Killarney Summerfest Adventure Activities

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!

Pre-Booking Essential
Equipment Provided

To Book Contact Nathan: info@outdoorsireland.com or 086 860 45 63

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Kayaking Gear: Warm Clothes; Swimming Togs; Towel; Booties/Sandals; Water; Sun Cream

Carrauntoohil/Rock Climb Gear: Hiking Boots (with ankle support); Back Pack; Warm Clothes (no jeans or cotton); Waterproof Coat & Trousers; Hat & Gloves; Spare Fleece; Packed Lunch; Water; Spare Food

Midnight Walk Gear: Back Pack; Warm Clothes (no jeans or cotton); Waterproof Coat & Trousers; Hat & Gloves; Spare Fleece

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http://www.killarneysummerfest.com/

Activity & Adventure Breaks in Killarney with Killeen House Hotel

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


For more details contact Michael on charming@indigo.ie; 064 6631711.
Killeen House Hotel Special Offers!

Kayaking & Canoeing in Kerry & Cork

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...

Carrauntoohil for June Summer Solstice

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.

For accommodation in Killarney, either before or after the climb, I would recommend Scotts Hotel, Robeen House B&B or Killarney Railway Hostel.

The price is €85 per person; or €75 per person, for two people.
Price Includes: Guided Ascent of Carrauntoohil & Freshly Cooked Breakfast

• Try a short relaxing yoga session on Sunday morning after breakfast, completely free of charge, to revitalise your body and mind!


• Kayak Trips on the Lakes of Killarney also available on Saturday and Sunday for the discounted price of €30 per person.

• Two more dates are planned for night ascents; Sat 18th July and Sat 22nd Aug!

• Contact Nathan for more details on info@outdoorsireland.com or 086 860 45 63

Kerry Way Hike

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.

Yoga Adventure Breaks in Kerry, Ireland

PRESS RELEASE

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

Mount Brandon & Kayaking on Killarney Lakes

Climbing Faha Ridge, leading up to Mount Brandon, presiding over the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. From this peak it's told that St. Brendan (Brendan The Navigator) decided to sail to America. Brandon's Creek is nearby and that's where he actually set sail from. Some say that St. Brendan reached America long before Chistopher Colombus ever did...

My next really exciting trip is a Night Ascent of Carrauntoohil on 20th/21st June for the Summer Solstice. Suitable for most abilities. Click here to see more details.

The 'Alternative' Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry with its classic stops and view points is world renown; however here are some alternative hidden gems along the way.
Visit Kerry Bog Village, on the main road between Killorglin and Glenbeigh. Here you can explore a traditional 1800s replica thatched bog village, complete with Irish wolf hounds and rare Kerry bog ponies; a great family trip.

Entering into Caherciveen take a right down past the old army Barracks, across the river to Cahergal Fort, an impressive Bronze Age stone fort with great views over Valencia Harbour. There is a second even more interesting fort nearby and also the ivy-clad crumbling ruins of 15th century Ballycarbery Castle, once the home of the McCarthy Mor's, now home only to jackdaws...
Back on the main road detour to the sleep village of Portmagee. A must see is the Skellig Experience Centre, dedicated to the history and stories of the 6th century monastic settlement of Skellig Michael. A great wet weather option. It's told by some that this was one of the last pagan sites in Ireland and one of the reasons it was inhabited for 600 years by monks was to drive out the last of the pagans.

Portmagee is named after an infamous pirate, Magee, who was shipwrecked on the coastline, met a local girl and settled down in the village to a life of married contentment and dangerous smuggling. The Bridge Bar serves delicious food and is a great lunch spot. On a fine day you can sit outside at the water's edge, watching the coming and goings of the brightly coloured fishing boats.

From Portmagee follow the narrow road over the top of Coonanaspig Pass and down to Saint Finan's Bay. Here you can swim in the fresh crashing surf at the sandy beach and call into Skellig Chocolate Factory where you'll be rewarded with sensational smells and free samples of delicious chocolates.

Continue to Derrynane Beach. Here long golden beaches, Daniel O Connell’s family home, wetsuit and snorkelling hire, sailing and windsurfing from Derrynane Sea Sports and the ruined abbey on Abbey Island are all calling to be explored. If you're into hiking, best of all, is a hidden mass path and secretive smugglers trail beginning at the pier and twisting along the side of Derrynane Harbour, through thick encroaching rhododrendrons.

Finish your day with a homemade icecream from 'The Green House' in Sneem.

Join our Outdoors Ireland facebook group to stay in touch with us and get more tips like this.

If you've any suggestions of hidden gems on the Ring of Kerry put them into the comments section below.

Hiking & Hill Walking in Kerry & Cork

10 Tips for Hill Walking

1. Check the weather forecast: www.met.ie or www.windguru.com.
2. Have a map: OS Discovery Series Map, ideally laminated or in a Ziploc bag.
3. Plan your route: where are you going to start and finish, what distance is it, how long will it take you, any hazards along the way such as streams, rivers or cliffs.
4. Get local knowledge: talk to someone who's already done the walk to find out about places of interest along the way, a good spot to stop for lunch, any access issues.
5. Have the right equipment: boots, waterproofs, spare clothes, hat & gloves, food & drink.
6. Park considerately and ask permission from the landowner to cross their land, if necessary.
7. Leave no trace behind you: everything from tea bags to banana skins should come back with you.
8. If the weather begins to put you under pressure or your own abilities are reaching their limits then recognise it as early as possible and change your route accordingly.
9. Take plenty of photos.
10. Don't lose your car keys!

3 Favourite Locations

Killorglin
Just above the little village of Kells, on the Caherciveen road, follow the Kerry Way along an ancient coaching road, past the solitary Ogham stone on the peak of Drung Hill, through the thick pine woods of Rossbeigh and finish with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee in the Towers Hotel in Glenbeigh. This walk has fantastic views over Dingle Bay and Rossbeigh Beach.

Kenmare
Begin at the little chocolate factory in Bonane village, on the Kenmare/Glengarriff road and follow the Beara Way along narrow country lanes, over a grassy hill pass leading over the Caher Mountains and into the sleepy village of Glengarriff. Casey's Hotel in the village do a great bowl of soup!

West Cork
Gougane Barra Forest Park, in the Shehy mountains, has great forest and nature trails suitable for all abilities. From here the river Lee begins it's journey to the sea. The forest is surrounded by mountains which has excellent hill walking and the friendly family run Gougane Barra Hotel, nestled on the lakeshore, serves delicious food and smooth pints.

A Day In Kerry's Outdoors

This is a fabulous day in Kerry’s great outdoors, suitable for all ages and abilities, beginning with a boat trip followed by biking, horse traps or hiking, depending on your interest. All you need are waterproofs, warm clothes, a map, picnic lunch and a camera!

Beginning at 600 year old Ross Castle, perched on the shores of Lough Leane, local boatmen will help you into comfortable open boats for the trip through the three Lakes of Killarney. You’ll pass a solitary overgrown rock, called O Donohoe’s Prison. This is where the original castle owners, the O Donohoe Ross’s, chained their captives, to face exposure and hunger. As you pull out into the open waters of Lough Leane the ruined abbey of Innisfallen will pass on your starboard side. Originally a leper colony, it was also one of Europe’s first universities where several of Ireland’s high kings, including Brian Boru, spent time furthering their education. On at least two occasions the Abbey was attached by Vikings, who came up the Laune River from Killorglin.

Keep a watchful eye on the dense woodland and thick rhododendrons that cover the flanks of Shehy Mountain, for a glimpse of soaring sea eagles. After the noisy excitement of the Meeting of the Waters you’ll chug through the secretive waters of the Long Range River. The shores alongside are plentiful with wild goats and red deer, though you may not see them! The final island, McCarthy’s Island, is told by some to be named after a neighbouring chieftain, who fled to the island while fatally injured during a midnight cattle raid.

A welcome cup of tea or coffee and a bowl of delicious soup await in the little coffee shop at Lord Brandon’s Cottage. The ivy encroached ruins of the Victorian hunting lodge still remain today. At Lord Brandon’s Cottage you’ve several choices to continue your journey. A horse trap and local jarvey can take you on a leisurely trip to your destination, while you listen to their stories of bandits, ambushes and legends. You can rent a bike from Killarney, transport it on the boat and continue from Lord Brandon’s Cottage by bike, or you can hike on foot, allowing you to pick as many ripe blackberries as you can eat!

The Black Valley is an impressive glacial valley, ice-carved many centuries ago by vast glaciers scraping their way towards Killarney. The foothills of Ireland’s highest mountains and imposing views of the jagged MacGillycuddy Reeks lie before you; while the steep valley sides often run with swollen streams and cascades, rushing down to feed the Lakes of Killarney.

A delicious treat on a sunny day is an ice-cream from the shop and hostel, nestled beside the church. Just beyond the church the narrow road forks. Right is the fork you want to take, which leads into the Gap of Dunloe, however if you’re on bikes a great detour is the left fork which descends into the back of the Black Valley, or Cummeenduff Glen. Here you can still sense the isolation and back-breaking work farmers must have struggled with in earlier centuries. More recently you’ll see abandoned famine cottages and overgrown potato rows on the rocky slopes. Coommeenduff Lough, inhabited by arctic char and tough mountain trout, is a beautiful lake to relax beside, enjoy a picnic lunch and dip your toes in the icy water.

Back onto the main fork, a long climb leads to the high Head of the Gap, where the incredible Gap of Dunloe stretches before you. Purple Mountain and Tomies Mountain are on your right, named after the blooming purple heather which covers their slopes. Purple and Tomies makes a great hill walk for another day. The descent down through the Gap of Dunloe is a glorious and exhilarating ride as the wind whips past your face; or the relaxed hike is just as nice, surrounded by the gentle popping of gorse seeds at the right time of year.

The black mountain lakes look inviting on some days and cold and mysterious on others, their water levels fluctuating on nearly a daily basis. Sometimes mistaken for someone calling in distress you’ll usually hear the bleating of hardy mountain goats and their kids coming from overhead cliffs. As you pass the fifth and final lake keep your eyes open for rock climbers on the popular roadside cliff, Brennan’s Leap. You’ll often hear them before you see them, with the jingle of metal equipment and their shouted climbing calls.

Kate Kearney’s Pub is a delightful sight at the end of the Gap, where tea and scones await. If you’ve bikes with you it’s about an hour’s cycle back into Killarney town, on country roads and then a busier main road. There’s a detour after Fossa village which takes you through part of Killarney National Park and Knockreer Estate, avoiding most of the main road and leading you out at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

No better way to finish this great day’s trip than with a slice of delicious Dutch apple cake and a steaming pot of coffee, or smooth Guinness, in The Courtyard at Scotts Hotel in Killarney town centre.

Bike Hire: O Sullivan Cycles – 064 31282
Boat Trip: O Donoghue Boat Trips – 087 2390723
The Courtyard, Scotts Hotel – 064 27738
OSI Map 78, Sport Corran Tuathail – 064 22681

Written by Nathan Kingerlee