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Thanks, Nathan

Penal Laws From 1695

The Catholic Church forbidden to keep church registers.
The Irish Catholic was forbidden the exercise of his religion.
He was forbidden to receive education.
He was forbidden to enter a profession.
He was forbidden to hold public office.
He was forbidden to engage in trade or commerce.
He was forbidden to live in a corporate town or within five miles thereof.
He was forbidden to own a horse of greater value than five pounds.
He was forbidden to own land.
He was forbidden to lease land.
He was forbidden to accept a mortgage on land in security for a loan.
He was forbidden to vote.
He was forbidden to keep any arms for his protection.
He was forbidden to hold a life annuity.
He was forbidden to buy land from a Protestant.
He was forbidden to receive a gift of land from a Protestant.
He was forbidden to inherit land from a Protestant.
He was forbidden to inherit anything from a Protestant.
He was forbidden to rent any land that was worth more than 30 shillings a year.
He was forbidden to reap from his land any profit exceeding a third of the rent.
He could not be guardian to a child.
He could not, when dying, leave his infant children under Catholic guardianship.
He could not attend Catholic worship.
He was compelled by law to attend Protestant worship.
He could not himself educate his child.
He could not send his child to a Catholic teacher.
He could not employ a Catholic teacher to come to his child.
He could not send his child abroad to receive education.

Kayaking In Limerick City

Some shots of Limerick City and Shannon River taken recently. We are currently working on a Limerick City Half-Day Guided Kayak Trip, working alongside some of the hotels. This will be just a simple add-on to our Galway operation and we will provide it for groups only; such a company team building day, a hen group or stag group. It will be slightly tidal dependant and I think has potential for a pretty special trip...

If you are interested in our business development over the past couple of years click here to see my blog posts.

Sea Kayaking In Galway City

Sea Kayak Trip Through Galway City & Galway Docks.
We Had A High Tide Which Allowed Us To Paddle Up The Corrib River & Into The Inner Docks.

Kayaking On The Lakes Of Killarney Tomorrow - Thursday

We have a Lakes Of Killarney Morning Kayak Trip tomorrow - Thurs 21st, 10am to 1pm - with some places still available on it.



This Is What Is Included: Kayak Across The Lakes Of Killarney : Paddle Among Deserted Islands : Explore Limestone Caves : 6th Century Innisfallen Abbey : New Touring Kayaks & Great Equipment : Local & Highly Experienced Kayak Guide : Improve Your Kayaking Skills : Learn New Techniques : Discover Local History & Legends : Beginners Welcome

The price is €50 per person. To book please contact Nathan on info@outdoorsireland.com or 086 860 45 63.

Mountain Skills 1 In Kerry

Some Photos From A Recent Kerry Mountain Skills 1


Descending Into The Gap Of Dunloe


Emergency Equipment & Hazards


Gap Of Dunloe Looking Dark & Brooding!

Our next Mountain Skills 1 Course is in Galway/Burren on 13th & 14th April - http://www.outdoorsireland.com/mountainskills.php

Galway Dock Gates Closing

Galway Dock Gates Closing, While On A Sea Kayak Tour Of Galway City & Harbour. These Huge Impressive Flood Gates Are Only Opened At High Tide To Allow Ships Into Galway Harbour, And Kept Closed The Rest Of The Time, To Prevent The Docks Emptying Of Water. You Can Also See The Cranes Loading Scrap Metal Into The 'Clare Christine'.

Harbour Seal On The Lakes Of Killarney

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/seal-makes-waves-in-killarney-lake-224906.html

Kayaking In Killarney, On Lough Lein

Some shots from a guided kayak tour on the Lakes of Killarney last Saturday. Beautiful calm day out on the lakes, barely a ripple on the water!


Shiny New Helmets!


Aftermath Of Recent Flooding On Lough Lein


Heading Under The Bridge On Ross Island


Landed Beside The Bronze Age Copper Mines

Self Sufficient & Safe Kayaking/Canoeing

Lots of folk buying kayaks, canoes, sit on tops and inflatable kayaks.

Lots of folk with a kayak/canoe without any paddling partners and nervous of hitting the water.

Lots of folk with a kayak/canoe hitting the water by themselves, which is potentially dangerous.

Canoeing Ireland (National Governing Body) recommends a minimum of three paddlers anytime you hit the water. This isn't always feasible, despite being best practice.

There are Kayak/Canoe Clubs throughout Ireland, open to new members, but these can be scattered.

There are Guided Kayak/Canoe Trips you can join, but probably the reason you bought a kayak/canoe was to get out by yourself/with friends and do your own thing.

So how do you get started, self sufficient and safe in a kayak or canoe? Here are some simple ideas...


1. Whatever you do afterwards, start with a Skills Training Course, even a one-day course. Make sure two of the course aims are to become self sufficient and safe. Discuss what you want to achieve with your instructor.

2. There are two skill levels to think about achieving. Level 2 Proficiency is your provisional driving licence and gives you the skills for flat/calm water plus the ability to assist in rescues. Level 3 Proficiency is your full driving licence and gives you the full range of skills and techniques for lakes, rivers or sea, plus the ability to competently rescue.

3. Get some practice as soon as possible after your training course. If you are by yourself head to a lifeguard beach, where you have someone keeping an eye on you.

4. Stay away from flowing rivers (even gently flowing), beaches with rip-tides and open sea until you have the solid skills to deal with them.

5. Don't get bogged down in learning to Eskimo Roll. This will come in time and there are much more important skills to learn first.

6. Have The Right Equipment:
Wetsuit (Full Body Suit)
Booties (Or Old Trainers)
Cag
Buoyancy Aid
Helmet (Not Always Necessary)
Dry Bag
Thermos Flask
Waterproof Phone Case & Mobile Phone

7. Get a weather forecast before you head out. Try www.met.ie and www.windguru.com. Pay particular attention to the wind and wind direction; not just for the day you are heading out but also for the following twelve hours, as weather fronts can speed up or slow down their approach. Although calm right now, you may think twice about heading out if gale force winds are forecast to come through tonight, as they can easily arrive early.

8. A breeze of force one or force two is usually fine to deal with. A breeze of force three you need to treat carefully. A breeze of force four you should probably avoid, or at least be extremely careful.

9. Choose calm and sheltered locations to paddle; not somewhere you may get blown across a lake, blown out to sea or swept down a river.

10. If there is a solid breeze, but you think it’s safe, choose a location with an on-shore breeze so in case of a capsize you will then simply get blown ashore. If you choose a location with an off-shore breeze and capsize you will get blown away from shore. One of the most serious incidents I've dealt with was a capsize in an off-shore breeze. Remember the further you get blown from shore, the stronger the breeze gets.

11. Really try to have at least two of you on the water. If you are by yourself, although you can follow these guidelines, you are at risk; but that’s your choice

12. Stay close to the shore, so if there is a problem, or the weather deteriorates, you can quickly get back to safety.

13. Don't be afraid to pull your boat onto the shore if the weather gets too serious, or if you have any doubts, and simply walk/hitch back to your car. I have had to do this with groups in the past and although a bit of a nuisance, at least you are safe.

14. If you have a wetsuit and buoyancy aid on drowning is unlikely while you are conscious. Your biggest worry is hypothermia and exhaustion. These will kill you.

15. Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back to your car/phone reception.

16. If you are in difficulties much better to call for help before the situation becomes too serious. Diall 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

17. If you are in difficulties in the water stay with your boat and paddle. Never leave your capsized boat behind you and swim for shore.

Enjoy!