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Learn to Surf

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Ireland – one hell of a place for adventure
If you find that the ideal way to switch off is to turn on your adventure and activity mojo, Ireland offers the perfect natural playground. Get a fresh view of our mountains, lakes and coastline with easy-going options like hiking, biking, sea kayaking and angling. Or unleash that inner adrenalin junky with pursuits ranging from white-water paddling to wake boarding and sky diving to surfing. Why not visit one of Ireland's many outdoor adventure centres...

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Cycling & Biking learn more »

Cycling & Biking

Plan your cycling break in Ireland - choose from cycling routes, including mountain bike trails, long-distance options and family friendly jaunts.

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On the Water learn more »

On the Water

Whether you’re a born water baby or simply want to dip your toe into the water sports world, check out a host of great activities. Will you learn to surf or sail, wakeboard or windsurf? Whatever you pick, we reckon it’s time to dive in!

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Equestrian Adventures learn more »

Equestrian Adventures

There is maybe no better way to connect with the Irish landscape than by travelling on horseback. Whether you're an experienced rider or a novice, you’ll be matched up with the perfect mount to show you the way.

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Walking & Hiking learn more »

Walking & Hiking

There’s nothing quite like taking a walk in a new area to really get a feel for the place. From the Sunday stroller to the hard-core hiker, we’ve got the perfect walk for you. So be sure to pack those walking shoes!

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More Activities & Adventure

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Time for a few holes?

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Lets go surfing!

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Find out more about fishing

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Find a unique Adventure

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Precious Gems
Old and new, Ireland’s landscape of arts, culture and heritage offers a kaleidoscope of delights. Get in touch with the energy of the past when you visit treasures like the Skelligs and the Carrowkeel Tombs. And feel that same creative vibrancy within the modern scene where artists as diverse as Philip Treacy, Graham Knuttel and Roddy Doyle thrive.

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Uniquely Irish learn more »

Uniquely Irish

Want to hear the bodhrán? Or have a go at sean nós dancing? Go to a GAA match, to your local for a trad session or chat as Gaeilge on a Gaeltacht island. You don’t have to go far, the sporting and cultural events unique to Ireland are all around you.

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Ireland through the Ages learn more »

 Ireland through the Ages

The story of Ireland and her people through the ages is a rich and diverse one, with many influences, having shaped our Landscape, our People and our Society. Nowhere is this more visible than in our historic castles, towns, sites and attractions.

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Natural Ireland learn more »

Natural Ireland

When the New Seven Wonders of Nature are announced on 7th November 2011, will the Cliffs of Moher be among them? The Clare landmark is Ireland’s entry to the global competition, joining other famous attractions like the Grand Canyon and Kilimanjaro.

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Explore the Arts learn more »

Explore the Arts

Look to Ireland's unique culture and heritage for an unforgettable holiday experience. Awaken your senses at one of the many cultural events happening around the country, whether by day or by night.

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More Arts, Culture & Heritage

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Find out about literary festivals

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Take a walk on the wild side

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Get a taste for genuine Irish food.
Discover Ireland’s restaurants, enjoy regional dishes or sample local fare from passionate artisan producers. From food festivals to farmers markets, restaurants and cookery schools, read on and find out more about Irish food.

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Food Festivals learn more »

Food Festivals

Fresh local produce and celebrations of great Irish food, here’s our pick of upcoming Irish foodie festivals.

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Food Trails learn more »

Food Trails

Choose from a selection of Ireland’s tasty food trails in Dublin, Cork, and Kilkenny to name a few.

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Cookery Schools learn more »

Cookery Schools

Search through our selection of Cookery schools and cooking courses in Ireland.

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Food & Farmers Markets learn more »

Food & Farmers Markets

Natural ingredients and fresh produce at your fingertips… great places to see, taste, and talk to producers about local food.

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More Food

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Go on, you’re worth it...

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Treat yourself to a nice meal out.

Learn to Surf

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Sure the biggest waves ever surfed in Europe have been ridden on Irish shores over the last few years at spots like Aileens, Mullaghmore and Pampa. But there are also benign beach breaks where a great choice of surf schools means professional tuition and excellent equipment to help you learn everything from the basics to tackling more challenging waves.

Many of these Irish Surf Association-approved schools are headed up by some of Ireland’s finest surfers. Many of them have ridden those aforementioned headline-grabbing behemoth waves. And they are just waiting to pass on their impressive wave knowledge to novices.

To name but a few, former Irish women’s and senior surf champions Easkey Britton and John McCarthy coach at Finn McCools school in Rossnowlagh and Lahinch Surf School respectively. Pro rider Richie Fitzgerald teaches at Surf Coach Ireland and TurfnSurf in Bundoran and in Tramore, well-known wave charger Martin Cullinane is Director of T-Bay Surf and Eco Centre. Or check out Perfect Day Surf School in Strandhill where former Irish team coach Tom Hickey is in charge. You can even do female-only courses in Bundoran with Girls Go Surfing in Bundoran, which is run by Irish Champion Nicole Morgan and former Irish Champion Shauna Ward, two of Ireland’s top competitive female surfers.

These watermen and women have poured over weather charts for years and always know exactly where to find the best swell for your level.

A girl learning to surf in the shallow

The joy of your first wave...

Two surfers paddle out through the small waves

Paddling out for a lesson

As a beginner, you’ll be taught the basics in small groups on the sand. That’s paddling to catch your wave and getting from your belly to your feet in one movement. Then it’s out into the water with you on a special foam board under the watchful eye of your instructor. Intermediates can work to hone their skills, learning to duck dive or put in turns on the waves.

One thing is sure however. Whether you’re learning in the white water or sitting in the
line up along with a few other surfers waiting to catch your first clean wave (that’s riding down an unbroken green face), you’ll look like the cat that got the cream as you take in the water glinting in the sun and the spray blowing back from the waves marching to shore.

That’s the joy of surfing – no matter what your level there’s still a great buzz.

And don’t worry, it’s not that cold! Thanks to modern wetsuit technology, the warming effects of the Gulf Stream current, and the adrenalin that will course through your veins, you’ll barely feel a chill as you harness the magic that the ocean has to offer.