Looking for a cheap and fun day trip? Here are 3 places to visit

If you're craving a getaway but don't want to spend on a holiday so soon after Christmas, we've got the destinations for you.

While we all crave the sun in January, there are plenty of breathtaking, inspiring and invigorating places to visit around Ireland that need only a short car drive. Even better, many of the most interesting places to visit are totally free.

Ed Finn, from Ed Finn Travels joined Today with Claire Byrne to share his pick of the best parts of the country to visit for a cheap and activity-packed day trip.

Belfast

We need your consent to load this Instagram contentWe use Instagram to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences

Arguably the jewel in the crown that is Belfast, the Titanic Museum has been recently revamped with new experiences, which should be the only excuse you need to go visit this remarkable museum. Finn highlights a new exhibit that features a ship suspended from the ceiling, with a film explaining the story of the Titanic. "It's very poignant", he said. Tickets cost about £24, "but it's well worth the money", Finn added.

The city has a strong maritime history, too, so don't miss the Maritime Walk. Finn pointed to the Ulster Museum, calling it "one of the best museums you'd ever go to". Other must sees include Takabuti, the Egyptian mummy and the oldest dinosaur bones ever found in Ireland. All of this, and entry to the museum is completely free.

While in the area, don't miss the Botanic Gardens right beside the Ulster Museum, another free attraction, and visit the Linen Library where you can browse through old books and indulge in a cuppa and a slice of cake.

Limerick

While Limerick City has a host of fabulous attractions to visit, Finn suggests heading to the South Eastern corner of the county to Ballyhoura and Lough Gur, home to the largest stone circle in Ireland. Finn sampled mountain biking when he was there and compared it to the wilds of Colorado.

It costs €5 to rent the bike and take your time to soak up the beauty. "I would have stayed there for hours and hours", Finn said. If you're new to the pastime or to hiking in general, fear not: there's plenty of loops to choose from.

Another gem of a town is Kilmallock. Finn points to the Dominican Priory as one destination not to miss, dating back to 600AD, founded by St Mocheallóg. "It is so well preserved, I was very impressed."

Follow this up with "the best Sunday lunch ever" in Deebert House, Finn suggests, before visiting the Thomas Fitzgerald Centre in Bruff, which commemorates the grandfather of US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and contains Jackie Kennedy's dresses, photos and other artifacts connected to the Kennedy family.

Cork

We need your consent to load this Instagram contentWe use Instagram to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences

As Ireland's second largest city - or one true capital, depending on who you ask - there are oodles of things to do and see in the Rebel County. Finn suggests starting with a visit to the landmark English Market in Cork City. A working market that's still beloved by locals for their weekly bit of shopping as well as "gourmet treats", you'll find countless vendors of local producers.

While in the area, pay a visit to Fitzgerald's Park, named for the lord mayor of Cork. This stunning 18 acre park is a haven and worth spending some time in.

If you're craving some adventure, head to Inniscarra Dam, where you can do aerial trips, zip wires and rowing.