THREE IRISH ACTIVITIES have been included in the Lonely Planet’s latest publication on the world’s 1,000 ‘ultimate adventures’.

Climbing Croagh Patrick, surfing at Mullaghmore and horse-riding at Castle Leslie were all mentioned in the travel bible’s ‘top 10 lists’.

Mullaghmore Head in Sligo was named as one of the world’s top surfing destinations in the ‘Best Spots to Catch a Big Wave’, while Croagh Patrick was honoured to be called the ‘ultimate pilgrimage’.

Surfing off the coast of Sligo. (Image: ciccio (°°))

The Monaghan estate of Castle Leslie was also noted as a place to go horse riding.

Image: Photocall Ireland

Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring welcomed the news today, stating that “word is getting out” about Ireland as a destination for activity tourism.

“With its ability to generate jobs and revenue in rural areas, I will be ensuring that this Government will continue to be four square behind the continuing growth of this sector,” he added.

Fáilte Ireland estimates that overseas visitors engaging in activity tourism were worth €773 million to the economy last year. The sector is considered a high-yield segment with the average activity-seeker spending 40 per cent more than the average holidaymaker.

The activity visitor tended to stay in Ireland for almost nine days (longer than the average tourist who stays about a week) and hiking, angling, cycling, equestrian and water-based activities were the most popular pursuits engaged in while in the country. Dublin and its surrounds along with Galway, Mayo, Kerry, Cork and West Clare were particularly popular with those on a more active break.

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