Exploring Summer Activities for Those with Spinal Cord Injuries: Get Active and Embrace the Season
Winter is now behind us, and the summer season brings new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and embrace exciting adventures. For individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), staying active can enhance not only physical health but also mental well-being and quality of life. In this article, we will explore a variety of activities across Ireland that are accessible and enjoyable for those with SCI.
The Importance of Exercise for Those with SCI: Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your mental and physical health. As one individual with a spinal cord injury shared:
“I was just mentally drained. I guess you can say depressed or just down. So, when I started implementing these workouts – that is really when my confidence, my mental confidence just started shooting up. Yes, it started to improve everything in general. My conversations with people, even just going out. … Out of the house it just felt a little better, so. … Confidence where I was able to do certain things. … Without the help of anyone else.” [Male, 32, T4–T5]
This personal testimony emphasises the transformative power of exercise in boosting confidence and independence for individuals with SCI. Now, let us dive into some fantastic activities you can explore this summer.
Summer Adventures Across Ireland
Accessible Angling across Ireland
Whether you wish to take to the water or prefer staying on the banks Angling Ireland can take care of you.
The Irish climate is well suited to sport angling. It is temperate and kind to the angler with moderate summers, mild winters, and adequate rainfall throughout the year. The warm waters of the North Atlantic Drift lap the south and west coasts, giving us a milder climate than our geographical location would indicate. The result is a fabulous mixture of cold and warm water fish species, capable of exciting the specialist or casual angler on the annual family holiday
Find the full list of locations and boats available here:
Cavan Adventure
Yoga and archery offer opportunities for gentle movement and focus. Whether you prefer calming stretches or hitting the bullseye, there is something for everyone.
Yoga with Nuala Mc Cann which is priced at €30pp for 2 hours. You can incorporate journaling and Wellbeing in the yoga session for a full wellness experience
Try the Archery is €30pp, this will be set up as an instructed session with a focus on fun and team building too!
Cavan Adventure are hoping to have their brand-new cafe open in June.
Minimum group is 10 or more.
Check out www.cavanadventure.ie for further event information.
Cork and Dublin
Embark on a tour of whiskey distilleries in Midleton and Dublin for a relaxing journey into local culture and history.
Jameson Whiskey Distillery
Founded by John Jameson in 1780, today the former factory stands as a monument to Irish Whiskey. Visit Jameson Distillery Dublin for the World’s leading distillery tours, cocktail-making classes, premium whiskey tasting sessions or to learn how to blend your own whiskey. All topped off with a Jameson at our centrepiece bar, straight from the proverbial source
The distillery is inclusive and accessible to all. In fact, all experiences are wheelchair friendly. There is a lift available to access experiences that are on other floors.
In addition, the personal assistant can go with you without having to pay for a ticket. If you have any questions or if you would like to make a booking, please email the reservations team at [email protected] or for Cork contact [email protected]
Website: https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-ie/visit-our-distilleries/jameson-bow-street-distillery-tour/
Call: (01) 807 2355
Cork City Cruises
Cork Harbour Cruises was born out of the love for a boat and a desire to keep it on the water.
When Crosshaven natives Karen Cottrell – of Cape Clear Ferries — and Trish Harris heard that the Cailín Óir was being taken off the water, they realised they had to ensure that cruises kept running at Cork Harbour.
Cape Clear Ferries supplied the boat and the pair set up Cork Harbour Cruises in 2020 (they call it their ‘Happy Covid’ story) to display from the water the beautiful and historical locations around Cork Harbour and Crosshaven.
Prices:
- Adult – €27
- Senior/OAP – €23
- Student (13-17 years) – €23
- Child (2-12 years) – €12.50
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) – €60
Please note:
- It is recommended to arrive at the Quay 15 minutes before we leave.
- Facilities onboard include a tuck shop, coffee dock and toilets.
- We leave from Custom House Quay, Cork City, T12 YC81.
- Printing your ticket is not necessary. A copy of your booking reference on a device is sufficient.
Website: https://corkharbourcruises.com/cruises-tours/cork-city-2hr-scenic-harbour-tour/
Call: 0867778780 – Trish
- They can do a group rate depending on numbers.
- The boat is accessible, but the toilets are not wheelchair accessible.
- If you have any other questions, please contact Trish @ 0867778780
Kerry Whiskey Tasting
Explore the Portmagee whiskey tour for a combination of sight-seeing and tasting. Valentia Island offers stunning views along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Join us for an adventure through three hundred years of Portmagee’s Spirit of the Sea. Enjoy a unique whiskey tasting experience that combines whiskey tasting, history, adventure and even a 360 immersive experience in the Portmagee Domes aboard a real-life Seine Boat.
Tours start on the hour every hour during opening hours.
- Whiskey tasting lesson – €20 (30mins)
- 360 Immersive experience – €15 (45 mins)
- The Spirit of the Sea Experience – €30 (1hr)
- Founders Journey Tour – €50 (1hr 30mins+)
- Wheelchair users are €30 + €15 for the PA (No whiskey included for the PAs 😊). Total €45PA’s visiting, no added charge for PA after they have seen the experience once.
James Murphy
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.portmageewhiskey.com
- Phone: 00353 87 701 5479
Kerry Valentia Island Cruise
Discover the untamed beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way from aqua terra tours mobility adapted boat ‘The Navigator’
‘The Navigator ‘ was specially built in France and is wheelchair accessible.
Discover the untamed beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, the enchanting Ring of Kerry, and the beautiful shores of Valentia Island with Aqua Terra Boat Tours. Our coastal boat tours offer more than a glimpse into Ireland’s natural wonders; they invite you on an unforgettable adventure through majestic cliffs, vibrant wildlife, and the rich history of the Skellig Michael Monks, Vikings, and Irish Pirates.
- In total the cruise can take 12 passengers onboard.
- For wheelchairs or mobility scooters, they can take 6 plus 6 aids which gives 12 passengers in total.
- For a group, they recommend a private charter so that guests feel comfortable and have plenty of space.
For more information on bookings contact [email protected]
Call Elizabeth: 0879220544
Website: www.kerryaquaterra.ie
(A discounted rate for is available for group exclusively for our 1.5-hour ‘Valentia Island Experience’ for €400 in total for the 12 persons.)
Killaloe River Trip
Discover peaceful river cruises on Lough Derg, perfect for a relaxing day out.
Scenic tours of the River Shannon and Lough Derg are available across the summer months. A commentary is provided on all interesting sites as you cruise by. Relax and unwind taking in the breath-taking scenery along the iconic River Shannon nestled in Irelands Hidden Heartlands.
A purpose-built passenger boat offers two decks to maximise your opportunity to take in the natural charm of Killaloe and Ballina. The upper deck has seating for all passengers. The lower deck is fully heated with large panoramic windows for a magnificent view. Relax with an Irish Coffee or one of many drinks served at our bar.
They can accommodate 6 wheelchairs on board with a maximum width of 60cm. Our daily schedule is available on our website when you click “Book Now.”
A discounted rate is available of €11 per wheelchair user and €11 per personal assistant.
James & Aoife Whelan, Killaloe River Cruises
www.killaloerivercruises.com
086 814 0559
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBKSsslM8A0
Kinsale Accessible Boat Trip
Experience the Kinsale harbour tour and Bandon River for a unique and scenic outing.
“Saoirse” is based at Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre. They launch and recover from the main slip way in Kinsale at the harbour master’s office.
The tour can take groups of mixed ability. Participants in wheelchair and walking aids are welcome. The boat can take a max of eight passengers either standing or in wheelchairs. Some weight restrictions apply so one power chair would be the equivalent of two people. If more than eight people are attending, the tour can run multiple trips.
They provide personal flotation device and waterproofs. They recommend bringing spare footwear. Sometimes participants footwear may get wet.
A trip with them will last an hour of on water time. they allow about fifteen minutes either side for preparation etc. Where the boat will go will be weather dependent. Either around Kinsale harbour or up the Bandon River. Areas of local interest and history will be pointed out by their local guides.
Trips as James has outlined are €150 per boat load / trip for the 2024 season.
Website: https://www.kinsaleoec.com/
Call: 021 477 2896
Louth SkyPark
Accessible Zipline, Archery, and Axe Throwing provide thrilling challenges for the adventurous.
The ethos of the centre is to offer fun and challenging activities in a safe and friendly environment.
Visit Carlingford Skypark for a fun active day for the whole family. Skypark can cater to those with impaired mobility for the following;
Carlingford SkyPark ½ day can offer:
- Accessible zipline
- Archery
- Axe Throwing
- Lunch
- The price is €46.00 with lunch & €40.00 without lunch
Carers come free when caring for someone else or get 50% off when they come on their own and produce a registered carers card.
Visit: www.carlingfordadventure.com
Call: +353429373100
Roscommon, Lough Ree Trip
Boat trips on Lough Ree offer beautiful views and tranquillity.
The 1 hour 30-minute offerings will provide passengers with a cruise around Lough Ree to admire the breath-taking views of its mythical islands.
Your 90 min round trip will include a trip around Lough Ree including the myriads of islands, bays & inlets. During the voyage, you will experience the wilderness and beauty that is Lough Ree.
There are countless species of waterfowl including Mallard, Widgeon Teals, Golden Eye, Pintails, Great Crested Grebes, Moorhens, Coots, Water Rails & large roosts of Common Terns, Black-headed gulls, and Cormorants. You will also see the impressive Mute swans gliding majestically by.
https://www.loughreeboattrips.com/
(089)2625505
Shannon Aviation Museum
Take a museum tour and experience the flight simulator for a taste of aviation.
From Shannon aviation: We explain how the aircraft wing makes lift, what forces act on the aircraft and how it is controlled in flight. Your pilot instructor will demonstrate the controls on your virtual aircraft, an aerobatic Extra 300. Your challenge is to race the other aircraft from JFK to the Statue of Liberty, the first to loop the loop wins!
Following your flight simulator experience, you will be guided through Shannon Aviation Museum to learn more about the exhibits. Wander among the wings of iconic vintage aircraft, marvel at the sleek lines of past fighter jets, sit into the cockpit of an aircraft and take lots of great photos to share!
- The cost of the Aviation Discovery tour is €37.50 per person, Groups of 8 or more are discounted and cost €25.00 per person.
- For the Museum Tour only, Duration 1 hour the cost is, Children under 12 yrs. €8.50, Adults €11.50 and cares €11.50.
Aviation Discovery tour is wheelchair accessible:
- Duration: Approximately 2 hrs 30 mins duration.
- Price Per Participant: €37.50
- Ticket Includes: Pre-Flight Brief, Virtual Flying Lesson, and Guided Museum Tour
- Suitable for: Adults, Young People and Budding Young Pilots aged 8+
Website shannonaviationmuseum.com
Waterford Flyfishing
Try fly fishing for a peaceful and engaging day on the water.
There is a purpose-built Coulam Wheely boat available for use by fly fishers on Carrigavantry On Knockaderry. They have a wheelchair accessible anglers’ boat and are always willing to accommodate fly fishers of all abilities.
- €60 for 2 anglers
Contact: Pat Smith 051384428
Connie Tantrum [email protected]
Wexford Famine Ship
Visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Kennedy Homestead for a dose of history and culture.
The Dunbrody Famine Ship is one of the premier tourist attractions in the Southeast of Ireland. Centred on an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel, it provides a world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience. The ship is wheelchair accessible and has a lift to get between decks. Combine with a tour of the Kennedy Homestead for the full Irish emigration experience.
Prices:
- Adult €14
- Senior €13
- Students/Child €9
- Kids under 4 years old Free
- Family 2 adults 1 kid €32
- Family 2 adults 2 kids €40
- Family 2 adults 3 kids €48
- Joint Senior – Dunbrody & Kennedy Homestead €19
- Joint Adult – Dunbrody & Kennedy Homestead €20
- Joint Family (2+1)-Dunbrody & Kennedy Homestead €50
- Joint Family (2+2)-Dunbrody & Kennedy Homestead €60
- Joint Family (2+3)-Dunbrody & Kennedy Homestead €70
Our Outreach Team Is Here to Help You! If you have any concerns about the accessibility of venues or need assistance planning your adventures, our Outreach Team is ready to support you. Our activities coordinator can check out venues to ensure they are accessible and suitable for your needs. So, do not hesitate to contact one of the team members and get moving!
Share your own adventures and experiences with us!
We want to hear from you! If you have any information on activities, you have done that you would recommend, let Eoin know, so we can add it to our list. Eoin is available on: [email protected]
