Learn the harp, embrace meditation or just go for a walk with new friends in rural splendour Darina Allen and Skye Gyngell during a demonstration at Ballymaloe Cookery School. The world-famous school offers a wide choice of bespoke training, ranging from one-day non-residential to five-day residential courses. Photograph: Eric Luke Mon May 25 2026 - 05:00 • 5 MIN READHolidays were once dedicated exclusively to relaxation. In an era when most work was physically demanding, time in a sun lounger was a welcome respite. Nowadays, the holiday vibe is different and our idea of what constitutes a good time is more complex. A change is, however, as good as a rest and we can boost our holiday enjoyment by trying out new experiences or engaging in physical activity. Across Ireland, there are abundant opportunities to explore what we truly enjoy and listed below are compelling options where you learn at your leisure, while supporting businesses in rural Ireland.Tóg go bog é, Co WaterfordBaltimore, Co Cork. Photograph: iStock Without doubt, Irish is having a moment. After decades of obscurity, it is back centre stage in our national psyche. Conversation groups have sprung up in many towns, while films such as An Cailín Ciúin and Kneecap have further boosted the profile of the language. If you would like to surf the tide of the Gaeilge revival, a great way is by joining an immersive course in a Gaeltacht area.Overlooking Dungarvan Harbour in an Irish-speaking area of west Waterford, Coláiste na Rinne offers immersive Irish language courses for adults of all levels, ranging from beginners to advanced. Learning is in an informal atmosphere that combines classroom conversations with field trips and heritage walks, followed by music sessions at night. Courses take place in August with one-week and two-week options. anrinn.comHappiness in waves, Co CorkIf you believe happiness comes in waves, west Cork is the place for you this summer. With the evocative tang of salt in the air and the many inlets, bays and islands of west Cork to explore, Baltimore, with its strong mariner tradition, makes the perfect base. You can get to know the ropes this coming summer on a full-day or half-day taster course organised by the local sailing club. Also on offer is a five-day “Taste of Sailing” programme aimed at adults with little or no experience of seafaring. A much deeper introduction to the intricacies of sailing is provided by the Start Sailing courses run over two weeks. By the end of the training, you should be able to sail in light wind conditions under the helpful eye of your instructor. baltimoresailingclub.ieFree rein, Co TipperaryCrossogue Equestrian Centre, located on the stud farm of the Molloy family who have been involved with horses and equine sports for five generations Crossogue Equestrian Centre is located on the stud farm of the Molloy family, who have been involved with horses and equine sports for five generations. Set amid 150 hectares of rolling parklands at the fertile heart of Co Tipperary, Crossogue offers all-inclusive residential riding holidays for adults and families of up to one week’s duration. These holidays are suitable for riders of all standards and you will likely find it hard to suppress an ecstatic “yeehaw” on the exhilarating daily gallops through open countryside. crossogue-equestrian.ieInto enlightenment, Co CorkThe Buddhist centre of Dzogchen on the Beara Peninsula in Co Cork offers stunning views of Bantry Bay. Photograph: Photographicmemory.ie Near the extremity of land on the Beara Peninsula in Cork, Dzogchen Beara Buddhist meditation centre is sublimely set on a cliffside overlooking the ocean. Here, the cares of the 21st century will quickly evaporate as your world shrinks to a cocoon of serenity bookended by lonesome sea and sky. Containing Ireland’s only Buddhist temple, Dzogchen also offers a choice of accommodation, including stunning clifftop cottages, a farmhouse hostel or rooms within the centre. Guided meditations each morning and afternoon will help you unwind and understand how to play the cards life has dealt you. dzogchenbeara.orgWalk on the wild side, Co KerryÁlaind walking highlights include lakes carved out by glaciers, coastal trails with Atlantic views and summits overlooking the vast tablecloth of the south Kerry outback Want to discover some of the sequestered mountains and valleys of south Kerry but lack the confidence to go it alone? In that case, time with the Sneem-based walks provider Álaind is what you need. Owned by Fergal Harrington, the business is focused on “slow tourism”. It offers intimate, small-group walks as part of multi-day packages that include accommodation, guided hikes and some meals. With an emphasis on stories coming from the landscape, the walk highlights include lakes carved out by glaciers, coastal trails with Atlantic views and summits overlooking the vast tablecloth of the south Kerry outback. Most guests stay at Álaind Lodges, a boutique B&B in picturesque Sneem, which serves as the central hub for the trips, so you don’t have to check out each day. alaindwalkingireland.ieCulture vulturing, Co DonegalImmerse yourself in culture at the Oideas Gael Centre amid the isolated splendour of Glencolumbkille, Co Donegal Feel life has become overwhelming and that you are trying to keep too many balls in the air? Step off the treadmill by immersing yourself in culture at the Oideas Gael Centre amid the isolated splendour of Glencolumbkille, Co Donegal. Cultural activity courses are organised on a bilingual basis, making them particularly attractive to people with little Irish, who wish to improve while enjoying an activity and learning holiday within a rich cultural setting. There are options for exploring the surrounding hills, flute, harp and whistle playing courses, along with folklore and archaeology. Evening entertainment includes dancing, singing, poetry and concerts. oideasgael.ieCook up a storm, Co CorkSkye Gyngell and Darina Allen during a demonstration at Ballymaloe Cookery School.