Immerse yourself in Bard Summer School, which takes place from 4-8 July on Clare Island. Ireland’s legacy of myth and legend lives on in its storytelling, art, culture and heritage, and now it is being refreshed by Bard Mythologies for a new audience. Bard Mythologies celebrates Ireland’s literary heritage by inviting fans to Clare Island to tell stories, sing songs and ponder on poems. Of course, there will be feasting, tours and learning as well. The summer school will introduce you to some Irish myths which you will delve deeper into, learning the history, the heritage and, of course, just how to make a showstopper of it when you’re called upon to retell it.
Tickets cost €295. For further details, contact 085-7514332 or email bardsummerschool@gmail.com
Experience the Wild AIR Run Kilkenny. Taking place on Saturday 1 July at Kilkenny Castle. Expect a 5km run like no other at the Wild Air Run at Kilkenny Castle. If you’re a fitness fanatic or love a bit of an adrenaline rush, this adventure is for you.
Wild AIR Run Kilkenny is fun and bouncy, with 10 blow-up challenges for you to tackle, including the ominously titled The Drop, a life-sized pinball machine, the Moon Walk, the Super Scream and the Maze Runner, which comes with water spraying you at every turn.
The Wild Air Run is the perfect summer family day out – kids over seven years old can participate, so you can be put to shame by your daring younger relatives. Tickets range from €14.80-€80. For more information on the event, visit www.wildairrun.com or email info@wildairrun.com
Enjoy the I-Canoe Evening Sea Trips in Howth Harbour. The trips run from 13 June until 19 September. Long summer evenings provide outdoorsy types with ample opportunity to make the most of Dublin’s diverse landscapes. Whether you want to watch the sunset after a balmy evening hike, or take the plunge into the sea for a daring dip, the longer days just mean there’s more time to really enjoy Mother Nature’s gifts. I-Canoe’s evening sea trips are a perfect example.
On Tuesday and Thursday evenings until September, you can cool off from a hot day in the city by cruising out to Howth in North Dublin and getting to grips with kayaking.
Instructor Conor Ryan is fully qualified and will be there to ensure your evening paddle goes smoothly. You will have the chance to learn kayaking techniques and perfect them over a few hours. Tickets cost €45. For further details, contact 01-6205666 or email shop@i-canoe.com
Test yourself at the Achill half marathon and 10km run. Taking place on Saturday 1 July, the half marathon race is the centrepiece to a full weekend of events and entertainment on Achill Island, one of Ireland’s most popular holiday destinations. A full list of last year’s times are available on the Achill marathon website. While you’re on the island, why not have a look around at some of the many tourist hotspots. For more information, visit www.achilltourism.com
Attend the exclusive Wedding Forum at The Shelbourne Hotel, which takes place on 5 July from 6.30pm to 9.00pm. Prospective brides and grooms will get a glimpse into the top-tier services the hotel has to offer for bridal parties, while meeting some of the country’s most respected experts in their field, each contributing their experience and sharing their knowledge on their specialised aspect of the big day.
One highlight – Bridal boutique Myrtle Ivory will have an exclusive preview of one of the UK’s foremost award-winning bridal fashion designers, Stephanie Allin’s 2018 stunning Le Vie En Rose collection, which has yet to be unveiled to the world, and will be on view for one night only at The Shelbourne. Stephanie Allin has garnered a huge following in Ireland for her creations, with Irish actress and author Amy Huberman wearing Symphony on her wedding day after falling in love with it in Myrtle Ivory. For more information, contact 01-6634500 or visit www.shelbourneweddings.ie