Here’s what’s on the top of the team IMAGE summer staycation bucket list

Lauren Heskin, Editor, IMAGE Magazine

I was in Portstewart a few summers ago and somehow didn’t hear about Harry’s Shack until after we’d left and I’ve been kicking myself since that we didn’t turn around and go back! Sitting right on Portstewart strand, it’s the perfect kind of casual dining: fresh, local ingredients, fun flavour combinations with none of the stuffiness of fine dining. Or so I’ve been told!

Ventry, outside of Dingle is my favourite spot to set up camp for a few fine days. The common land over the dunes from the incredible Caribbean-like beach are quiet and flat, yet Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub and Quinn’s are walking distance away, as is a pleasant stroll to the pier where you can hop on a tour to the Blasket Islands. I really hesitated sharing this one but I don’t want to find it overrun next time!

I’m also gasping to get down to the south-east coast, to the quaint Kilmore Quay and maybe to Dunmore East in time for their annual Bluegrass Festival at the end of August…

Sarah Finnan, Deputy Digital Editor

Dingle is top of my travel list this year as it’s one part of Ireland I have yet to explore (but know I would absolutely adore). I’ve slowly been bookmarking places/things to do and so far my itinerary largely revolves around food and drink (quelle surprise). My research tells me that pints at Dick Macks, coffee at My Boy Blue/Bean in Dingle and toasties at Cáis are non-negotiables, so naturally, I’ll be ticking all four off. In terms of sightseeing, I think a whale watching boat tour would be incredible and am really hoping to visit the Blasket Islands too. Lots to do… now all I have to do is book!

Shayna Sappington, Senior Branded Content Writer, IMAGE.ie

Visiting Donegal is at the top of my staycation bucket list – for some reason, the county has escaped my tourist clutches so far. Its scenery looks incredible, with plenty of hikes through mountains, beautiful beaches and lots of sites to see. I’ve had my eye on this glamping spot located on Aran Island; it’s right by the ferry and has gorgeous views! Or, if you’re looking to stay closer to Donegal town there are plenty of cosy Airbnbs nearby. I’m currently saving for my wedding, so I’ve had some cheaper two-person getaways on my list, each with prime hiking spots and a short drive to town (Cosy Cabin by the Sea, Rural Donegal Retreat and Sea Breeze Cabin). It seems like the ultimate summer destination.

Saoirse McCloskey, Marketing Account Executive

I’m dreaming of another stay at Aughry Yard – an Airbnb run by a close friend of mine, the wonderful Una. This place is truly special – a serene sanctuary for those looking for a peaceful getaway from the general busyness of life. I met Una whilst she was in the process of transforming this 17th century stone cottage into a modern & chic stay on the grounds of her family home, Aughry House. Formerly a fashion buyer, she has incredible taste and as such this cottage has been beautifully designed with comfortable furnishings and a cosy oil-burning stove for cooler evenings. The stunning surrounds of nature allow you to enjoy the beauty of Lough Bofin, whilst being only a 3-minute stroll from Dromod village which has a few cosy pubs & shops for anything you may need. This beautiful stone-cottage in Co. Leitrim is the perfect place to snuggle up with a book & a glass of red and escape for a little while.

Doireann Murray, Chief Revenue Officer

We had one of the best breaks of our lives recently. My husband rented a minivan from Crain n Campers as my Christmas present as I don’t like to go far on holidays without our furbabies! From collecting the van to dropping it off, we had the time of our lives. Although we got rain for the first 2 days, it didn’t dampen our trip at all. Hiring a campervan meant we got to visit Westport, Lahinch, Doolin and Cong – stunning parts of Ireland that everyone should add to their lists! Having the babies with us was the icing on the cake and we are already planning our next trip!! I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for something different.

Emily Farrell, Social Media Manager

Breac House in Co. Donegal is top of my staycation bucket list. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in North West Donegal, it looks like the dreamiest location for a slow weekend away.

Hannah Stapleton, Marketing Intern

After watching Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin, my life began to revolve around the small village of Inisherin. It was concerning at best. In recent news, the original set of JJ Devine’s pub – the pub where the famous “you used to be nice” line was delivered by Colin Farrell – has been opened in Co Galway. Along with Achill, Co. Mayo, where most of the filming took place, the new JJ Devine’s pub, which has been reconstructed in Kilkerrin Co. Galway, outside Mee’s Pub, is now top of my Ireland bucket list – it also seems to be top of Taylor Swift’s, who says she’d love to have a pint there. If it’s good enough for Taylor, then it sure is good enough for me!

Sarah Gill, Staff Writer

Though I’ve only been to Cork twice over the years, I’m always hankering to return and reacquaint myself. Having just devoured Caroline O’Donoghue’s latest novel, The Rachel Incident, — which is set in Cork city in 2010 — I would thoroughly enjoy doing a whistle-stop tour of the haunts they frequented. Aside from wandering around the grounds of UCC and bustling through The English Market (the only place in the world you can find pigs trotters and a fresh cream cake  in one 360 spin, according to Rachel), I would head straight to Cask for small plates and top notch cocktails, followed by a trip to Impala. A trip to Spike Island is also high on my staycation bucket list — I tried before, but alas, the boat was booked out. Learn from me, book everything in advance!