Kayaking

Roz published in Accommodation, Activities, Events and Tours, Family Friendly Events, Kayaking,

Mournes, Carlingford and Mour

We Love The Mournes!

Last Monday myself and my partner headed up North to visit The Mournes. Whilst we had originally planned to experience the walks and trails we had to cut our visit short.
Jennifer of eastcoastadventure.comWe had arranged to meet Jennifer Cumming of East Coast Adventure at Warrenpoint along the shores of Carlingford Lough. This was my first time to visit the area and as we arrived there was a large group of seriously excited TY students piling off a coach to begin a sea kayaking activity.
Jennifer had arranged to give us a tour around the various activities on offer at East Coast Adventure and so we set off.
mountainbikingEast Coast Adventure offer a range of outdoor activities for kids, teens, adults and groups with accommodation, camping, glamping, customised activities and more with trained friendly staff all along the shores of the very beautiful Carlingford Lough. The scenery is breathtaking and the facilities are second to none. There is so much on offer at East Coast Adventure that it actually took us 3 hours just to have a tour! Mind you we did get along like a house on fire and yapped away for ages – hard not to with such a friendly crew 🙂
mountain viewThe Mourne mountains themselves are a magnificant backdrop to the lough and one that I shall have to get my walking boots out for the next visit, hopefully fitting in a visit to The Mourne Lodge who cater specifically for walkers and hikers as well as nature enthusiasts and we look forward to meeting Mairead and the gang!
award winning breakfast at carlingford houseWe spent the night in Carlingford House B&B which offers  beautiful spacious rooms with comfy beds and an award winning breakfast in the morning. We weren’t disappointed. Peter and Irene were so welcoming and after being shown to our room we headed down for a bite to eat in the local village.
Carlingford of course is home to the world famous Carlingford Oyster Company and yes, I hang my head in shame that I simply forgot to order them! I will most definitely be back for these beauties.
Meeting Barra at the BBCOn Tuesday we headed to Belfast to meet with BBCNI Weatherman legend Barra Best for lunch – he of the flame hair like myself #Redheads 😉
Barra had some great suggestions for us to include on our next tour including the gobbins cliff walk  which looks really fun.
love mourneAll in all we simply HAVE to get back to the Mournes, we only got to see the tip of the iceberg and it really is so much MOUR(ne) than that!
Thanks again to Martin Carey and Mandy McAvoy of MourneLive.com for the invite.
Useful Sites for Visiting the Mournes and Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula are listed below:

In the words of Mr Schwarzenegger.. “I’ll Be Back” 

  [nggallery id=65]

Eco Trip Kindly Sponsored By

Ferrybank Motors Wexford Sponsor Eco Tour Ireland

  • no reactions
0
Share
Roz published in Activities, Bushcraft, Bushcraft and Wild Camping, Canoeing, Events and Tours,

Cook a Turkey in the ground!

Into the Wild Survival & Canoe Trip’s have a large Xmas camp with tipi’s and canoeing end of November at riverhollow co Kilkenny:

“we’ll have a santa appearing, Turkey cooked in the ground and this should not be missed
Into the Wild Survival & Canoe Trip’s Also I’ll be in wicklow next weekend for a weekend camp with tipi adventures
And don’t forget to get your Christmas voucher for next years canoeing and wildcamping. ”
Holy Moly!!- See you there!
To book call Frank Deegan:  087 1355207
Email: intothewildsurvival@gmail.com or visit them on

Facebook: /Into-the-Wild-Survival-Canoe-Trips

  • no reactions
0
Share
Roz published in Activities, Canoeing, EcoTour, Kayaking, Skills Courses,

Eco Tour of Ireland Day 3

Boyne Valley Activities Tuesday 23rd September

As I negotiated my way from Lough Bishop House through the diversion at Delvin to Athboy I suddenly realised that I was being beeped at! Who knew me in Athboy I wondered? James Murray  of BoyneValleyActivities.ie that’s who! James had obviously been checking out our photos and had recognised the Opel Mokka S kindly sponsored for our trip by Ferrybank Motors, Wexford and beeped me to follow him to the first of their two centres.
Boyne Valley Activities are based, as the name suggests, along the Boyne River Valley with a base in Trim, Co Meath and just outside Athboy at Drewstown House also. They run a number of activities to suit various ages and levels including their 10 meter tree canopy challenge course set deep in woodlands.
Two of James’ instructors (Gav and Fergal) were on hand to give us a taste of this high ropes course which is quite challenging thus all participants must first make it up the climbing wall before they are allowed to continue. You can view videos of the lads completing the course in no time at all and flying down the zip wire on our YouTube Channel here >>.
I am not a great swimmer – actually I would not call myself a swimmer at all as I cannot go out of my depth. So James had a tough job to convince me to get into a canoe with him to sample the beauty of his medieval tour.
But convince me he did and we hopped (rather ungainly on my part) into a reassuringly large Canadian Canoe (specially brought out for scaredy cats like me!) and as we travelled up river he pointed out the various and many castles and ruins along the riverbank. He has a deep local knowledge which he continuously improves and is a natural storyteller – now I know where the two Irish phrases ‘P*** Poor ‘ and ‘Hasn’t a bucket to p*** in’ come from! (Apparently people used to sell their pee as a cleaning agent..I’ll leave it up to James to fill you in)
This is a really relaxing and unique way to see the heritage of the area and also perfect for wildlife lovers like myself.
Boyne Valley Activities is run by both James Murray and Dara Llewellyn  and they cater for school tours, corporate groups, team building days and individuals interested in trying out Kayaking, White Water Rafting, Archery & High Ropes in a safe and controlled environment.
Next year I will be able to swim and boy am I going Kayaking!
For contact details and social media links to Boyne Valley Activities Click Here >>
Listen to our ‘Cuppa Tae’ Chat here: https://soundcloud.com/ecoactive/a-chat-with-boyne-valley-activities
[nggallery id=35]

EcoTour Kindly Sponsored By

Ferrybank Motors Wexford Sponsor Eco Tour Ireland

  • no reactions
0
Share
Roz published in Activities, EcoTour, Kayaking, Things To Do

Eco Tour Of Ireland Day 6 Part 1

SUP for All – Sligo

Friday dawned bright and clear so I set off to find Lough Gill to meet David O Hara and his wife Amy of SUPForAll.
SUP – Stand Up Paddling – For All takes place in an stunning location on the beautiful Lough Gill in Killery Co Sligo. I had enough time to pop by and witness Dave at work with a group of kids who were having a whale of a time.
There was a log fire burning and the smell of the outdoors filled the air. The number of dragonflies was amazing – a creature hard to find in most parts of Ireland these days. The chilled out atmosphere, warm sun and beautiful setting has determined that I must go back here asap to try SUP for myself!
Listen to Daves’ audio interview to hear more about how SUPForAll really is for all- beginners, advanced, individuals, groups..
For full contact details of SUP for all Click Here >.
Listen to our ‘Cuppa tae’ chat with Dave here: https://soundcloud.com/ecoactive/supforall
[nggallery id=38]

EcoTour Kindly Sponsored By

Ferrybank Motors Wexford Sponsor Eco Tour Ireland

  • no reactions
0
Share
Roz published in Activities, EcoTour, Kayaking, Surfing

Eco Tour of Ireland Day 8 Part 1

Aloha Surf School Fanore, Co Clare

The Burren Co Clare is renowned for it’s unique landscape however there is another aspect to this scenic area and that is the wonderfully invigorating Atlantic ocean!
Sunset on the Burren sees the famous rocky landscape highlighted in pink and is considered more spectacular than the regular sunset seaview and you can experience this best when surfing.
Aloha Surf School is an Eco certified surf school that offers surfing classes and equipment hire to all levels of surfers from beginners to advanced.
Pete has been working hard to create a chill out area for surfers to relax before and after their surf with hot showers, male/female changing rooms, chill zone and lots of cool mags/gear to rifle through afterwards.
Aloha also offer kayaking trips in nearby Ballyvaughan where the calm inlets and islands are ideal for a peaceful yet spectacular experience.
So if your sick of struggling into a wetsuit as passerbys gawk yet want to experience the wildness of nature in a safe and controlled environment check out Aloha surf School, Fanore – you will never look back!
For information on how to contact Pete online check out his profile page here >>
Listen to our EcoTour Audio chat with Pete here:
https://soundcloud.com/ecoactive/aloha-surf-school-fanore

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”4″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]

EcoTour Kindly Sponsored By

Ferrybank Motors Wexford Sponsor Eco Tour Ireland

  • no reactions
0
Share
Roz published in Activities, August Events, Bushcraft, Bushcraft and Wild Camping, Canoeing,

Coming Up August + September

Lot’s of Cool Stuff Happening

Fun Foraging Day for Families.

family foraging irelandA relaxing day in the wilds looking for wild safe foods including fungi, fruits, nuts and berries. Suitable for all the family.
Learn how to make Beech Leaf liqueur, Sorrel Tabbouleh and find wild greens for salads. Turn your hand to making Wild Garlic Pesto and delicious salads from the wild. View details >> 

Find It Pick It Cook It Eat It

wild leavesA workshop where you will forage for wild safe foods, learn what is good to eat, know the trees and bushes, what to pick and what not to pick.
After a delicious organic lunch you will turn all these wild foods into delicious drinks, pestos, fritters and more.
You will also go home with delicious wild foods and treats.

Canoe and Wild Camping Family Trips, 

Family Fun with Eco Active Ireland members“Paddle your own Canoe” breaks on the beautiful, peaceful and
interesting Barrow river.
Enjoy a holiday with everything you need supplied both in the form of equipment and also local information and suggested stop offs from ‘Go with the Flow’. 5 days/4 nights high season only €150 pp

Tapas Trail Dublin: Daily

tapas trails for foodies‘Tapas Trail Dublin’ offer regular tapas tours of Dublin where you get to try a number of tasty dishes at different venues in the city whilst also being entertained by their experienced and knowledgeable guides.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR TODAYFM LISTENERS
10% discount off all Dublin Tapas Trail bookings using the code: TodayFM if booked before 25 August 2014

Eco Surf Camps, Fanore Co Clare 

surf campsKids Eco Surf Camp runs throughout the Summer holidays with Pete and the team from Aloha Surf School.
2 fun packed hours each day open to all kids from ages 8-16 years.
We provide all equipment, wetsuits, wetsuit boots and soft surfboards, so all they need to bring is their swimming gear, a towel and some warm clothes for afterwards. 1 day €30, 5 days €100

Bushcraft Canoe and Camp with Into The Wild

wild camping irelandGet back to basics with Frank and the team with our: “Into the wild” survival and canoeing trips.
We SHOW you how to survive in the wild in an enjoyable atmosphere that is what “Into the wild” is about!!
Price for 2 full days / 48 hours €115 per person
Into The Wild also Do Teen Tribal Treks – Contact Us for details

Family Friendly Mushroom Hunt – Galway 4 Oct

slippery-jacksLearn all about wild mushrooms in the beautiful woods of Kylebrack.
During this one day workshop, qualified experts will show you where mushrooms grow, why they grow there and how to distinguish the edible from the inedible.
The Great Mushroom Forage with Robert & Mary White

  • Saturday 4th October 2014
  • 11am – 4:30pm
  • Adults: €65pp
  • €15 per child over 12 years

Why not make a weekend of it and book into one of our Eco Bedrooms or Eco Cabins…

Seaweed Safaris – Clare, Avail Daily

seaweed foraging irelandDuring the safari you will learn about the many seaweeds the Atlantic Coastline has to offer.
You will be shown how to identify and harvest the seaweeds by hand like our ancestors would have done. You will learn about the Nutritional Benefits of the edible seaweeds along the with the Cosmetic and Horticultural benefits.
You will also be treated to Sea Veg tasting at the Wild Irish Sea Veg Company!
€15 per adult – €5 Children
Group of 10 or more is €10pp and kids free.

Bundoran Surf Co

learn to surfSurfing is a great sport to be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a great way to pick up a new sport or even just an excuse to get into the great outdoors.
Beginner lessons take place in waist deep water so don’t worry if you aren’t confident in the water. Our Surf School is approved by the Irish Surfing Association, all lessons are fully insured and all instructors are qualified beach lifeguards.

For more activities and events check out our Blog 

  • no reactions
0
Share
Roz published in Activities, August Events, Bushcraft and Wild Camping, EAI, Events and Tours,

Coming Up as heard on TodayFM

As Heard on TodayFM Saturday 26 July

Listeners to this mornings Alison Curtis show on Today FM will hear me talking with Alison about a number of offers and events coming up with our Eco Active Members – This blog is to reference the items mentioned. If there is something you cannot find just give me a call on 0873205680 or email play@ecoactiveireland.com  ~ Roz
Thanks to the lovely Alison Curtis for the chance to share our events 🙂
Canoe and Wild Camping Family Trips, Kilkenny Summer
Family Fun with Eco Active Ireland members“Paddle your own Canoe” breaks on the beautiful, peaceful and
interesting Barrow river.
Enjoy a holiday with everything you need supplied both in the form of equipment and also local information and suggested stop offs from ‘Go with the Flow’. 5 days / 4 nights high season only €150 pp
www.gowiththeflow.ie

Tapas Trail Dublin: Daily
tapas trails for foodies‘Tapas Trail Dublin’ offer regular tapas tours of Dublin where you get to try a number of tasty dishes at different venues in the city whilst also being entertained by their experienced and knowledgeable guides.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR TODAYFM LISTENERS
10% discount off all Dublin Tapas Trail bookings using the code: TodayFM if booked before 25 August 2014
www.tapastrail.com

Full Moon Walk Aug 9
full moon walksNext full moon walk with the wonderful Terry of Hilltop Treks is on August 9th- meeting at the clock tower in Enniskerry Village (44 bus from Dublin city centre)
We’ll be there – Always a fun night out and a great way to meet new people! Only €25 pp. Transport avail from Dublin.
www.hilltoptreks.com

Family Foraging Day Carlow Aug 16th
family foraging irelandThis family foraging day with Blackstairs EcoTrails will show children and adults the incredible edibles to find, pick, cook and eat. Children will be able to cook-up, under supervision, lots of treats from the wild and take them home with them after the day.
Delicious refreshments, a three course organic lunch and lots of fun will make this a fun filled summer’s day.
www.blackstairsecotrails.ie

Eco Surf Camps, Fanore Co Clare Summer
surf campsKids Eco Surf Camp runs throughout the Summer holidays with Pete and the team from Aloha Surf School.
2 fun packed hours each day open to all kids from ages 8-16 years.
We provide all equipment, wetsuits, wetsuit boots and soft surfboards, so all they need to bring is their swimming gear, a towel and some warm clothes for afterwards. 1 day €30, 5 days €100
www.surfschool.tv

Gold Panning in Avoca Wicklow Saturdays
gold-panning-avocasmallTry your luck at finding gold in the gorgeous hills of Avoca with Avoca Tours. We can promise lots of fun, beautiful landscapes, a great guide, lots of camaraderie and, maybe, a little bit of gold….
All you need is your enthusiasm! Every Saturday at 10am.  Approximately 2-3 hours. Family Ticket (2 adults 2 children) €60
www.avocatours.com

 Boyne Valley Food Series Foraging Walk & Picnic 2 August
family forage and picnicJoin Kate of Meath EcoTours on a foraging foray at Girley Bog Natural Heritage Area and learn about edible plants & flowers. Discover what plant families are safe to eat and which to avoid, and get recipes and resources for further foraging. Includes a tasty picnic with samples of foraged foods.
www.meathecotours.com

Wild Food Summer School Aug 8,9,10
wild food summer school irelandThis three day Summer School with Mary White of Blackstairs EcoTrails will appeal to foodies,foragers, food bloggers, chefs and all those interested in our natural environment.
Speakers include Biddy White Lennon, Author & Forager; Paddy Woodworth Irish Times columnist & Author;Philip McCabe on Bees; Mary Mulvey – Eco Tourism; John Gibbons on Climate Change & Georgina Campbell

Whiskey Tour and Glamping- Slane Bank Holiday Mon Aug 4
rock-farm-slaneThis is the first season of walking tours on the Slane Castle estate and in celebration this tour will be given by Alexander Mount Charles focussing on the production of whiskey from the barley trials at Rock Farm to the distillery project at Slane Castle for a tasting of Irish whiskeys.
The tour includes:

  • A tour of the castle, the Slane Castle Distillery project and a professional whiskey tasting.
  • An introduction to whiskey production, barley growing and organic farming.

The tour will be hosted by Alexander Mount Charles organic farmer and distillery owner. €55 pp
Glamping available on-site

Bushcraft Canoe and Camp with Into The Wild
wild camping irelandGet back to basics with Frank and the team with our: “Into the wild” survival and canoeing trips.
We SHOW you how to survive in the wild in an enjoyable atmosphere that is what “Into the wild” is about!!
Price for 2 full days / 48 hours €115 per person
Into The Wild also Do Teen Tribal Treks – Contact Us for details
Email Frank for details here >>

Family Friendly Mushroom Hunt – Galway 4 Oct
slippery-jacksLearn all about wild mushrooms in the beautiful woods of Kylebrack.
During this one day workshop, qualified experts will show you where mushrooms grow, why they grow there and how to distinguish the edible from the inedible.
The Great Mushroom Forage with Robert & Mary White

  • Saturday 4th October 2014
  • 11am – 4:30pm
  • Adults: €65pp
  • €15 per child over 12 years

Why not make a weekend of it and book into one of our Eco Bedrooms or Eco Cabins…
www.thethreetowers.com

Seaweed Safaris – Clare, Avail Daily
seaweed foraging irelandDuring the safari you will learn about the many seaweeds the Atlantic Coastline has to offer.
You will be shown how to identify and harvest the seaweeds by hand like our ancestors would have done. You will learn about the Nutritional Benefits of the edible seaweeds along the with the Cosmetic and Horticultural benefits.
You will also be treated to Sea Veg tasting at the Wild Irish Sea Veg Company!
€15 per adult – €5 Children
Group of 10 or more is €10pp and kids free.
www.wildirishseaveg.com

Bundoran Surf Co
learn to surfSurfing is a great sport to be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a great way to pick up a new sport or even just an excuse to get into the great outdoors.
Beginner lessons take place in waist deep water so don’t worry if you aren’t confident in the water. Our Surf School is approved by the Irish Surfing Association, all lessons are fully insured and all instructors are qualified beach lifeguards.
www.bundoransurfco.com

For more activities and events check out our Blog 

  • no reactions
0
Share
Roz published in Activities, April Events, August Events, December Events, EAI,

Sea Kayaking Ireland

Half day Sea Kayaking

Discover Sea kayaking with Aloha Surf School. We use user friendly Sit On Top Sea Kayaks which are very stable and easy to paddle, and are perfectly suited to complete beginners.
Experience the beauty and tranquility of a sea kayak tour around the beautiful Burren coastline.
On our coastal cruises we will take you in and around the incredible coastline of the Burren, where you’ll get to see the sea life underneath you, cruise along side the seals basking on the rocks, and really get a completely unique tour of this incredible part of the world.

  • Bookings are subject to a minimum of 3 people.
  • Price includes all equipment, instruction, use of changing rooms and hot showers.
  • Lessons are subject to availability and conditions being suitable on the day.
  • Choose from any date.
  • Activity times are tide dependent so change from day to day
  • Our activities have been certified by Ecotourism Ireland

Price:
Half day Sea Kayaking €45 per person
EAI Map Ref: Aloha Surf, Fanore Beach, Co Clare (The Burren) – View Map
Book now

  • no reactions
0
Share