Whether you’re attempting Dry January, indulging your “new year, new me” vibes or just feeling a bit crap after all the Christmas indulgence, getting out into the fresh air is key.
Here are some ideas on how to mind your mind during this tough month with some outdoorsy weekend plans. Just wrap up warm!
Sweat it out
This hidden gem in Co Meath is just dreamy, whatever the weather. Located by the beautiful Bective Abbey, The Hot Box is a wood-fired sauna and hot tub, overlooking the River Boyne. Brave a dip in the river, which is especially magical at sunrise, with fairy lights twinkling overhead, followed by a steam and finish up by chilling in the tub.
As well as feeling totally invigorated, there are loads of health benefits from using saunas, from mental health and alleviated stress to pain relief. thehotboxsauna.ie
On your bike!
One of my favourite days out last year was cycling the Waterford Greenway – if you haven’t done it yet, add it to your list for this month! I rented an e-bike from Bike & Hike Adventures (a total gamechanger) and set out from Dungarvan to Kilmacthomas. The route was well mapped out, and the scenery was mind-blowing. Plus I brought a picnic from local restaurant The Tannery to enjoy mid-way!
There are loads of similar cycle routes across the country; The Great Western Greenway, Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains or Rosslare to Kilmore Quay to name but a few.
Sail away
Breath in the sea air and take in the beautiful surroundings with this unique experience… guaranteed to blow off the cobwebs of 2021! I adored every minute of sailing aboard the Brian Ború last year with Dublin Bay Sails, which took our group around Dublin Bay, as we learned the ropes (literally). Chicken soup for the soul! Find out more on dublinundersail.com.
Just keep swimming!
The days are shorter at this time of year, yes, and the early dark evenings can be a bummer. But, it also means a late sunrise, so you can watch the sun come up without setting your alarm for stupid o’clock! Invest in a swimsuit you feel good in (Helen Steele has gorgeous options in Dunnes right now, fyi) and a Dry Robe, and take the plunge!
From Vico in Dublin to Salthill in Galway, now might be the time to start your sea swimming habit.
Take a hike
Ireland is spoiled for choice with hikes that reward you with out-of-this-world views at the top. Roz Purcell’s free online community The Hike Life is an incredible resource of information and inspiration, whether you’re thinking of tackling Carrauntoohil in Kerry or the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. thehike.life