6 ways to get active in Munster Vales

Summer might be over but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to plan a trip to Munster Vales, located in the beautiful south of Ireland. Following the popularity of the last blog post on good locations for walking, this blog will highlight some other great outdoor activities that you can experience on a visit to the region. Whether you’re interested in land or water activities, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Munster Vales!

Get on your bike

One of the best ways to experience Munster Vales is on two wheels. The Waterford Greenway in particular is the ideal place to get on your bike and see some incredible scenery. Don’t worry if you can’t bring your own bike with you as Garvan Cummins (known locally as “The Greenway Man”) provides bike hire along with tours of the Greenway. Garvan is a long distance walker and cyclist himself so he’ll be able to give you some great tips, along with a detailed history of the Greenway and the surrounding area.

Get behind the wheel

If two wheels aren’t your thing then maybe you might be more comfortable with four. If so, you’ll want to visit Ireland’s leading rally driving experience Rally Connection, located in Dungarvan, Waterford.  Described as the most testing rally you are ever likely to do, you’ll get all the assistance that you’ll need from the centre’s team of rally drivers. You don’t even need any prior rally experience, meaning that this is the ideal opportunity for anyone looking to try rally driving for the very first time.

Ballyhass Lakes

Of course if it’s activities you’re looking for then a visit to Ballyhass Lakes is a must. The site is spread over 36 acres and contains two spring water lakes with 14 acres of crystal clear waters to a depth of 30ft. Its natural rock faces are perfect for rock climbing and abseiling, along with the landscaped open spaces which are ideal for archery and rope courses. There is also an activity centre where you can participate in a range of activities. The site usually works best for group visits, whether that’s a collection of friends, work colleagues or sports clubs, making the centre ideal for team bonding activities.

Guided mountain walks

Munster Vales is known for its fantastic mountain scenery. The region encompasses the Comeragh, Knockmealdown, Galtee, Ballyhoura and Nagles mountain ranges meaning that there are loads of great locations to explore. You can even book a guided mountain walk with Muddy Boots who offer tailored walks depending on what you’re interested in. Each walk is led by a fully qualified mountain leader (so there is no fear of you getting lost along the way!).

Horse trekking

Have you ever really wanted to try horse riding but never had the opportunity? Well you can cross that off your list after a visit to Munster Vales. Ballyhoura Horse Trekking is the place to learn all you’ll need to know to get up on the saddle. They provide trekking, riding lessons, kids’ camps and are located in the heart of Ballyhoura in Limerick / North Cork. You can try either one-hour treks (for beginners) or two and five-hour treks for experienced riders.

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Paddle your own canoe

If you’re really looking to push the boat out on your visit (literally) then why not try your hand at kayaking? The 53km Suir Blueway in Tipperary stretches from Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir along the beautiful River Suir. Whether you’re experiencing Munster Vales as an individual traveller or with friends or family, the Suir Blueway is a great way to see exactly why Ireland’s countryside is famous all around the world. Of course, if kayaking isn’t for you, don’t worry. You can walk along the banks of the River Suir, taking in the beautiful scenery around you, pausing in the quaint villages, such as of Ardfinnan and Newcastle for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat.

These are just some of the many activities that you can experience on a visit to Munster Vales and hopefully this will get you started on planning your own itinerary! Whether its water sports, hiking, cycling, horse riding or a mixture of everything that you’re interested in, you’re certain to not be short of options on a visit to Munster Vales.

Tríona O’Mahony is the Destination & Marketing Manager of Munster Vales. Munster Vales’ main objective is to promote the geographical area as a unique brand, linking the counties of Waterford, Tipperary, Cork and Limerick and everything in between.

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