Ireland

You don’t have to look far beyond rolling hills and the endless acres of grassland to understand why they call it the Emerald Isle. In Ireland adventure travel links coast to coast – it’s a small country. Of course, few places in the world are as riddled with cliche as the image of Ireland is. But once you’ve had a pint of Guinness, found a shamrock and had a chat with a leprechaun, it’s time to discover the outdoor activities in Ireland that it’s also well known for.

Sitting in the north-west of Europe, Ireland is a lot more dynamic and diverse than it is given credit. Vibrant Dublin in the east is Ireland’s commercial and cultural capital, and well worth a visit in its own right. But if itÍs adventure you’re after, Ireland is a patchwork of diverse scenery, ready to be explored.

Ireland is famously green. Away from the rugged and partly mountainous coast much of the country is farmland only interrupted occasionally by towns, lakes and forests.

In Ireland adventure travel holidays are made all the more interesting by it’s famously friendly towns and villages. The capital, Dublin, is the hub of pulsating modern living, and very popular among tourists. But the more rural areas hold some wonderful places to visit such as historical Galway and grandiose Kilkenny and Killarney, the starting point to the scenic Ring of Kerry.

Outdoor activities in Ireland are somewhat affected by its climate, which is seasonal and while summers are usually pleasantly warm, Ireland gets quite cold and rainy close to the winter months. Spring and summer are usually the optimum time to visit when the flora is at its most beautiful.

The capital city Dublin, which contains a massive proportion of Ireland’s population, is probably going to be the starting point for your adventure. It is a truly fantastic modern city with excellent food, attractions and architecture. Of course, if it is the great outdoors that has drawn you to Ireland adventure travel excursions and activities will soon draw you away from Dublin’s charms.

If this is the case then head west. The west coast is home to much of the outdoor activities in Ireland. The high rising mountains of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks are fantastic for a little mountaineering or mountainbiking. But if its walking you’re here for, there is no better place to start than Killarney. Traverse the famous Ring of Kerry, for a look at the beauty of rustic Ireland.

Don’t forget to head the short distance north for the beaches of Bundoran. Surfing here is a must, and the scenery remains fantastic.

Thrill seekers need look no further than Ireland to find all the intrepid adventures they like. Ireland adventure travel holidays have all the classic activities in the comfort of a beautiful landscape. Bungee jumping is unsurprisingly popular here with everything from bridges to purpose-made towers for you to throw yourself from.

As a country filled with hundreds of green hills, Ireland is also the perfect place for paragliding. You’ll need to learn how to do it first, of course, but there are plenty of schools around. Kayaking is available in Ireland’s system of rivers, and at the coast you can enjoy water skiing and windsurfing.