31 August 2012

Sea Kayaking At Dusk In Galway City & Kayaking On Lakes Of Killarney

Sea Kayaking At Dusk In Galway City & Kayaking On Lakes Of Killarney
As the autumn draws in and the winter beckons we will still be running our guided kayak trips, although possibly not quite as frequently as during the summer.

Wrapped in warm, dry wetsuits; protected from splashing waves with waterproof cags and spray decks; you will still be able to experience some of the spectacular sights, sounds and wildlife...

In Galway City we will have a Dusk/Evening Sea Kayak Trip, sea kayaking through the city and harbour as the sun descends towards the horizon and the city begins to light up.

Sea Kayaking At Dusk In Galway City & Kayaking On Lakes Of Killarney

While on the Lakes of Killarney we will have our Afternoon Kayak Trip, which explores the deserted islands, limestone caves and tunnels, lands at the 6th century Innisfallen Abbey ruins and hopefully takes in sea eagles or red deer!

If you would like more details just get in touch on info@outdoorsireland.com or +353 (0) 86 860 45 63.

Floating Sea Weed Raft (Climin)

Floating Sea Weed Raft (Climin)
Locals building a floating sea weed raft or 'climin' last week in Kinvara; which they race as part of the yearly festival - Cruinniu na mBad.
Floating Sea Weed Raft (Climin)

Floating Sea Weed Raft (Climin)

Floating Sea Weed Raft (Climin)

30 August 2012

Special Offer For Killarney This Autumn/Winter

Special Offer For This Autumn/Winter
Hike through the spectacular ice-carved Gap of Dunloe with a local guide, savouring fantastic views over Killarney National Park and Ireland’s highest mountains, the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

Kayak across the deep glaciated Lakes of Killarney, exploring deserted islands, limestone caves and monastic ruins.

Spend two nights in the comfortable and friendly Wayside B&B, located in the Gap of Dunloe, where you will experience a true Irish welcome!

Price: €160 Per Person
Price Includes:
Two Nights Accommodation
Two Delicious Breakfasts
Guided Hike Of The Gap Of Dunloe
Guided Kayak Trip Across The Lakes Of Killarney
All Equipment Provided

Minimum Of Two People Needed Per Booking

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

28 August 2012

Belfast Telegraph Sea Kayaking Trip

Belfast Telegraph Sea Kayaking Trip

PADDLE DO NICELY
Sightseeing on foot? OK how about the traditional double-decker tour bus? Forget that. A much trendier option is to see the sights and learn the history of a city from the comfort of your very own boat.

We hopped in the car in Belfast and in a few hours arrived in the ancient west coast city of Galway to explore the area with a spot of sea kayaking.

Galway, Ireland’s third largest city, is celebrated in song and story throughout the world and takes centre stage on Ireland’s western seaboard. With spectacularly beautiful scenery, it offers a medley of contrasts - the wildest and remotest of countryside teamed with one of Europe’s most vibrant and popular cities.

We started our kayaking tour at Kinvara Bay just outside Galway where our guide, Henry from Outdoors Ireland, got us kitted up for a sunset kayak. My wife and I were complete beginners but this was no bother at all so in we hopped and paddled off along the beautifully calm bay. A mere two minutes later up popped a seal to check out what was going on. It was a bit like being in a David Attenburgh documentary as we found ourselves bobbing along while baby seals swam around us having a good old nosey – amazing. We paddled along the rugged coastline past deserted limestone islands enjoying the sheltered inlet, which is part of the larger expanse of Galway Bay and further out the Atlantic Ocean.

We drifted along past an old stone fishing pier leading us to the beautifully preserved Dunguaire Castle, a 16th century tower house believed to have once been the royal palace of the legendary King of Connacht. The castle's 75-foot tower and its defensive wall have been restored to excellent condition, and the grounds are open to tourists during the summer. The most photographed castle in Ireland, it hosts medieval banquets for the public with costumed performers who recite Irish literature and play traditional Irish music.

So with the warm breeze in our hair, the sun in our face and the gentle lull of the water off we paddled back along the coastline, stopping to share a flask of tea and some chocolate before arriving back at our starting point just before sunset.

Back in Galway City we arrived back to a warm Irish welcome at The House Hotel, a boutique 4 star hotel in a fantastic location just seconds from Quay Street, the bustling centre for nightlife. One of the best things about this hotel is they have got the balance between stylish and welcoming perfectly right – the décor is funky and modern but at the same time warm and inviting. Our room was spacious, quiet and beautifully decorated. They also offer city centre car parking in a nearby car park where you can park at a discounted rate of €8 for 24 hours during which time you can take your car in and out as often as you like.

Dubbed ‘The Cultural Capital of Ireland’, the city is famed for its vibrant music, arts and events scene. During the summer months the 70,000 strong population swells, as visitors are drawn by the city’s many festivals, an International Festival of Literature, the Galway Arts Festival (Ireland’s largest), the Oyster Festival and the Galway Races, which
attracts 200,000 people over one week.

When we arrived the City was fresh from hosting the finish of the international Volvo Ocean Race hence there were even more visitors than normal and the pubs and clubs were bursting with all types of nationality creating a vibrant carnival atmosphere.

The city itself has many relics of its medieval past and is worth taking time to explore so the following day we got back in the kayaks, this time leaving the peaceful nature of Kinvara Bay behind for some exploring around the busy working docks of Galway Harbour. Henry was our guide again although this time we were part of a larger group of eight. The water was certainly a lot choppier as we set off at the edge of the harbour and into the open sea. I must admit I felt rather glad we had been out the evening before in Kinvara Bay as I like to think I looked like I knew what I was doing and had a few snorts of laughter at the poor novices trying to work out how to steer their kayaks out of the harbour.

From the docks we travelled past old fishing boats and stone piers into the Claddagh Basin where Henry tells us historic tales of the famous Claddagh Ring and its origins.

Now just because we were in the City didn’t mean we had to forgo nature completely as there were a surprising number of beautiful swans serenely floating around. We were however warned to keep our distance as apparently they are not as friendly as the seals. We left the hustle and bustle of the city and headed out of the harbour to Mutton Island where we parked up out kayaks to stretch our legs and enjoy the by now expected hot tea and chocolate.

Back at The House Hotel we kicked of the evening with some drinks in the stylish Cocktail Bar followed by a meal in the restaurant where we both enjoyed a well earned meal from the hotels restaurant.

Sea Kayaking is a fantastic way to see the sights of Galway, it was great to do something totally different when visiting a city and this was invigorating and a little bit magical, like we were on a special secret guided tour. I would highly recommend Outdoors Ireland as they not only provide the best of equipment, their guides are relaxed yet keep you safe and boy can they tell you a story or two about Galway’s rich history.

Mark McCormick
Belfast Telegraph

Paddling Through Killarney National Park Last Week

Some photos of our Guided Kayak Tours of the Lakes of Killarney and Killarney National Park, taken last week.
Paddling Through Killarney National Park Last Week

Late Afternoon Over Innisfallen Island

Paddling Through Killarney National Park Last Week
Sunset & Rain At The Same Time!

Paddling Through Killarney National Park Last Week
Heading Out Into Killarney National Park

Paddling Through Killarney National Park Last Week
Dusk At Ross Castle

25 August 2012

Mountaineering & Rock Climbing Training This Autumn/Winter

As we approach autumn/winter we are putting together our training courses, suitable for individuals and walking clubs/groups.

We run courses such as Mountain Skills, Mountain Leadership, Emergency Rope Work, Mountain Emergencies and Lead Rock Climbing.

We run these courses in Kerry, Galway, Wicklow and can also travel to your local area if you have your own group. We are able to design a course specific to your club/group requirements and can offer some discounted prices.

Please get in touch on nathan@outdoorsireland.com or +353 (0) 86 860 45 63 if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Click Here To Check Out Our Mountaineering/Rock Climbing Resources
Mountaineering & Rock Climbing Training This Autumn/Winter

Seals While Out Sea Kayaking


Seals In Kinvara Bay, While On Our Kinvara Bay Sea Kayak Tour. This Is Just Off Crossooha Pier...


Seal Eating Fish In Galway Harbour. Henry Took This Quick Clip While Out Leading One Of Our Galway City Sea Kayak Tours.

Seals While Out Sea Kayaking

23 August 2012

Kayak Skills Training

We have a couple of places left on our Kinvara Bay Kayak Skills Training Course this Sun 26th. This link has more details: http://www.outdoorsireland.com/kayaking.php.
The price is €75 per person, or €80 per person with the optional Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Certification.

Please get in touch if you would like to book:
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63
Kayak Skills Training

Lough Lein 'Lake Of Learning'


Mangerton Mountan, Devil's Punchbowl, Friars Glen & Torc Mountain Sloping Down To Meet Lough Lein

Lough Lein 'Lake Of Learning'
Torc Mountain & Devil's Bit, With Moll's Gap In The Distance

21 August 2012

Deer On Innisfallen Island

Deer On Innisfallen Island

Deer On Innisfallen Island

Deer On Innisfallen Island

Deer On Innisfallen Island
Sunset Kayak Trip - We Were Lucky Enough To Catch A Glimpse Of Some Deer On Innisfallen Island...

18 August 2012

Rock Climbing For Beginners This Tues 21st

We have a Half-Day's Rock Climbing For Beginners in the Gap of Dunloe this Tues 21st Aug, running 2pm - 5pm. We will provide all equipment and you will be in the safe hands of a qualified instructor. The price is €50 per person.
Gap Of Dunloe Rock Climbing

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

Climbing Carrauntoohil, In The MacGillycuddy Reeks

Climbing Carrauntoohil, In The MacGillycuddy Reeks
Photos From A Carrauntoohil Guided Climb Last Week With Barry

Climbing Carrauntoohil, In The MacGillycuddy Reeks

Climbing Carrauntoohil, In The MacGillycuddy Reeks

Climbing Carrauntoohil, In The MacGillycuddy Reeks

14 August 2012

Gap Of Dunloe Rock Climbing

Gap Of Dunloe Rock Climbing
Some Recent Rock Climbing Shots Taken In The Gap Of Duloe On One Of Our Climbing Courses...

Gap Of Dunloe Rock Climbing

Gap Of Dunloe Rock Climbing

Gap Of Dunloe Rock Climbing

Gap Of Dunloe Rock Climbing

11 August 2012

Sunset Kayak Tour In Killarney

Sunset Kayak Tour In Killarney
These have to be the best sunset photos we have ever managed to take, while out on our Guided Sunset Kayak Tours of the Lakes of Killarney!

Sunset Kayak Tour In Killarney
Returning from Innisfallen Island, with O Donoghue's Prison in the background

Sunset Kayak Tour In Killarney

Sunset Kayak Tour In Killarney
15th century Ross Castle, with it's 'murder flap' high up on the front left of the castle wall

Sunset Kayak Tour In Killarney

Sunset Kayak Tour In Killarney
Killarney - there's nowhere like it!

Sunset Kayak Tour In Killarney

8 August 2012

Guided Hiking In Killarney

Guided Hiking In Killarney
Guided Kerry Way Hike, Along 'The Old Kenmare Road' Through Kerry Mountainside & Oak Woods

Guided Hiking In Killarney
Friars Glen, On The Old Kenmare Road

Guided Hiking In Killarney
Hiking The Gap Of Dunloe, Close To One Of The Lakes That Saint Patrick Is Meant To Have Banished The Final Snake Into

Guided Hiking In Killarney
A Stunnning Day In The Gap Of Dunloe

Upcoming Places On Adventure Tours In Killarney & Galway

Killarney/Kerry

Thurs 9th : 10am - 1pm
Rock Climb In The Gap Of Dunloe

Thurs 9th : 2pm - 5pm
Kayak Tour On The Lakes Of Killarney

Fri 10th : 9am - 5pm
Family Climb Of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Mountain

Sat 11th : 2pm - 5pm
Kayak Tour On The Lakes Of Killarney

Sat 11th : 9am - 5pm
Carrauntoohil Guided Climb, Via Heavenly Gates & O Shea's Gully
(Conditions Allowing)

Tues 14th : 2pm - 5pm
Kayak Tour On The Lakes Of Killarney

Wed 15th : 2pm - 5pm
Kayak Tour On The Lakes Of Killarney

Thurs 16th : 9am - 5pm
Coomloughra Horseshoe - Carrauntoohil, Caher, Beenkeragh

Sat 18th : 6pm - 9pm
Sunset Kayaking In Killarney




Kinvara/Galway City

Fri 10th : 930am - 1230pm
Galway City Sea Kayaking

Fri 10th : 2pm - 5pm
Kinvara Bay/Galway Bay Sea Kayaking

Sat 11th : 6pm - 9pm
Kinvara Bay Sunset Kayaking

Sun 12th : 2pm - 5pm
Galway City Sea Kayaking

Sun 12th : 6pm - 9pm
Galway City Sunset Kayak Trip

Mon 13th : 230pm - 530pm
Family Kayak Trip In Kinvara Bay

Wed 15th : 10am - 1pm
Kinvara Bay/Galway Bay Sea Kayaking

Thurs 16th : 2pm - 5pm
Kinvara Bay/Galway Bay Sea Kayaking

Sun 19th : 10am - 1pm
Kayak Tour Of Kinvara Boat Festival (Cruinniu na mBad)


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

7 August 2012

Rock Climbing In Killarney

Rock Climbing In Killarney
Some Recent Photos From A Rock Climbing Trip We Ran In The Gap Of Dunloe, Just Outside Killarney

Rock Climbing In Killarney

Rock Climbing In Killarney

Rock Climbing In Killarney