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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 a family-friendly park and Fiona Alston selects a popular outdoor gym.
And remember, whatever you do and wherever you go, please be safe. And enjoy. 
ONE WALK
Name Derrynane Mass Path Distance 7km loop Approximate duration 2.5 hours Difficulty Moderate Starting point Google Maps Derrynane House (grid reference V 529 587) Amenities Parking and tea rooms Idyllic outing with a mix of forest trails, beach walks, Mass paths and quiet boreens. Can be rough underfoot, so come well shod.




ONE RUN
Name: Glanteenassig Wood Loop to Lough Slat and Lough Caum Length: 10.3km Elevation gain: 252m Route type: Loop Footwear: Roud or Trail Runners Background: Glanteenassig Wood Loop to Lough Slat and Lough Caum is a 10.3 kilometre moderately trafficked loop trail located near Castlegregory, County Kerry, Ireland that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options.
Route Information: Starting in the Glanteenassig Wood carpark. Follow the trail head from the carpark until you meet a T junction. Tale the left hand turn which will bring you to Lough Slat. From here head towards Lough Caum. There is a magnificent wooden walkway that skirts around the lough which is one of the highlights of the trail itself. The entire area exudes a sense of wonder and natural awe, so make sure to look up and take it all in. I recommend not using headphones and enjoying the quiet bliss of this beautiful area. You will skirt around the entirety of the lough and bring you back to where you started your run around the lough. Take the left turn and in 400m the trail veers right. Follow this section of trail until the pathway again veers right and brings you back to the first junction where you will take the left hand turn to bring you back to the trailhead. Feel free to make this run into a half marathon by doing this wonderful loop twice! (Aided by: Sport Ireland and Coillte)




ONE HIKE
Hike name Carrauntoohil Via Brother O’Sheas Gully and down the Zig Zags Distance 14km Elevation gain 1040m Approximate duration 6-7 hours Difficulty Advanced Route type Loop Starting point Google Map “Cronins Yard” Amenities Toilets, cafe, parking Dog-friendly? No Tips I recommend getting a guided hike of Carrauntoohil especially for a first-timer; Kerryclimbing are fantastic for a great day out Note Firefighters have been tackling a large blaze in Killarney National Park near Carrauntoohil. Please check before embarking on this route  



Carrauntoohil


ONE SWIM
Name: Nun’s beach Location: Google Map: Nun’s Beach, Ballybunion Brief description: Secluded horse-shoe shaped cove. Very cold Atlantic water Amenities: No Lifeguard: No Water quality: Excellent (the more accessible Blue Flag Ballybunion South Beach around the corner) Tips: There used to be steps but now accessible only by boat or down the side of the cliff with the assistance of a fixed rope. Peaceful swimming and never overly busy as a result.



Sarah Ruddock heading down to Nun’s beach for a swim.


ONE CYCLE
Name: The Conor Pass Loop Start location: Tralee Route: Tralee (my adopted Kerry town) is the perfect base for exploring The Kingdom, especially for cyclists, this magnificent loop heading out by Blennerville following the road to the epic Conor Pass climb with views to die for, dropping down into Dingle, and following the Annascaul and Camp road home. Distance: 90km Time: 4-5 hours Highlights: The view back down from the Conor Pass never grows old Look out for: Short but useful designated cycle lanes from Dingle to Tralee Tips: The hardened cycling could easily add a loop of Slea Head (43km), taking in Ventry, Dunquin and Ballyferriter.



The Conor Pass Loop.


ONE PARK
Park name: Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms Amenities: Three working farms with animals, poultry and historical machinery give visitors a first-hand experience of traditional farming life. The beautiful formal gardens include a sunken garden, a rock garden, a Victorian walled garden and glasshouses. Special features: Craftworkers who can be observed at work in their studios also sell their work in the craft shop. Access: On site car park and bus or jaunting car rides from Killarney. Adults €9.25, age 13-18 €6.25, u-12 free. Google Map “Muckross House”. Dogs: Dogs on leads in informal gardens but not on the traditional farm. Tip: Plan your trip well to fit in guided tours of Muckross House and visits to the traditional farm.



Muckross House


ONE OUTDOOR GYM
Name: The Barracks, Beaufort Equipment: Walker, rower, cross trainer, bike, stepper, fitness rider. Location: Google Maps Information: This is a small gym area at the back of the Barracks building in the village. There is also outdoor gym equipment along the path by Knockreer playing fields in Killarney National Park.



The Barracks, Beaufort


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