5 Activities for the Autumn Winter Months

As the season change and the evenings get shorter, we look at 5 autumn and winter friendly activities you can try out this season no matter then weather. Climbing, wakeboarding, skiing, biking and surfing.

1. Gravity Climbing Centre is a state of the art climbing facility in Dublin which offers amazing indoor bouldering. It's the perfect activity for the winter months, you can pop in after work any evening as they're open until 10pm. So for rainy day activity it's our number 1. If you're a complete beginner they provide lessons and equipment to get you started.

2. Did you know Ireland has a ski slope? The Ski Club of Ireland is based in Kilternan, Dublin, where it operates the National Snowsports Centre for Ireland. The slope is perfect to keep your skills in check between holidays or just fancy learning a new skill - book into a group beginner lesson and skis, poles, snowboard, and boots are provided. There are three different slopes. The main slope is 180m long and the intermediate slope is 150m long.  Both of these are covered with Dendix, a special bristle surface designed for ski slopes. The two introductory slopes are covered with a soft springier Snowflex and feature Travelator lifts.

3. Biking trails remain open for winter month, they may be icy, they may be muddy but they're open. On the plus side, trails on colder days can mean fewer people and more chance to improve. Once you accept that you are going to get muddy, you're set! Biking.ie have two locations on the east coast of Ireland, Ticknock in Dublin and Ballinastoe in County Wicklow.

4. Surfing in the depths of winter might not sound as exciting as surfing in the summer sunshine, but winter can mean better waves and more consistent swell. So grab a good 5mm wetsuit, booties, hood, and gloves and get out there this winter. 

"Don't be put off by the cold. I love heading to Sligo and Donegal in particular during the winter for surf trips. Rossnowlagh and Tullan Strand, or Streedagh in Sligo are often great options depending on swell direction. If you're trying surfing for the first time I'd recommend lessons, there are surf schools all over the country; I've been surfing with Bundoran Surf Co. in Donegal, and Sligo Surf Experience," says Girl Outdoor Editor Fiona.

5. Wakedock is based in Dublin Grand Canal Dock, it's Irelands first cable wakeboard park and they offer cable wakeboarding for both beginners and more advanced riders. We've been a couple of times and it's so much fun no matter what your level. Now they don't run all winter long so get there while you can!