Oh, how we are ready for a summer of time spent outside, with friends and family, exploring the world beyond our 5k.

After a winter that has consisted of much indoor time, home office and Netflix binging, we are more than ready to delve into spring – and all that comes with it. Now that the 5k rule is no more, the world is your oyster, or at least 20 kilometres of it is. With the option to travel within our counties and meet a friend from another household outdoors, it only can only mean one thing – picnics! And wherever we are, there is no denying that Ireland has a lot to offer when choosing an ideal picnic spot, whether you dream of a feast by the beach to feel the sea air, or fancy a glass of rosé with your bestie in a quiet park. Recently, P20, our favourite must-wear SPF brand, compiled a list of eight glorious picnic spots around the country – and which ones are you planning on visiting soon?

1. Castle Harbour, Portumna, Co. Galway A magnificent location on the shores of Lough Derg on the River Shannon. Full of grassy areas, picnic benches and beautiful gardens! Make this a day trip and explore the grounds before lunch and it even has a playground if you are accompanied by little ones!
2. Powerscourt Estate & Gardens, Co. Wicklow Powerscourt boasts 47 acres of gardens, you’ll notice benches and gazebos and a variety of flora and fauna across the grounds. You can bring your own snacks and nibbles or you can grab delicious take away food and coffee from the Avoca Outdoor Hatch on the grounds.
3. Lough Key, Co. Roscommon Lough Key is a wonderful place if you want to get your adventure on along with your picnic! There are plenty of picnic tables throughout the Lough Key Forest and a lot of nature around you to explore.
4. Stephenstown Pond, Co. Louth Stephenstown Pond is a unique nature park with lakeside walkways, woodlands, and a wide array of wildlife. The facility provides an ideal family day out where you can enjoy a picnic, feed the ducks and other wildlife. 
5. Howth Summit, Co. Dublin If you’re looking for scenic views by the sea this is the spot for you! Enjoy a cliff walk around the magnificent Howth Peninsula before stopping at a spot of your choosing to enjoy a picnic accompanied by panoramic views.
6. Regional Park Ballincollig, Co. Cork The Regional Park Ballincollig is located on the South bank of the River Lee and has several playing pitches, a skate park, river walks, woodland trails and paved walkways as well as being a National Monument status site. Most importantly, it has numerous wonderful picnic areas for you to enjoy!
7. Ards Forest Park, Co. Donegal Found on the sheltered western shore of Sheephaven Bay, Ards Forest Park offers a peaceful retreat for the whole family. You can work up your appetite and go for one of the amazing hikes in the park which can lead you from a sandy beach to gorgeous woodland! You will be spoilt for choice when settling down for your picnic!
8. Inch Beach, Co. Kerry If it’s a sea view that you are looking for when settling down to have your picnic then Inch Beach is the ideal spot! Inch Beach lies on Daingean Bay on the Dingle Peninsula, so set up camp in the sand and watch the waves come in as you have your lunch!

Once you pick your best picnic spot near you don’t forget to pack all your picnic essentials. Nibbles and drinks are a must, remember to pack your sunnies, and don’t forget your SPF – even on overcast days! To ensure you are staying sun-safe, apply P20 at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, rain or shine. The unique formulation protects against both UVA and UVB rays, providing broad-spectrum sun protection. UVB is responsible for causing the majority of sunburns, while UVA rays can cause premature aging of your skin in the form of wrinkles and age spots. The thing is, if you want to prevent damages to your skin and premature signs of ageing, chose sunscreen with high UVA protection. Both the SPF 20 and SPF 30 Continuous Sprays have a significant higher level of UVA protection than required.