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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



Lough Boora Discovery Park


Name Mesolithic Loop, Lough Boora Distance 9km Approximate duration 2.5 hours Difficulty Easy Starting point Google Maps Lough Boora Visitor Centre (grid reference N 182 188) Amenities Parking and cafe Easy trail marked by red arrows along well-constructed walkways leading through a fascinating nature reserve consisting of a rewilded bog with lots to see. Ideal for family outings.




ONE RUN
Name: Kinnitty Castle Loop Length: 4km Markers: Green Services: Kinnitty Village (3km) Terrain: Easy Forestry Tracks Footwear: Road or Trail Runners Route Information: Start from the trailhead at the forestry entrance. After 30m keep left at the Y-junction of forestry roads following the green arrow. You are also following the blue arrows of the Glinsk Castle loop, and the yellow arrows for the long-distance Slieve Bloom Way. After a little more than 1km you reach a three-way junction with a wooden gate on your left. [Going through the wooden gate will take you into the grounds of Kinnitty Castle – well worth a visit.]
Your loop turns right (uphill) here, and continues to ascend along a forest track for almost 1km before rounding a right bend and reaching a Y-junction. Veer to the right here – still following the Slieve Bloom Way and the red and green loops. After 500m the blue loop and Slieve Bloom Way turn left onto an uphill woodland trail – but you continue straight on here. Continue to follow the forest track downhill to reach a three-way junction – veer right here. It is only 300m back to the trailhead. (Aided by: Slievebloom.ie)




ONE HIKE
Hike name Giant’s Grave Loop Distance 11.2km Elevation gain 516m Approximate duration 2.5-3hours Difficulty Beginner/intermediate Route type Loop Starting point See AllTrails Giant's Grave Megalithic Tomb Walk Amenities Parking Dog-friendly? No Tips Rocky to muddy path: don’t underestimate proper walking shoes.



Giant’s Grave Loop.


ONE SWIM
Name: Banagher outdoor pool. Location: Google Map: Banagher outdoor swimming pool. In Banagher take a right turn and drive across the river bridge turn in on your left Description: Pool is in the River Shannon, Galway on one side and Offaly on the other Amenities: Picnic tables, parking, toilet in canal house near pool Lifeguard: No Water quality: Moderate –EPA (report for river, lakes 2013 - 2018) Tips: Swimming generally possible only in summer as current is too strong and river level much higher in winter. Family friendly in summer with a real Mediterranean vibe.



Banagher outdoor pool in Co Offaly. Photograph: Rachel Robbins


ONE CYCLE
Name: Grand Canal Way Start location: Edenderry Route: The Offaly section of the Grand Canal Greenway (117km in full) that stretches from Edenderry in the east to and via Tullamore to Shannon Harbour in the west of the county. Distance: 70km Time: 3-3.5 hours Highlights: Ideal for a relatively flat and rewarding slice of the county along sections of the tranquil canal towpath. Look out for: Lough Boora Discovery Park, which has its own 22km traffic-free gravel track. Tips: Another mixed-use route so cyclists should use a bell to alert walkers.



Grand Canal Way.


ONE PARK
Park name: Lough Boora Discovery Park Amenities: This former industrial bogland between Tullamore, Birr and Clonmacnoise has restored wetlands, woodlands and lakes interspersed with walkways and cycle paths. Special features: A fantastic range of sculptures dotted throughout the park evoke the former industrial activity and natural environment on the bog. You can hire bicycles to take longer trips through the park. Access: Car park costs €4. Google Map “Lough Boora Discovery Park”. Dogs: Dogs on leads only. Tip: Bring insect repellant to protect yourself from midge bites.



Lough Boora Discovery Park


ONE OUTDOOR GYM
Name: Fitness Zone in Lloyd Town Park, Tullamore Equipment: Dip bars, ab station, walker, cross trainer, chest press (standing and seated), hand cycle, body twist, shoulder flexor, pull-up bars, cycle. Location: Google Maps Information: Plenty of other activities available in this park with walking routes, adventure play area and wheelchair swing and roundabout.



Lloyd Town Park


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