A summer for being active

This week I have been doing a lot of planning. Our CORE Kids and CORE Tiny Summer camps are just around the corner, and we are always looking at ways to make this an enjoyable summer for kids. I am also planning my activities for the summer.

This summer is a perfect opportunity for everyone to become physically active. Let’s face it, there isn’t going to be too many of us jet-setting across the world for our holidays, and staycation seems to be the best
option.

We live on a beautiful island with so much to explore. It doesn’t mean that you have to go wild camping to see it all. A simple day trip to a new park for a walk and lunch is a perfect way to see something new and be active at the same time. If you do fancy a bit of something extra, then there are plenty of options.

One such adventure I have placed in my calendar is the Blue Stack walk in Donegal, which is 65km from Ardara to Donegal town. It is recommended to take three days at it, but a friend and I will aim to complete it in just one. It will be an active adventure.

Because there is so much on offer, and it is easily accessible on the internet, I wanted to ignite your fire by breaking down ideas into the following categories:

Mountains

All over this island, we are surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, from the Mournes in Co Down to the MacGilly Cuddy Reeks in the Ring of Kerry and everything in-between. You are spoiled for choice. If you want a challenge, then try climbing a few summits in one day or if it’s a family day out you always have the option of climbing a smaller mountain and enjoying a nice, packed lunch along the way. I would encourage everyone to at least climb one mountain this summer and take the kids if you have any. The sense of achievement my son felt climbing Mount Errigal for the time still sticks in his memory, as well as mine.

Forests

There was a stage there when I thought I lived in the Gortin Glens Forest Park. It was like my own playground. Walking, running, mountain biking and even a dip in the lakes from time to time. Forest parks are everywhere all over Ireland. I have come across some of the best forest walks by simply following signs of the road and heading off on a mini adventure. It’s that easy.

Water

Water activities this summer are a must for me. I love anything that has to do with the water. It could be surfing to fishing. We live on an island and most of us can get to the coast in less that two hours. We also have some amazing lakes and rivers that we can explore inland. If you are really going to explore the water this summer I would suggest investing in a good wetsuit. If you can pick up a winter wetsuit on sale all the better. It can still get cold out there.

Beaches

Along with the water we have our beaches. I have taken a drive many days around Donegal and went beach hunting. For years we only ever went to Rossnowlagh beach, which is one of my favourite places but there is so much beauty out there. One of the nicest beaches I stumbled across was Sliver Strand in Co Mayo. We were looking for somewhere to camp on our way back from a trip to Clifden and found this amazing beach. I think we saw just four people throughout the whole day.

Adventure parks and camping sites

Most of the activities I have mentioned before, you can do for free. You may need to have some of your own equipment and the experience to make sure it’s a safe adventure. On the other hand you can book an adventure company experience and they can literally show you the ropes. This could be anything from surf lessons to a week’s stay in the Delphi adventure centre, Galway. Again you are spoilt for choice but I would move fast on these as they are filling up.

Summer camps for kids

I couldn’t not mention our own CORE Kids and CORE Tiny Tots summer camps! We have over 24 camps running this year across Northern Ireland and Donegal. The camps are for three to 12-year-olds and focus on providing positive experiences of physical activity and wellbeing for young kids. The added bonus is that it gives parents a few hours free each day to enjoy their own summer. You can find out more on our camps at www.coreniportal.com/booking.php

Set a challenge

If this has inspired you to even consider looking at creating your own adventures this summer I would go a step further and set yourself a challenge.

It could be a fun challenge like visiting 20 different beaches this summer or climb 10 mountains. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you are active and you see more of this beautiful island we live on then you’re winning.