply connect you with your surroundings. A traditional tea ceremony using local foraged plants from the forest completes the experience.
Seal Rescue Ireland, Courtown, Co Wexford
8. Enjoy a feel-good seal experience
Take part in a Seal Feed & Enrichment Experience at Courtown Harbour in County Wexford. The Seal Rescue Ireland experience lets you join marine rescuers for a gentle, hands‑on session preparing food and learning how the seals are rehabilitated. The incredible experience also includes feeding the seals and watching them show off their skills in the pool. A unique experience that also supports conservation.