30 August 2014

Climb Carrauntoohil On Sat 13th Sept

Our next Carrauntoohil Guided Climb is Sat 13th Sept.
More details below:

Stand On The Spectacular Summit Of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Mountain

Climb through glaciated corries, past deep mountain lakes and along ice carved ridges to stand on Carrauntoohil's lofty cloud strewn summit, at 1040 meters above sea level.

From the top of Ireland's highest peak savour breathtaking views over the Iveragh, Beara and Dingle Peninsulas, as far as Skellig Michael and the Blasket Islands. Discover legends and local history with an experienced, knowledgeable guide, as you explore the majestic MacGillycuddy Reeks.

On a misty day enjoy the excitement of swirling cloud, piercing rays of sunshine and the occasional treat of views revealed through a friendly parting in the clouds.

Price: €75 Per Person
9am - 5pm
Hiking Boots Provided

To Book Please Contact Nathan:
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63
info@outdoorsireland.com

29 August 2014

Lakes Of Killarney Kayaking Trips

Some recent photos of the caves, sights and wildlife we've seen while out kayaking...




Weekly Update @ Outdoors Ireland

Weather been a little grim in some respects, but loving it. Swirling wet mist on the hills, dripping trees, rough lake waters and noisy rivers. It's been great sitting down by a fire in the evenings with a Talisker and the Walter Mitty soundtrack!

Killarney National Park is actually a pretty special place, either by kayak or on foot in the damp and stormy weather, especially as it empties of people.

Summer season really quieting down now. Doing some access work with the landowners of some of the private lands we cross.

Sky TV back down with us this afternoon doing some forest bike filming with Jason in the woods above Torc. I'm looking forward to sea kayaking in Galway next week, especially as it's time to buy winter coal again from the amazingly priced shop in Kilcolgan.

Fab weekend away last week here www.stayatbeachcove.com. If you're down in Ballinskelligs area I highly recommend staying there. The breakfasts are amazing!

Still have a good few guided tours happening. More details here: www.outdoorsireland.com/upcomingplaces.php.

Mountain Skills and Lead Climbing Courses about to begin again. Can't wait to be back in a pair of hiking boot on the mountains.

That's all for now, Nathan

22 August 2014

Great Feedback From Our Canyoning!

Thanks for Patrick for this awesome feedback...

I had an amazing time climbing down the waterfalls. I have never experienced anything like that back home in New York. It was absolutely a once in a lifetime experience. The two guides did a outstanding job, and they made me feel safe at all times. I'd love to embark on another adventure with Outdoor Ireland after that experience!

21 August 2014

Weekly Update @ Outdoors Ireland


Autumn chill crept into August; however expect it to be back to blazing sun and crisp weather for September! Doesn't seem quite so hectic this week; hope that's not the summer season coming to an end - I'm sure it's not.

Both MJ and I have been doing some sea kayak trips in Galway City and Kinvara Bay. I was also doing a bit of Wild Atlantic Way sea kayak filming last week with a Sky TV channel. We had a fabulous sunset and a black-sailed Galway Hooker to keep us company.

Starting to think ahead to the autumn/winter training course schedule; especially our rock climbing and Mountain Skills. Jason is departing for a year's traveling in November so I'm starting to look for a replacement mountain and rock climbing instructor to fill his place. He'll be sadly missed.

Thinking to hold onto most of our kayaks for another year so must get them power-washed and any little fixing jobs done this weekend. We're also getting a bit of rope damage on our canyoning so need to look at that, hopefully early next week.

Microsoft Excel issues this week so our bookings are back to the good old days of sticky notes all over my desk! That's all for now, Nathan

12 August 2014

Sea Kayaking In Kinvara Bay



Sea Kayaking In Kinvara Bay, With Jason, On A Still Misty Morning.

The only sounds were the watery rustle of the seaweed against the rocks and the high pitch of the oyster catchers...

Weekly Update @ Outdoors Ireland

Lots of kayaking and canyoning trips have been happening; two sit on top kayak training days; some rock climbing in the Gap of Dunloe and a sprinkling of forest biking tours. We're all nicely busy and the guys are doing some long shifts.

The rain is great for the veg garden, filling up the lakes and bringing up the canyoning levels; however drying wetsuits has become a more focused job. We no longer hang the gear outside for a day and take it in bone dry that evening!

Large group of French students out on an early morning kayak trip last Fri and we got to see a kingfisher, twice! Then Jason and I were sea kayaking in Galway City over the weekend; with both a stag group and a hen group. Fair play to the hens who brought along delicious champagne and amazing home-made cup cakes. Was one of the best kayak trips I've done; sipping champagne, eating cup cakes and watching the sunset over Galway!

Amazing orange full moon at the moment. Had to start work at 330am twice last week and the sight of the huge moon dipping behind Torc Mountain was spectacular. Made up for having to be up so early. Big tides at the moment in Galway and some strong flows to be watched out for.

That's all for now, Nathan

5 August 2014

Weekly Update At Outdoors Ireland

Brilliant bank holiday weekend! Thanks to everyone who joined us in Killarney and Galway. Well done to Mark for running the office and MJ for a 22 hour day on Monday. Jason finally got a day or two off.

Nearly have the Landrover sorted; just need to drive carefully in rain at moment as windscreen wipers not working. Seems to be a slight break in this amazing weather, which is no harm to fill our canyon gorges with water again. Drying wetsuits is a full-time job right now, especially with this soft warm drizzle.

Little sad to think the summer season will be over in a matter of weeks. Anyway we'll make the most of what's left and have just finished planning our training courses for this winter and next year.

Really delighted to have an article in the Sunday Business Post on our canyoning last weekend thanks to Roisin and Mary from Outsider Magazine.

Working to develop our biking trips and guided hikes a little different and as brilliant as possible.

Finally have a large stag group sea kayaking in Galway City this Sat so really looking forward to working outdoors for the day with Jason, plus testing my new car coffee machine.

That's all for now. Nathan

Air Corps & Canyoning

Some Beautiful Photos Of Ireland Taken By The Air Corps:
http://www.thejournal.ie/air-corps-photos-ireland-stunning-1600591-Aug2014/

Thanks to Baz for this brilliant canyoning footage!

2 August 2014

Photo Flavour Of Where We've Been

Sunset Kayaking On The Lakes Of Killarney, Heading From Ross Castle Towards Innisfallen Abbey

 Early Morning Reflections Beside Yew Island


Jason & Nathan Forest & Mountain Biking With Ruth Scott From 2FM


Ross Island Canal, Leading Out To Lough Lein, Waiting For Kayak Clients To Arrive

 Half-Day Killarney Lakes Kayak Trip


Descending The Steps Of Torc Waterfall On A Hike Through Part Of Killarney National Park


H Buttress - Climbing In The Gap Of Dunloe


Mountain Skills 1 Training In The Gap Of Dunloe, Overlooking Lough Lein & Killarney


Kinvara Bay Just Before A Misty Morning Sea Kayak Trip

1 August 2014

Complimentary Dawn Hike Of Killarney National Park & Torc Woods

Complimentary Dawn Guided Hike Of Killarney National Park & Torc Woods

We are offering a complimentary guided hike of Killarney National Park and Torc Woods each Thursday at dawn.

We want to share part of this amazing environment with you, that we are lucky enough to live and work in; including the abundant wildlife, vibrant flora and local legends.

Come join us at dawn, as the grey sky brightens, the sun slowly rises, the dawn chorus echoes and the deep wood awakens. This is a relaxing hike through a hidden gem of Killarney National Park and Torc Woods, with no experience needed.

Pre Booking Required: info@outdoorsireland.com

Price: Free Of Charge
Time: 6am - 8am
Meet: Muckross Park Hotel/Molly Darcy's Pub Car Park
Bring: Warm Clothes/Hiking Shoes/Waterproofs
Guide: Nathan

Click Here For Directions

Upgrade To A Fabulous & Delicious Gourmet Breakfast At Muckross Park Hotel Afterwards, For €16 Per Person
!

Sit On Top Kayak Training Dates

Two last minute Sit On Top Kayak Training Courses have come up. Each is a one-day course on the Lakes of Killarney, 10am - 4pm/5pm, completely beginner friendly.

The aim at the end of your day is to be safe, competent and self sufficient for all flat water kayaking, including bays, beaches, lakes and flat rivers. The price is €75 per person and all equipment can be provided.

Sit On Top Kayak Training Dates:
Sat 2nd Aug
Sat 9th Aug

For More Details Please Contact Nathan:
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63