HAVING WITHSTOOD the blasts of winter, we have enjoyed a spell of fine, settled weather. Sunshine has lightened a public mood made grim by consistently negative financial reports. Strangers are now smiling in the streets. There is more to life than bust banks and bailouts. The opportunity to get out over the bank holiday weekend and enjoy the countryside in its freshness and vibrancy should not be missed.
Showers are expected in parts of the country, but that is no reason to stay indoors. There is so much to do: from hill-walking to easy forest trails; from a newly designated family cycleway in Mayo to rough mountain biking elsewhere; from surfing to boating and all forms of fishing; from exploring megalithic sites to old churchyards . . . it’s all there. And much of it is free. Then, of course, there are spectator sports. The weekend offers a tremendous variety of attractions for all ages and interests.
It may have been an unintended fallout from the boom, and it’s far from good news for many hardworking hoteliers, but the reality is that many Irish hotels now offer exceptionally good value. Many restaurants are more affordable than they were three years ago, and self-catering is always an option to get around the cost of eating out. Holidaying at home also brings the added satisfaction of supporting Irish jobs.
We live in a wonderful country and the economic downturn has done nothing to reduce its attractions. Far too often, however, death and injury intervenes to blight its enjoyment. Safety is of paramount importance on the roads, at the seaside and on our rivers and lakes, and on the mountainsides.
Care and considerations for others is a good first step, but personal discipline and responsibility are vital. Alcohol can be a killer. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable and more than a dozen – one quarter of all road deaths – have been killed this year. Even one drink impairs judgment when you drive, swim or control a boat. Wearing a seatbelt on land is as important as a lifejacket in a boat.
The Garda Síochána has appealed to road users to take particular care this weekend because the number of people being killed is rising. Gardaí will be targeting drink-driving, speeding and the use of mobile phones by motorists, as well as checking on seatbelt compliance. New speed cameras are now in operation.
Slow down, take care and make this Easter weekend one to enjoy.