Latest news with #outdoors
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
Why there's so much more to Ireland than golf
Ireland is rightly known for its superb golf courses – it has world-famous names located in every corner of the country and the 153rd Open is being hosted at Royal Portrush. But what if playing 18 holes just isn't your bag? Put simply, that isn't a problem. There's a lot more to discover here, from mountainous offshore islands criss-crossed with hiking trails to whisky trails and fine dining on the island's seemingly inexhaustible larder of premium ingredients. Explore the Wild Atlantic Way Want to enjoy the great outdoors? With its lofty sea cliffs, pristine beaches and rugged mountainscape, Achill Island is an enticing place to visit, just offshore from County Mayo, and can easily be reached via a road bridge. And it's easy to get to this part of Ireland from Great Britain too, with a range of flights available into Ireland West Airport Knock, Donegal and Derry (as well as the multiple daily connections to Belfast and Dublin. Hillwalkers will be thrilled by the landmarks they find here. There are some major peaks to summit, including 2,200ft Slievemore and 2,190ft Croaghaun, the latter famous for its steep north-eastern face, which plunges dramatically down into the Atlantic swell. These are challenging routes, taking around three to four hours to climb up and return back down; for something less strenuous head up to Minaun Heights, at 1,530ft it offers panoramic views across the island and over the sweep of Keel Beach and can be reached via car and then a short, steep 15-minute walk up to the top. Keel Beach is perhaps the island's most famous, and is a glorious place for a swim or to explore in a sea kayak. This is also one of Ireland's best places to learn to surf, with beginner-friendly waves and a range of surf schools offering lessons. Alternatively, head to Keel Lake, just inland of the beach, where the calm, shallow waters are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, as well as trying your hand at kitesurfing or windsurfing. After all that activity you'll be ready to relax, perhaps on one of the island's five Blue Flag beaches. Head to Dugort village and you can soak up the sun on Achill's twin beaches of Silver Strand and Golden Strand; you can even kayak between the two, passing seal colonies and seabirds. As night falls, head to the pub for an evening of hearty food and Irish craic. Try Lynott's Pub in Cashel, a village on the east side of Achill Island, for a quintessential Irish experience, with a traditional-cut stone-wall interior, plenty of lively debate and regular live music sessions. In Keel, head to The Annexe Inn for a proper pint of Guinness and nightly traditional music sessions. Tory Island and Slieve League Alternatively, sail out to Tory Island in Donegal instead. This is a vibrant Gaeltacht (Gaelic-speaking) community nine miles off the north coast and surrounded by the tempestuous Atlantic. It's a wildly beautiful place where you can visit Iron Age forts and medieval round towers, spot puffins and join traditional céilís – sure to see you twirled around the dance floor by an islander or two. Also in Donegal are the soaring sea cliffs of Slieve League, some of the highest in Europe and rising to 1,960ft above the Atlantic. You'll start at the Cultural Centre, where you can board a shuttle bus to the cliffs themselves; here you'll find numerous designated viewpoints as well as the stomach-knotting One Man's Pass trail, which leads brave hikers up to the highest part of the cliffs. Whether you brave the pass or not, you'll take in spectacular views of Donegal Bay, as well as the Giant's Desk and Chair rock formation at the base of the cliffs. The Causeway Coastal Route This coastal driving route loops around the coast of Northern Ireland, taking in striking sea views and some of the country's most famous sites. The Giant's Causeway is truly unmissable and best visited first thing, when you can spring across its incredible basalt columns in the early morning calm. Continue afterwards to tumbledown Dunluce Castle, an atmospheric medieval ruin atop the cliffs, then on to the Old Bushmill's Distillery. This is the world's oldest licensed distillery and offers tours that uncover the ancient whiskey-making process, taking you through from mash tun to pot still to whiskey barrel. Bushmill's is part of the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail; pick up a Distillery Passport here and see how many you can tick off on your adventures. There are 13 in total, from the Titanic Distillers in Belfast to the Wild Atlantic Distillery on Northern Ireland 's north-west coast. Incredible coastal scenery The coastline of Donegal, in Ireland's north-west, is a windswept wonderland of towering sea cliffs, pristine white-sand beaches and crashing Atlantic waves. Here you can take to the saddle for a thrilling horse ride along two kilometres of sandy beach at Tullan Strand, or head out on a sea safari by Rib with True North Boating, getting up close to marine life such as bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks, minke whales and grey seals. The highlight just might be Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point and a glorious place for a coastal hike. Located at the far end of the Inishowen Peninsula, this is a fantastic place for spotting seabirds (look out for peregrine falcon, barnacle geese and the rare corncrake) and come nightfall, one of Ireland's most likely locations for the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, to appear, lighting up the inky night sky with undulating waves of neon pink and brightest lime. Further south, in County Sligo, there's yet more dramatic coastal scenery to explore. Make time for Benbulben, a steep-sided, flat-topped mountain that can be climbed in around four hours, as well as a detoxifying soak at Kilcullen Seaweed Baths, where you can climb into its restorative warm seawater amid harvested seaweed and bathe overlooking the dunes of Enniscrone Beach. Gazing up at the stars County Mayo is one of the more beautiful and undiscovered parts of Ireland, and after sunset you'll find it cloaked in the very darkest of night skies. Stargazing here is unforgettable, and is at its best in the Mayo Dark Sky Park, a protected area of Atlantic blanket bog, mountains and forest that is Ireland's first International Dark Sky Park. There are three signature viewing sites; the darkest is at Brogan Carroll Bothy, around 20 kilometres north of Newport town, which offers a range of walking loops from the Letterkeen trailhead car park. Lace up your boots for a post-sunset hike here and prepare to be amazed by the incredible constellations stretching across the sky overhead. Golf offers and packages For island of Ireland golf offers and packages visit our partners at: Golf Escapes, Golf Escapes – Northern Ireland, Your Golf Travel, Golfbreaks & Golfbreaks – Northern Ireland
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Only 1 in 5 spot all the differences in this tricky summer themed brainteaser in under 60 seconds – can you?
TEST your vision to the max with this tricky summer brainteaser. Everyone can see the BBQ but you have the eyes of a hawk if you can spot the seven differences between the two scenes in under 60 seconds. 3 3 With temperatures set to soar to a sizzling 33 degrees today many of us are likely spending as much time as possible outside. And if you're looking for something to keep you occupied whilst you soak up the sun in the garden, this brainteaser is a great way to test your IQ. Whether you're trying to improve your sight, or test your IQ, this puzzle will prove a challenge to many readers. Put your observation skills to the test and figure out whether you have what it takes to spot the seven differences in just a few seconds. Make sure to set your stopwatch before undertaking this challenge, to make it extra hard for yourself. If you can do it in under 60 seconds, you are said to have 20/20 vision. At first glance, it looks like these two images, provided by look like they are exactly the same. However, most eagle-eyed readers will immediately be able to spot that this is not the case. This brainteaser works by tricking your eyes into thinking that both images are identical. But rest assured, there are seven tiny differences between the two images. Everyone can see the letter B but only those with a high IQ can spot the number 8 in a few seconds Unless you're lucky enough to find the seven differences immediately, we recommend analysing the image very closely to spot the answers. The visual deception of this image will have you peeling your eyes, but the payoff is worth it. If you need a hint, we recommend first focusing on the top half of the image. The first difference can be found within the bright blue sky. How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. Another tricky brainteaser challenges readers to find the image of Elon Musk that is different to the rest in under 15 seconds. And if you're looking for more of a challenge, this mind boggling illusion tasks readers to locate the hidden zero among the sea of sixes. If that's not hard enough, try searching for the three tiny differences between these two images of a man fishing. Finally, only those with a high IQ will be able to spot the odd one out in under 30 seconds in this horse-themed puzzle. Coming back to our challenge, were you able to spot the seven differences in under 60 seconds? For those struggling, we have marked out the answer for you. 3
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Times
Ten city parks perfect for lunch in the sun – and where to grab a sandwich nearby
It's not an illusion – the Irish sun has actually emerged from its hiding place and looks set to linger, at least for a few days. We're obviously jealous of any lucky individual who managed to time their holidays for this golden week, but we're doing our best to hide it by spending as much time outdoors as possible. And how better to achieve our goal during office hours than by taking our lunch to the park? Follow our simple guide on how and where you can do the same, whether you work from home or elsewhere. St Stephen's Green , located in the middle of Dublin's oldest and largest square and beloved of city centre workers, is the ideal spot if you want to escape the hustle and bustle for lunch in Dublin 2. Nearby Umi Falafel is great for a flavoursome filled pitta or wrap, offering delicious falafel, grilled halloumi or cauliflower fritters paired with fresh vegetables. The Middle-Eastern style restaurant offers a 100 per cent vegetarian menu across its city centre network, with the closest outlet to St Stephen's Green located in George's Street Arcade, a nine-minute walk from the park. READ MORE Little Geno's , located on St Stephen's Green itself, is the brainchild of chef Scott Holder and takes inspiration from New York-style local delis and bodegas. A variety of bread types and fillings are on offer with, breakfast and lunch options. More accessible to those working in the Georgian Quarter, Merrion Square Park is another Dublin 2 option. A prime lunch location close to the park is The Pig and Heifer on Pearse Street, only an 11-minute walk away. The New York-style spot offers a range of bagels and sandwiches with a large selection of meats, cheeses and extras. Perhaps unexpectedly given its carnivorous name, The Pig and Heifer also offers vegetarian and vegan options. The generous portion sizes will certainly leave you feeling full. And Tang on nearby Cumberland Place, with other locations on Dawson Street and Abbey Street, offers imaginative flatbreads and salads during the day. Dublin's Phoenix Park: perfect for a lunch al fresco. Photograph: Alan Betson The Phoenix Park on the edge of Dublin city centre is perfect for a lunch al fresco as opposed to al desko if you live or work closer to Dublin 8. The Boathouse cafe is a super spot for your midday munch. Located close to Farmleigh House and Estate, the cafe overlooks a scenic lake. It offersa wide variety of gourmet wraps, toasties and sandwiches. Eat in or take your lunch away. St Anne's Park: lovely place to go for a leisurely walk. Photograph: Alan Betson St Anne's Park , located in the suburbs of Clontarf and Raheny in Dublin's north side, is a lovely place to go for a leisurely walk if you live or work nearby. Olive's Room, in the Red Stables , is a great cafe for some post-walk energy in sandwich form, with cheese and ham toasties, beetroot, avocado and broccoli wraps and roast beef sandwiches on the menu. Takeaways are available. On Saturdays, the park's food market offers everything from paella to hot dogs and pizza to Korean fare. Herbert Park, Ballsbridge: hosts a food market every Sunday. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien H erbert Park , in the heart of Dublin 4, hosts a food market run by Spillane Markets every Sunday from 11am to 4pm. With options from more than 40 stalls, you won't be stuck for lunch choices – there will be falafel, crepes, pasta, kebabs, cupcakes, ice cream and much more. If you're seeking sustenance on a sunny weekday, try Lolly and Cooks, which makes all its own savouries and cakes. The National Botanic Gardens: a gorgeous backdrop for lunch at any time of year. Photograph: Alan Betson The Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin 9, offers a gorgeous backdrop for lunch at any time of year. McMahon's, a small cafe just a two-minute walk away on Botanic Avenue, will be able to cure your lunchtime hunger with an array of hot and cold sandwiches, bagels and sweet treats to eat in or take away. You could also grab a bite at the cafe located within the historic gardens themselves. M arlay Park in Rathfarnham in south Dublin also has a cafe within its grounds, with Boland's offering a variety of sandwiches, pastries just 20 metres behind Marlay House and at the entry point to the beautiful Regency Walled Gardens. People's Park, Limerick: features colourful flowers and historical landmarks. Photograph: Getty Images In Limerick city, People's Park , located by Pery Square, spans across 45 acres and boasts mature trees, colourful flowers and historical landmarks. Located just a four-minute walk away, Rift Coffee on Upper Mallow Street offers toasted sourdough with an array of toppings, Italian sub rolls, sandwiches and baps. Perfect for a quick escape from the desk. Palm House in Botanic Gardens, Belfast: beautiful place for a stroll. Photograph: iStock/Getty Images Belfast's Botanic Gardens , close to Queen's University, has many nearby lunch options on Botanic Avenue on one side, with Stran-wiches on Stranmillis Road (geddit?) just a seven minutes' walk away on the other side. The sandwich shop's menu changes every month. In Cork, Fitzgerald's Park is close to Cork City and University College Cork. Cafe Atrium, located only a five-minute walk away from the park on Mardyke Walk, has a wide range of bagels, rolls, wraps and toasties that can be enjoyed at one of the park's picnic areas. Galway's Eyre Square , in the heart of the city, provides the perfect spot to get a break away from the office. Scón, just a three-minute walk away, has an array of sandwiches or as it calls them - Scónbos, with fillings of beef brisket, pulled pork, pesto and mozzarella or smoked salmon and much more to choose from. Just remember, we take no responsibility for hungry seagulls who might decide they need your sandwich more than you do!
The Guardian
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Experience: I've walked across three countries in a straight line
Growing up, I loved the outdoors. I gallivanted through the Staffordshire countryside with my stepbrother, Greg. We used to pick a point in the distance and create 'missions' to walk towards it. It was a mischievous challenge that saw us hopping fences, wading through rivers and sneaking around farmers. I was also obsessed with maps, and even read the Birmingham A-Z for fun. When Google Earth came out in 2005, I spent hours studying satellite images. As I got older, countryside adventures became rarer. In 2018, I was working as a van driver but made videos about geography and map-based games in my spare time. I found myself craving a challenge. I thought back to my hedge-hopping days. What if, instead of walking across a few fields, I could cross the width of a whole country – and in a perfectly straight line? I had no idea if it was possible, but using mapping software, I plotted a line across Wales from the English border to the west coast. Following a straight line might sound – literally – straightforward; the reality is anything but. Plot the wrong course, and you'll end up reaching rows of houses that are impossible to pass. You're forced to shimmy or climb over every obstacle. Trips would take multiple days, so I would carry food and toilet roll in my backpack and a tent to camp in at night. I would have to eat, sleep and 'use the toilet' without leaving the line. And even if I managed to navigate all these, there was still a risk being thrown off private farmland. My parents and my girlfriend, Verity, were sceptical and also concerned for my safety. They may have had a point. I didn't train for my first attempt, in early 2019. I got stuck on a mountain with no signal, darkness falling and hypothermia setting in. I had to abort the mission. Nonetheless, when I posted the footage online, I was blown away by the response. Viewers loved the silliness and originality of the concept, and recognised my joy as I scrambled over barbed wire, across rivers and through fields of startled sheep. I'd failed but knew I had to keep trying. After another failed Wales attempt in 2020, I decided to try Norway. The north of the country is less than 30km wide, with few farms and a right to roam – so no risk of angry farmers. But the landscape was alien to me. On one occasion, I barely escaped from a peat bog after being trapped up to my waist. Still, after two days, I finished it – crossing an entire country in a straight line for the first time. Verity was there at the finish line. It felt amazing to share the moment with her. But I couldn't stop there. After my first video, others began to try their own missions. In 2023, two straight-liners told me they planned to cross Wales. By that point, a GPS malfunction had caused my third attempt to fail; the idea of someone else doing it first was devastating. I devised a new route, prioritising mountains over farmland. It was longer, but I felt that avoiding farmers gave me the best chance of completion. I was right, and finished it in February that year, after four days. The satisfaction was incredible. Next came England, something I'd long thought was impossible. The route was more than 100km, twice the length of most of my previous walks. I travelled lighter and a crew followed me in a support van. We met whenever my line crossed a road, and I'd restock my supplies and sleep. It was my toughest challenge yet. Much of the route was forest, and on the last day I hit a sea of fallen trees. The height of the pile, and sharpness of the branches, meant a single slip could be fatal. I faced a gut-wrenching decision: abandon the mission after six days of pain or risk my life to continue. Miraculously, I found a route avoiding the worst of it and got to the end. Still, I'm glad I won't have to do it again. Since then, I've become a father, and my appetite for danger has changed. I'm incredibly thankful to my viewers, whose support has enabled me to do these challenges full-time. I'm certainly not your typical adventurer. But if I were to have any label, that's the one I'd choose – after all, isn't it every kid's dream? As told to Ed Harding Do you have an experience to share? Email experience@
Android Authority
16 hours ago
- Android Authority
Hot deals: High-capacity power banks that are still portable
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Technicalities Powkey Portable Power Station 200W Discounted with a $50 coupon The Powkey Portable Power Station 200W has long been a respected model in the world of battery packs. It came out at a time when this level of power was a bit unheard of in something so portable. Now it has some competitors, but it is still an excellent alternative for those who want a high-capacity battery pack that is actually portable. It measures 7.87 x 1.81 x 5.71 inches and weighs three pounds. While pretty small, it comes with a hefty 146Wh battery capacity, which is equivalent to about 42,000mAh. For perspective, keep in mind that an average smartphone has a battery of about 5,000mAh. You get plenty of options with this one, too. For starters, it has two AC outlets, which is already rare for something this small. There are also four USB-A outlets, a 12V port, and a 15V input. This means you can recharge it using solar panels! It has a 200W max output, but that can mainly be achieved using the AC outlets. Anker 548 Power Bank Discount only for Prime members If you need an upgrade and don't mind carrying something a bit bigger, the Anker 548 Power Bank is a really nice camping companion. It measures 4.59 x 4.59 x 8.17 inches and weighs in at 5.1 pounds. That said, it does feature a larger 60,000mAh battery capacity, and it has some extras many of you will love. For starters, it has a retractable light on top, which you can use to add ambient lighting to dark places. It only has two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. One of the USB-C ports can output 60W, while the other is limited to 27W. The USB-A connections can reach 18W. Additionally, it has a solar panel input. GRECELL T300 Portable Power Station GRECELL T300 Portable Power Station GRECELL T300 Portable Power Station See price at Amazon Save $44.00 Limited Time Deal! Automatic limited time deal Now, if you need some more power, this is my favorite power station that is still easy to carry around. It has a much larger 230.88Wh battery capacity, which is enough to fully charge an average smartphone about 25 times. It can do much more than juice your phone up, though. The GRECELL T300 has a 330W stable output, with support for 600W surges. This means it can also power things like laptops, tablets, or even smaller appliances. Despite having so much power, it is still pretty portable at 9.61 x 6.72 x 6.97 inches and 7.3 pounds. Port availability is pretty nice, too. It has an AC outlet, which is the one that can handle those higher wattages. Additionally, there are two USB-C outlets with a 60W output, and there are also a couple of 18W USB-A connections. Additionally, you can take advantage of a car socket output. This one also has a light, and I would argue it's a more helpful one, as it is more like an actual flashlight, as opposed to a lamp-style general light. And like the other options, it also supports solar panel input. Catch these deals while you can! While not the most exciting, these middle-ground batteries are the most helpful. I have plenty of batteries I test for content here at Android Authority, and the GRECELL T300 is the one I use the most.
