To celebrate National Just Because Day on the 27th August Wildness Ireland offered to share five amazing Irish adventure activities with us that everyone needs to try!
Steeped in rich history and surrounded by spectacular natural beauty at every turn, there are countless reasons why you should live your dream of an action-packed getaway across the Irish sea. From the soaring mountain ranges to the rugged west coast, there are miles upon miles of unspoilt Irish land just waiting to be explored.
While a visit to the capital’s Guinness Factory is a must for any sight-seer, there’s no doubt that the best way to experience the Emerald Isle’s raw natural beauty is getting up close and personal with the wilderness. Whether you’ve got an unquenchable thirst for adventure or just fancy embracing Ireland in all its glory, there’s an abundance of unconventional attractions on this side of the sea. And with National Just Because Day around the corner, the outdoor adventure experts at Wilderness Ireland are bringing you the very best white-knuckle activities that Ireland has to offer – just because
As if sea kayaking on the Atlantic wasn’t adventurous enough, paddling under a panoply of stars is an entirely unique experience. Whether you’re embracing a new hobby or are more than experienced in stretching your sea legs, there’s something truly magical about slipping silently through the night on moonlit waters. Set off from the shore about an hour before dusk to enjoy the spectacular silhouettes of seabirds against the sunset, and as night falls, the views will continue to wow.
Blokarts may have only been around since the early 21st century, but these compact land yachts have fast become one of the most intriguing new activities for adventure lovers. Portable and easy to manoeuvre, these three-wheeled yachts are controlled through hand-steering and an attached sail. As well as being a fantastic tool for learning to sail a boat, exploring the beaches by blokart is one of the most exhilarating ways to spend an afternoon. The close proximity of your body to the ground makes reaching top speeds of 40mph feel even faster – so it’s no surprise that this sport is so appealing for those with a need for speed.
Considered by some as the best waves in the world, surfing the swells on the Irish coast should be on any thrill-seeker’s bucket list. With surf schools aplenty, you’ll be on your feet and bagging the big waves in no time at all. Mastered the hanging ten? Challenge yourself to the infamous ‘Aileen’s’ wave off the cliffs of Moher. Named as the perfect wave by scientists at the National University of Ireland Galway, these mammoth waves can reach a whopping 12 metres.
What better way to get up close and personal with the Irish coast than cliff diving, scrambling and swimming in the Atlantic sea? Each coasteering experience is entirely unique, making it one of the best adrenaline-pumping activities available in Ireland. With expert guides showing you all the gullies, caves and natural rock formations, this action-packed adventure is sure to show off the outstanding natural beauty of the Emerald Isle’s coastline.
This 20-metre rope and plank footbridge connects the cliffs just outside of Ballintoy to a salmon fishery on the island of Carrick-a-Rede. Erected in 1755 and used by local fishermen for centuries, this narrow bridge is now maintained by the National Trust and open to the public for most of the year. Suspended at 100 feet above sea level and only a metre wide, this bridge is not to be crossed by the faint-hearted. As each daredevil crosses, the bridge sways and rocks – making this bridge a challenge for any adrenallyne-junkie. You’ll soon be rewarded for your courage though – from the spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Fair Head to spotting porpoises and basking sharks in the water, Carrick-a-Rede is a haven for rare wildlife.
Consumed by wanderlust? Whether you travel to the Republic or Northern Ireland, you’re sure to be enjoy an exciting adventure wherever you go. With National Just Because Day rapidly approaching, it’s time to seize the day and add those weird and wonderful white-knuckle activities to your itinerary this August!
