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This summer, The Irish Times will offer tips, advice and information for parents on how to help their children thrive during the holiday months. Read all about it at
 irishtimes.com/summeroffamily


When the weather is good, there is so much to do outdoors in Ireland – solo, or with family or friends. Here are seven activities - with locations, descriptions, tips and some maps for a general guide.
Below you can read John O’Dwyer’s pick for a great walking path, Conor O’Keeffe on a running route, Rozanna Purcell recommends a hiking trail, Mary McCarthy on an outdoor swimming location, Ian O'Riordan picks a cycle trip, Sylvia Thompson on two family-friendly parks and Fiona Alston selects popular outdoor gyms.
And remember, whatever you do and wherever you go, please be safe. And enjoy. 
ONE WALK
Name Ardgillan Demesne Distance 3.5 km loop Approximate duration 1 hour Difficulty Easy Starting point Google Maps Ardgillan Castle (grid reference O 219 609); you can follow this AllTrails guide Amenities Parking and tearooms Ideal for walks with small children, as the path is buggy-friendly and rewards with a magical prospect over the great turreted castle to the Irish Sea and the Cooley and Mourne Mountains beyond. Follow the perimeter wall of the demesne through alternating woodlands and meadows.

Ardgillan Demesne: ideal for walks with small children


ONE RUN
Name:Carrickgollogan – Lead Mines Way – (Orange) Route type: Loop Grade: Easy Length: 2km Footwear: Road or Trail Runners Background: Embrace impressive views over Dublin Bay, the city and the coast on this gentle 2km forest loop near Kilternan, County Dublin. An easy forest loop over woodland paths, the pleasant Carrickgollogan Lead Mines Way takes just 40 minutes to complete.
Route Information: This trail loops anticlockwise around lush Carrickgollogan forest, giving walkers the option of veering north to the disused 19th-century lead mines chimney or south to Carrickgollogan Hill. The historic lead mines chimney was in use until the 1920s, from this point you’ll embrace views of Dublin City, pretty Dublin Bay and its recognisable coastline. The viewing rock atop Carrickgollogan Hill boasts more superb views, this time of verdant south Dublin and north Wicklow. The climb to the hill is short and traverses a moderately sloped footpath. After your loop, nearby Kilternan is the place to stop for that well-earned cup of tea. (Aided by: Discover Ireland and Coillte)

ONE HIKE
Hike name Fairy Castle Loop, Ticknock Distance 6km Elevation gain 444m Approximate duration 1hr 45 mins Difficulty Intermediate Route type: Loop Starting point See Sport Ireland  Amenities Parking Dog-friendly? Yes Tips Get there earlier to get a space, especially at the weekends; on the route up, take the forest path, and don’t forget to take in the views of Dublin Bay when you reach the masts.

ONE SWIM
Name: Velvet Strand Location: Google Map: Carrickhill, Portmarnock Brief description: Long gently sloping beach facing east. Terrific views of Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island Amenities: Toilets at shelter beside the Martello Tower, car park (at Carrickhill) Lifeguard: Summer months Water quality: Excellent – Fingal County Council January 2020 Tips: Convenient to get changed and leave your stuff in the shelter. There is a good place to swim directly in front of the shelter as it gets deep fairly quickly. Gorgeous at sunset and in summer there will always be a few swimming.

Mary McCarthy with niece Isabel Feeney at Velvet Strand.


ONE CYCLE
Name: Dublin Mountain View Start location: Dublin City Centre Route: To the mountains or the sea? Dublin is blessed with options for both when it comes to pretty cycling routes, only the mountains afford the better views: from the city head southside towards Dundrum, the best ascent from the back of Marlay Park to Cruagh Road and Tibradden, across and through Glencullen, turning left at the village crossroads, and from there the descent around Barnacullia and back into the suburbs. Distance: 33km Time: 2-2.5 hours. Highlights: The perfectly sweeping panoramic view of Dublin Bay from the last descent off Barnacullia Look out for: The Blue Light pub, open for refreshments, on the left hand side of that last descent. Tips: The ascent from the back of Marlay up Cruagh Road is certainly challenging in places, only less severe that the Killakee alternative, or is it?

Getting to Marlay Park in Rathfarnham from the city centre, or wherever you are based, is up to you. And then this is the loop from there.


TWO PARKS
Northside Park name: St Anne’s Park, Raheny/Clontarf, Dublin Amenities: At almost 100 hectares, this is the second largest park in Dublin: Perfect for long walks through a beautiful variety of trees, wildflower meadows and a rose garden. Special features: A well equipped playground for children, football pitches, tennis courts and café and food market with outdoor seating areas. Check out the chestnut walk from the rock garden to the duck pond and spot the many follies dotted throughout the park. Access: Dublin City Bus nos 29a, 32 and 130 stop nearby; Car parking along the edges of the park. Google Map “St Anne’s Park”. Dogs: Dogs are welcome on leads. Tip: Take a walk on nearby Bull Island if you’re on a day out.

St Anne’s Park


Southside Park name: Cabinteely Park, old Bray Road, Cabinteely (off N11 or take junction 15 from M50), Dublin 18 Amenities: This 45 hectare park has a spacious variety of adventure playgrounds, grassy meadows, a small forest and pond. Special features: Look out for sculptures along some of the paths and enjoy the Japanese style cafe. Access: Bus numbers nos 84, 84a and 145 and car parking. Google Map “Cabinteely Park”. Dogs: Yes but must be kept on leads except in the dog park. Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for rare birds including the great spotted woodpecker.
TWO OUTDOOR GYMS
NORTHSIDE Name: Clontarf Promenade, Dublin 3 Equipment: Rower, walker, fitness rider, bicycle, back stretch, leg press, shoulder flexor, body twist, lat pull-down, chest press, stepper, dip bars, shoulder flexor (wheelchair), body twist (wheelchair), chin-up bars (wheelchair), hand cycle (wheelchair). Location: Google Maps Information: Lots of equipment at this outdoor gym area, with two spots for gym equipment flanking a calisthenics gym.

The outdoor gym on Clontarf Promenade


SOUTHSIDE Name: Landsdowne Valley Park, Dublin 12 Equipment: Ab curl, shoulder flexor, body twist, stepper, fitness rider, bicycle, cross trainer, chest press, lat-pull down, leg press. Location: Google Maps Information: Plenty of room in this park for a warm-up or cool-down run/walk. There is also a pitch-and-putt course.

Landsdowne Valley Park. Photograph from outfit.ie


Get Active Series - 32 great walking routes in Ireland - one in each county - 32 great hikes in Ireland - 32 great running routes - 32 great outdoor swim locations - 32 great cycling routes - 32 great parks - 32 great outdoor gyms