OUTDOOR ACTIVITY BREAKS IN DUBLIN
PICNIC BY THE CANAL
THERE are more than 70 rivers, canals and watercourses in Dublin and the Grand Canal — which was completed in 1804 — is one of the most loved. The stretch after Baggot Street Bridge towards the Grand Canal Dock is a perfect place on which to enjoy a water-side picnic. There are plenty of benches — including a pair devoted to the great poet Patrick Kavanagh. Get there between 11.30am and 2pm on Thursdays when Irish Village Markets run a great food market on the Mespil Road side of the canal.
Good food enjoyed al fresco may get you in the mood for a water-based activity. The Viking Splash Tours will plunge you into to the waters at Grand Canal Dock on their amphibious vehicles as well as along the ancient streets with an interesting commentary on all of Dublin’s key sights.
VISIT A SEASIDE TOWN
DUBLIN city is a bustling vibrant place where you’ll never be stuck for things to do, but sometimes it’s lovely to hop on the Dart and find somewhere completely different just half an hour from town. There are several coastal villages, each with its own distinct personality that are dotted along Dublin Bay.
Why not start with Skerries? There are plenty of water-borne activities to try in the town, with Skerries Watersports Academy specialising in windsurfing and kite-surfing for both adults and children. The comparatively calm waters also are the ideal spot to try stand-up paddling for the first time.
Afterwards, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat and seafood — unsurprisingly — is king here. Try the chowder at the quirkily named gastro-pub, Stoop Your Head, or grab a superlative antipasta plate at Olive Cafe.
GET FIT IN A LEAFY PARK
MORE and more of us are keen to keep fit and while there is no shortage of gyms in Dublin, the prospect of exercising in the outdoors is one to lift the souls of many. Gym + Coffee is all about communal fitness in one of Dublin’s great parks and they run Summer Stretch series in places like Bushy Park. They organise run activities in other locations across Ireland.
Dublin has a magnificent array of parks and the biggest of the lot, the Phoenix Park, was awarded a special global distinction earlier recently. Along with a park in Sydney, it was named one of the world’s best urban green spaces. For those who use the park regularly, it’s no surprise — and it’s the perfect place to run, cycle or play sport. And it boasts innumerable clubs — everything from cricket to polo.
And there’s plenty of food to enjoy — try the cafe at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre or the Boathouse Cafe in the adjoining Farmleigh Park.
ZIP THROUGH THE TREES
DUBLIN’S proximity to sea and mountains makes it the perfect playground for lovers of the Great Outdoors. Those seeking to test their fitness in a different way should head to Tibradden Wood, where they can have fun amid the pine trees. There’s a zip-line and also 1.8km of treetop activities with five circuits for all abilities.
Mountain bike aficionados will want to explore nearby Ticknock Park. There are several routes of varying difficulty for them to negotiate and the park is also very popular with walkers. The breathtaking view from the top makes the exertion of the steep upwards stroll worthwhile.
Stepaside, in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, has become something of an epicurean Mecca and the Fern & Co pub offers good food from Wednesdays to Sundays as well as a large choice of craft beers and specialists whiskeys.
KAYAK AROUND AN HISTORIC ISLAND
DALKEY has long been the go-to place for outdoors lovers: there’s rock climbing and open water swimming and it’s one of the best places on the east coast to kayak. Local operators will bring enthusiasts out to Dalkey Island, which bears the ruin of Saint Begnet’s 7th century church. The vista back to the hilly mainland is unforgettable and after all those exertions there’s no shortage of excellent dining options such as Devilles and pubs, including Finnegan’s.
Those wanting to enjoy a walk between Dalkey and Dún Laoghaire should take the lane-way known as ‘the Metals’. This route used to be used by a narrow-gauge train whose purpose was to bring stone hewn from Dalkey Quarry to Dún Laoghaire in order to build the east and west piers that give the town so much of its character. A walk on the East Pier, in particular, is a Dún Laoghaire institution, as is an ice-cream afterwards from Teddy’s or Scrumdiddly’s.