Wet bouldering in the Mourne Mountains
Generally speaking, scrambling over slippery, wet boulders isn’t a great idea. But when you’re decked out in neoprene boots and gloves, a thick wetsuit and a buoyancy aid, it’s terrific fun. At the Bloody Bridge in the Mourne Mountains, you can head out “wet bouldering” with One Great Adventure, where you’ll clamber over boulders, scramble through rock pools and leap into the water.
Surfing in Sligo
One of the top surf spots in Ireland, County Sligo is a place where everyone can hop on a board, whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes on gentle breaks, or an extreme surfer tackling 50ft waves. Strandhill is the best spot to give it a go, with numerous surf schools running lessons each day – there are plenty of cosy pubs and restaurants where you can warm the cockles afterwards, too. Take a look at Ireland.com’s Sligo hub to see them all in one place, as well as the other adventures available nearby.
Night kayaking in Cork
Nothing beats heading out on a peaceful lake in a kayak, with just the ripples in the water for company. Ireland is packed with beautiful lakes where you can head out for a paddle, but for a really special experience, go night kayaking on Lough Hyne in Cork. A trip with Atlantic Sea Kayaking takes you out on to the saltwater lake as the sun sets, finishing up in the starlight. If you’re really lucky, you’ll experience the incredible bioluminescence in the water.
Hiking Carrauntoohil in Kerry
Probably the ultimate goal for all hikers in Ireland, Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain on the island, and certainly one of the most gorgeous. It’s not exactly an easy climb – the shortest route to the top and back will take you about six hours – and it can be challenging in part. The best idea is going with a guide who knows the mountain well, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not you’re on the right path. Try Kerry Climbing, with treks available for all levels.
Kite surfing in Achill Island, County Mayo
Achill Island is a dream for adventurous souls – you can surf, hike, try standup paddleboarding, or kayak, all on this beautiful isle off the west coast. But its windy location means that Achill is a kite-surfing paradise. And while it might look fairly tricky, it’s a lot of fun to learn. Pure Magic runs lessons on the calmer Keel Lake, so you can master the art before heading out on to the waves.
Wakeboarding in Dublin
Think you have to be in the countryside to have an adventure? Think again. At Wakedock, you can go wakeboarding right in the middle of Dublin. A cable replaces the boat, and pulls you along a course (with some obstacles along the way, if you’re feeling daring). The park is set up in the Grand Canal, so you can learn how to wakeboard among the buildings of the Docklands.
Water-skiing on Killary Fjord
This stretch of Connemara is an absolute stunner, the moss-covered mountains rising from the edge of the perfectly still Killary Fjord. But it’s not just a gorgeous viewpoint – this is the land of adventure, where you can do anything from giant standup paddleboarding to bogland obstacle courses at Killary Adventure Company. One of the most ambitious activities on offer is water skiing – you’ll learn the ropes as you zoom over the lake. And don’t worry … falling off is half the fun.
Coasteering on the Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast is a ruggedly handsome stretch of shore, with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and crumbling ruins along the way. And while a gentle stroll along it is always a pleasure, you’ll get the best views (and a mighty adrenaline kick) by throwing yourself in the water. Coasteering incorporates many activities into one – cliff jumping, climbing and swimming – with the main goal of scrambling along the coastline, whichever way you can. Give it a try with Causeway Coasteering.
Mountain biking in Blessingbourne
Ireland is a cyclist’s dream, whether you want to pedal along the Wild Atlantic Way or tackle the jumps and drops of a mountain. At Blessingbourne Estate in County Fermanagh, you’ll find mountain bike trails designed by Phil Saxena, from simple paths for kids and beginners to the challenging black trail for the pros. The estate itself is beautiful, with numerous walking paths through the forests and along the lakeshore.
Fill your heart with Ireland
From the Causeway Coast and the Wild Atlantic Way to Ireland’s Ancient East, and the 11 cities in between, Ireland has plenty to explore. Now’s the time to start. Get inspired at ireland.com
