Looking for something to do in Ireland?
I’ll start this by saying that this post applies to tourists coming to Ireland on vacation or holiday, and to our own “staycationers” who are brave enough to holiday at home. It’s written as a broad, practical guide for getting the most out of your time here, whatever the weather. If you do happen to find yourself in Kerry at any point, many of these ideas apply just as well there too.
Note: This post was originally published on my main woodturning site. I’ve moved it here as it fits better alongside my other Ireland and local guide posts.
If your plans bring you to Tralee, I’ve also put together a relaxed local guide to evening meals in town, ideal after a day of woodturning or exploring Kerry.
Looking for something to do in Ireland?
Are you specifically looking for something to do in Ireland this year or even next year if are planning really far ahead? We've all been on holidays/vacations before and done the hotel thing, the beach thing and the sightseeing thing. The same old drudgery with the same predictable results. Long drives sightseeing, an hour at a location here and there, photos, walking and the inevitable drive back to your accommodation. Drinks in the hotel, Dinner in the hotel and then bed, sound familiar? I should mention that it rains in Ireland from time to time and you might need some indoor entertainment to keep you occupied. Hotels are real boring places on rainy days. I've been there, I know!
Airbnb Experiences are what now?
With the introduction of Airbnb worldwide and also more recently Airbnb Experiences the landscape is changing and tourists are now discovering that they can do something unique while on holidays and far removed from the old status quo holiday activities. There are things to do in Ireland that even I in my life experience so far have never before considered. Search 'Airbnb Experiences Kerry' to see what I mean.
I’ve also written separately about how Airbnb’s review system works, and why it matters so much for small experience hosts, both for guests booking and hosts offering something personal.
My Woodturning Experiences are perfect for those who wish to diverge from the road most travelled. I currently offer 3 Experiences via my website to suit all budgets and give you a different flavour of what I do. I'll give a brief outline here below and you can go and check out the linked listings for more info if your interest is piqued. If you choose to do one of the Experiences in the morning, the rest of the day is still yours to do what you want.
Woodturning Experiences
Option 1) The 'Try it Out Experience' The least expensive one, where you get to turn a cylinder by yourself with my supervision. Time 1.5 hrs approx.
Option 2) The 'Ornament Making Experience' This is where you get to sand, colour, seal, wax embellish and gloss a hanging ornament that I turn for you. Time 2 hrs approx.
Option 3) The previous 2 Experiences Combined. The best of both worlds which runs about 3 hours and is the most expensive version I offer. Time 3 hrs approx.
Try Woodturning – A Unique Experience Awaits!
So why would you do any Woodturning or Ornament Making? Why not, I ask you; what have you got to lose? It is something that you may never again do in your lifetime, so why not try it out at least once and in the Workshop of a professional Woodturner where you are bound to get an old insight or two. You're on holidays in Ireland, why not work with a piece of Irish Wood. A piece I might add that you get to take home with you boasting of your new found prowess on a Lathe.
Quite often I meet people who don't know what Woodturning is at all. I get some people that think pottery is a close description but I can assure you that the two disciplines are very different. Come to one of my Experiences and I will show you all the behind the scenes bits and pieces.
A Great Experience for those Interested in Woodcraft
If your partner, husband, wife has an interest in Woodworking then this can be a special surprise during your vacation. I get many couples visiting where it is a complete surprise to the other person and they are amazed by all the machines and tools. The reactions to what they are there for can be quite funny to watch and the Experiences are always enjoyed. You can also arrange for a private tuition class for your other half while you go shopping or whatnot. You could always try the two person private tuition option.
I recently made a vertical video for Airbnb, YouTube Shorts & TikTok. Here is the pre-uploaded version but you can watch the YouTube version Ornament Making Experience Video here or the TikTok version of the Ornament Making Experience here
I also created a more recent, better quality version on my YouTube Channel David Condon Woodcraft, you can view that below here.
A Final Thought
For those Tourists that have come to Ireland, your first break since Covid came on the scene; I can only apologize. Hotels and Car Hire companies are actively price gouging and that is having a detrimental effect on all Irish businesses. A small few are doing this with wide far reaching consequences.
Hotels made accommodation extremely difficult again in 2022 and 2023 by charging ridiculous rates for rooms and that will only come back to bite them and unfortunately the rest of us small business owners next year!
2026
I was just updating this post for 2026 and there is again a shortage of beds around the country due to the government housing Ukrainians and migrants so we will be under pressure once again. 2026 is expected to be more of the same due to Irish government mismanagement.
Visit the West of Ireland!
The West of Ireland is a great place where you will find many great deals if you shop around a bit. Many tourists feel they have to go to Dublin during their visit. Dublin is very expensive city and you pay a premium on everything so head west or even better still; head south west and end up in Kerry where you will be treated like royalty in the Kingdom!
See you soon!
Thanks for Reading,
David
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About the Author
I’m David Condon, a small business owner and blog writer based in Tralee, Co. Kerry. Running my own woodcraft business means I’ve seen first-hand how much confusion there can be around shipping times, delivery dates, and what “business days” actually mean. That’s why I wrote this post — to share a bit of what I’ve learned and hopefully save you some frustration.
Every so often I step outside the workshop to write about wider business topics like this one. If you’d like to know more, you can follow the link in the Note from the Author section below or visit my About Me page to learn more.
💬 Note from the Author
This post was written specially for David Condon Finds. If you enjoyed it, you might also like my other projects:
Phoenix DVD Blog – where I write about DVDs, Blu-rays, and life as a collector
David Condon Woodcraft – my main site focused on woodturning and handmade Irish pieces
If you’d like to support my writing, you can do so through the Buy Me a Coffee button below. It helps keep these side projects going — thank you!
Like what you're reading? You can buy me a coffee — sure it’s cheaper than a pint!
Original content © David Condon Finds — Written by David Condon. Please credit and link if shared.
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