Get set for an active summer on the West Cork islands when you sign up to take part in one of the great events we have planned on land and sea!
The 7 inhabited islands on West Cork’s coastline are buzzing with activity as the islands get set for a summer packed with runs, regattas, and adventure races.
An island run series will take in 5k events on Cape Clear (4th August) and Heir Island (16th August), while the Bantry Bay Adventure Race on 25th August involves an island run as well as kayaking on Bantry Bay and cycling too. Bere Island’s Midsummer Run (14th July) and Sherkin’s Do Run Run (11th August) are already firmly established as favourites with Cork runners, and the weekly Bere Island parkrun – named as one of the best parkruns in the world – regularly attracts visitors from across the world to run, jog or walk an island route.
‘The active islands events are a great way of bringing islanders and visitors together’, says Sherkin Island’s Aisling Moran. ‘Whether people are running, jogging, sailing, or hiking on the islands’ trails, they have the chance to mix with islanders as well as take in the spectacular views.’
‘The Wild Atlantic Way is really capturing people’s imaginations,’ adds John Moore of Heir Island Sailing School. ‘More and more people are looking to take on the challenge of exploring the islands in active ways, whether that involves learning to sail on Roaringwater Bay, practising yoga at a Heir island retreat, or taking in the sights at an island regatta.’
Island Regattas & Walks
Regattas on Sherkin Island (1st July) and Heir Island (16th August) are annual events popular with the sailing community, but islanders are also seeing a strong rise in the number of visitors coming to stay on the islands to make the most of their walking trails.
‘Each island has its own distinct character and terrain and people really enjoy discovering that for themselves’, says Whiddy Island’s Tim O’Leary, who provides guided walks on Whiddy Island every bank holiday weekend throughout the year. ‘When the Bantry Bay Adventure Race takes place or when people come out to visit for a family walk, people are absolutely in awe of the fantastic views and the peace they find here. The island setting added a whole new dimension to the experience. There’s definitely growing interest in events that give people the chance to explore our bays and islands.’
The ‘active islands’ concept captures the work done to date by the West Cork Islands Community Sports Hub, a Sport Ireland initiative coordinated by Cork Sports Partnership and supported locally by the island communities.
To register for events or find out more about the programme on offer, see https://westcorkislands.com/active-islands or contact 086 303 0991.
Contact:
086 303 0991 info@westcorkislands.com