Rediscover Day Trips

Here at Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel we make planning day trips easy. Located in the heart of County Tipperary we are a fantastic location for a great day out for those looking to explore some of Ireland’s Ancient East, The Hidden Heartlands and the Wild Atlantic Way.

From wild winding coastal roads to high mountain passes and from gentle lakeside rides to day trips through endless lush green valleys, we have compiled some of the best driving routes and popular sights all within one or two hours of our hotel. Not only do you get great scenery at every turn, but you also experience this part of Ireland’s rural villages, pubs, local people, ancient history, heritage, mythology and ancient trading and pilgrim paths. You will have plenty of stories to tell on your return from your break away to Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel.

So, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or making memories as a family, we have the perfect day trips compiled for you.

Day Trips from the Heart of Tipperary

Planning the perfect day trip itinerary does not have to be stressful or overwhelming as we here at Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel have explored these destinations from top to bottom to compile our favourite ones.

Family Day Trips

Start your morning off right before you head on your chosen day trip with either a delicious full Irish or continental breakfast served in our Junction One Restaurant which is located on the ground floor of the hotel.

Castle & Coastal Day Trip

First stop: King John’s Castle – Immerse yourselves in one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland which dates back to 1200’s.

Next stop: Surf’s always up at Lahinch beach, which is just 1 hour’s drive from Limerick city.

Where to eat: The Locke Bar – Lovely for some pub grub on the way home where you can also enjoy traditional Irish Music there daily

Caves & Pet Farm Day Trip

First stop: Mitchelstown caves (40 mins from hotel)

Lunch: Hunter’s Restaurant, Mitchelstown (15 mins from caves)

Next stop: Parson’s Green Pet Farm (25 mins from Mitchelstown)

Swim & chill in the hotel for the evening (43 mins from Parsons back to the hotel)

Rediscover Heritage Day Trip

First stop: Rock of Cashel (30 mins from hotel)

Next stop: Cahir Castle

Next stop: Swiss Cottage (20 mins from hotel)

After a fun filled day in Tipperary, relax and unwind in the comfort of our spacious family guestrooms and enjoy a meal in our Junction One Bar or Restaurant.

Couple Day Trips

Active Day Trip

• Set out early & head for Lake Muskry, a three-hour walking route on the Galtee Mountains (25 mins from hotel)
• Moderate Hike
• Lunch
• The Vee, stunning views for a picnic or take a walk to the Baylough (1 hour & 8 mins from Lake Muskry)

Return after a long day to cocktails and food in our garden in the evening (1 hour & 16 mins from the Vee)

Day Trips For Everyone

Rediscover the Outdoors

• Mitchelstown Caves (40 mins from Hotel)
• Lismore Castle, tour the gardens adult €9 child €6.50 (38 mins from the caves)
• Feeling energetic, take the Lady Louisa Loop, down by the river & into the woodlands, only 2.5km or there are multiple other walking trails in the area
• Food, the loop walk brings you past Foleys Bar Lismore – great food & service (booking advised) –

Return to the hotel (1 hour & 7 mins) and relax and unwind with our leisure facilities

Rediscover Shopping

• Crescent shopping centre (40 mins from Hotel)
• Limerick city (10 mins from Crescent)
• Have a spot of Lunch in the Locke Bar or House

Shopping can be exhausting so make sure you return to the warmth and comfort of the Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel and refuel with dinner in the Junction One Bar or Junction One Restaurant and relax and unwind in the comfort and luxury of your guestroom.

Head West on your Day Trip

• Bunratty Folk Park (40 minutes from Hotel)
• Lunch at Durty Nellies – described as one of Ireland’s landmark Irish pubs, nestled in the shadow of Bunratty Castle
• Head for Lahinch beach (45 minutes from Bunratty)

After exploring the coastal town of Lahinch, return to us here at Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel and enjoy bistro-style dining with our extensive bar food menu.

Day Trip to Cork

• Fermoy River Walk (50 mins from Hotel)
• Lunch in Hannah’s Restaurant, Ballycotton
• Light House Tour (book online – €27 per adult & €16 per child) or Ballycotton Cliff Walk which is free (50 mins from Fermoy)
• Eat at Kush Restaurant (Michelin star restaurant – booking is advised) or The Schooner (casual dining) Ballycotton

Return to our hotel in one hour and 30 mins and relax and unwind in our ultra-comfortable beds which are ideal after a long day of exploring all that Cork has to offer.

Historic Day Trip to Cork

• Titanic Experience Cobh
• Spike Island St Finbarr’s Cathedral, dating back to 1870, entry fee is €6 per adult
• Lunch – Franciscan Well, if you like beer you can do a tasting with delicious pizza or Clancy’s rooftop bar for a mix of international dishes & great cocktails

Return from Cork to the hotel in one hour and 15 minutes and discuss the day with loves ones over a delicious cocktail or drink in Junction One Bar.