Outdoor pursuits in Ireland

The Great Outdoors in Ireland

From the rugged cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way to the calm lakes and rolling green hills in Glendalough Co Wicklow, Ireland is a place full of adventure, whether you prefer exploring this country by foot, water, two wheels, or four hooves, you are spoiled for choice of outdoor pursuits to choose from in Ireland. Here are some ideas to start you on this exciting journey.

Hiking

Whether you are a beginner or expert hiker there are numerous trails for you around Ireland that are well marked, colour coded and rated from easy to moderate and difficult.Explore the Glendalough, Upper Lake and Powers court Falls in Co Wicklow, the Carrauntoohill Mountain and Devil's Ladder Circular in County Kerry, the Coumshingaun Lough Loop in Waterford, the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin walk in Clare, the Diamond Hill in Connemara, Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula, and the Causeway coast, are just a few to mention, if you prefer guided tours there are many available on https://www.wildernessireland.com/adventure-holidays/hiking/  and https://walkinghikingireland.com/guided-walking-hiking/ 

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Biking

For those who prefer to watch the scenery go by while on two wheels, there are numerous places to hire bicycles for long or short term rentals throughout Ireland, often near the beginning of the many bike trails. Here are just a few ideas to stoke your curiosity, of the many routes you can take; The Great Western Greenway Mayo which is a 42 km cycle from Westport to Achill Island,  Limerick Greenway from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale 39km which follows a disused railway line, the Royal Canal way- Dublin to Longford 105km and The Lough Derg Blueway.

If you prefer guided tours there is the Killarney National Park or you can even go on an electric bike tour of the Burren

For the more experienced thrill seekers there are many challenging mountain bike trails to choose from such as the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail which was visited by Kim Kardashian and Kayne West when they were on their honeymoon

Horse Riding

Whether you have dreamt of pony trekking though forests or riding a beautiful horse on golden sandy beaches with the wind blowing in your hair while getting splashed by crashing waves, there are many opportunities for beginners to advanced riders to make your dream come true in Ireland. Choose from the many equestrian centres dotted throughout the country that offer lessons, treks and guided tours. Some examples are Dunfanaghy Stables Ltd in Donegal , Island View Riding Stables in Sligo , Dingle Horse Riding .

Surfing

Surfing has become more and more popular over the last number of years, in Ireland. All along the Wild Atlantic Way there are surf schools who provide wetsuits and surf boards and lessons to experience this thrilling, fun activity.  Lahinch and Bundoran are two of the most popular spots but there are many others to choose from.  

Kayaking

Into Kayaking? Whether you prefer sea or lake kayaking there is a tour to suit you even if you are a beginner. Good luck choosing which expeditions you would prefer as there is such a vast choice, from Kayaking on the Shannon with Nevsail where you can see the historic city of Limerick from a different perspective , or meet the wild seals of Dublin Bay with the Dublin Bay Seal Kayaking Safari Or you can go sea kayaking along the rugged Clare coastline or see if you can spot a dolphin when Sea Kayaking in Dingle or kayak on the many lakes such as the picturesque Lough Derg at Killaloe 

Swimming

You are spoiled for choice of beautiful beaches to swim at from sheltered coves in Cork to the popular beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way such as Kilkee and Lahinch. If it is too chilly for you in a swimming togs, you can rent wetsuits and linger a little longer in the waves. It is advisable to swim at beaches that have a blue flag which denotes that the water is of great quality and also only swim at beaches that are lifeguarded, as the currents around our island can be unpredictable.

Golf

With some of the best golf courses in the world Ireland is an ideal location for the serious or hobby golfer, where top quality greens are surrounded by breathtaking scenery, such as Lahinch in County Clare where the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2019 was played. Tiger Woods said Mount Juliet in County Kilkenny was "absolutely gorgeous, the fairways are perfect, the greens are the best greens we’ve putted on all year, including the majors. These things are absolutely pure". Rory McIlroy said the  Royal Portrush in County Antrim is among his favourite places to play in Northern Ireland.

Spoiled for choice, or still not decided? You could go rock climbing and abseiling at one of the many adventure centres around the country, sailing, wind surfing or scuba diving, whatever you decided you can have a fun-filled action packed holiday in Ireland, let the adventures begin, enjoy.