Outdoor Adventure in Killarney

Bank Holiday Adventure Weekend

Sat 31st: Guided Ascent of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Mountain

Sat 31st: Sunset Kayak Trip on Lough Leane

Sun 1st: Half-Day & Sunset Kayak Trips on Killarney Lakes

Mon 2nd: Rock Climbing & Abseiling in the Gap of Dunloe

Mon 2nd: Guided Ascent of Carrauntoohil

Mon 2nd: Half-Day & Sunset Kayak Trips on Killarney Lakes

Tues 3rd: Guided Ascent of Carrauntoohil

Wed 4th - Sat 7th: Half-Day & Sunset Kayak Trips on Killarney Lakes

Sat 7th: River Kayaking down the Laune River

Sat 7th: Night Climb of Carrauntoohil

To Book Contact Ruth!
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63

Killarney Sunset Kayaking

Learning to Rock Climb

We asked Brian, our Learn to Rock Climb prize winner, to write something about the weekend he spent with us in the Gap of Dunloe. Here's what he had to say...

Arriving in Killarney town centre a little after nine to grab a packed lunch and a cup of tea from Cafe Lir, I got a lift with Nathan out to Kate Kearney's Cottage where the group was meeting. Warm handshakes and introductions were exchanged between the eight climbers (and Nathan), and everyone commented on the bit of sun that was trying to peek through the clouds. Then it was down into the Gap of Dunloe, pulling off the road at a rock-face for the day's climbing. Everything was already set up for us, so we just had to get our harnesses on, and receive a few basic tips from Nathan, and then we were away climbing!

We took turns at climbing, belaying (holding the rope at ground level to support the climber), backing-up the belayer, and flaking the rope. From the off, everyone was involved, each with a role, and learning how to do each part. Nathan was on hand at all times, dishing out helpful advice, and showing us the ropes (so to speak!). Everybody encouraged each other on the climbs, trying to spot new foot and handholds from the ground.

After clambering up Cronin's Crack one last time, he taught us how to pack the equipment so that it would be tangle-free in the morning.

Back to my B&B in Robeen House for a nap, and then a night out in Killarney!

The next day we were a little further away from the road, and higher up, giving us spectacular views of the Gap and the lakes. The emphasis today was on technique - smearing, crimping, side pulls, mantel pushes - all had to be used to scale the day's climbs. We also learned a few knots - the Italian Hitch, Clove Hitch, Double Figure of Eight - and a new method for belaying.

At the end of the day, we had a quick review session. It was already pretty obvious how much our climbing ability had improved - instead of hauling ourselves up the rocks using big obvious ledges, we were taking our time, looking around for the slightest of handholds, and even smearing up the sheer cliff face! But on top of that, everyone was far more comfortable with the idea of climbing - those with a fear of heights knew that they were safe and secure, and we all knew to do our safety checks.

All in all, a fantastic way to spend a weekend, and I'm already looking at doing the improver's' course as soon as possible! Thanks to Nathan and Ruth at Outdoors Ireland, and Roisin at Outsider Magazine, for two days of superb fun!

Guided Climb of Carrauntoohil

Sunset Kayaking in Killarney

Photos of the Week

Kayaking across Lough Leane this week; largest of the three Lakes of Killarney, with Purple and Tomies Mountains in the background.

Wet Day in Wicklow Hills

Bob, Cara & Nathan (Part 1)

Here's the links from the journey I undertook in January, from Kerry to Tipperary, with Bob the Goat and Cara the Dog.

Press Release

Sunday - Boxers & Biscuits

Monday - City of Shrone

Tuesday - Dan Joe & St John's Well

Wednesday - Bob Goes Free

Thursday - Nuns & Donkeys

Friday - Tractors at Kilworth

Saturday - Return to Kerry

Native Irish Red Deer

Killarney Summerfest Adventure

Kayak the Killarney Lakes
Spend a morning exploring the deep, sparkling Lakes of Killarney by kayak or canoe! Beginning at 15th century Ross Castle, paddle into Lough Leane, discovering wooded islands, limestone caves and local history. With an experienced, qualified guide learn the skills to master your boat and savour the spectacular views of Killarney National Park.

Mon 26th
Wed 28th
Fri 30th
Sun 1st
Mon 2nd

10am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
€50 per person

All Equipment Provided
Beginners Welcome
Pre Booking Essential
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63



Sunset Kayak Trip
Watch the sun set in the west, over the Dingle Peninsula, as you kayak past rustling islands and sleepy swans. Land at the mystical 6th abbey century ruins on Innisfallen Island and hopefully glimpse some of Ireland's last native red deer...

Mon 26th
Wed 28th
Fri 30th
Sat 31st
Sun 1st
Mon 2nd

8pm - 10pm
€50 per person

All Equipment Provided
Beginners Welcome
Pre Booking Essential
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 34 53



Guided Climb of Carrauntoohil
Climb through glaciated corries, past deep mountain lakes and along ice-carved ridges to stand on Carrauntoohil's lofty cloud-strewn summit! 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. 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.

Tues 27th
Thurs 29th
Sat 31st
Mon 2nd

9am - 5pm
€75 per person

Hiking Boots Provided
Beginners Welcome
Pre Booking Essential
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63

Photos from one of our Learn to Rock Climb Courses in the Gap of Dunloe, last weekend.

August Bank Holiday

August Bank Holiday in Killarney

This 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:

info@outdoorsireland.com

+353 (0) 86 860 45 63

Last Minute Places

Wed 14th
Rock Climbing in Gap of Dunloe
10am - 1pm: €50 per person
Beginners Welcome & Equipment Provided

Evening Kayak Trip on Killarney Lakes
6pm - 9pm: €50 per person
Beginners Welcome & Equipment Provided


Fri 16th
Rock Climbing in Gap of Dunloe
10am - 1pm: €50 per person
Beginners Welcome & Equipment Provided


Sat 17th
Carrauntoohil Guided Climb
9am - 5pm: €75 per person
Hiking Boots Provided


Sat 17th & Sun 18th
Learn to Rock Climb Course
10am - 4pm: €160 per person
Beginners Welcome & Equipment Provided

Rock Climbing in Kerry

Rock Climbing Days in Gap of Dunloe
Learn to Rock Climb Courses
Improve Your Climbing Courses

Bring Back 2

PRESS RELEASE
Kerry Adventure Company ‘Outdoors Ireland’ have just achieved a gold award for environmental awareness and green thinking.

Outdoors Ireland were part of a pilot project, run in Kerry in association with Failte Ireland, aimed at ‘greening’ tourism businesses, from guest houses to adventure companies, and were part of approximately fifty businesses who completed their certification process earlier this month.

‘We’re very lucky to be the first adventure company in Ireland to have received a gold award for green awareness’ says Nathan Kingerlee, manager of Outdoors Ireland. ‘Hopefully it’s one more thing that will help attract adventure tourists to Killarney over the coming months and years.’

The current green initiative Outdoors Ireland are focusing on over the summer months is ‘Bring Back 2’.

‘We’re out in Kerry’s mountains, lakes and cliff-tops a huge amount over the summer’ explains Kingerlee. ‘The objective each time we go outdoors is to bring back two extra items of litter that we may come across, from a plastic bag to an apple core. If we’ve a group of eight people climbing Carrauntoohil with a guide; that’s potentially eighteen extra pieces of litter being carried off the mountains! We’d like to play our part in making a difference to Killarney’s outdoors, which has to be one of Ireland’s greatest natural resources.’

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For More Details Contact:

info@outdoorsireland.com

+353 (0) 86 860 45 63

Kerry Bog

Came across this digger, stuck in the bog, with the engine still running, this morning in Glencar on my way to the office. Have no idea how the driver's going to free it...

Scotts Hotel Competition

We've teamed up with Scotts Hotel, to give away two days of adventure activities plus overnight accommodation and dinner in the luxurious, town centre hotel.

Scotts Hotel is a deluxe Killarney hotel, combining luxury, service and great value deals right in the heart of Killarney. With extravagantly designed bedrooms, deluxe suites and plush self catering apartments, guests can indulge in cozy comforts during their stay, while exploring the Killarney Lakes by kayak and tackling the sandstone cliffs of the Gap of Dunloe.

Prize Dates Are Mid-Week.

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Prize Includes:

Adventure Break For Two People

One Night's Twin Room/Double Room Accommodation

Delicious & Healthy Breakfast

Gourmet Evening Meal

Kayak Trip on Killarney Lakes

Rock Climbing in the Gap of Dunloe

All Equipment

To enter email info@outdoorsireland.com with an answer to the following answer: What is the restaurant at Scotts Hotel called?

We'll announce a winner on Monday 26th July!

Pay What You Like

Adventure Activities & Outdoor Training
Mon 23rd - Sun 29th August

To celebrate our continued success and to thank you for your support, we are offering a week of adventure activities and outdoor training in the rugged mountains and ice-carved lakes of Kerry, where you pay what you like.

We have plenty to celebrate! Each of the past five years has been busier than the previous year; our facebook group has surpassed 1,000 members and is growing fast; our Singles Adventure Weekends recently featured on RTE’s Nationwide; and we just achieved a Gold Award for Green Tourism Business.

So for one entire week in August, we are offering all scheduled activities on a 'pay what you like' basis. You simply give what the trip or course was worth to you, or what you can afford to pay.

As well as thanking existing customers, whom we value hugely, we would also like to give anyone who is hurting from the doom and gloom of recession blues a chance to experience the fun, relaxation and adrenaline of outdoor sports.

More and more people in Ireland are heading for the hills and rivers, and are tending to holiday at home. Many, however, don’t know where to go to get started in adventure sports, or might have reservations about their fitness level, or whether it’s really for them. This week will allow anyone, regardless of ability, the chance to try our activities and pay what they like for the experience.

Of course, our facebook group members and loyal customers come first, and will have the chance to book before we go public.

Bookings for existing customers are now open, followed on Monday 19th July by bookings opening to the general public.

Places Are Limited
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To Book Contact Ruth:
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63
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Schedule
Mon 23rd
1. River Kayak Trip: 10am - 4pm
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Tues 24th
1. Guided Climb of Carrauntoohil: 9am - 5pm
2. Kayak Trip on Killarney Lakes: 10am - 1pm
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Wed 25th
1. Learn to Rock Climb, Day 1: 10am - 4pm
2. Kayak Trip on Killarney Lakes: 10am - 1pm
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Thurs 26th
1. Learn to Rock Climb, Day 2: 10am - 4pm
2. Kayak Skills Day: 10am - 4pm
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Fri 27th
1. Carrauntoohil's Coomloughra Horseshoe: 9am - 5pm
2. Rock Climbing in Gap of Dunloe: 10am - 1pm
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Sat 28th
1. Guided Climb of Carrauntoohil: 9am - 5pm
2. Mountain Skills Day: 10am - 4pm
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Sun 29th
1. River Kayak Trip: 10am - 4pm
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Terms & Conditions
Subject To Availability
Two Bookings/Days Maximum Per Person
Three People Maximum Per Booking
Over 18s Only
May Not Be Applicable To Participants Of Previous Promotions
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Places are limited so once you're booked we need you to attend, whatever your circumstances, and guarantee that you won't cancel.
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Accommodation
Railway Hostel – www.killarneyhostel.com
Robeen House B&B – www.robeenhouse.com
Scotts Hotel – www.scottshotelkillarney.com
Randles Court Hotel – www.randlescourt.com
The Ross Hotel – www.theross.ie
Killarney Park Hotel – www.killarneyparkhotel.ie

River Kayaking Kerry

We're running river kayak trips over the summer and autumn on the Laune River, flowing from the Killarney Lakes all the way down to Killorglin. These are full-day kayak trips, beginning at Ross Castle and finishing with the rapids at Beaufort Bridge.

You will spend the morning learning kayak strokes and techniques as you paddle across Lough Leane, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. Then as you paddle down the swiftly flowing Laune River you will have the opportunity to put your new skills into practice as you tackle the moving water, river bends and friendly, splashing rapids.

Click here to see a recent trip

Price: €75 per person

All Equipment Provided

10am - 4/5pm

Dates:
Sat 7th Aug
Sun 5th Sept

Contact:

info@outdoorsireland.com

+353 (0) 86 860 45 63

Carrauntoohil Competition!

I've two places to give away for a guided ascent of Carrauntoohil this Sunday 11th July, ascending via O Shea's Gully or Caher Ridge.

To enter leave a comment on our facebook group with an answer to the following question:

If you had to spend 24 hours on Carrauntoohil what would be the one thing you'd bring to make your life easier?

Click here to leave a comment

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I'll pick a winner this Thursday evening. Good luck!

Carrauntoohil Safety Cover

On Monday we provided Safety/Rescue Cover for a UK Charity, Water Aid, who had a group of approx 70 climbers completing a Six Peaks Challenge. After being on the go for nearly 72 hours, Carrauntoohil was their final mountain.

Rescue Jeep on it's way through Hag's Glen


First Aid Gear


Rescue Jeep in Hag's Glen


Darragh running Check Point 1


Dave (Rescue Officer) at First Aid Tent 2


Nathan's Position on Devil's Ladder


Teams at top of Devil's Ladder

Descending on Monday Evening

Ferghal descending from Check Point 3 at Summit

End of Day