Reeks snow reportsOutdoors Ireland is providing a unique service this winter – a daily snow report from deep within Ireland's highest mountains, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Each morning of snow conditions, a detailed photo of the peaks, along with a report of the day's snow and ice conditions, plus summit temperatures, will be displayed on their website.
Outdoors Ireland provide training courses in mountain skills, canoeing and kayaking, team building and co-ordinate adventure breaks. See outdoorsireland.com or tel 086-8604563.
* Connemara
Even though visitor centres in some of the national parks have closed for the season this shouldn’t stop you from taking advantage of the excellent facilities available. For example, take Connemara National Park (left) near Letterfrack where there are three excellent, marked trails which can lead you to the top of Diamond Hill. Entry to the park is free of charge and there is no charge for parking. See the trails at connemaranationalpark.ie.
* Try it out
There will be another chance tomorrow to get a flavour of hillwalking with an easy hike from Shankill to the Scalp along the new Dublin Way. An Óige is hosting the walk. Meet at 10.15am at the Laughter Lounge, Eden Quay for public transport to the starting point. Proper equipment – raingear, boots, etc – are required. No jeans and no dogs.
On Sunday week, the group will head out for a walk in the Hollywood area of Co Wicklow. Meet at the same time, same place, and there will be a bus transfer which will cost €12. The same conditions apply and afterwards walkers will join the An Óige Hillwalkers in the Hollywood Inn for music and food courtesy of the An Óige Hillwalkers Club. See anoige.ie or tel 01-8304555.
* fbradley@irishtimes.com