Latest news with #outdooractivities
CNET
17 hours ago
- Health
- CNET
My All-Time Favorite Headphones for the Outdoors Are 11% Off now
For anyone who walks, runs, cycles or does just about anything outside on a regular basis, I always give the same piece of advice: Ditch those noise-canceling headphones. Don't get me wrong. I have a pair of big over-the-ear headphones that have spectacular noise cancellation and I love them. But when I'm outside -- especially if I'm close to fast-moving cars and heavy traffic -- I need to be able to hear the world around me and not just my music or whatever podcast I'm bingeing at the moment. In those cases, I want something like the OpenFit true wireless headphones from Shokz. I love a good pair of headphones but I don't love spending a ton of money on them. My threshold is about $100, which is why when all of my cycling friends started raving about bone-conduction headphones a few years back, I was more than a little hesitant because I would probably only use them when working out. However, now is a great time to get in on this innovative headphone technology. The Shokz OpenFit headphones are currently marked down to $160 at Amazon, which is a discount of $20. These headphones are designed to be used in places where bone conduction may not be enough and, as a result, I'm rarely seen without mine on. You can grab these headphones at a great price in black and beige. A week after I picked these up, I was nearly sideswiped by a pickup truck and the only thing that saved me was hearing it come up behind me. There's a reason these are recommended on our list of the best running headphones you can buy. If you're looking for outdoor-friendly workout headphones, my first recommendation is always Shokz, formerly known as Aftershokz. Bone-conduction headphones sit just outside your ear, resting on the bone. Music vibrates through a set of pads into your skull and you hear those sounds as if they're coming from a speaker a few feet away. You can hear everything you're listening to on your phone without interrupting the sounds coming from the rest of the world around you. For cyclists and runners -- really anyone who does anything outside -- this is a game-changing experience. It's more accurate and pleasing than traditional headphones with "passthrough mode" and you sacrifice very little in audio quality. My favorite bone-conduction headphones -- and I've tried them all -- are the OpenRun Pro headphones from Shokz. They're waterproof (which means they're easy to clean when I'm all sweaty), the battery lasts me about 7 hours on a charge (perfect for those 70-mile riding days), and they're comfortable enough that I can wear them all day and not feel them pressing on me. They charge magnetically with a proprietary charger but Shokz includes two cables in the box in case you lose things, as I do. If these headphones are a little rich for your blood, no worries. Shokz also has cheaper OpenRun and OpenMove bone-conduction headphones with up to 6 hours of battery life and IP55 dust and water resistance. Whether you're physically active outdoors or you just like exploring new things, I highly recommend giving these headphones a try. The Shokz OpenMove make a great gift for an outdoor runner The Shokz make a great gift, either for yourself or the outdoor runner in your life. Not only are they the best of their kind but giving these to a runner may also give you some peace of mind to know they're a little safer when they're out running alongside busy streets or other high-traffic areas. If you're looking for other gift ideas, check out our roundup of the best Father's Day gifts or the best gifts for grads. For more discounted tech, check out our running list of the best headphone deals.
Telegraph
a day ago
- General
- Telegraph
The perfect 10-day tour of the Dolomites
With their jagged pinnacles, saw-toothed peaks and bare rock walls, the Dolomites offer some of the most dramatic scenery of alpine Europe. A Unesco World Heritage Site, these limestone formations were once coral reefs, forming into mountains when the African and European tectonic plates collided 250 million years ago. The result is a stunning patchwork of vertical rock and rolling meadows dotted with alpine lakes, medieval castles and charming mountain villages. This striking natural setting makes the Dolomites a veritable outdoor playground, offering a wealth of open-air activities year-round, ranging from sledding, ice-skating and skiing in winter to hiking, cycling and climbing in summer. Cable cars whisk visitors up to the start of well-marked trails, many designed to be hiked in a few hours, others covering a wide terrain with hikers refuelling and bedding down in rifugi (simple mountain huts). The Dolomites also offer a vibrant cultural scene, with some excellent contemporary art galleries and museums. The culinary scene here, too, is worth exploring – the cuisine is hearty, making the most of local ingredients such as alpine cheeses and wild game. Vines have long been cultivated along the mountainous slopes, and there's no shortage of vineyards – particularly along the Strada del Vino wine route, which snakes its way through the region. The Dolomites mostly lie within Italy 's northernmost region of Trentino-Alto Adige, formed by two separate entities with a very distinct identity: the Italian-speaking Trentino to the south and, to the north, Alto Adige, best known as SüdTirol (South Tyrol), where German is the preferred language. To the east, the Dolomites stretch into Veneto, home to Cortina d'Ampezzo, host resort for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026, and as far east as Friuli-Venezia Giulia. This 10-day itinerary is centred exclusively around the region of Trentino-Alto Adige, with the itinerary designed to give you a flavour for both cultures. It would be impossible to include all of the region's highlights in a ten-day trip, although you can easily add a few more days here and there to explore other pockets, from Ladin-speaking Alta Badia to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen) and the spa town of Merano. In this guide Itinerary When to go What to book Expert tips Day 1 Rovereto & Pinzolo Head for the hills Catch a morning flight to Verona Airport, driving north to Trentino along the toll-road that runs to the east of Lake Garda. If time allows, trace the lakefront road instead, taking in scenic views along the way. Your first stop is Rovereto, where you can stretch your legs halfway to your final destination as you explore the excellent Mart, one of Italy's premier contemporary and modern art museums. The collection includes over 20,000 works, with a focus on Italian art by the likes of Francesco Hayez, Carlo Carrà and Giorgio de Chirico. For lunch, grab a bite at the museum's bistro then proceed north to the Brenta Dolomites, arriving in Pinzolo. Visit the town's Chiesa di San Vigilio to admire its 16 th -century frescoes depicting the Dance of Death, then check-in at the family-run Bio Hotel Hermitage in Madonna di Campiglio, or splash out for a pampering stay at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti in Pinzolo. For dinner, try Rendenèr, a contemporary-styled restaurant run by a young and dynamic team, serving flavoursome dishes that make the most of valley ingredients. Day 2 Val Nambrone Alpine lakes and stunning sunsets Wake up in reasonable time for your first trek, one of the most picturesque circular hikes in the area that takes you past a string of glorious alpine lakes (five hours total). Drive to the Val Nambrone, leaving your car at the Malga Vallina d'Amola car park, and hike to Rifugio Segantini in about an hour and a half. Stop off for a refreshing drink or a bite for lunch, before continuing to the 33-metre-deep Lago Nero. Try and reach the lake as the sun begins to set – it's a stunning sight as the steep rocky walls and well-defined contours of the entire Brenta Dolomites range spreading out before you. From here, the route leads to the nearby Cornisello Lakes, from where you can admire the peaks of the Adamello-Presanella range, before completing your loop. If you're keen to experience a night in a rifugio, try Rifugio Cornisello, which offers half-board; alternatively drive back to your hotel. Enjoy an aperitivo with a view courtesy of Sunsets at High Altitude, which sees participants enjoy a pre-dinner drink accompanied by live music at designated mountain venues. Day 3 Adamello Brenta Nature Park Protected landscapes and picnics Today, you'll trek to the heart of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, Trentino's largest protected area, home to over 1,300 species of plants, with chamois, deer, ibex and foxes a common sight; brown bears have also been reintroduced. With over 700km of trails, there's plenty to explore, including the Bosco Val Brenta, thick woods of towering larch and spruce trees. Set off from Prà de la Casa, an agriturismo run by Matteo and Doriana who rustle up homemade fare using mountain herbs, and make for the Malga Brenta Bassa and Malga Brenta Alta, two ample clearings where you can sit back and unwind with a picnic lunch. You can take part in educational foraging trips through the woods with acclaimed forager Eleonora 'Noris' Cunaccia or, if you're up for trying something a little more unconventional, the Val Brenta is also home to eight natural wellness paths, including yoga, bare footing, tree hugging and natural Kneipp paths, with itineraries that can be carried out independently or led by experts. Come evening, treat yourself to a Michelin-starred dinner at the excellent Stube Hermitage at the hotel in Madonna, with a cosy wood-clad dining area set out to resemble a traditional alpine stube. Day 4 Trento & San Martino di Castrozza A medieval capital First, drive east to the picture-postcard Lago Toblino, with its 16 th -century namesake fortress and castle jutting out into the lake on a rocky spur. Take a gentle stroll along the lakefront promenade and grab a mid-morning coffee at Castel Toblino's café, then continue your drive east to the delightful regional capital of Trento. Spare some time to visit the Castello del Buonconsiglio, which affords lovely views of the medieval centre. History buffs won't want to miss the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Tridentum that lies below the historic centre, and which now forms part of the SASS Underground Archaeological Space. If you're travelling with children, make sure you visit Muse, Trento's Science Museum, which sheds light on alpine ecosystems and the geology of the Dolomites mountains. Enjoy a late lunch at Osteria Il Cappello or try Il Libertino, then continue your drive east to San Martino di Castrozza in the Parco Naturale Paneveggio, the jumping off point for treks in the Pale di San Martino, the Dolomites' largest massif. Overnight at the family-run Chalet Prà delle Nasse, enjoying supper at Ristorante Da Anita. Day 5 Pale di San Martino Via ferrata and rifguios The Dolomites' largest massif, the Pale di San Martino, is prime hiking territory, offering the most dramatic scenery of the Parco Naturale Paneveggio. From San Martino di Castrozza, a cable car whisks passengers up to Colverde, from where the Rosetta funicular cradles you up the mountainside to reach Rifugio Rosetta, the starting point for several trails of varying difficulty, some equipped with via ferrata. A particularly favourite is the 7.5km Riviera di Manna that winds along the plateau in under three hours, which served as inspiration for acclaimed Italian novelist Dino Buzzati's The Tartar Steppe. Experienced hikers could try the Anello dell'Altopiano, a loop that passes Rifugio Pradidali and crosses two mountain passes in just under five hours. For dinner, head to Malga Ces, a traditional mountain restaurant about a five minutes' drive from San Martino di Castrozza. Days 6, 7 & 8 Bolzano Wine routes and Michelin stars After breakfast, travel north-west to Bolzano, the provincial capital of German-speaking South Tyrol. As you cross into South Tyrol from Trentino, you'll notice road signs in both Italian and German, and you'll immediately sense the region's distinctive central European culture. As you approach Bolzano, join the Strada del Vino wine route, passing through exquisite vineyard landscapes where you can combine sightseeing with wine tasting. To the south of Bolzano, San Michele d'Appiano has a handful of great restaurants, including two Michelin-starred establishments, while perching above the town is Castel d'Appiano (Burg Hocheppan), worth visiting for its beautifully preserved secular frescoes and views of the surrounding area. Drive to Bolzano in the late afternoon and check in at Parkhotel Mondschein or try Hotel Greif; if you'd rather stay outside the city, the boutique Berghoferin offers a peaceful location. Savour elegant alpine dishes and Italian classics at Löwengrube, whose 13 th -century wine cellar houses over 1,000 wines. City culture and the Iceman Spend the day exploring Bolzano, one of the Dolomites' most beautiful cities. Start at Piazza Walther, the central square lined with pastel and butterscotch palazzi, and stroll along the narrow Via dei Portici. The city's prized attraction is the Museo Archeologico, housing the mummified body of Ötzi the Iceman, who was discovered in 1991 a few kilometres from the Austrian border. For lunch, tuck into local specialities at Vögele, a historic restaurant serving traditional dishes in partitioned wood-clad dining areas. Around mid-afternoon, catch the Funivia del Renon (Renon cable car) from Piazza Walther to Soprabolzano, which offers fabulous views of the city and the jagged, saw-toothed peaks of the Catinaccio massif. A narrow-gauge railway connects Soprabolzano to Collalbo, from where you can follow trail 24 to reach a viewing platform. Come late afternoon, soak up sunset views with a drink at Gloriette Guesthouse or Parkhotel Holzner, where you can also enjoy dinner before catching the funicular back to Bolzano. Mountaineering legends and beer halls Bolzano serves as the perfect base for several day trips, with plenty of sights within striking distance of the centre. Renowned mountaineer and explorer Reinhold Messner hailed from Villnöss north-east of Bolzano, setting up a network of six museums in the region that shed light on alpine landscapes, the history of mountaineering and mountain peoples. The Messner Mountain Museum at Castel Firmiano is the closest to the city; it has a striking setting, with a network of walkways and stairways taking you past displays and installations in one of the region's oldest castles. The views of the Gruppo di Tessa mountains are a delight too. Return for your last night in the city – try Batzen Häusl, one of the city's historic beer houses that also serves Tyrolean specialities; if wine is more your thing, head to Lisa Wineboutique. Day 9 Seiser Alm The largest alpine plateau in Europe Drive east to the Seiser Alm grasslands, the largest alpine plateau in Europe, where verdant summer pastures and meadows offer gentle trekking through scenic landscapes. Treat yourself to the stylish Adler Lodge, which offers warm and cocooning rooms along with an excellent spa. There are scores of hiking paths in the area, and there's no shortage of biking routes to suit all levels. Following your hike or bike ride, unwind with a hay bath, an age-old tradition from the nearby village of Fiè allo Sciliar that sees participants lie in a tub wrapped in freshly cut hay enhanced with aromatic herbs such as thyme, gentian and mountain arnica. Adrenaline kicks Spend your last day in the fresh mountain air on a scenic outdoor activity, whether climbing or golfing in the nearby Seis am Schlern at the foot of the Seiser Alm – you can also explore this high alpine pasture from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. If you're looking to end your stay on a high, try a tandem paragliding flight, or swoosh through meadows and woods on the Monte Pana Zipline in neighbouring Val Gardena. Enjoy a traditional lunch in verdant surrounds at one of the area's mountain restaurants such as Heualm or Malga Schgaguler Schwaige, before driving to Bolzano Airport or Innsbruck Airport for your return flight home. When to go Outside of the winter season, the best time to visit is between June and September; if you can, avoid the month of August when Italians take the bulk of their holidays – even the remotest of mountain paths can get congested. Note that many hotels and cable cars close after the winter season for a month or so, reopening in June. What to book On a budget Inntravel offers a one-week 'A stroll in the Italian Dolomites' package from £1,160 per person, including seven nights' half-board accommodation, luggage transfers, local travel, and route notes and maps. Flights not included. A 'bootique' experience Original Travel offers 'Bootiquing in the Dolomites' from £3,150 to £5,200 per person, including four nights' half-board accommodation, five days' guided walking, luggage transfers, return flights and airport transfers. The luxury option Cartology Travel offers bespoke trips in the Dolomites from £7.000 per person, including nine nights' half board accommodation, private transfers between resorts, six days with a private guide, activities and selected experiences at each hotel. Flights not included. Expert tips Getting around Renting a car is the best way to get around, allowing you to explore at your own pace, winding along scenic mountain roads and stopping off at sights along the way. There are good train links between Trento and Bolzano – Trentino and South Tyrol's main cities – and several services run through South Tyrol's main valleys. Otherwise rail transport is limited, with buses mostly connecting mountain villages. Clothing Make sure you pack appropriate clothing and outdoor gear, including comfortable walking shoes, suncream and a hat. Even in high summer, it can get chilly when hiking at high altitude – you should be prepared for wind, rain and even snow. Climbing routes Dotted throughout the Dolomites are via ferrata; climbing routes with ladders, rungs and steel cables. Some are designed for novices and even young children, although note that most are for experienced climbers. Place names Note that some locations have two – and sometimes three – names. In South Tyrol, you'll find towns with both German and Italian names. Bolzano, for example, is known by its German name Bozen, while the Alpe di Siusi is Seiser Alm. Some towns also have names in Ladin, a Rhaeto-Romance language spoken by some 30,000 people around the Sella massif. Air travel Several airports are conveniently placed, although flying to the wrong airport can result in lengthy transfers along winding mountain roads. Verona Airport is within easy reach of southern Trentino; Milan Linate and Milan Bergamo are good choices to explore the south and the west of the region; Venice is best for exploring the eastern Dolomites; while Bolzano Airport and Innsbruck are most convenient for South Tyrol. Free travel opportunities
BBC News
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
Are you going on a school residential trip?
If you are in your final term of primary school, you might be looking forward to some exciting moments. Perhaps an end-of-year party? A leavers' assembly? Collecting your leavers' hoodies? But many of you will also be packing your bags ready to go for a few days away with your classmates and teachers for a residential. If so, we want to hear all about are you going and what activities have you got planned? What are you most looking forward to on your residential trip?Let us know in the comments section below. What is a residential? A residential is like an extra long school trip where you stay overnight - usually at an activity centre or accommodation where large school groups can stay. It is an opportunity for children to spend a few nights away from home, take part in fun and challenging activities and develop new often take place outdoors and can include things like rock climbing, canoeing and hiking. Many young people look forward to their school residential trip, with others feeling a little nervous about being away from their parents for a few nights - perhaps for the first time. It is perfectly normal to feel uneasy ahead of your trip, but there are always adults to talk to if you need to chat. Did you go on your residential trip last year? If so, what advice would you have for those who are going this term? Let us know in the comments section below.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Adur Outdoor Activities Centre set to reopen within months
An outdoor activities centre in West Sussex is expected to reopen within months after a new service provider was Outdoor Activities Centre (AOAC) in Shoreham has been vacant in recent months after its previous tenant ceased service provision and went into a recent marketing process, Adur District Council (ADC) has agreed to lease the site to Simon Whitmore, who began his career centre, which is located beside the River Adur, is expected to reopen in autumn 2025, with the site being fully operational with seasonal activities starting in 2026. ADC said Mr Whitmore, who has 30 years of experience and specialises in youth outdoor services, will be supported by wife Lizzy who has an extensive background in said the couple, from Shoreham, "impressed us with their passion to deliver affordable programmes at the centre" and had a clear intention "to make the centre more accessible for people with special and individual needs".AOAC said on Facebook: "We are looking forward to opening the doors to the centre soon and welcoming people back in."
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Summer 2025 in Ireland: 50 great ways to spend your days
We got a real sense of what it must be like to live somewhere gorgeously warm and sunny over the course of a decent chunk of April and May, with long spells of dry weather and blue skies turning Ireland into a kind of magical outdoor playground. It couldn't – and indeed didn't – last, but all the pleasantness will have left many yearning for a life outdoors, and looking for ideas for lovely ways to spend summer days. While we can't guarantee a stretch of warm sunshine over the months ahead – we've had many false dawns in the past – it's always possible to knock a bit of craic out of Ireland no matter what the weather. But as the Germans (or Swedes, or Dutch or Finns) say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing and the key thing is to make plans and then stick with them even if it isn't as lovely as you might have hoped. READ MORE Fish and chips eaten al fresco tastes (almost) as lovely on a grey day as on a sunny one, and a hike or cycle along one of the many 'Ways' criss-crossing the country and snaking around our coasts can be just as enjoyable – and sometimes even more so – when the sun isn't beating down. And then, of course, there is the water which we have in abundance in Ireland. One of the best things about a day spent kayaking or surfing or boogie boarding is that it doesn't make a blind bit of difference what the weather is like and you can have as much fun splashing around in the sea or a nearby lake (but safely, please) when it is lashing as when it is dry. If you are starved for inspiration on what to do on dry land or by the sea this summer, don't panic, we have you covered. This list was complied by Rosita Boland, Jessica Doyle, Alanna Gallagher, Corinna Hardgrave, Róisín Ingle, Katie Mellett, Cathal O'Gara, Nadine O'Regan, Conor Pope, Úna McCaffrey and Gemma Tipton By the water Take a dip at Barley Cove Co Cork Barley Cove in Co Cork. Photograph: Peter Cox Jump off the sand dunes, splash in the invigorating surf, build a sandcastle or delight in a long and leisurely walk: Barley Cove beach might be a relatively isolated spot, situated as it is just a few kilometres from Mizen Head, Ireland's most southwesterly point, but on a sunny day, there are few places more glorious in the country to find yourself. After a bracing dip, venture down the road to the village of Crookhaven to enjoy a creamy pint of Murphy's at O'Sullivan's, and a spectacular seafood dinner at Nottage's, taking your pick of offerings from crab lasagne to monkfish and prawn masala. NO'R Roguey Cliff Walk Bundoran, Co Donegal The waterfront of Bundoran town. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd Fancier tourists might be tempted to write off Bundoran's simple, honest pleasures, but this would mean missing out on one of the country's most glorious Atlantic walks. Start with a view of the surfers at Tullan Strand, make your way down the Green Hill and stop for a 99 or a bag of chips on the Main Street, before looping back up through the East End. Sea air as it should be. UMcC Swim and sundowners Kinsale, Co Cork Charles Fort, Kinsale, Co Cork. Photograph: Paddy Whelan Irish summer in the sun. Illustration: Kiera Murphy/ Walk the path below Kinsale's Charles Fort to find a sweet swimming spot off the rocks, with a dab of beach at low tide, then bask yourself dry before coming back up the hill to Shirley's Fish and Chip Van. Shirley's family is in the fishing biz, so your supper is fresh off the boats, and the views as you munch are marvellous. See FishAtTheFort on Facebook for opening hours. Head west out of Kinsale to find The Dock pub, across what locals still describe as 'the new bridge' (actually built in the 1970s). There's a sheltered beach hidden behind it, with walks around the headland at James Fort. Salty post-swim locals spill out to The Dock after, sipping sundowners as boats bob on the marina. GT Blackwater river walk or swim Lismore, Co Waterford In July and August the Blackwater river gets dammed at the spot just below the bridge below the Castle to make a safe swimming spot. Park opposite the filling station, and walk a short distance to find delighted kids rushing the weir on inner tubes, and dare a chilly plunge yourself. Quench your thirst after at the Red House. Lismore Castle's gardens are gorgeous in summer and there's great coffee, as well as great art at the gallery. Go on a Sunday for the Farmers' Market, but whatever day you go, take Lady Louisa's Walk from behind the cathedral. Duck down to the left to the Blackwater when you get to a crossroads on the path, for a gorgeous riverside walk. Stay at The Dairy Cottage, sleeping eight via Airbnb. GT Kayaking on the Blackwater Villierstown, Co Waterford Paddleboarding down the Blackwater River, Villierstown, Co Waterford Hire a kayak to get a gentle taste of life on the river. From €15, . As this is the Blackwater, it also means views of some huge and impressive stately piles. Stay at one of them: Ballyvolane, where your evening cocktail comes with garden garnishes, . Pro tip: kayak out up river, to glide back down when muscles are tired. GT Sunset on deck River Shannon and Glasson, Co Westmeath Cruising down the Shannon Hire a cabin cruiser and putter around the Shannon waterways and lakes, from around €900 for three nights with Emerald Star, or get all the feeling with absolutely zero effort on the Full Circle at Wineport Lodge, where they'll even deliver dinner to your permanently moored boat. Sleeps six. GT Dart around the bay Killiney, Co Dublin Hot Box Sauna. Illustration: Kiera Murphy/ Some say Killiney Bay looks like the Bay of Naples. Or does the Bay of Naples look like Killiney Bay? You get some of the best views from the Dart. Get off at Killiney and walk city-wards along the beach to find Fred & Nancy's serving coffee from a swanky Airstream, with HotBox saunas alongside. GT West Pier walk Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin Dún Laoghaire's East Pier gets most of the attention, but head west for a quieter stroll. On a recent walk, we spotted basking seals and perching herons. Finish at the Purty Kitchen, for a tasty bowl of mussels with negronis on the side, , and stay at the lovely Haddington House. GT Gooey brownies and wild walks in Dunquin Dunquin, Co Kerry Dunquin harbour, which services boats for the Blasket Islands Owned by local Riverdancer and Gaelic footballer Tomás Ó Sé, the Cupán Sé coffee trailer is a must-stop after a stroll to Dunquin Pier. Set against dramatic cliffs and a winding path to the sea, it's a dream backdrop for social-savvy teens. After capturing the perfect shot, reward them with Cupán Sé's Blasket Brownies, chocolatey, gooey and gluten-free (though you'd never guess). After refuelling, hop on a ferry to the nearby Blasket Islands to explore abandoned cottages, spot dolphins and soak in some of Ireland's most rugged natural beauty. Instagram: @ cupan_se CO'G Ballymastocker Bay and Portsalon Beach Co Donegal Ballymastocker Bay on the Fanad Peninsula is perfect for a walk in the sand or a dip in the water. Swifties can recreate Taylor's Instagram pictures from when she visited the beach in 2021. Afterwards, visit Latte Love Coffee for a delicious açai bowl or grab a pint at the Stores Bar. KM Crab fishing from shoreside rocks This is a glorious way to spend time with small children – at least as long as their attention span will allow. It costs nothing, save a scrap of bacon held over from a full Irish breakfast, or if you cleaned your plate just whack a limpet off a nearby rock. Tie either to a length of cat gut or thin rope, add a stone to weigh it down and ensure you have a bucket filled with seawater to put the crabs in. Sit and wait a while – if atop a pier lying down, peek over the edge to watch the action (the usual safety caveats apply). This is a catch-and-release sport so let the crabs go back to their habitats to recount their tales of derring-do to their friends and family, as you will likely do with yours. AG Active adventures Lead Mines meander Ballycorus, Co Dublin Ballycorus lead mines, near Kilternan, Co Dublin. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw A walk at the Lead Mines doesn't sound so enticing, but the iconic stone tower at Ballycorus was built to take the fumes away from the smelter below. Expect amazing views. Take selfies if you must. Then a short, if energetic walk takes you to the top of Carrickgollagan, to feel like the king or queen of the world. Car parking on Barnaslingan Lane; info at GT Bogs and baking Causey Farm, Co Meath Causey Farm's summer camp is four days of hands-on adventure for children aged six to 13. Set on a real working farm surrounded by forest and bog, it's all about messy fun with bog jumping, bread baking, farm animals and woodland exploring. While the smallies are making memories (and their clothes very mucky), parents can sneak off to explore nearby Meath gems such as the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle or a quiet riverside coffee in Slane. Camps run weekly through July and August and cost €120 per child. CO'G Dublin Port Greenway The Tolka Estuary Greenway in Dublin. Photograph: Leah Farrell/ This beautifully landscaped cycle and pedestrian route overlooks the Tolka estuary, following the northern edge of the port. The route has a number of points where cyclists or walkers can rest and take in interpretative panels offering information on the port, its environs and local bird life. A lovely, calming way to see Dublin afresh. UMcC St Anne's Park Market Dublin 5 Every Saturday (unless it's lashing), stallholders offering everything from street food to flowers, jewellery and greeting cards, even dog portraits, open for business in the grand surroundings of this former Guinness estate. You can rely on eating well here and on finding no shortage of walks to work up your appetite or work off those freshly made cookies. Instagram: @ stannesparkmarket UMcC 'Secret beach' at Castletown House and Parklands Celbridge, Co Kildare The grounds of Castletown House are a lovely place to enjoy the sunshine. The 18th-century parklands offer stunning riverside walks and plenty of open green space. Our favourite spot looks like a little beach hidden behind trees, where you can lay out a blanket and read for hours to the sound of chirping birds and rushing waters. JD Donadea Forest Park Co Kildare A 15-minute drive from Maynooth, Donadea Forest Park is a gorgeous place to go for a picnic or a walk. Run by Coillte, it costs €5 per car to enter, and is home to the most beautiful array of trees, beds of bluebells and a duck-filled lake. info at JD Japanese Gardens and National Stud Kildare Town There are few places more magical than the Japanese Gardens on a sunny day; the array of colour and beauty on display feels good for the soul. If you're into horse racing, the National Stud is on the same site, and there are plenty of gorgeous horses to meet in their paddocks. Online tickets are €19 for adults, €11 for children (free for under-threes) or €52 for a family. JD Go to your local Parkrun There are more than 150 park runs around the country. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien You can walk or run. Everyone is welcome, and there are more than 150 around the country. Better still, go with the Sanctuary Runners group ( ). It comes recommended by President Michael D Higgins, who says it's 'a great solidarity-through-sport initiative that fosters friendship and respect for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees while bringing greater awareness of the migration system.' There are Sanctuary Runners groups all across Ireland. Many (not all) run on Saturday mornings. Check the website to find a map. Just show up and look out for the people wearing blue T-shirts. Some groups stick around for tea and coffee and chats afterwards. CH Mount Errigal Co Donegal Mount Errigal, Glenveagh National Park, Co Donegal. Photograph: Getty Images If you're looking for a challenge in Donegal, why not summit the county's highest peak, Mount Errigal? A stone path and a series of steps lead you to the top, standing at 751m. The moderate hike takes between two and three hours. Remember to pack appropriate footwear and consider an early morning start to get the perfect sunrise selfie at the top. Info at KM Pedal around the park Phoenix Park, Dublin If you don't own a bike you can hire one at the gates of the Phoenix Park in Dublin for the day for €20, or an electric bike for €50. Bring a packed lunch and just set off with no particular plan other than to cycle the 11km perimeter of the park. CP Dublin to Howth cycleway Cycling the 18.5km from Dublin city centre to Howth has never been safer thanks to the opening of a new cycleway. Reward yourself with Beshoff's fish and chips at the midpoint in your adventure, and if it's warm, stop off at Dollymount for an invigorating swim along the way. CP Culture & craft Cruinniú na nÓg Our national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18 falls on June 7th and you can expect all manner of activities and workshops hosted by artists and community groups across Ireland. Find them all listed at – just select your county and the age of the little people you are looking to entertain and off you go. CP Tourist in your own town Become a tourist in your town with the help of the OPW list of heritage sites at . The site is searchable based on location and admission price. Many are free and none are wildly expensive. CP Historic houses and gardens Drawing room at Borris House, Co Carlow One of the lovely, unusual things to do in Ireland in summer is to visit the hidden gems that are privately owned historic houses and gardens. These are places that come under Section 484, whereby owners receive tax relief in return for opening to the public. They only open to visitors on designated days, a good portion of which are during the summer. Often, it's the owner who gives the tour, which adds greatly to the experience. Some places charge a small fee, and some are free. The current list is at RB Leitrim's quirkiest museum Glenview Folk Museum, Aghoo, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim If your young ones think history is boring, Glenview Folk Museum might just change their minds. This place is pure eccentric Irish magic with a treasure trove of rural life, packed with more than 7,000 artefacts, from antique tractors to butter churns and Bakelite radios. There's even a reconstructed street scene to give a real feel of 1930s Ireland, complete with an old-school pub and grocer. But the real showstopper? The largest collection of novelty egg cups in Ireland. We're talking thousands, each more delightfully odd than the last. CO'G Vikings ahoy Athlone, Co Roscommon/Westmeath Sail back in time this August Bank Holiday at the Athlone River Festival , where Viking horns meet live music and sizzling street food. As the Shannon-side town transforms into a buzzing hub of boats and battle re-enactments, explore Viking villages, cheer on boat races and let the kids run wild with storytelling, music and carnival games. Add in fishing competitions, craft stalls and water safety demos, and you've got a full day out with just the right mix of fun and education. Horned helmets optional, great memories guaranteed. CO'G Mysterious towers Lismore, Co Waterford Ballysaggartmore Towers, Lismore The lodges at Ballysaggartmore were built by notorious Famine-era landlord Arthur Keily-Ussher to satisfy his, and his wife's, social-climbing desires. The project impoverished his tenants and he went bankrupt in the process. What could be a modern morality tale is also a magnificent, intriguing and pretty easy walk, complete with tasty picnic areas. GT The Curragh plains Co Kildare If you have an army-obsessed child or a history buff in the family, the Curragh offers a great free day out. Situated between Newbridge and Kildare town, the Curragh has acres of open green space to explore with old bunkers to climb (carefully) and landmarks such as Donnelly's Hollow. The Curragh Museum is free and has an impressive array of tanks – open Monday to Thursday and 2pm-5pm on Sunday. JD Offbeat Have a nose The Burren Perfumery, Co Clare Rain or shine, this sweet-smelling patch of paradise cures all ills. There's the feel-good perfumes and potions, a meditative video about the magic of the Burren and a small, beautifully laid-out herb garden with plenty of secluded spots to discover. Nab a seat outside the cafe and enjoy some of the finest home-made soup and carrot cake in the county. RI The Diva bench South William Street, Dublin We love a bit of window shopping when the sun shines in Dublin and top of our list is a browse around the fabulous Om Diva boutique. When you've finished ogling the beautiful Irish-designed jewellery – check out Capulet & Montague for original and colourful creations – and chatting to the famously friendly staff, you can sit outside on the white bench, comfy cushions provided, and watch the city go by. RI Donkey hugs and castle views Liscarroll, Co Cork Some of the donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, Co. Cork. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision Meet the long-eared locals at The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll. This free, family-friendly spot has scenic walkways, playful foals, gentle mules and plenty of donkeys to greet. Kids will love spotting favourites like Snowdrop and Bowser, while grown-ups can soak up views of Liscarroll Castle in the peaceful countryside. CO'G Star gazing If you can't tell your bear from your big dipper, download the Sky Guide app. Photograph: iStock There's nothing like a stargazing adventure and it can be done almost anywhere as long as the night sky is clear and you're far from street lights and cars. So, on a warm, clear evening after a day in the sun, go to the remotest location you can think of, pack a picnic, watch the sun go down and wait to be dazzled by the heavens. If you can't tell your bear from your big dipper, download the Sky Guide app which highlights the constellations, planets and satellites above us. All you need to do is point your phone upwards to have a galaxy of wonder revealed. CP Make a home video Plan a home video shoot involving all your family. Bring everyone together, write a loose screenplay which you can film on your phone in a high definition Alfred Hitchcock could only have dreamed of. There are all sorts of free or cheap apps available to stitch together your home movie – and then you have something to look back on, or play at your children's weddings, in 30 – or three – years' time. CP Food & drink Fresh oysters with a sea view Dunmore East, Co Waterford For great seafood in Dunmore East , with a glorious view overlooking the sea, head for the village's charming East Pier takeaway. You can sit outside in the sun with a platter of the freshest oysters, generous lobster rolls and great chips, washed down with a glass of wine. Everything locally sourced (apart from the wine). Excellent seafood by the sea, just as it should be in Ireland, but so often isn't. RB Take a food tour There's no better way to see Ireland than travelling like a tourist, and this means booking yourself on one of the brilliant food tours that run around the country. Generally, you'll eat your way through town on these tours, but the real benefit is how much you will learn, facts you'd never pick up on your own. Check out Karen Coakley's Kenmare Foodie Tours ( ); Sheena Dignam's Galway Food Tours ( ); and Fab Food Trails in Dublin and Cork ( ). CH Bean & Batch Kenmare, Co Kerry Skip the cafes in town and head to Bean & Batch on the edge of Kenmare for a big outdoor seating area and great coffee. Egg sandwiches come thick and soft, like something your farming auntie would hand you. Cakes are tray-baked – lemon drizzle, coffee, carrot and apple tart – sliced into generous squares. They do breakfast too: sausage rolls, waffles, overnight oats, porridge and açaí bowls, all made fresh daily, and well worth returning for. Instagram: @beanandbatchkenmare CH Snappy Snappy Letterfrack, Co Galway Snappy Snappy food truck Parked above Ballinakill Bay, Snappy Snappy is Michael Nagle's crab-focused food truck, serving just a few options – all of them excellent. The crab is local, from Renvyle Fisheries, piled into toasted milk rolls or open sourdough from So-Doh bakery. Dressings include lemon, dill and mustard or a mild chilli mayo. Watch out for the crab tostada with guajillo chilli and pickled onion which sometimes appears on the menu. Grab a side of green beans in almond dressing and sit under the awning. Instagram: @snappysnappycrab CH Little Fish Cleggan, Co Galway Little Fish in Cleggan What began as a food truck in Letterfrack is now a bright, clever seafood cafe on Cleggan pier, run by Eva Caulwell and Tom Mullan. The fish and chips are top-tier, but it's the attention to detail – fermented hot sauce on buffalo prawns, pickled aioli made by Eva's sister Laura, a fish spice bag, fresh mussels and proper vegetarian options – that sets it apart. Add local leaves, compostable cutlery, and lovely outdoor seating, and you've got a summer stop worth seeking out. Instagram: @littlefish_cafe CH Roundwood Stores Roundwood, Co Wicklow Inside the Roundwood Stores on the Main Street of Roundwood, Co Wicklow. Photograph: Alan Betson Part cafe, part grocer, part deli, run by Simon Pratt (ex-Avoca), Monique McQuaid and her son Jake McCarthy, this is the spot to hit after a hike or cycle. There's a refurbished Italian deck oven turning out focaccia which is served with tomato soup thick with fennel and chickpeas. Pick up a cake and a coffee. Grab a seat outside or by the stove. Stock up on Dermot Carey's organic vegetables, Tory Hill Farm kefir, and cold-pressed juices on your way out. Instagram: @roundwoodstores CH Piglet Wine Bar Temple Bar, Dublin 2 At the quieter end of Temple Bar on Cow's Lane, Piglet draws a loyal local crowd with its deep wine list – heavy on organic and biodynamic bottles – and sharp cooking. The lunch and early-bird menu offers three courses for €35 and changes regularly, though their cacio e pepe rarely leaves the rotation. You might also catch pork ragu or confit duck gizzards. Outside tables are prime for people-watching, so get in early if the sun's out. CH Pota Baile na hAbhann, Co na Gaillimhe Pota in Baile na hAbhainn, Connemara Diarmuid Ó Mathúna runs a beautiful cafe in the Connemara Gaeltacht – breakfast, brunch and lunch built on proper seasonal produce. The taco with deep-fried Ros an Mhíl haddock, Aran Island crab salad with Velvet Cloud yoghurt, and Feeney's pulled pork collar toastie are all standouts. Kids can order half portions, menus are bilingual, and there's a 40-seat garden powered by solar panels. Even the condiments – honey mustard mayo, berry compote – are made in-house. Everything here earns its place. CH The Blue Light Barnacullia, Sandyford, Dublin 18 It's 213m above sea level, just down from the Dublin Mountains, with one of the best views in the city – across Dún Laoghaire Bay to Howth – and plenty of outdoor seating. The Blue Light, owned by Pat Healy, was a local secret, popular with bikers and classic car groups, until lockdown walkers, a certain beer ad and Instagram blew it wide open. Now hikers and cyclists have joined the regulars, piling in for pints, trad sessions and solid plates of wings, fish and chips or steak sandwiches. @thebluelightpubdublin CH Drive the Michelin green roads On every Michelin roadmap, the scenic routes are highlighted in green, and it's always worth exploring these as an alternative to the main roads. Three favourites in Ireland are: the Beara peninsula, both more scenic and less-travelled than the neighbouring Ring of Kerry; the coastal route in Connemara along the R340 and R341 from Screebe Cross to Clifden; and the Antrim Glens, from Ballycastle to Larne. CH The petrol station 99 (Anywhere) Anyone for a 99? Photograph: Getty Images Nothing beats a 99 from a petrol station or a convenience shop. Why not take it to the next level and create a table of best 99s around the country? We're talking ice-cream thickness, Flake freshness and cone crispiness. Our local Maxol is unbeaten so far, but a colossal 99 pulled by a young man somewhere outside Belmullet comes in a close second. JD Belfast baps St George's Market, Belfast The last time we were here, we asked a man if we could take a picture of his bap, it looked THAT delicious. Apart from baps, the market has everything you could hope for from the freshest fish to racks of reasonably priced vinyl. There's been a market on this site since 1604. To find out even more about this storied place book a St George's Market walking tour. RI Fresh fish and chips from Morton's Ballycastle, Co Antrim You won't mind queuing for your dinner here on a fine summer's evening, with the freshness and quality of the fish and chips from this fishmonger and takeaway making any wait more than worth it. Savour your culinary reward outside on the marina and throw in a cone from Maud's Ice Cream for dessert. A walk on the Blue Flag strand, with glorious views of Fair Head, will complete the experience. Instagram: @mortonsballycastle ; UMcC Tickety Moo Ice Cream Killadeas, Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh This ice-cream wholesaler sells directly to the public from its family farm in Fermanagh's lakelands. Not only can you test novel flavours such as French Macaroon and Buttermint Toffee, you can see at first hand where the creamy milk behind them comes from – the farm's on-site Jersey cows. These handsome creatures reside in luxury in a custom building catering for their every need, from back scratchers to on-demand robot milking, with visitors able to watch (and smell) it all from an elevated viewing platform. UMcC A blooming good lunch at Rolf's Country House Baltimore, Co Cork Treat yourself to lunch at Rolf's Country House, the Haffner family-owned hotel and restaurant perched on a hill just outside Baltimore in west Cork, where the atmosphere is convivial and the verdant, subtropical gardens have an immediately restorative effect on the senses. While dining among the flowers, keep an eye out for Frieda and Mable, the Haffner family's pet poodles who amble happily around the picturesque grounds. Don't leave without ordering the bouillabaisse and Gertrud's chocolate tart. NO'R
