OUTDOORS:IT'S THE TIME OF year when the sap rises, spring unfurls and we face the sweet prospect of long summer days when the sun stubbornly refuses to set. Nevertheless, some of us will end up abandoning Ireland to chase a personal dream abroad. This may involve topping Kilimanjaro, footing the Camino, or maybe – for a lucky few – it will be the Inca Trail or even the Antarctic.
Internationally branded adventures don’t come cheap, however, and many of us will be obliged by austerity to trim our sails. But life-affirming adventures don’t have to be off the menu; there are now abundant adrenalin-rich experiences in the Irish outdoors beckoning those who love a challenge.
So, if this is your staycation year, don’t just mope around: life isn’t meant to be a spectator sport. Instead, pick one of the challenges listed below, press the pause button on your 21st-century life, and head into the Irish outdoors for an unforgettable experience.
You will likely return enriched, invigorated and marvelling at the wealth of compelling activities that are now available right on our own doorstep.
Ireland’s finest ridge
In February 1987 Kerry men Con Moriarty and John Cronin began ascending the northeast side of Carrauntoohil in search of quality ice-climbing. To their astonishment, they not only encountered ice, but also discovered a sublime, previously unknown ridge that they immediately christened Howling.
In the intervening years Howling has become Ireland’s most famous mountain ridge. Its iconic status makes it a rite-of-passage ascent for hillwalkers making the transition from the relaxing endeavour of upland rambling to the knee-knocking intensity of dangling from vertical rock. On sunny days when the mountain is in friendly mood, Howling provides the heart-lifting feeling of soaring heavenwards through mountain architecture; but be warned: this is no ridge for amateurs. When it’s in venomous humour, it lays many traps to snare the unwary.
To ascend Howling safely, you need the training and experience that is provided by Kerry-based company Outdoors Ireland. Over an intensive day in Kerry’s Macgillycuddy’s Reeks you will learn rock-climbing techniques. Then, on day two, you make a roped and fully guided ascent of Howling Ridge, and then have the pleasure of celebrating your achievement on the roof of Ireland.
Find out more at outdoorsireland.com
Head in to the underworld
Howling Ridge on Carrauntoohil wasn’t the most recent geographic feature to be discovered in Ireland. Cave systems are now Ireland’s final frontier, with many remaining unexplored and undiscovered. True adventurers won’t, however, be satisfied with pay-to-enter showcaves, as these tend to be universally bland and far-removed from the demanding reality of real caving.
Going underground is not to be taken lightly, however; potholing is a risky business, filled with dangers from floods and rockfalls. So it’s a good idea is to get real caving experience on an outing organised by Corralea Activity Centre.
Here an experienced instructor will bring you deep into the caves of Fermanagh to explore a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls and lofty chambers on a half-day excursion.
Then it’s the surreal experience of walking and crawling along winding passages by head-torch light, and wading across underground rivers. Later, in complete darkness, you will have time to appreciate the sounds and smells of the cave environment.
For more information see activityireland.com/activities/caving
Follow the Irish Camino
Each summer thousands of Irish brave Spanish heat and idiosyncratic air-traffic controllers to follow the footsteps of St James to Santiago de Compostella. Few are aware, however, that Ireland has an equally evocative and more ancient pilgrim trail that can be completed in one long but memorable day.
Tóchar Phádraic, the ancient pre-Christian route to Croagh Patrick, is well signposted and, by agreement with local farmers, can be completed independently. Groups (preferably of three or more for safety reasons) register at Ballintubber Abbey and pay a nominal €5 towards walk maintenance before setting out.
Then it’s just a question of following this ancient pilgrim path for 35 kilometres across the rolling Mayo countryside, with the handsome pyramid of Croagh Patrick filling the horizon. It’s a conversation-killing slog to the summit of our holiest mountain, but don’t complain – early pilgrims did the entire route barefoot. If you would like to complete the Tóchar in the company of others, a series of organised walks takes place throughout the summer months.
Details are available at ballintubberabbey.ie
Spin the Ring
Cycling is all the rage these days, with middle-aged folk clad in lycra an increasingly common sight on our roadways at weekends. It is no surprise then that the annual 112-mile Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle has become hugely popular, as it offers a challenging day’s cycle combined with Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery.
It’s now the biggest one-day fundraising event in Munster and it isn’t just for Nicholas Roche lookalikes. Competent leisure cyclists are welcome to take part while fundraising for charity; there’s plenty of time to get in some practice as this year’s event takes place on July 7th.
Rail-trail to Achill
If you love pedal power but feel that the Ring of Kerry in one day is a bit much, then head for Mayo’s Great Western Greenway. This recently developed rail-trail has been a huge success as it follows the beautiful route of the disused Achill/Westport railway. Newly extended, it now stretches all the way from Westport to Achill.
For a memorable outing, which can be enjoyed by cyclists of moderate fitness, hire a bike in Westport and then pedal 29 kilometres along the greenway to the Mulranny Park Hotel. Enjoy lunch and then work it off as you make the return cycle to Westport, perhaps stopping for coffee at the atmospheric Gráinne Mhaol pub in Newport.
If you would like to make the greenway a leisurely two-day event, carry a small overnight bag and continue from Mulranny for another 13km to reach Achill Sound. Here, you will find Óstán Oileán Acla at the gateway to Achill Island. An overnight stay comes with panoramic ocean views, excellent seafood and a homely atmosphere.
The next day, you can cycle the 42 kilometres back to Westport with the prevailing winds at your back.
See mulrannyparkhotel.ie; achillislandhotel.com
Get high for a good cause
Since the Old Testament sagely advised us to find strength by raising our eyes to the hills, the call of high places resonates universally. Small wonder then that ascending to the highest point in each Irish province has become a popular challenge. If you have sufficient fitness and navigational skills, you can climb Carrauntoohil, Mweelrea, Slieve Donard and Lugnaquilla independently.
However, if you would like to enjoy lots of camaraderie on your ascents, then join in with the Focus Ireland Four Peaks Challenge which invites teams of three to five – who must be accompanied by two drivers – to climb the highest mountain in each of the four provinces of Ireland over one weekend, while raising €4,500 per team for the homeless. The Focus Ireland Four Peaks Challenge takes place from June 8th to 10th. See focusireland.ie
Walk the wall
There is something magical in the way the Mourne Wall mimics the Great Wall of China as it undulates over the wonderful bleakness of the High Mourne Mountains, passing 15 summits en route. For an unforgettable outing, follow its entire length and experience the great sweep of the wall, with the added bonus of a sublime vista to the Isle of Man, the Scottish mountains and the English Lake District.
The walk covers 35 kilometres with a total ascent approaching 3,000m and can be completed by those with sufficient fitness in one long day of about 12 hours. There are few route-finding difficulties, since the wall itself acts as an infallible navigational handrail.
A map and printer-friendly version of the route is available at walkni.com
Take the plunge
There was a time when everyone learned to swim outdoors, but then came swimming pools and a virtual end to the tradition of taking a plunge in open water. Now, however, many are rediscovering the rejuvenating and exhilarating effects of swimming in ocean, lakes, rivers and canals. If you’re up for taking the plunge, Swim Ireland organises a series of open-water swims with distances from one mile upwards.
Details at leinsteropensea.ie.
If you're already a strong swimmer, you can get into training for a longer, more challenging event. A good start is the eight kilometre crossing of Carlingford Lough from Carlingford to Warrenpoint on August 11th. Details of all long-distance swimming events at ildsa.ie