A Green Island Laden with Adventures?
A few years ago, I read Helen Faribarn's Ireland's Adventure Bucket List: Great Outdoor Experiences. My main interest is walking and hiking, and I have been known for cycling too, but this guidebook went beyond those. Horse riding was included for those with an interest in that activity (my first primary school tour featured pony rides, but the idea did not appeal to me; I possibly was far too young for it then, and have never been known for equestrianism since then either), and there were others too.
Collating something about those became the spark that gave rise to what you find here. The selection certainly goes beyond what I normally do. Sailing was only done once on Loch Tay in Scotland, and mountain biking around there too; the downhill sections were too steep for my sensitivities, though my going uphill worked so well that it shocked others. Kayaking only has been something done in a swimming pool during my secondary schooling, and canoeing has not happened for me at all.
Cave visits were of the tourist variety that included Mitchelstown Cave in County Cork and Crag Cave near Castleisland in County Kerry. While my brother may have got to Aillwee Cave in County Clare, it is not something that I feel I missed. Staying above ground in good weather is more my thing anyway. Getting more adventurous underground is something that I am happy to leave to others, anyway.
To some, my partiality to walking and hiking might seem too narrowly focussed. However, this gives me so much that I hardly feel the need to broaden my set of experiences. If there is anything that would be very handy, it would be to have a one-stop shop like Outmore NI for the Republic of Ireland. It is easier to run out of ideas on a smaller island than on a larger one, and I seem to have suffered a little from that recently. This is where it would be good to have a comprehensive guide to Northern Ireland's outdoor activities, featuring hundreds of trails for walking, cycling, and water sports, along with information on parks, forests, and beaches, all accessible through an interactive map covering various regions. That is a scattered across a few different places for the Republic.
Cycling
Ireland offers a rich landscape for cycling enthusiasts, who are served by several dedicated websites. These collectively provide cyclists with route guidance, event updates, safety advice, and community engagement opportunities, making Ireland an attractive destination for both casual riders and serious cycling enthusiasts.
This includes any cycling route ideas that you will find on the website of Cycling Ireland, the national governing body that oversees all cycling disciplines and offers memberships with benefits such as insurance coverage. For Northern Ireland, Cycle NI serves as a comprehensive resource for general cycling, providing detailed route information, safety tips, and an interactive map for trip planning. For those seeking more adventurous terrain in the province, Mountain Bike NI offers information on over 20 mountain biking trails across various trail centres like Castlewellan, Rostrevor, and Davagh Forest, catering to all skill levels.
Water Sports
Visitors to Ireland and Northern Ireland can enjoy a wealth of water-based activities, with numerous resources available to help plan their aquatic adventures. These collectively ensure visitors can safely enjoy Ireland's diverse aquatic pursuits, from tranquil canal tours to exhilarating sea sports. When it comes to helping with finding scenic water trails, Blueways Ireland showcases routes along lakes, canals, and rivers, while Waterways Ireland manages inland waterways, supporting various recreational activities.
Canoe NI and Canoeing Ireland cater for those interested in paddling sports, offering information on canoe trails and training resources. The Irish Sea Kayaking Association (ISKA, a play on the word for water in the Irish language, uisce) organises regular meets for sea kayakers. Whitewater enthusiasts can consult Irish WhiteWater for detailed river guides and real-time water level data, complemented by the OPW Water Level Monitor website.
For sailing enthusiasts, Try Sailing offers some beginner guides and information on local clubs, whilst Afloat provides comprehensive maritime news. Details of diving and snorkelling opportunities are available from Diving Ireland and the British Sub-Aqua Club, with information on courses and dive locations. Surfing aficionados can turn to Irish Surfing for details on surf schools and events, while kitesurfing enthusiasts can connect with the Irish Kitesurfing Association for guidance and community events.
Caving
Several comprehensive resources are available to those interested in exploring the underground world of caves in Ireland. Firstly, Caves of Ireland, run by an Irish caver and photographer, documents Ireland's karstic and speleological heritage through a blog and photographic portfolio. Then, the Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI) represents cavers across Ireland and Northern Ireland, offering information on caving clubs, events, and membership benefits including insurance and training. These resources provide a wealth of information for both novice and experienced cavers in Ireland, covering everything from basic introductions to advanced expedition planning. Additional background information is available from the British Caving Association and its associated New to Caving website, though their caving sites are British rather than Irish.
