Sport, Leisure, Local Activities & Attractions
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Aikido There are regular Aikido classes for adults and children in the Doorus Dojo, Kinvara. Beginners always welcome. For further information go to www.kiaikido.net |
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Kinvara is an excellent base for touring - the Burren 10 minutes,
Connemara and Ferries to the Aran Islands are just 30 minutes away. These are areas of outstanding
natural beauty and geology. The list is almost endless, but we have provided just some examples
below: |
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Aillwee Caves 20km from the hotel, the caves are an ideal activity for a rainy day. A chance to see the subterranean Burren. See bear pits, stalactites and underground waterfalls. Sample their homemade organic cheeses, honey and fudge in their farm shop. www.aillweecave.ie |
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Aran Islands These are a group of three islands off the Galway/Clare coast. They are well known for their cultural and literary history as well as their traditional way of life. Islanders still speak Irish as their first language. Regular ferry services operate from Doolin, Rossavael and Galway. Access by air is also possible. More info at www.visitaranislands.com |
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Astropitches As of June 2009, New Tennis Court and the Astropitch on the grounds of St. Josephs National school are now completed and open for use by members of the community at community rates. To book a slot and enquire about rates phone Darragh on 086-3537833. |
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Beaches Our local beach, Trácht, pronounced "trawct", is just 4 miles from the village. The beach, overlooking Galway Bay, has earned a "Blue Flag" for water cleaniness, is supervised by a lifeguard during the summer and has spotlessly clean toilets with wheelchair access on the shore. All in all, a very pleasant and safe place to go for a swim and enjoy the wildlife. Also within 1/2 hours drive and Bishops Quarter and Fanore beaches. |
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Boat Trips Go and see the West Coast of Ireland from a different viewpoint. Feel the adrenaline as you fly through the waves while enjoying our safe, comfortable and most importantly dry fleet of Ribs . Ribwest mix the beauty of our coast line & wildlife with power, on the "RIBWEST" experience. More information & booking details @ www.ribwest.com |
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Burren The Burren is a unique area of 270 sq. kilometres of limestone pavement and green valleys. It is rich in flora and fauna, geology, archaeology, ancient settlements and ecclesiastical sites. Man has settled here for at least six thousand years and the area has the largest concentration of stone forts, monuments and ecclesiastical sites in Ireland. Botanists come from all over the world to study the flora. Uniquely, Mediterranean, alpine and arctic flowers and plants grow side by side, the seeds having been deposited by glacier millions of years ago. This is the mystical land of disappearing rivers and lakes, closed valleys, caves and limestone pavement. Many visitors come to The Burren simply to enjoy its wonderful walks. There are many walking trials to suit every ability with varied flora and fauna. There are also a number of seashore/beach walks. Further information can be found on The Burrenbeo website. www.burrenbeo.com Additional excellents maps of the area are available from www.tireolas.com |
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Cliffs of Moher The most dramatic cliffs in Europe (250 metres) and home to a myriad of wildlife, many different species of birds, dolphins and the occasional whale. Beautiful views towards the Aran Islands and Conemara. There is a long cliff side walk for those who wish to brave the brisk Atlantic breeze. On your way, take the scenic coastal road to Kinvara via Black Head and Ballyvaughan. Not only can the cliffs be seen from above but from below. |
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Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee & The Kiltartan Museum These three attractions are all situated near the town of Gort and within a few short miles of each other. Coole Park is formerly the home of Lady Gregory and a well known meeting place of Irish literary figures in the early 20th Century including W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. The famous autograph tree with the carved initials of all these writers is still in the walled garden. The woods and lake (See the wild swans of Coole !) are beautiful for a stroll. Thoor Ballylee castle was owned by Yeats and it is also open to the public. The Kiltartan Museum is a converted schoolhouse which documents the literary history of Coole. |
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Cycling There are many quiet lanes in an around Kinvara ideal for biking/cycling. Get out on a bike and enjoy the scenery and fresh, clean air and really appreciate the magnificent countryside. Bicycles can be hired locally in Kinvara. Tel: (+353) (0)65 707-8914 / (0)87 2020-880 |
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Dunguaire Castle Probably, the most famous land mark that is associated with Kinvara, Dunguaire Castle was built in the 1500's and has changed ownership many times down through the years. Today, Dunguaire Castle is owned by Shannon Heritage, and is open to visitors from May through to October. The castle also holds Medieval Banquets. For further details please phone + 353 91 637108 www.shannonheritage.com/ |
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GAA About, News, Events, Photos, Juvenille Hurling, Camogie all available at Kinvara GAA's website at www.kinvara.galway.gaa.ie. |
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Golf Kinvara is located just 15km from Gort Golf Club (www.gortgolf.com). Designed by Ryder Cup star, Christy O' Connor Junior, and officially opened in August 1996, Gort Golf Club is an 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, set in 160 acres of picturesque parkland on the edge of the world famous Burren and within 200 yards of the historic monastic settlement of Kilmacduagh. |
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Hockey - KINVARA LADIES HOCKEY CLUB Kinvara Ladies Hockey Club is back in action. We welcome back former members and new players who would like to take up the game. We have hockey-skills sessions on Wednesdays 8-9pm on the new all-weather pitch at St Joseph’s N.S. We are also looking for U16 and U18 players who would like to join the club and play matches on Sundays. For further information contact Sharon on 087 9337828. |
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Kickboxing Owen Flatley teaches kickboxing to Juniors and Adults (male and female) every Saturday morning at 11am all year round in Kinvara Community Centre. This is aimed at increasing the cardiovascular fitness of people in an exciting and effective way. Being only once a week, I hope to generate a love of exercise in the people who don't normally workout, and am enthusiastic about any sports that could be helped by this method of cross training. One of our main exercises concentrates on hitting focus mitts, which as well as increasing your heart rate also tones the arms and upper body. There are also punch bags and other exercise equipment in the hall. No matter what level of fitness you have, initially your body will need to adapt as it uses different muscle groups in the routines. It is stressed that you workout at your own pace, and take as many breaks as required. My ultimate aim is to cultivate the habit of exercise, till it becomes less of a chore but more a release or stress buster. Believe me, hitting something is quite a stress buster. About 5% of people training in the club go on to compete in competition, but this certainly isn't a prerequisite for the training, more a personal journey some hope to pursue. Any enquiries contact Owen Flatley, telephone 087-9426454 or email owenflat@hotmail.com |
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Open Mic Kinvara Open Mic usually takes place on the first Sunday of every month in Johnstons Hall, Kinvara, at about 7.45pm. All teenagers are welcome, whether they want to sing, dance, do a comedy routine, or entertain in any way, or just slouch on a couch and spectate. Entry is a very reasonable €2…sure, where would ye get it! See www.kinvaraopenmic.com for more! |
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Playground Adjacent to St. Joseph's National School, and the Astro Pitches is the new state of art Playground in Kinvara open to the public. |
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Rock Climbing Rock climbing began in the Burren area as early as the 1930's and since then, the region has gone on to provide some of the most spectacular and challenging climbing that Ireland has to offer. The landscape of the Burren provides many opportunities for for climbers ranging from smaller, friendly inland outcrops to the more intimidating and serious challenges such as the aptly named 'Mirror Wall' on the Ailladie seacliff - a testing ground even for veteran climbers. Learn to rock climb in the Burren and have a safe and exhilarating day exploring the region or further afield, from a very different view. Courses range from day/evening 'introduction to climbing' sessions for complete beginners, to performance sessions for more experienced climbers and are a great day out for individuals, families and small groups. All equipment is provided. For more details or bookings see: www.nigelcallender.com or call +353 (0)86 8412928 |
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Sailing There is a sailing club, Kinvara Bay Sailing Club. Click www.kbsc.info for more information. Meitheal na mBádóirí is a boat building group based in Kinvara. Click here for more. |
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Scuba Diving Have you ever thought about Scuba Diving and considered taking the plunge? Burren Adventures provide diving for every level - from complete beginner who would like to discover the excitement of Scuba Diving, to full dive courses with internationally recognized qualifications. Qualified divers can develop their skills and become a Advanced, Rescue or Nitrox Diver. Tel: (+353) (0)65 707-8914 / (0)87 2020-880 |
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Soccer - Click here for Kinvara United Homepage |
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Tai Chi Tai Chi classes are held in Johnston's Hall on thoughout the year. Contact Beate McMullan on 091-776 909 or 087-2163365 for more information. |
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Yoga Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre offers weekly classes in Ashtanga and Satyananda yoga and also Pilates classes. The centre also runs weekend and 7 day residential courses in all forms of yoga which are suitable for beginners and also for advanced. For description and timetable of classes and courses please see www.burrenyoga.com |
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