Galway Advertiser 2003/2003_05_08/GA_08052003_E1_037.pdf 

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Galuicry AOvertiser

Leisure Fitness adventure
May 8 2004
FITNESS FUN in the outdoors is the name of the game this summer, as people escape the confined space of the gym and head for a sporting adventure in Connemara. If sport and outdoor activities that challenge and thrill while benefiting your health are for you, there are two adventure centres in Galway that guarantee you spills, thrills, and healthy activity. "It's all about getting into the outdoors and feeling healthy," says Deirdre Fitzgerald of Killary Adventure Company in Leenane, which specialises in a diverse range of land and water based activities. And where better to hit the adventure trail than in the spectacular geography of mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests surrounding the Killary Fjord. Whether it's hiking, climbing, visiting historic sites, windsurfing, gorge walking, or kayaking on the fjord, there's something to suit every taste. All of the activities are supervised by qualified instructors. "You just need a general level of fitness," says Fitzgerald, "and the activities are tailored to each individual's level of fitness." The ethos at Killary is on helping people rise to the challenge of new experiences, adventures, and activities. The most popular activities in Killary are Ireland's highest ropes course and longest zip wire, yachting to go dolphin watching and island hopping, and kayaking the fjord. The ropes course consists of four 60ft poles with climbing rope stretched tautly between them - the perfect opportunity to get the adrenaline going and confront your fear of heights! The zip wire is a thrilling ride as you are harnessed into straps and shoot down an aerial runway 180ft long into the valley below. For those who want to get out into the wild and experience a unique perspective on the stunning scenery surrounding Killary, gorge walking will take you swimming and walking into the heart of the landscape, equipped with wetsuit, helmet, boots, and a buoyancy aid. More traditional activities such as hiking and mountain biking are also an option. Killary also runs combination packages, mid-week breaks, and multiactivity weekends breaks from 155. Arriving on a Friday evening, by Saturday you could find yourself speed boating across the Atlantic or scaling Connaught's highest mountain, Mweelrea. If you are feeling a little more sedate, archery lessons and clay pigeon shooting might hit the spot for you. It's enough to bring out the kid in you, but for the real young ones there are lively summer camps for kids, with action packed and supervised activities all day, starting on July 6.

HAVING FUN, STAYING FIT
Delphi Adventure Centre was set up 20 years ago by inveterate adventurers, Frank and Deirdre Noone, whose honeymoon consisted of a trek in the Himalayas. The philosophy of the centre is making fitness fun through a variety of outdoor sport and adventure activites. Try up to two or three activities each day from a wide range including sea kayaking, waterskiing, and sailing. And for land lubbers there is abseiling, archery, orienteering, tennis, and pony trekking. Or why not head out into the beautiful landscape of Connemara on an exciting expedition, trekking on foot through forests and crossing streams and rope bridges, abseiling and horseback riding? The scenery of the Delphi Valley near Lcenane is a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor pursuits. "There is an educational aspect at Delphi that teaches people about fitness in a fun way," says Pat Shaughnessy of the centre. Supcrfitness is not a requirement, just a sense of fun and a minimum level

of fitness, and you choose you own sporting agenda and pace the day as you wish. And group activities at Delphi are a great way to meet people and share experiences. Delphi's sister act is Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa, which was awarded spa resort of the year by the industry in 2001. According to Shaugnessy. the ethos is a holistic and fun approach to fitness. You can combine fitness activities, mind-body exercises, and treatments to create your own programme, under the guidance of two full time fitness instructors. An average day might consist of walking or cycling in the morning, yoga or tai-chi in the afternoon, and a treatment, such as massage or body wrap, to finish off the day. "Many people are now crossing over between the adventure centre and the health spa." says Shaughnessy. "There is a move towards mind-body activities, though many people combine them with fitness elements." For those seeking a health boost, rejuvination. and a wilderness escape, the spa is a perfect retreat. Organic food will also help detox the body, as will the sauna and steam room. An impressive list of alternative therapies includes Indian head massage, reflexology, hydrotherapy, and Thalgo seaweed baths. Killary Adventure Centre can be contacted on 095 42276 or visit www.killaryadventure.com Delphi Adventure Holidays can be contacted on 095 42307/42232. visit the
website at www.dc4phiadwKiircrK*daysJe