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Ireland Info · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 18 Home Country: ireland

SPORTS &RECREATION (WATER-BASED)

SAILING

Just as you’d expect from an island, Ireland has a long and distinguished tradition of sailing and the Irish take seafaring matters very seriously indeed.

It’s no surprise that the oldest yacht club in the world, the Royal Cork Yacht Club, was founded in 1720, and Ireland’s seas and lakes, clear waters, generous breezes and remarkable natural beauty have made it a favourite place to sail.

To get started, check out a sailing school to suit your ability. Or if you already know how to sail, why not charter a yacht and sample what are regarded as some of the finest cruising grounds in Europe.

Ireland regularly hosts prestigious national, European and world-class championships, so get out there and compete in your class event in the magnificent surroundings Ireland has to offer.

Don't miss...

*Connemara, with the wild Atlantic breaking on its shores and the gulf-stream warming its waters.

*The sheltered lakeland waters of Lough Derg, Co Donegal.

*The beauty and tranquility of the Blessington Lakes in County Wicklow.

*The indented coastline of the South West with its sheltered and developed infrastructure.

INLAND CABIN CRUISING

Driving around Ireland is a superb way to appreciate the country, but why not embrace some adventure and cruise your way down the longest navigable waterways in the British Isles? Inland cabin cruising is perfect for everyone from giddy families to amorous couples.

Requirements
You don’t need a licence to operate a cruiser or barge. Experience in handling a boat is useful, but not essential, and full training is provided. You’ll learn the ropes with on-board teaching sessions for your whole team, and you’ll be taken for a trip with an expert tutor. When you’re ready to take control, you’ll also be given navigational charts and a captain's handbook. Aye, aye, Captain!

Navigating
Linking the island are five main waterways: the River Shannon, the Shannon Erne Link, the Erne Waterway, the Grand Canal and the Barrow Navigation. Made up of a huge variety of connecting canals, lakes, rivers, and inlets, you’ll be faced with a constantly changing environment on your trip. Moorings are close to each other, so you’re never too far from the next stop.

And if you’re worried about getting bored, don’t be! As well as sublime scenery, lively villages are dotted along rivers and canals giving you plenty of places to keep things interesting.

CANOEING/ KAYAKING & ROWING

Tackle the rush and gush of Ireland’s rapids and weirs for a pure dose of adrenaline. In Ireland, canoeing is a yearlong activity with the different seasons offering a phenomenal variety of options.

Don't miss...

*Testing your nerves with a rollercoaster ride to remember. In winter, slalom and white water racing takes place on the Liffey, the Lagan, the Barrow, the Nore and countless rivers laced throughout the land.
*Paddling through Ireland’s picturesque countryside with a leisurely, laid-back canoe tour.

*Sea kayaking along an inspiring coastline dotted with remote islands that are ripe for discovery. Head to approved centres along the Atlantic Coast in Galway, Clare and Cork, and test your stamina and courage.

*The Liffey Challenge near Dublin in September, when the river swells and you compete against some of the world's greatest paddlers and rowers, as well as thundering surf and foaming walls of water.

*The first dedicated canoe trail in the UK, the Lough Erne Canoe Trail is a 50km trail linking Upper and Lower Lough Erne with the Shannon Waterway.

SUB-AQUA DIVING

Unearth a side to Ireland that most people don’t get to see with a spot of scuba diving in Ireland’s coastal areas. With fantastic visibility, averaging over 12 metres, you’ll uncover a cornucopia of sub-aqua flora and fauna.

The dive season usually runs from March to October, and there are lots of approved commercial centres from Antrim to the Atlantic coast of Donegal, to the popular centres at Mayo, Galway and Cork, to the gentle coasts of Wexford, Waterford, Down and Dublin.

You never know, you could even meet up with a school of dolphins that may show you their own secret hideaways!

SURFING

Grab your surf board and take to Ireland’s tumultuous seas. From Portrush to Portstewart, the craggy Irish coast enjoys wild waves, world-class breaks, truly exhilarating swells and perfectly pristine beaches.

Massive waves pick up speed as they travel across the Atlantic towards Scandinavia and crash against the Irish coast producing excellent surf in the south, west and north. The coastline also provides a great variation in the direction of breaks so it means you can find offshore surf in every wind direction.

Surfing lessons for beginners, coaching for improvers, board hire and wetsuit hire are available at most surf clubs around the country.

WATER SKIING & WAKEBOARDING

Facilities in Ireland for waterskiing and wakeboarding are second to none, and whether you’re a dab hand at getting up on the ski or board, or just fancy having a go, you can get top-class tuition in a number of clubs, some of which are situated around the following areas.

Don't miss...

*Macroom in Cork;

*Upper and Lower Lough Erne;

*The Lower Bann;

*Farran Forest Park, Parknasilla in the famous Ring of Kerry;

*The Blessington Lakes, County Wicklow;

*Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare;

*Lough Muckno in County Monaghan.

These poetic-sounding spots all offer professionally run centres and are located in the most breathtaking of environments.

WINDSURFING

When the wind picks up, take in the stunning views of Ireland’s coastline as you glide by. The elite of the windsurfing community regard Ireland as one of the best windsurfing locations in the world, with top venues like Brandon Bay, Clew Bay and Portstewart just waiting to be conquered.

Inland, hundreds of lakes and rivers offer up excellent opportunities, whether you find yourself in Schull, Brandon Bay, Clew Bay, Lough Neagh, Craigavon, Magilligan or Malahide.