Make an exciting and unique Summer Solstice night ascent of Carrauntoohil, in darkness with head torches and guides. Stand on the summit of Ireland's highest mountain at dawn to savour the early morning calm and hopefully sunrise over the MacGillycuddy Reeks... After descending Carrauntoohil in the dawn light, enjoy a huge freshly cooked breakfast in Killarney.
Meet at midnight just outside Killarney for registration and gear check. Then drive to the base of Carrauntoohil for a four to five hour walk to the summit. Relax on the summit to watch the sun rise over the Gap of Dunloe and MacGillycuddy Reeks at approximately 5am, weather permitting. Descend down through glaciated corries and high cliffs and finish this unique experience with a huge freshly cooked breakfast in Killarney at approximately 10am. ''Thanks to Nathan and Outdoors Ireland for a great night on Carrauntoohill that we accessed on short notice. It was tough dealing with the group dynamics, large numbers and trying to stay at a comfortable pace which turned out to be the bigger challenge. However it was well organised and marshaled by the guys who wasted no time when conditions changed. A great experience followed by a tasty breakfast that almost became my pillow as I drifted in and out of sleep during conversations'' Peter Cody
To participate in this climb you will need full hill walking gear including hill walking boots, waterproofs, spare fleeces and head torch. There is no guarantee of good weather or clear skies for dawn, but the trip will go ahead regardless of the weather, unless it is unsafe.
We have just teamed up with Link Community Development, Ireland's leading African education charity so you can not only undertake this brilliant night hike, but support education in Africa too.
Link Community Development can offer supporters the chance to participate in this exciting event, free of charge; for fundraisers who collect a minimum of €350 sponsorship.
The Killarney Summerfest is set to kick off on Friday 3rd July and run until Saturday 18th July. This is one of Ireland’s premier festivals bursting with activities for all ages, abilities and interests!
The days and nights will be full of street performances, busking competitions, a children’s magical day at the Dromhall Hotel, the Pussycat Dolls live in concert at Fitzgerald Stadium and the Killarney Races…
Some of the outdoor highlights include an atmospheric outdoor theatre production of ‘Merlin the Magician’ in Muckross Gardens; a 5km fun run through Killarney National Park; a waterbus trip on the Lakes of Killarney with a storyteller and local musicians and the spectacular sight of hot air balloons soaring over Killarney town and valley.
This year, for the first time, we've teamed up with the Summerfest to provide a series of unique and exciting outdoor adventure trips.
These unusual trips include peaceful dawn kayak trips and relaxing sunset kayak trips across Lough Leane; family rock climbing and kayaking suitable for all abilities; a midnight walk through the yew woods of Ross Castle and guided ascents of Carrauntoohil, our highest peak.
Fri 3rd Dawn Kayak Trip on Lough Leane Cave & Mines Kayak Trip
Sat 4th Climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Mountain Midnight Walk at Ross Castle & Island
Tues 7th Family Kayak Trip on the Lakes of Killarney Family Rock Climbing Climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Mountain Sunset Kayak Trip on Lough Leane
Wed 8th Dawn Kayak Trip on Lough Leane Cave & Mines Kayak Trip Midnight Walk at Ross Castle & Island
Thurs 9th Family Kayak Trip on the Lakes of Killarney Rock Climbing Thrills Sunset Kayak Trip on Lough Leane
Fri 10th Dawn Kayak Trip on Lough Leane Cave & Mines Kayak Trip Climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Mountain
Sat 11th Midnight Walk at Ross Castle & Island
Sun 12th Climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Mountain
Dawn Kayak Trip on Lough Leane 6am - 9am. €40 per person. Experience the peace and tranquillity of the dawn chorus and sparkling sunrise as you explore the quietly lapping waters of Lough Leane, by kayak.
Caves & Mines Kayak Trip 10am - 1pm. €35 per person. Unique and interesting kayak trip back in time. Paddle into limestone caves and passages, possibly once used to escape from Viking attacks. Explore the thickly wooded shores of Ross Island and land beside Bronze Age copper mines, to marvel at the ancient workings.
Sunset Kayak Trip on Lough Leane 7pm - 10pm. €35 per person. Leaving the shores of Ross Castle behind you, kayak past rustling islands and sleepy swans, into the deep waters of Lough Leane where you can relax and savour the western sunset.
Family Kayaking on the Lakes of Killarney 10am - 1pm. €30 per person. Explore the Lakes of Killarney by kayak, with a fun and friendly guide. Discover local legends, history and wildlife, while avoiding getting wet!
Midnight Walk at Ross Castle & Island 11pm - 2am. €35 per person. Beginning at the dark walls of Ross Castle, enter into the misty yew woods, to face legends, stories and occasional detours. Finish back at Ross Castle, where a comforting cup of hot chocolate awaits! All ages and abilities welcome.
Climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Mountain 9am - 6pm. €55 per person. In the company of an experienced and knowledgeable guide, climb steeply up through glaciated corries, past black mountain lakes and along ice-carved ridges to stand on Carrauntoohil's lofty, cloud-strewn summit. Some experience is needed, plus hill walking equipment.
Rock Climbing Thrills 10am - 1pm. €35 per person. Discover the excitement and adrenaline of rock climbing on sandstone cliffs in the deep, spectacular Gap of Dunloe. All equipment provided. No experience needed!
Family Rock Climbing 10am - 1pm. €30 per person. Spend a fun and exciting morning rock climbing in the Gap of Dunloe. Suitable for all ages and abilities. All equipment provided. No experience needed!
Cycling for Softies! Two nights accommodation and full Irish breakfast each morning plus a leisurely expert guided cycle through Knockreer Estate, keeping a watchful eye out for red deer. Stop at Ross Castle, perched on the shores of Lough Leane, to enjoy a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Bike around Muckross Lake, hearing about the long-ago Viking attacks and local history. Enjoy dinner in Rozzers Restaurant (€55pp) and experience world renowned hospitality from this Trip Advisor award winning property. Price includes bike hire & local guide. Price: €180pps Valid: June 10th – Sept 30th
Experience the Gap of Dunloe Two nights accommodation and full Irish breakfast each morning and the services of a specialist guide taking a boat trip through the three Lakes of Killarney. Enjoy a special Killeen packed lunch followed by a leisurely hike through the impressive Black Valley and ice-carved Gap of Dunloe. To finish - a refreshing pot of tea, or creamy Guinness, at Kate Kearney's Pub. Later on, enjoy dinner in Rozzers Restaurant (€55pp) and experience world renowned hospitality from this Trip Advisor award winning property. Price includes boat trip & local guide. Price: €195 pps Valid: June 10th – Sept 30th
Kerry – A Walker’s Paradise Two nights’ accommodation and full Irish breakfast each morning, with dinner on one night and knowledgeable guided walks exploring the Kerry countryside included. Arrive and take an evening stroll through Killarney National Park, discover the history of Muckross House and visit the peaceful ruins of 15th century Muckross Abbey. Enjoy dinner in Rozzers Restaurant and experience Kerry hospitality at its best. Next day explore the Old Kenmare Road, a coaching road winding through Killarney National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch at cascades near Friar's Glen. Climb to the peak of Torc Mountain to savour spectacular views over Killarney and finish in the warmth and comfort of a local pub. Price: €235pps Valid: June 10th – Sept 30th
With the good weather and warming water temperatures it’s a great time to take to the water, in a kayak, canoe or sit on top, to explore our local lakes and beaches.
Caragh Lake, just outside Killorglin, is a beautiful deep lake, with thickly wooded shores, steep mountain sides and little promontories all calling to be explored. Six and a half kilometres long and two kilometres at it’s widest, it’s a large open lake, with an ancient burial site on its western shore where the insane and unbaptised were once buried.
Slightly further west are the fabulous golden beaches of Inch and Castlegregory, or Inchydoney to the east. On a calm day these beaches are fabulous spots to learn how to handle your craft; or as exciting Atlantic swell rolls in, perfect for surfing.
SAFETY TIPS 1. Check the weather forecast, paying special attention to the wind and tides. 2. Avoid offshore winds or strong tides. 3. Tell someone where you’re going and what time you’ll return. 4. Always have at least three of you on the water. 5. Check your kayak, canoe or sit on top is seaworthy, for lake or beach. 6. Always wear a buoyancy aid, well fitted and secure. 7. Wetsuit and helmet are nearly essential, apart from the hottest and calmest of days.
For outdoor gear check out Sport Corran Tuathail in Killarney or Maher’s Sports in Cork.
Sport Corran Tuathail, in Killarney Outlet Centre, have a special offer on boats and equipment at the moment.
Maher’s Sports, beside Cork Bus Station, are offering a 10% discount to anyone with a copy of this article.
I’m launching an Outdoors Ireland forum for anyone looking to buy, sell or swop second hand or nearly new outdoor gear. If you’re interested check out http://tinyurl.com/outdoorsireland
Got any more safety tips? Feel free to add your own comments with your own safety advice...
Stand on Ireland's highest peak early in the morning of the Summer Solstice (21st June), the longest day of the year. Watch the sun's rays brighten the eastern skies, on this ancient pagan festival. After descending Carrauntoohil in the dawn light, enjoy a huge freshly cooked breakfast in Killarney. Meet at midnight just outside Killarney on Sat 20th, for registration and gear check. Then drive to the base of Carrauntoohil for a three to four hour walk, up the Devil's Ladder area, to the summit. Relax on the summit to watch the sun rise over the Gap of Dunloe and MacGillycuddy Reeks at approximately 5am. Descend down through glaciated corries and high cliffs, on a different route to your ascent. Finish this unique experience with a huge freshly cooked breakfast in Killarney at approximately 10am. To participate in this climb you will need full hill walking gear including hill walking boots, waterproofs, spare fleeces and head torch. There is no guarantee of good weather or clear skies for dawn, but the trip will go ahead regardless of the weather, unless it is unsafe.
The Kerry Way from Glencar to Glenbeigh is a beautiful gentle hike, suitable for any hiker with reasonable fitness; a family outing; or visually impaired people, with sighted guides. Start at the Climber’s Inn in Glencar, a useful place if you’ve forgotten to buy chocolate for your hike. From here follow the sign-posted Kerry Way along wooded green lanes and later the high banks of the clear Caragh River. Looming in the distance is the Ballaghisheen Pass, named after Oisin from Tir na Og. At the crest of this mountain pass it’s told that Oisin fell from his horse, and perished as the 300 years of his departure from Ireland caught up with him. I think the best part of the hike is as the little trail leaves the Caragh and winds through thick dark pine woods for over three kilometres, crossing deep quiet streams and occasional fallen trees, their roots torn up into the sky. The final section of woodland hiking feels like a secretive mass path as the trail descends and ascends winding stone steps and ducks under overhanging branches. Emerging into the bright sunlight (or soft rain) of the open air, follow the Glencar road towards the base of Seefin. Here you’ll join a butter road which climbs steadily up to the Windy Gap. The narrow crest of the Windy Gap is a superb place to gaze back over the wooded and streamed landscape you’ve crossed and to look ahead over Dingle Bay, the beaches of Rossbeigh and Inch, Mount Brandon and the Blasket Islands. An hour’s descent from the Windy Gap takes you to Glenbeigh where the Towers Hotel offers welcome refreshments and on a wet day a warm open fire! The distance is 14 km and the average time, including breaks, is about 4/5 hours.
If you’re interested in doing something a little more strenuous; this June summer solstice weekend Outdoors Ireland are running a guided night ascent of Carrauntoohil. We’ll be on Carrauntoohil’s summit just before dawn to enjoy the magical experience of sunrise on the longest day of the year, before descending to a tasty breakfast in Killarney. Most experiences and abilities would be able for this trip.
A Kerry Businessman’s Secret: Adaption and Innovation
‘Innovate or die’ could be the best way to describe Kerry businessman and outdoor enthusiast Nathan Kingerlee’s approach to the changing tourism economy.
Based in Kerry, it has been an exciting challenge meeting the changing needs of clients to continue with the expansion of his business in the current climate. Outdoors Ireland is one of the leading outdoor adventure company’s in the South West. The main focus has been kayaking, hill walking and rock climbing, used for team building, corporate events or individuals. His latest venture incorporates yoga with outdoor activities.
According to Kingerlee, the main reasons people come to his company, Outdoors Ireland, are “to get away from the stresses of modern day living, to unwind and live healthily for a few days. Combining yoga and the outdoors is the perfect anecdote to rejuvenate oneself in these times”.
One of the keys to his success is responding to the market’s often diverse interests. According to Kingerlee “Business is always evolving and it’s important to be able to adapt to your customer’s individual tastes. In order to do so, you need to be sensitive to what they want and respond to it” A day with Outdoors Ireland will offer you a fun and thrilling adventure whatever your interests.
Not many local businesses can boast that Easter 2009 was twice as busy as the previous “In general demand is increasing constantly and we continue to give excellent quality, value and new adventures. Fàilte Ireland is also doing great work to promote the South West as an adventure location and to encourage the Irish to take advantage of what's on their doorstep, so that's been a big help” said Kingerlee.
The yoga weekends have an emphasis on healthy living and eating - a detox of the mind and the body. Providing an opportunity to learn some new and simple things to take back into your normal lives, such as yoga techniques and this coupled with the chance to try activities like kayaking, hiking and biking. This innovative Kerryman has provided the perfect backdrop to restore the body and mind.
For more information, photos and dates please contact Nathan Kingerlee. Email: info@outdoorsireland.com Tel: (086) 860 45 63
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