The Galway Sun

Eyes anxiously search for the next crevice in the cliff’s face while below, there’s a sheer – and impressive – drop to the ground. Although you might want to, don’t even think of looking down to where waves are lapping against the foot of the cliff. This is the place where Michael Crawley has chosen to take his beginners climbing group – one of the most spectacular training spots this part of western Ireland has to offer adventurous holidaymakers.

The region around Limerick city is perfect for open air activities. “But despite their suitability none of the individual locations are overcrowded,” says Joanna McInerney from the Burren Outdoor Education Centre in Bell Harbour, County Clare.

The centre is located on the edge of the region’s iconic karst landscape, the Burren, and close to the Cliffs of Moher, and offers an extensive array of different sporting activities.

For climbing, the centre takes clients to one of the steep chalkstone cliffs in the Burren region. Each climb is not just physically demanding, “they also build your self-awareness,” says McInerney.

Giving up is not part of the day’s activities and everything is focused on reaching the top. The most important thing is the next hand grasp and pulling yourself up a few more centimetres.

Abseiling is another form of climbing whereby the cliff face is conquered from the top and not the bottom. Wearing a helmet and a safety harness, you slowly lower yourself to the foot of the cliff.

Just leaning over the cliff edge requires courage and sends a shot of adrenaline through the body. From the bottom, Crawley calmly gives directions and a short time later this test of courage is completed – now it’s time to enjoy the view.

Water sports enthusiasts are attracted to the beach at Fanore on Galway Bay where body boarding is a popular activity.

Just like surf boarding, body boarding is about riding waves to their maximum. Neoprene suits allow you to stay in the cold Atlantic waters.

From salt water to sweet water. Near Killaloe, about 30 kilometres north of Limerick city, the river Shannon widens to form Ireland’s third-largest lake.

Lough Derg provides ideal conditions for water sports and for the last 12 years its shore has been home to the University of Limerick’s Activity Centre. Most of the centre’s activities are connected with water.

West of Ireland Adventure

Paddling a canoe is one of the best ways to see the landscape surrounding Lough Derg. Kayaking is slightly more strenuous and requires some sweat from participants asthey glide over the lake’s surface.

At the point where the Shannon flows out of Lough Derg the water becomes choppy and is perfect for beginners who want to know what it’s like to ride a kayak in wild water.

Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre south of Limerick runs outdoor orientation courses in the surrounding mountains. Courses on offer include mountain biking and valley climbing – two of the activities on offer in what is Ireland’s biggest playground for outdoor enthusiasts.