Keeping Cork Active
Keeping Cork Active

HER Outdoors Week 2023

HER Outdoors Week 2023 runs from Monday August 14th to Sunday August 20th!

HER Outdoors Week 2023

Monday August 14th to August 20th

This year, as part of Her Outdoors Week, Cork Sports Partnership has teamed up with a number of National Governing Bodies of Sport, local clubs and organisations to provide FREE social sport and physical activity opportunities for women and girls of all ages and abilities in communities all across Cork!

HER Outdoors week aims to celebrate and encourage more females to get out and enjoy the benefits of being in the outdoors while bringing visibility to the opportunities for females to get involved in outdoor physical activity.

This week is all about providing more opportunities for ALL females to escape to the outdoors and try something new. There is so much to do in the outdoors in Cork, there are so many incredible outdoor activities on offer and Cork Sports Partnership is delighted to promote them all.

#FindYourOutdoors

Activator Poles

Venue: Tramore Valley Park

Date: Wednesday August 16th

Time: 2pm to 3pm

Information: Activator poles are an adaptation of Nordic Walking poles and have been developed by Canadian therapists to promote balance and improve mobility. All equipment is provided. This fitWalk Ireland Programme focuses on promoting long-term fitness and independence through increasing balance and functionality with the use of Activator Poles. 

Suitable for: Women 18+

Bank Fishing

Venue: Tibbottstown Reservoir, Carrigtwohill

Date:  Wednesday August 16th 

Time: All Day 9am to 6pm

Information: Free angling permits for pre-registered women and girls. The fishery will be open to welcome women of all ages, children from 10 upwards to try out angling for a couple of hours. Well-stocked reservoir with brown trout and rainbow trout and all of the necessary equipment and tackle needed, just come along with an open mind and enjoy this fabulous facility just outside Carrigtwohill Co. Cork. Qualified ACI angling coaches on site to help you catch your fish. All equipment will be provided on loan free of charge. 

Suitable for: Girls aged 10 upwards & women of all ages.

Beach Volleyball | Marina

Venue: Marina Park, Cork

Date:  Monday August 14th & Thursday August 17th

Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm

Information: Cork Sports Partnership is delighted to host Volleyball in the popup Beach Volleyball court in the Marina Park Cork. The two sessions will be expertly coached by a qualified coach. Girls from ages 10 to 16 will learn the basics of the game while taking part in some fun games.

Suitable for: Girls aged 10 to 16

Boat Fishing

Venue: Cobh Waterfront, Campervan Carpark

Date:  Saturday August 19th

Time: 10:30am | 1:00pm | 3:30pm

Information: Sea Angling Taster Day in Cobh. Onshore and boat bookings, limited places available. Meeting point at the waterfront playground, Cove Marina for boat angling. Shore angling will be at the car park behind the Garda Station. The taster session includes a 2-hour introduction to sea angling shore fishing or a 2-hour boat angling session aboard the Lee Adventurer for those who would like to try it out.

Max 4 participants per boat session. Groups for shore angling max 10 persons.

Suitable for: Girls aged 12 upwards. All angling equipment and lifejackets will be provided.

BMX

Venue: TBC

Date:  TBC

Time: TBC

Information: TBC

Currach Rowing

Venue: Shandon Boat Club on the Marina, Cork

Date : Saturday August 19th

Time: 10:30am

Information: Interested in trying your hand at rowing a traditional Irish currach (hand-crafted in Cork)?  Naomh Og Chorcai is a Cork based rowing club, the club’s ethos is to provide access to the River Lee and to encourage the sport of traditional Irish rowing with a bit of craic and beagáinín Gaeilge (a little of the Irish language)!

Newcomers and beginners are allocated a  ‘captain’ and an experienced crew  who will look after them for the duration of the trip.
Wear comfortable clothing (outdoors or sporty), consider gloves (fingerless cycling or weights gloves are good), a rain jacket, a bottle of water, and some change for that all-important coffee-break!
It is a perfect opportunity try out a currach, to get out on the the river Lee, to see Cork from the water, to and meet a random selection of people, united only by their love of rowing and fun!

There is some manual lifting of boats & equipment involved, please speak to a Duty Captain on arrival if you have any concerns about your ability to assist with lifting for any reason.

Suitable for: Women 18+ unaccompanied, Girls 10 and above must be accompanied by an adult on the water

Dipper to Swimmer Programme

Venue: Kinsale

Date & Time: Wednesday August 16th at 6:30pm – running for 4 weeks (Aug 16th, 23rd, 30th & Sept 6th)

Cost: €10 | Booked Through Swim Ireland

Information: Improve your confidence in open water. Participants should already be comfortable in the water, with a goal of spending more time in the water and swimming 50m to 100m at the end of the programme. Sessions are once per week and 45 minutes long

Book Here>>>

Dragon Boats

Venue: Lapp’s Quay, Cork

Date: Tuesday August 15th

Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm and 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Information: Cork Dragon Boats is open to new members. Dragon boating is also closely associated to those recovering from breast cancer and many of their members see the long term benefits of it. In this taster sessions you will get to experience and use Dragon Boating first hand. Personal Flotation devices will be provided. Please dress expecting to get wet and bring a spare change of clothes.

Dragon boating is an ancient Chinese sport which dates back over 2000 years to a time of rivalry, intrigue and corruption. The dragon boat itself is deeply imbedded in China’s dragon culture, with each boat having an ornately carved dragon’s head at the bow and a tail in the stern. The boat is painted with scales and the paddles symbolically represent the dragon’s claws. Dragon boating is not only competitive; it is sociable, fun, colourful and dynamic. As a sport it is all inclusive and can be used to help tackle obesity and help people stay fit and healthy. It is also very attractive to the corporate and community market as a great team building activity.

Suitable for: Women 18+

Introduction to Navigation

Venue: Millstreet

Date & Time: Friday August 18th 

Information:

This activity will be run by a qualified instructor. This is a great opportunity for all women interested in hillwalking to link in with peers in your area and develop your skills!

This Introduction to Navigation activity will be based in Cork, meeting in Millstreet, at the carpark opposite St Patrick’s Church.

This activity is focused on introducing participants to navigation and is ideal for women who wish to gain confidence on the hills as navigators and to become more independent, thus increasing the ability to explore unfamiliar terrain and new locations. No previous navigation experience is necessary.

These programmes are partially funded with an entry fee of only €10 per activity to secure your place. This event is organised by IRD Duhallow Book Here

Suitable for: Women 18+

 

Kayaking | Lake

Venue: Ballyhass Coachford

Date: Saturday August 19th

Time: 10am to 1pm

Information: Get up close and personal with the local wildlife and nature on our Lee Valley Kayak Expedition, while fully supervised by kayak guides. This stretch of water is a fascinating blend of history and wildlife. It is roughly a 2.5 km stretch of river.

The tours are run in double sit on top sea kayaks and single kayaks that are super stable and easy to paddle. This makes the tour very accessible for all levels of abilities. You will be provided with wetsuits to keep you warm. You can use one of our dry bags if you would like to bring your valuables.

Suitable for: Women 16+

Kayaking | Seaside

Venue: TBC

Date & Time: TBC

Information: Meeting point at the Eagle Pub Car Park. West Cork Kayaking Club will be providing a taster session for those interested in taking part in sea kayaking. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about one of the most popular water sports in the world. Tragumna offers breathtaking seaside views and a unique look at the beautiful West Cork countryside.  Expert advice from qualified instructors will be provided. Please bring a wetsuit and be prepared to get wet. 

Suitable for: Women 18+

Orienteering

Venue: Fastnet Marine and OEC, Schull

Date & Time: Wednesday August 16th, 5:00pm to 6:30pm 

Venue: Ballincollig Regional Park (Enter via East entrance, near Ballincollig GAA)

Date & Time: Sunday August 20th, 10:30am to 12:00pm

Information: Orienteering for women and girls using the Maprun orienteering app. MapRun is an app that allows you to complete an orienteering course in your own time at your own pace. You can walk, jog or run and it suits all ages and abilities. When downloaded to your phone, the app will show a map on your screen with the orienteering course marked on it. As you navigate around the course the app will record your GPS track and which controls you visit.

When you finish your course, the app will produce your result, which is added to a results list so that you can compare how you did with other participants. There are a variety of Orienteering MapRun courses of Ballincollig Regional Park available on the app to suit all abilities.

Suitable for: Women & girls supervised by an adult

Road Bowling

Venue: Castletownkeneigh Soccer/Motor Racing Grounds

Date: Thursday August 17th

Time: 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Information: Returning for 2023, this fun session of Moors Bowling and German Lofting is aimed at beginners from girls aged 12 years and up to adults. Coaches will on hand with equipment, guidance and fun competitions for everyone to try out!

Suitable for: Girls & Women of all ages

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Venue: Ballyhass Mallow 

Date: Friday August 18th

Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Information: Stand-up Paddle Boarding is one of the fastest-growing outdoor water activities in the world. SUPing is one of the most versatile water activities possible. SUPs can be used on lakes, rivers, and at the seaside. So whether you want to go for a relaxing amble on a lake, try your hand at SUP surfing, or progress to SUP Yoga, then you will need to learn the basics. In Ballyhass Mallow you will receive expert introductory coaching on how to balance on and manoeuvre a SUP on the crystal clear water. The taster session includes a dry land lesson, all gear included (wetsuit, buoyancy aid, SUP & paddle), expert advice on purchasing a SUP set-up and 60-90 mins on water time. Please arrive approx 15mins before start time to check-in.

Suitable for: Women 18 +

Swim & Sauna

Venue: Ballyhass Mallow 

Date: Wednesday August 16th

Time: 7:00pm & 8:00pm

Information: Experience the multiple benefits of a swim in a freshwater lake followed by a relaxing session in a firewood heated sauna. Safe, social and healthy for all involved. Please bring swimsuit (no wetsuit), towel and sandals/crocs. Arrive 15mins before your start time to check-in.

Suitable for: Women 18 +

Surfing & Beach Volleyball

Venue: Inchydoney Beach, Inchydoney Island, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

Time & Date:

  • Tuesday August 15th – 13 to 17 Year Olds, 12:30pm to 4pm
  • Wednesday August 16th – 18+ Years, 12:30pm to 4pm

Information: Cork Sports Partnership is delighted to team up with Volleyball Ireland on their HER Moves Beach tour 2023. VI will provide intro coaching to beach volleyball while CSP will provide introductory lessons to surfing through Inchydoney Surf School. Wetsuits will be provided as part of the surf lesson, please bring comfortable active wear for everything else.

Registration: Registration is through the Volleyball Ireland Website and costs €10 per person

Trail Walking

Venue: East Cork: Capal way, Knockadoon Cliff Walk, 6kms

Date: Tuesday August 15th

Start time: 10:00am

Information: This is a 6km trail. Meeting at the Knockadoon picnic area. Please wear  sturdy walking/ trail shoes. Please bring a small rucksack with the usual raingear, lunch and a drink and any personal medications i.e. inhaler, etc.

The Capel Way Coastal Trail is a most enjoyable walk on gravel track and minor road around the tip of the Knockadoon peninsula passing the signal tower, with stunning views of the sea cliffs, Ballycotton and Youghal Bays as well as Capel lsland.

Additional Route Information

Suitable for: Women 18+

Venue: West Cork: Sheep’s Head Hillwalk, Seefin Loop, 12kms

Date & Time: Saturday August 19th,

Start Time: 10:00am

Information: This is a 12km trail. Please wear  sturdy walking/ trail shoes. Please bring a small rucksack with the usual raingear, lunch and a drink and any personal medications i.e. inhaler, etc.

This loop follows minor roadways, laneways and mountain paths to the Windy Gap and on to the top of Seefin Mountain, following Ahakista Stream for part of the way. The ascent contains some fairly steep climbs and the descent is steep, but has wonderful mountain, coastal and sea views. 

Additional Route Information

Suitable for: Women 18+

Wakeboarding

Venue: Ballyhass Mallow

Date: Thursday August 17th

Time: Multiple Hourly Sessions from 11:00am to 6:00pm

Information: Experience one of the ultimate water sports possible. In Ireland’s largest system 2.0 wakepark in Ballyhass Activity Centre Mallow you can take your first leap into an awesome new sport. With one-to-one coaching you will never get a better opportunity to learn. Each participant will get 30mins on the water time, with constant feedback and coaching. All gear is included (wetsuit, board, bindings, helmet and vest)

Suitable for: Women 18+ 

Women on Wheels

Venue: Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann, Midleton 

Date & Time: Tuesday August 15th | 6:30pm

Venue: Blackrock Castle Carpark B

Date & Time: Monday August 14th | 6:00pm

Venue: Show Grounds, Mill Road, Skibbereen

Date & Time: Tuesday August 15th | 7:00pm

Information: Taster session of the popular women’s “sofa to saddle” cycling programme that caters for the improver-intermediate cyclist. It’s suitable for people that want to cycle more regularly for commuting, leisure or fitness. Each week, there will be a group cycle; a short workshop on bike-related skills and a chance to socialise in a safe environment.  The first cycles are on off-road pedestrian routes; however, over the duration of the course, participants will progress to cycling confidently and safely on roads with moderate traffic levels. Each session is structured so participants gain confidence and improve bike handling skills.

Suitable for: Women 18+

Lacrosse

Exciting new women’s social come & try event
 
Date: Tues, 15th Aug
Date: Wed, 16th Aug
Venue: Ballincollig Regional Park
Tine: 6.30-8pm
 
Beginners welcome! Give it a go! All equipment provided!!
Programmes for women to get active

Programmes

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