WATER-BASED BREAKS IN DUBLIN
WAKE-BOARD IN ‘SILICON DOCKS’
It may be the tech centre of Ireland — with Google, Facebook and Airbnb just a stone’s throw away — but Grand Canal Dock is also the place where you can enjoy a pulsequickening experience on the water. Wakedock Ireland run a cool wakeboarding experience here: rather than being pulled along by speed boat, there’s a highpowered pulley system in place. And once you can get the hang of it, there are all manner of ramps to try if you want to impress your friends.
Besides the aforementioned tech giants, Dublin’s ‘Silicon Docks’ is also home to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. There are plenty of shows there, including family favourite Wicked, which runs until September.
If you’re after food in the area, you’ll be spoiled for choice at the Marker Hotel and Herbstreet. New arrival Nutbutter is also packing them in.
KAYAK TO A HOLY ISLAND
Dalkey is synonymous with the good life and it’s also a pleasure land for watersports lovers. Kayaking is popular here, and local operators will bring enthusiasts out to Dalkey Island, which bears the ruin of St Begnet’s seventh-century church.
Kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddling are available in all of Dublin’s coastal villages, including Malahide and Skerries, and the calm Irish Sea makes these locations ideal for the novice.
No matter which discipline you choose, you’ll be burning lots of calories and there’s plenty of post-workout options if you want to fill your belly. There’s excellent hearty fare at Dún Laoghaire’s Haddington Hotel and Howth boasts at least a dozen superb seafood restaurants, including The Oarhouse. If you fancy kayaking in the heart of Dublin, get onto the Liffey with City Kayaking — you’ll get to go under the
O’Casey and Beckett bridges.
KITE-SURF TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT
Dollymount Strand has been a refuge for generations of Dubliners. You go over the old wooden bridge and you’re on an island that feels wonderfully removed from the bustle of city life. The lengthy beach here is the perfect spot to try out the thrills of kitesurfing — the winds that sweep in across the bay ensure you’ll be able to zip across the waves, assuming you manage the tricky task of staying upright on your board!
There are a number of local kite-surfing operators including Pure Magic and Big Style, and they’ve got other watersports pursuits if you fancy trying something different.
Dollymount may be cut off from the city, but you’ll still get great coffee here — go to Time Out and make sure to have one of their epic toasties.