Birding weekend:The mudflats, wetlands and mountains around Carlingford support thousands of overwintering birds which can be viewed at the Sixth Carlingford Birding Weekend on February 4th to 6th.
Guided by Eric Dempsey – a professional guide, lecturer, broadcaster and author – the weekend comprises an introductory talk, a bus tour and walks.
The cost is €50 per person. For more details or to book e-mail Breffni Martin at bmartin@regintel.com or tel 087-9145363.
Carlingford has a wide range of accommodation with prices from €75 for the weekend – see carlingford.ie.
Introductory hike
An Óige Hillwalkers Club invites active hillwalkers to a hike on Sunday, January 30th. Starting at Glendalough upper car park, the group will take in the Spink, Lugduff, Lough Firrib and the Turlough Path to Wicklow Gap car park, a distance of 16km. Meet at 10am on Burgh Quay, Dublin to avail of a private bus (€12 return) or at the second pick-up point at the bus stop before the roundabout at Loughlinstown. See hillwalkersclub.com or tel 086-3563843.
Advanced mountain biking skills course
Summit Mountain Biking can fine-tune your mountain biking skills on an advanced one-day course over technically challenging terrain. The course takes place on Saturday, January 29th, and will place an emphasis on bike control, balance and body position.
Starting from the shores of Carlingford Lough, the course costs €36 per person. Group sizes are limited to four and riders must have their own bike and equipment. See summitmountainbiking.com or tel 00-44-07786136324.