Page 347 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

SPOR T S , OUTDOOR A C TIVITIES AND T OURING  345

Adventure Activities
Wind surfing centres in Ireland
are mainly found near Dublin, For those who like to enjoy the
Cork and Westport. great outdoors with a little
Diving conditions are vari able adventure, there is no shortage
but visibility is particu larly good of activities – both in Irish cities
on the west coast. The Irish and the countryside.
Underwater Council will put The naturally varied landscape
you in touch with courses and lends itself perfectly to off-road
facilities. Baltimore Diving exploration, and quad biking is
Centre on the West Cork coast the most exciting way to do it.
organizes scuba-diving courses Quadventure in Wexford has
and wreck and scenic explorations. one of the best facilities in the
DV Diving organizes scuba- Yachting off Rosslare, County Wexford country. Located against the
diving courses too and offers (see p155) scenic backdrop of the Blackstairs
accom modation near Belfast Mountains, the track can be
Lough and the Irish Sea where cruiser and yacht hire. Running catered to your experience level.
there are a number of historic between Carrick-on-Shannon in For something a little different,
wrecks to be explored. Country Leitrim and Upper Big Style specializes in small,
Inland, Lower Lough Erne (see Lough Erne in Fermanagh, is bespoke adventures. It has two
pp274–5) and Killaloe by Lough the Shannon-Erne Waterway schools in Dublin for kite surfing
Derg (see p194) are popular (see p239), a disused canal and stand-up paddleboarding.
holiday centres. The Lakeland reopened in 1993. From here it As well as teaching these sports,
Canoe Centre Enniskillen is simple to continue through it runs various activities through-
bet ween Upper and Lower Upper and Lower Lough Erne out the country – from cliff
Lough Erne gives canoeing (see pp274–5) to Belleek. jumping to spear fishing. A
courses. From March, Atlantic Emerald Star has a fleet of particular highlight is a before-
Sea Kayaking organizes one- cruisers for use on the waterway. sunrise paddleboard trip down
day outings, as well as two- to Shannon Castle Line runs a Dublin’s Liffey River.
eight-day trips around Castle- modern and high-quality fleet Extreme Sports Ireland is an
haven, Baltimore and beyond. of cruisers on the Shannon. excellent resource for a full list
There are several areas around Silver Line Cruisers, which also of outdoor adventure activities.
the coast that are safe for operates on the Shannon, is
experienced swimmers. Ask barely 2 km (1 mile) from the
locally for details. In Dublin, the grand canal, and promises Sports for the Disabled
popular 40 Foot in Sandycove is relaxed, uncrowded cruises. Sports enthusiasts with a
a favourite haunt of dedicated The coast between Cork and disability can obtain details of
sea swim mers. Children are quite the Dingle Peninsula is a popular facilities for the disabled from
safe in the sandy waters inside sailing area. The International the Irish Wheelchair Assoc-
the harbour while adults can Sailing Centre near Cork offers iation. Central and local tourist
enjoy the deeper waters on the tuition. The Irish National boards and many of the organ-
seaward side of the harbour wall. Sailing School in County Dublin izations listed in the directory
Contact the Dublin Tourist provides lessons at all levels. also advise on available
Office for more details. More experi enced sailors can facilities. The Share Village
charter a yacht and sail up the provides a range of activity
dramatic Irish shore to the holidays for both disabled and
Cruising and Sailing
western coast of Scotland. able-bodied people.
A tranquil cruising holiday is an
ideal alternative to the stress
and strain of driving, and Ireland’s
14,000 km (900 miles) of rivers
and some 800 lakes offer a huge
variety of con ditions for those
who want a tranquil waterborne
holiday. Stopping over at
waterside towns and villages
puts you in touch with the Irish
on their home ground. Whether
you opt for Lough Derg or else-
where on the Shannon, or the
Grand Canal from Dublin to the
Shannon, a unique view of the
Irish country side opens up all
along the way. Cruise-Ireland
and Charter Ireland offer Boats moored at Carnlough Harbour on the Antrim coast (see p271)

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