On yer bike

Pedal for a good cause by registering for one of the many charity cycles taking place around the country, such as the West Clare Charity Cycle on 31 August. Departing from the seaside town of Kilkee, there are two options: a 65km, e-bike-friendly route suitable for all levels, and a more challenging 100km tour of the Loop Head Peninsula. Entry is €40 plus booking fee, with funds raised benefitting the West Clare Bike Track Fund and The Lighthouse Project, which promotes positive mental health.

• Check out westclarechallenge.com or find a different challenge at cyclingireland.ie/events/find-an-event

Pilgrim paths

The Camino de Santiago has become a popular destination for many Irish travellers; but did you know that we have our own pilgrim pathways, some of which date back to pre-Christian times? Moreover, if you complete five – Cnoc na dTobar in south Kerry (9km); Cosán na Naomh in west Kerry (18km); St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Path in west Cork (37km); St Kevin’s Way in Co Wicklow (30km); and Tóchar Phádraig in Co Mayo (35km) – you can fill in your own “pilgrim passport” to avail of a teastas oilithreachta, or pilgrim certificate.

• Visit pilgrimpath.ie

Born to run

Whether it’s a fun run with friends or a more testing ultra marathon, there is no shortage of races to choose from this summer. For example, the Sea2Sky 5km and 10km run takes place in Newcastle, Co Down on 19 July; the Kinsale

Regatta five mile on 2 August; the Streets of Galway 8km on 10 August; and the Greenway half marathon in Waterford on 31 August.

• For a full list of events, visit runningcalendar.ie/calendar/2024

Stretch your legs and solve a mystery

Mystery Trails is an Irish-run company that offers a range of self-guided, family-friendly walking tours across Ireland, but with a twist: you have to solve clues along the way! Simply log onto mysterytrails.ie and download the instructions for your preferred tour location for €15. With options ranging from treasure hunts to detective mysteries, there’ll be no complaints of “I’m bored!” on your family ramble.

• mysterytrails.ie

Get some vitamin sea

Sea swimming has seen a renaissance in recent years. Yet there are lots of other ways to experience our wild Atlantic way. Wild Water Adventures, is a family-run company based in north Kerry that offers a range of adventures including coasteering (a mixture of rock scrambling, adventure swimming, jumping and exploring), kayak tours including sunset paddles of Tralee bay and Fenit lighthouse, and wild swimming tours off the beaten track.

• Visit wildwateradventures.ie

Say ohmmm

Moving our bodies is important. But sometimes, it’s just as important to stretch and breathe. There are a number of wellness-inspired events taking place across Ireland this summer, such as The Restival Festival, which returns to the glorious Mount Congreve gardens in Co Waterford from 10-11 August, with Pilates, yoga, expert talks and more. Day tickets are €45, or a weekend pass is €60. This is an adults-only event.

• Visit mountcongreve.com/event/restival

Hello velo

We are all pretty familiar with greenways by now. But in Kiltimagh in Co Mayo, the local community has re-invented part of its former railway line as a one-of-a-kind 9km “rail bike” experience: the Velorail. Departing from the restored Kiltimagh Station, groups can choose from three different types of railbikes, including those adapted to safely carry a standard wheelchair. A reasonable level of fitness is required, and each group is required to have at least two adults, including one ‘over 18’ to take the role of lead rider. Pre-booking is essential, with railbike rental priced at €40.

• Visit velorail.ie

Savour and stroll

Does a food walking tour count as exercise? We reckon so. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from. Check out Karen Coakley’s culinary adventures in Kenmare and Killarney; Sheena Dignam’s gastro ganders in Galway; and Suzanne Byrne’s Kinsale rambles.

• kennmarefoodies.com, galwayfoodtours.com, kinsalefoodtours.com

Wheel adventures

The great outdoors should be enjoyable for everybody, but often accessibility can be a major barrier. Through their Instagram page, Wexford couple Michael Hennessy and Leona Tuck regularly share some of their favourite wheelchair-accessible adventures across Ireland, from hiking and cycling to adaptive surfing.

• You can follow them @thestruggleiswheel

Make your own adventure

Last but not least, make your own fun this summer. Bike or hike your local greenway or trail; bring a frisbee to the beach or park; meet a friend for a stroll; try a couch to 5k programme – the list endless.

• Visit getirelandactive.ie