After the success of our Carrauntoohil Summer Solstice Night Climb we're running two more Carrauntoohil Night Climbs, on both Saturday 7th August and Saturday 21st August.
We're also running a Night Navigation Workshop on Saturday 28th August, designed to give you the skills to map read and navigate across the hills in darkness.
Carrauntoohil Night Climb
Make an exciting and unique 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 9am.
Price: €85 per person; or €75 per person, for four or more people
Price Includes:
Guided Ascent of Carrauntoohil
Freshly Cooked Breakfast @ Scotts Hotel
Dates:
Sat 7th/Sun 8th Aug
Sat 21st/Sun 22nd Aug
To Book Contact Nathan/Ruth:
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63
Night Navigation Workshop
Spend four/five hours on the hills near Killarney at night-time, learning map reading skills and basic night navigation techniques.
This workshop aims to give you an introduction to the skills you need to navigate across the hills in darkness. It's also designed to give you the confidence and skills to descend safely from the Irish hills, should you be caught in darkness or mist on a normal day's hiking.
The practical, hands-on, workshop will begin at 9pm and finish at approximately 2am and is designed for all abilities.
Price: €75 per person
Date:
Sat 28th Aug
To Book Contact Nathan/Ruth:
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63
29 June 2010
23 June 2010
Hiking in West Cork
Hiking the Beara Way, from Eyeries to Allihies
Victorian Copper Mines, overlooking Allihies
Cara revolting against her walk
Kathleen & Catherine from Urhan Post Office
Urhan Post Office - great place for tea cakes!
The Blue Loo in Glengarriff
Cara waiting for her Guinness
Environmental Gold
Going Green – Achieving Environmental Gold
Thanks to Darragh O'Sullivan and Failte Ireland, my adventure company - Outdoors Ireland - has just achieved a gold award for green standards and enviromental awareness. We're now the first adventure company in Ireland to hold this award! I asked Darragh to write a blog about our journey to get here... Nathan
Over the past few years, Nathan had consulted with me on several aspects of Business Development for Outdoors Ireland, mainly in the areas of business direction and streamlining processes. When he asked me to take on this environmental project, I was more than happy to get stuck in.
I knew that Outdoors Ireland has very high professional standards across the board and was happy to help them achieve recognition for their high level of work. As well as that, Nathan genuinely counts himself extremely fortunate to work in such a stunning, relatively untainted area as Kerry, and values the conservation of its natural beauty. Equally, I appreciated that Nathan trusted my work, and would let me get on with things in my own way.
The task was to incorporate and demonstrate sound environmental practices across the company: in all processes and procedures, in dealing with clients and suppliers, and in company information. What this really meant was considering the environment in everything we do ourselves, as well as encouraging awareness in our clients and in anyone else we deal with, such as restaurants, hotels and shops. These practical principles would then form an Environmental Policy that we could stand over, and which would guide the company in future.
Office/Base
At the Outdoors Ireland brains-trust /nerve-centre / madhouse, we looked at any and all ways that we could improve things from a green point-of-view: using recycled paper, inks and other products; using more electronic forms of marketing and communication; being more responsible energy-wise etc.
Staff
We pulled apart all staff procedures to ensure that they are fully informed and pro-active on environmental issues. We put fail-safes in place to minimise waste, spread the Leave No Trace message, and encourage interaction and feedback from our customers on this area.
Clients
Our aim was to provide information to our clients so that they would be able to easily do their bit for the environment while taking part in our courses. Encouraging public transport or bikes while in the area, using responsible accommodation and local food providers, and making them aware of our own policies were some of the angles here.
Our aim was to provide information to our clients so that they would be able to easily do their bit for the environment while taking part in our courses. Encouraging public transport or bikes while in the area, using responsible accommodation and local food providers, and making them aware of our own policies were some of the angles here.
Suppliers
We sent out questionnaires to the various hotels, restaurants, transport companies and so on that we regularly use, to find out what environmental practices they had. The idea here was to inform them of our view, encourage them to think more green, and to demonstrate that we are moving towards working exclusively with highly responsible companies.
So with all that and so much more done, we had our audit and the nervous wait for the result. Being honest, we felt we put a lot into it, but were probably on target for a high Silver award, so to get Gold was extremely satisfying. Knowing that Outdoors Ireland is the only adventure company in the country to get Gold makes it sweeter again (of course we would welcome all tourism providers being at gold standard but it’s nice for work to be recognised!).
Another good job done but also just the start of something. Part of our policy was to aim for continual improvement, as we look for in all areas of the business. So hopefully on-going work and communication with customers will keep Outdoors Ireland at the top of the pile when it comes to responsible tourism in Ireland.
Many thanks to Nathan for asking me to run this project. Huge thanks also to Stephen and Keri from the Green Tourism Business Scheme for their assistance and guidance during the process. For more information, see www.greentourism.ie
Darragh O’Sullivan
22 June 2010
Upcoming Places
Here's some upcoming places on adventure trips and training courses happening in Killarney over the coming weeks. Apart from these, we also have regular kayak trips, rock climbing and Carrauntoohil guided ascents.
Killarney Lakes Kayak Trip
Wed 23rd June
€50pp
River Kayak Trip
Thurs 24th June
€75pp
Carrauntoohil Ascent
Sat 26th June
Sun 11th July
Sat 17th July
€75pp
Evening Kayak Trip
Sat 26th June
€50pp
Mountain Skills 1
Sat 3rd & Sun 4th July
€165pp
Kayak Skills Workshop
Sat 3rd July
€50pp
Teen Rock Climbing & Kayaking Camp
Tues 6th - Fri 9th July
€200pp
Improve your Rock Climbing
Sat 10th & Sun 11th July
€160pp
Rock Climbing & Kayaking
Sat 10th July
€75pp
Learn to Rock Climb
Sat 17th & Sun 18th July
€160pp
To Book Contact Nathan/Ruth:
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63
Killarney Lakes Kayak Trip
Wed 23rd June
€50pp
River Kayak Trip
Thurs 24th June
€75pp
Carrauntoohil Ascent
Sat 26th June
Sun 11th July
Sat 17th July
€75pp
Evening Kayak Trip
Sat 26th June
€50pp
Mountain Skills 1
Sat 3rd & Sun 4th July
€165pp
Kayak Skills Workshop
Sat 3rd July
€50pp
Teen Rock Climbing & Kayaking Camp
Tues 6th - Fri 9th July
€200pp
Improve your Rock Climbing
Sat 10th & Sun 11th July
€160pp
Rock Climbing & Kayaking
Sat 10th July
€75pp
Learn to Rock Climb
Sat 17th & Sun 18th July
€160pp
To Book Contact Nathan/Ruth:
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63
Carrauntoohil Night Climb
Thank you and well done to all the climbers who joined us on Sunday night and Monday morning for our night climb of Carrauntoohil.
Sunrise was spectacular and so was breakfast afterwards!
We've more of these climbs planned over the coming months...
18 June 2010
Green & Gold
We have just achieved a gold award for green credentials and enviromental awareness, thanks mainly to Darragh O Sullivan for his hard work and also Failte Ireland for their support.
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We are the first adventure company in Ireland to achieve gold and pretty delighted about it!
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Tomorrow morning at 10am I'll be talking on Radio Kerry about our journey to gold, along with Mary Stack, from Failte Ireland. www.radiokerry.ie
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For more see www.green-business.co.uk
Summer Solstice on Carrauntoohil
We're rapidly approaching the longest day of the year, a long celebrated pagan date, and as you've probably seen we're running a night ascent of Carrauntoohil. What better way to celebrate this, than to stand on Ireland's highest mountain on the longest day of the year, just as dawn breaks and sunrise fills the sky...
The final countdown for bookings has begun as places are filling quickly and Sunday night is looming. Click here to book or contact Nathan / Ruth on info@outdoorsireland.com or +353 (0) 86 860 45 63.
The final countdown for bookings has begun as places are filling quickly and Sunday night is looming. Click here to book or contact Nathan / Ruth on info@outdoorsireland.com or +353 (0) 86 860 45 63.
Hiking Boots Can Be Provided
Transfers Provided
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 9am.
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 9am.
17 June 2010
Kerry Rock Climbing Winners
We ran a rock climbing competition at the beginning of this month, with the two winners announced today, by Roisin Finlay, editor of Ireland's only outdoor magazine, Outsider.
Congratulations to Brian (Sheer Luck) and Lorraine (Dakota Dream) who have just won a free place on our Learn to Rock Climb Course!
Thanks to Roisin Finlay who chose the winners and a huge thanks to everyone who took the time to enter!
Click here to see all the competition entries
Click here to see our rock climbing courses
As a thank you to everyone who entered we'd like to offer you a 20% discount on a Learn to Rock Climb Course before the end of 2010.
Congratulations to Brian (Sheer Luck) and Lorraine (Dakota Dream) who have just won a free place on our Learn to Rock Climb Course!
Thanks to Roisin Finlay who chose the winners and a huge thanks to everyone who took the time to enter!
Click here to see all the competition entries
Click here to see our rock climbing courses
As a thank you to everyone who entered we'd like to offer you a 20% discount on a Learn to Rock Climb Course before the end of 2010.
15 June 2010
River Kayaking Kerry
River Kayak Trip last weekend, down the Laune River, which flows from Lough Leane to Killorglin. For more river kayak trips contact us at www.outdoorsireland.com or +353 (0) 86 860 45 63.
14 June 2010
4 Peaks Challenge - Carrauntoohil
Well 309 climbers are now safely up and down Carrauntoohil, having participated in Focus Ireland's Four Peaks Challenge; where teams climb the highest mountain in each of the four provinces, beginning with Ireland's highest - Carrauntoohil.
We're lucky to work with Focus Ireland, both training the teams beforehand in map reading and mountain skills, and then providing safety cover on Carrauntoohil for the actual challenge itself.
Our brief is to keep track of teams, so at any stage we know where on the mountain teams are; keep teams out of hazard and mishap as best we can, and also stabilise and deal with any injuries or incidents that may occur.
Teams are generally well prepared and we've had no major incidents or injuries over the years, plus the weather is usually pretty good, which makes things a little easier.
The climbers route is up the Hydro Track to the top of Caher, across the Caher Ridge to the summit of Carrauntoohil; then returning the same way.
Myself and my team of twelve mountain instructors and guides meet at the Hydro Track at 730am, before using our four wheel drive jeep to drive as high as we can go. Here we run through the day's action plan, emergency plans, share out safety equipment and perform radio checks with the VHF radios, which are vital on the mountain.
The equipment each member of my team carries includes map and compass, head torch, spare clothing, first aid kit, survival unit and survival bag, walking rope, high visibility jacket and VHF radio.
We have two first aid tents between Caher and Carrauntoohil. These are stocked with flasks of hot drink, neck braces, emergency clothing and sleeping bags, plus survival bags. I have a first aid officer - Dave K - who moves freely over the mountain, ready to deal with minor incidents. I have a rescue officer - Dave R - who is fixed in position at one of the first aid tents, ready to deal with major incidents. The two Daves and I have a separate radio channel to communicate freely on, free from the general radio traffic between the rest of the mountain marshals.
There are four checkpoints across the mountain, which Four Peaks climbers check into, both on the way up and the way down. This way we know where teams are and what time they were at their last checkpoint. Darragh is based at the jeep all day, tracking teams and liaising with mountain marshals. All other marshals are then fixed at danger zones to prevent any incidents, or deal with them if they should happen.
I drove up the Hydro Track initially on Friday morning at about 6am and it was a beautiful morning with faint sunlight just touching the summit cross on Carrauntoohil, however when all my team arrived at 730am the peaks had disappeared behind swirling grey cloud. Over the course of the day this cloud descended lower and lower, eventually all the way down to Checkpoint 1. although the valley was warm and sunny it was a very different climate on the mountain tops, with incredibly poor visibility and a gusting breeze in places. Poor Tadhg, at Checkpoint 2 and John at Checkpoint 4 seemed to be the only two people being constantly rained on!
I haven't often seen visibility as poor as what we experienced on Friday, with peoples voices emerging out of the thick swirling mist, long before their figures appeared. It's a huge credit to all the climbers taking part in the challenge that they all safely and competently navigated their way across up to Caher, across to Carrauntoohil and back to base again.
Teams moved pretty quick across the MacGillycuddy Reeks and we were down and wrapped up by 6pm'ish with no incidents or injuries. Fair play to all the climbers and thanks also again to my fantastic team, who kept the mountain safe for another year!
We're lucky to work with Focus Ireland, both training the teams beforehand in map reading and mountain skills, and then providing safety cover on Carrauntoohil for the actual challenge itself.
Our brief is to keep track of teams, so at any stage we know where on the mountain teams are; keep teams out of hazard and mishap as best we can, and also stabilise and deal with any injuries or incidents that may occur.
Teams are generally well prepared and we've had no major incidents or injuries over the years, plus the weather is usually pretty good, which makes things a little easier.
The climbers route is up the Hydro Track to the top of Caher, across the Caher Ridge to the summit of Carrauntoohil; then returning the same way.
Myself and my team of twelve mountain instructors and guides meet at the Hydro Track at 730am, before using our four wheel drive jeep to drive as high as we can go. Here we run through the day's action plan, emergency plans, share out safety equipment and perform radio checks with the VHF radios, which are vital on the mountain.
The equipment each member of my team carries includes map and compass, head torch, spare clothing, first aid kit, survival unit and survival bag, walking rope, high visibility jacket and VHF radio.
We have two first aid tents between Caher and Carrauntoohil. These are stocked with flasks of hot drink, neck braces, emergency clothing and sleeping bags, plus survival bags. I have a first aid officer - Dave K - who moves freely over the mountain, ready to deal with minor incidents. I have a rescue officer - Dave R - who is fixed in position at one of the first aid tents, ready to deal with major incidents. The two Daves and I have a separate radio channel to communicate freely on, free from the general radio traffic between the rest of the mountain marshals.
There are four checkpoints across the mountain, which Four Peaks climbers check into, both on the way up and the way down. This way we know where teams are and what time they were at their last checkpoint. Darragh is based at the jeep all day, tracking teams and liaising with mountain marshals. All other marshals are then fixed at danger zones to prevent any incidents, or deal with them if they should happen.
I drove up the Hydro Track initially on Friday morning at about 6am and it was a beautiful morning with faint sunlight just touching the summit cross on Carrauntoohil, however when all my team arrived at 730am the peaks had disappeared behind swirling grey cloud. Over the course of the day this cloud descended lower and lower, eventually all the way down to Checkpoint 1. although the valley was warm and sunny it was a very different climate on the mountain tops, with incredibly poor visibility and a gusting breeze in places. Poor Tadhg, at Checkpoint 2 and John at Checkpoint 4 seemed to be the only two people being constantly rained on!
I haven't often seen visibility as poor as what we experienced on Friday, with peoples voices emerging out of the thick swirling mist, long before their figures appeared. It's a huge credit to all the climbers taking part in the challenge that they all safely and competently navigated their way across up to Caher, across to Carrauntoohil and back to base again.
Teams moved pretty quick across the MacGillycuddy Reeks and we were down and wrapped up by 6pm'ish with no incidents or injuries. Fair play to all the climbers and thanks also again to my fantastic team, who kept the mountain safe for another year!
8 June 2010
Single Men Wanted
Well I'm back to looking for more single men again!
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We've another Singles Adventure Weekend on 26th & 27th June.
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This will be a weekend of kayaking, rock climbing and hiking, for all abilities from complete beginner, upwards. The emphasis of the weekend will be fun, meeting like-minded people and challenge!
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The weekend is booked with women, but we're still looking for more men to take part. So where are all the men!? I've been told to offer free beer and that will attract the guys! If you know of anyone who may be interested please put them in touch or click on this link.
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Here's a piece Nationwide did on our weekends recently.
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If you've any ideas of how to get more men just comment here...
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We've another Singles Adventure Weekend on 26th & 27th June.
-
This will be a weekend of kayaking, rock climbing and hiking, for all abilities from complete beginner, upwards. The emphasis of the weekend will be fun, meeting like-minded people and challenge!
-
The weekend is booked with women, but we're still looking for more men to take part. So where are all the men!? I've been told to offer free beer and that will attract the guys! If you know of anyone who may be interested please put them in touch or click on this link.
-
Here's a piece Nationwide did on our weekends recently.
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If you've any ideas of how to get more men just comment here...
6 June 2010
Singles Adventure Break & Nationwide
Maria Mullarkey, from RTE's Nationwide, spent a day with us recently. She was taking part in one of our Singles Adventure Weekends. We've more of these adventure weekends running in June and July and are looking for a few more men to sign up!
If you're interested just get in touch:
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63
Killarney Lakes Kayak Trip
Sparkling Morning Kayak Trip across the Lakes of Killarney Today
Click Here To See Our Kayak Trips
Click Here To See Our Kayak Trips
Bank Holiday Outdoor Adventure
Swim Break on Ross Island
Before or After Shot!?
Kayaking into Lough Leane - Lakes of Killarney
Age - No Problem!
Paddling Across Ross Castle
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Climbing into the First Level on Carrauntoohil
High on Beenkeragh Ridge
4 June 2010
2 June 2010
June Bank Holiday Kerry Adventure Weekend
June/August Bank Holiday
This June or August Bank Holiday try something a little different...
Stand on Ireland's highest mountain, explore the limestone caves of Lough Leane by kayak or learn to rock climb on sandstone cliffs in the Gap of Dunloe!
At night discover the craic, gourmet food and lively entertainment of Killarney, as you enjoy some well-earned relaxation.
Saturday
Climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Mountain
€75 per person
9am - 5pm
Sunday
Half-Day Kayak Trip on Lough Leane
€50 per person
10am - 1pm / 2pm - 5pm
Monday
Rock Climb in the Gap of Dunloe
€50 per person
10am - 1pm
Suitable For All Abilities
All Equipment Provided
Book One, Two or Three Days
Weekend Price: €145 per person
This June or August Bank Holiday try something a little different...
Stand on Ireland's highest mountain, explore the limestone caves of Lough Leane by kayak or learn to rock climb on sandstone cliffs in the Gap of Dunloe!
At night discover the craic, gourmet food and lively entertainment of Killarney, as you enjoy some well-earned relaxation.
Saturday
Climb Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Mountain
€75 per person
9am - 5pm
Sunday
Half-Day Kayak Trip on Lough Leane
€50 per person
10am - 1pm / 2pm - 5pm
Monday
Rock Climb in the Gap of Dunloe
€50 per person
10am - 1pm
Suitable For All Abilities
All Equipment Provided
Book One, Two or Three Days
Weekend Price: €145 per person
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Contact Nathan / Ruth:
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63
1 June 2010
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