8 thrilling outdoorsy a... - Financial Unions

We're officially into the last few weeks of summer, so you might be wanting to make the most of the warm (or at least dry) weather while it's here.

Getting out into nature is always a day well spent, whether you're taking a meandering hike through the forests, dipping in the sea or learning a new skill out and about.

With that in mind, we've rounded up some of our favourite outdoor activities, all of which cater to a range of ages and levels and are run by teams of enthusiastic pros. From a heart-stopping abseil down a historic Dublin landmark, to a serene trip down the country's canals, there's plenty to fill these last weeks of summer.

Abseiling down Dalkey Quarry, Dublin

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If you're in the market for some thrills, look no further.

Dalkey Quarry has become a hotbed for adventure activities, with daring individuals traversing the sheer rock faces and somewhat smaller cliffs every day of the week. The quarry was first used to build Dún Laoghaire pier between 1815 and 1817, with large quantities of granite mined from its rock cliffs, before being ultimately abandoned in 1917.

Adventure.ie, ran by Ronan and his wife Cindy, offers a range of adventure trips, but their two and a half hour-long rock climbing and abseiling course (€60pp) gives you all the basics for getting comfortable on the ropes, from scaling a 13ft rock face to shimmying down a massive cliff like a pro.

Kayaking the canals, Borris, Co Carlow

Looking for a gentle way to explore part of the country? You could do far worse than kayaking along our historic canals.

Go With the Flow River Adventures, has over 20 years' experience leading groups – couples, work teams, stags, hens and everything in between – through the canals, weirs and waterfalls of the river.

Kicking off from Clashganny in Borris, you'll get an up-close look at how the canals operate and snake through the countryside, navigating locks, weirs and burbling rapids, and getting an unrestricted look at the flora and fauna.

The Guided White Water Spills & Thrills tour costs €29 for adults and lasts up to three hours. Hiring a canoe for a day of exploring costs €39 per person, and there are a range of guided trips, tours and weekend adventures available.

SUP in Malahide, Dublin

If you're looking for more than just a sea swim, why not learn a new skill at the same time?

Stand-up paddleboarding is extremely popular the world over and our waters are ideal for a little paddle. SUP Dublin run trips around the city, but their Malahide trip gives you an excuse to explore that charming neighbourhood after a day of paddling.

Each trip includes a lesson on the theory on land, after which you will either paddle towards the swan sanctuary, Kilcrea stoney beach or over to the railway bridge depending on conditions on the day.

Once the tour is complete there are some optional games and skills we can go through or just paddle in your downtime.

Prices start at €30.

Swilly Sauna and a dip in the sea, Rathmullen, Co Donegal

Some of us have embraced the thrills and rewards of a sea dip, while others are still wary of the icy temperatures. Tempt yourself out of the house and into your togs with the promise of a relaxing few minutes in this mobile sauna.

Wood-fired and located on the sandy shores of Rathmullen Beach, the sauna currently operates from 6pm-8pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and 10am-2pm on weekends, making it ideal for your post-work or training destress, or a restorative, pre-brunch meet-up.

Forty-five minutes of relaxation in the sauna costs €15pp, and can be booked through their Instagram.

Water biking on Lough Neagh, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim

Tried your hand at kayaking and canoeing and looking for something a bit different? Water biking is another way to explore the country's scenic waterways, and also perfect for the whole family.

Water biking lets you cycle on the river itself, by using specially designed bikes that are buoyant enough to balance on the water. It's also an eco-friendly and low-impact activity that provides an excellent opportunity to experience nature up close.

Renting a water bike costs £15 (roughly €17.50) per hour. Visit Eagle Divers for more information.

Mountain trekking on horseback, Rusheen, Co Tipperary

For a truly bucolic experience, look no further. This family-run horse-riding and trekking centre specialises in a range of treks across the rolling pastures, from one hour and two hour pony trips and long horse trail rides to the pub, to on-site residential short breaks and riding holidays.

On your trek you'll learn about ancient Irish farmsteads, folklore and even pass by Celtic ringforts, Bronze Age settlement, an Iron Age hill fort and a 6,000 year-old standing stone.

If the idea of manning your own horse intimidates you, have no fear: the pros will cater to all levels and ensure that each trek is tailored to the level of the least experienced rider.

A one-to-one scenic trek costs €65, while a group of two or three costs €45 per child under 16 and €50 for age 16 and over. Groups of four to six people costs €40 per child under 16 and €45 for age 16 and over.

Quad biking, Clonroche, Co Wexford

If an outdoor activity isn't complete without some dirt under your nails, quad biking might be the hobby for you.

Spanning an 80-acre course and set in the shadow of the scenic Blackstairs Mountains, this exhilarating course takes bikers through level fields, dug out ditches, dips, turns and waterlogged gripes that all bring their own level of thrill.

Of course, pottering through the countryside on a quad also allows you plenty of time to take in the surroundings, but if you have someone on your tail you might be more concerned with kicking up muck. Led by an experienced team of guides and kitted out in protective gear, it's also ideal for rainy days.

Book by phone or enquire on their website. Prices vary depending on age and height, but generally are €45 for 6-11 years, €55 for 12-15 years and €65 for 16 years and up.

Hike with like-minded explorers

Many people can be put off of trying outdoor activities if they don't have a game friend to try it with them. Of course, solo adventures are incredibly rewarding, but sometimes you want a community. That's where Galz Gone Wild comes in.

Founded by Mel McDermott, a keen adventurer herself, to establish and support a community of female hikers, this thriving group organises a series of hikes, swims and getaways throughout the year. With a range of levels available, from beginner to expert, and group activities like meditation and saunas added in, these immersive trips are an ideal way to reconnect with nature.

Find their full list of adventures here.

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8 thrilling outdoorsy activities to try around Ireland