# 6 Outdoor Adventures in Ireland > Surfing, mountains and beaches for those who choose a challenge over comfort. We rounded up 6 outdoor adventures you can enjoy in Ireland all year round. - URL: https://langandtrip.com.ua/en/article/6-pryhod-na-svizhomu-povitri-v-irlandiyi/ - Language: en - Published: 2022-08-29 - Categories: Mountains, Beaches, Ireland, Mountain, Skiing, Surfing & Diving, Sports Events --- If there is one big reason Irish pubs are so popular, it has to be the weather. Grey skies and cool Atlantic mists practically nudge you inside for a drink. But those who prefer a challenge to comfort will find outdoor adventures all year round in every corner of the country. Some of them, like surfing, are well known as Irish pastimes, while others, such as skiing, are anything but. All of them, though, promise the satisfaction of knowing you did not let the wind or rain stop you from having a good time. And once you have pulled on a wetsuit or a climbing harness, you will know that pint of the black stuff is going to taste so much better. Here are six activities to help you work up a thirst: ## Surfing ![Surfers on an Irish beach](/storage/image/prev/july-article-23-1-1024x683.jpg) Among surfers, Ireland has earned a reputation for thrilling waves. Give it a try at the Inchydoney surf school. The beach's gentle slope makes it great for beginners, said school owner Colum McAuley back in 2013. "When the waves break, they roll in over a long distance, so you have plenty of time to get to your feet." That said, rip currents are a danger on any beach, and the school puts a strong emphasis on safety. Both group and private lessons are on offer. Wetsuits and all equipment are provided. ## Kayaking Kayaking lets you take in Ireland's waterways without getting soaked in the process. Outdoor Discovery Adventure Co. specialises in kayaking and is based in the Midlands, a region full of rivers, lakes and canals that draws relatively few tourists. Courses cater to every skill level, from complete beginners to advanced white-water enthusiasts. There is also body boating, where participants lie head first on a "bodyboard" and paddle with their hands. The company operates year-round at various locations across Ireland for groups of four or more. ## Zorbing The sight of giant transparent balls tumbling down hillsides makes zorbing a strikingly beautiful spectacle when watched from a distance. For the person inside the plastic zorb ball, though, hurtling downhill head first at high speed, it is more about the adrenaline than the aesthetics. Adventure West, based on the west coast in County Mayo, worked with the New Zealand inventors of the sport to develop its course, and offers two kinds of zorbing: harness and hydro. Harness zorbing is described as the more "extreme" and faster option, and it is also more likely to be cancelled if the wind picks up. In hydro zorbing, warm water is pumped into the ball, creating something like a water slide. ## Skiing The idea of skiing in Ireland, where the average winter temperature is around 42 degrees, might sound like a joke to anyone from Colorado or Vermont. But if you want a beginner's lesson on the slopes, the Ski Club of Ireland is a lovely, laid-back place to test your abilities. Located south of Dublin and reachable by city bus, the Ski Club is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting skiing and snowboarding. Its open slopes are made of Dendix and Snowflex, synthetic bristle materials that "sweat" to create a slippery surface that stands in for real snow. Inexperienced skiers and snowboarders are required to take a class. ## Kitesurfing ![Kitesurfer riding the waves](/storage/image/prev/july-article-23-2.png) Kitesurfing, which combines surfing with flying through the air, can safely be called an extreme sport. Start small at Sky High Kitesurfing in Tramore, County Waterford. Lessons begin with theory, and then you head onto the water, where you are hooked up to small (2 to 4 metre) kites that, according to owner Barry Drea, are very manageable, even when handled by an adult or a lightweight child. Classes run year-round, but they occasionally have to be rescheduled if the wind is too strong or simply absent. ## Rock Climbing ![Climber scaling a rock face in Ireland](/storage/image/prev/july-article-23-3.jpg) Ireland's mountains have long drawn travellers: Croagh Patrick in County Mayo is named after the saint who is said to have fasted at its summit. That tradition of climbing has grown into an appreciation of rock climbing as a sport, and cries of "On Belay!" now echo across the country. Vertigo Outdoor, based in scenic County Wicklow, will help you get to grips with climbing. The company offers courses for beginners as well as for those learning to lead. Most of its sites are in the Dublin and Wicklow area, but clients can also arrange trips further afield, for example to the sea cliffs in the west or to Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain.