Ireland is a playground for the young and the restless. Small in size but with an endless selection of places to go and things to do this certainly is the place to embrace youth whilst it’s still on your side.
Adrenaline sports and outdoor activities pepper the landscape and sky, and in order to make the most of golden years, we’ve picked the top 10 things you need to do in Ireland before you get too old!
10. Gorge Walking
This adventure activity is perfect for those looking to embody their Indiana Jones inner child and take to the outdoors on foot.
The activity includes a fusion of walking, climbing, hiking, swimming and the option to cliff jump, too.
Gorge walking essential turns an outdoor landscape into a natural obstacle course, and an unforgettable experience.
Killary Adventure Co offer a great gorge walking tour that makes for a fantastic team building experience, extreme day date or birthday celebration (ages 8+ only).
Where: Killary Adventure Co, Derrynacleigh, Leenane, Co. Galway, Ireland
Prices From: Adult: €47
Child: €32
9. Mountain Boarding
Mountain Boarding is an extreme sport which brings you as close to the snowboarding ski slopes in Ireland as you’re going to get.
Not for the faint-hearted, this adrenaline-pumping sport is definitely one to add to your “whilst we’re still young” list.
Taking place at Funmanway Adventure Land in Cork, this new-to-the-scene sport includes steep descends on grass slopes. Beginners boards are fitted with breaks for comfort and all it takes is a 15-minute induction and you’re good to go it on your own!
Where: Funmanway Adventure Land, Yewtree Hill, Derrylahane, Dunmanaway, Co. Cork, Ireland
Prices From: €20 includes 15-minute induction and 3 hours use of slopes
8. Coasteering
Coasteering is a land and water based activity that – similar to gorge walking – turns nature into an adventure course.
Hosted by Real Adventures in Connemara, the day includes scrambling across rock faces, cliff jumping into the sea, swimming, climbing and exploring caves and rock formations designed by years of weathering and sea impact.
Although this activity can be catered to meet most people’s levels of fitness, it’s best done young with a bit of spring in your step. The minimum age for this activity is 8 years.
Where: Real Adventures, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland
Prices: Adult €50
Child €40
7. Zorbing
This activity is certainly one for thrill-seekers. Zorbing consists of getting inside an inflated plastic sphere, which is, in turn, rolled around, up and down gardens and sent free-falling down hills.
The sphere takes two people at a time, so don’t worry, you won’t be alone! The highlight of this experience is being rushed off a 4-metre high ramp which is followed by a high-speed spin down a garden run.
Contrary to what it may sound, zorbing is classified as one of the safest extreme spots in the world, as the ball acts as a complete shock absorber.
Where: Blackwater Outdoor Activities, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork, Ireland
Prices: prices vary depending on multi-activity selection.
6. Paintball
Paintball is definitely one of the top activities in Ireland you need to try before you can utter the statement: “ah, I’m too old for that now”.
A top spot to try your hand at this savage adrenaline sport is Delta Force, with locations in Dublin and Belfast. Having been made a member of EU Paintball Association, this 5-star operation offers the safest and soundest ways to make a splash.
This extreme sport means players in a game zone armed with a gun that shoots paintballs, with the aim of knocking out their opponent.
Where: Delta Force, Belfast & Dublin
Prices (starting from): Adult €9.99
Kids (14-17 years) €19.99
5. Quad Biking
Quad Biking is a fast-paced, hair-raising driving experience worth doing in Ireland before you get too old.
This off-road adrenaline sport consists of players hopping aboard a quad bike – a large four-wheel motorbike – and taking to dirt, sand or pretty much any track you like!
Try Quad adventure as they’re safe and well-serviced, with a fun and challenging track over an 80-acre stretch.
Location: Quadadventure, Clonroche, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
Prices: Adult €45
Child €30
4. Rafting
Rafting is certainly not a sport for faint-hearted. It is a fast, high-energy experience perfect for those looking to get wet and wild.
Rafting is a great team building exercise, too, as participants work together navigating the vessel downstream. With a start point just outside Dublin, those taking part will get a unique opportunity to experience the River Liffey from a whole new perspective, whilst experiencing some adrenaline moments en route.
Where: Rafting.ie, Mill Lane, Palmerstown, Dublin 20, Ireland.
Prices: Prices are per raft, not person. See website for more details.
3. Paramotoring Ireland
Care to see Ireland from a whole new height? Look no further than paramotoring – the coolest new extreme sport on the scene.
Paramotoring consists of participants taking to the sky in a powered paraglider (a lightweight, foot-launched, personally-flown aircraft).
Due to the nature of this sport, training and safety are of the utmost importance. Should it sound of interest, check out Paramotoring Ireland, just outside of Dublin.
Where: Paramotoring Ireland, Cathal Fowler, Enfield, Co Meath, Ireland
Prices: €150 for training and flight per day.
2. Off-Road Driving
If you enjoyed quad biking but are keen to take it to the next level, look no further than off-road driving.
The best place to try your hand at this has got to be Off Road Driving Centre in Kildare, not far from Dublin.
This experience includes driving 4 x 4 vehicles hard into muddy, wet, difficult terrain. Hold on to your hat, this is going to be one bumpy ride!
Where: Off Road Driving Centre, Palmerstown House Estate, Johnstown, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Prices: Adult €59 (discounts for groups apply, see website for more details)
1. Climbing Carrauntoohil
If there is one sure fire thing you must do in Ireland before you get too old, it has got to be climbing Carrauntoohil, the Emerald Isle’s biggest (1039 metres) and most challenging summit.
Due to the sheer size of this mountain, we highly recommend going with an experienced tour group such as Kerry Climbing.
Where: Kerry Climbing, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Prices: Prices vary depending on the route chosen and level of difficulty. See website for more details.
