5 outdoor activities and parklands you can experience in Ireland right now

Slowly, outdoor activities and parklands are beginning to reopen. Here are five gardens, kayaking expeditions and outdoor exercise classes to experience now

Has the cabin fever set in?

Are you getting sick of the four walls and walking the same roads and paths again and again?

Well, there is some reprieve on the way. The government has announced an increase in the distance we can travel. We can now travel 20 kilometres and travel anywhere within our county.

This means you have more locations at your disposal and some outdoor activities too. Because of the pandemic and the concurrent social distancing measures, many outdoor activities and centres have been shut. However, some are now open with restrictions.

Gardens, kayaking expeditions, and outdoor exercise classes are just some of the outdoor expeditions on offer – here are five to experience now.

City Kayaking

 

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A post shared by Dublin City Kayaking (@citykayaking) on May 30, 2020 at 1:09pm PDT

City Kayaking provides the unique experience of being able to paddle through the gentle waters of the River Liffey. The trip starts from Dublin City Moorings and then travels beneath the famous O’Connell and Ha’penny bridges. No experience is needed and if you get tired safety boats are available to give a tow. The company is currently only booking groups of max four people to ensure social distancing is practised correctly. Prices start at €19 for one adult. You can book here. 

Hunting Brook Gardens

Situated on the flanks of Lamb Hill in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, Hunting Brook garden is the creation of Jimi Blake, the noted Irish horticulturist, teacher and plantsman. It has one of Ireland’s largest private collections of plants and there are forest paths, a stream and a beautiful hillside to explore. The garden is now allowing individuals to visit and groups of up to four people.

Mid-Ireland Adventure Tours

 

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A post shared by Mid Ireland Adventure (@mid_ireland_adventure) on May 29, 2020 at 7:02am PDT

Located in Banagher on the Shannon, Mid-Ireland Adventure Tour offers Stand Up Paddle Board and Kayak Safaris in County Offaly. In keeping with phase one of the government framework to reopen the country, the company is offering full and half-day double or single kayak rentals from the riverside base at Banagher Marina. For more information visit their Facebook page.

Outdoor training with Perpetua Fitness

 

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A post shared by Perpetua Fitness (@perpetuafitnessdublin) on May 24, 2020 at 8:20am PDT

Perpetua is one of the most popular gyms in Dublin and like all gyms across the country, it had to close because of the pandemic. However, they took their fitness aspirations outside and are offering socially distanced group workouts. All classes are limited to four people and prices start at €20 for an outdoor drop-in. Find out more here. 

Russborough House and Gardens

 

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Nature is resting, ready for when we return. It’s a new week, we’re all doing great! Stay home, stay safe, we can do this. #keepgoing #nature #covid19ireland #whenrussboroughreturns #instaireland #igersireland #igeroftheday #green #lockdown #mondaymotivation

A post shared by Russborough House & Parklands (@russborough) on Apr 27, 2020 at 2:37am PDT

Russborough House and Gardens is stunning and has an extensive parkland to explore. Located near the Blessington Lakes in County Wicklow, Russborough is open daily to explore from 11 am to 4 pm. If you are within the 5k distance (soon to be 20k) then pay a visit for a much welcome change of scenery.

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