Outdoor festive fun: 20 of the best action-packed events this Christmas

Large gatherings, indulgent feasts and lively sessions in the pub are off the cards this Christmas so it’s time, once again, to turn our attention to more Covid-friendly activities outdoors. Christmas 2021 is going to be all about the fresh air.

However, this can be easier said than done. Motivating yourself to head outside on a cold December day is tough at the best of times. If you need a little extra push to get you out the door then signing up for an organised event can make all the difference. Once you have paid your entry and roped in a couple of friends or family to join you, the indecision melts away.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of fun-filled events to ensure you get your outdoor fix over the festive season. From fun-runs to walking festivals and dips in the sea, there is something out there for everyone.

Two Rock guided hike and sauna trips
Co Wicklow; dates available on request; €50 per person; tworockoutdoor.ie
Two Rock Outdoor is offering a fun and unique day out with a group of friends or family. You will be picked up from anywhere in the Wicklow area and transported into the hills where you will enjoy a guided hike tailored to your group's ability (it can be as gentle or as taxing as you like). This will then be followed by a dip in the icy Avonbeg river, with a sauna on site to warm you back up. These guided hikes are private and need a minimum of four people to run, so start rounding up your pals.

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Winterval
Co Waterford; Monday-Sunday until December 23rd; winterval.ie
Waterford city has been transformed into Ireland's Christmas capital offering an abundance of events (both free and paid) throughout December. There will be live performances, a Christmas market, Ferris wheel, cultural quarter and lots more. Winterval's 2021 theme of Celebrate Together marks the gathering of families and communities who have been separated during the pandemic.

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Until January 9th (closed December 24th, 25th, 26th); children over three €18, adults €22, students/senior €19, carers free; dublinzoo.ie
Wild Lights has returned to Dublin Zoo this winter. Guests will follow a one-way trail around the zoo where you will be treated to some of the most famous global landmarks and iconic symbols in dazzling lights. There's more than 1,000 illuminated lanterns to enjoy on this magical adventure. This event is always a hit with all ages. Advance booking is essential.

Wonderlights: Castle of Light
Co Dublin; until January 2nd (closed December 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st); children from €16.50, adults from €19.50, students/seniors from €16.50; wonderlights.ie
Castle of Light brings Malahide Castle and Gardens alive this December with lighting displays and immersive projections. The display will combine a mix of lights, colour, nature and soothing sounds. The 1.8km walk around the castle is perfect for all ages and is buggy- and wheelchair-friendly. Tickets for this evening experience must be purchased in advance.

Full Moon Walk
Co Dublin; December 18th; €25 per person; hilltoptreks.com
Kicking off at 6pm from Brady's pub in Shankill, this event offers you the opportunity to see the beautiful landscape of the Dublin Mountains under the light of the moon. The walk will follow the Dublin Mountain trail towards Rathmichael and Carrickgollogan Hill, where you'll be treated to stunning views across the Dublin/Wicklow coastline. The walk will take 2-3 hours and is suitable for anyone with a base level of fitness.

Dip and Sip
Killiney Beach, Co Dublin; December 19th; instagram.com
One of the biggest trends to emerge from the pandemic is sea swimming. And with good reason as it delivers a giant hit of endorphins and the excuse to treat yourself to a coffee and a pastry afterwards. While many have found their swimming gang, some are still trying to find a group of like-minded souls to join. Dip and Sip is an initiative set up by Ripple Effect Ireland to do just that. On December 19th, it will host its Christmas meet-up which will involve mulled wine and mince pies after a dip in the sea. It's a great way to meet people who share your love of the cold water.

The Goal Mile
Nationwide; various dates in December; goalglobal.org
The Goal Mile is held throughout December in villages, towns and cities across Ireland and virtually across the world. The event sees tens of thousands of people run or walk a mile to raise funds for the charity. It has become an annual tradition for many as it was previously held on Christmas Day. Now it is held on various dates in December across the country and is organised by a large network of individuals and community organisers.

Winter Solstice Swim
Nationwide; December 23rd
While this isn't an official event it's a good excuse to round up a few friends or family members and head for your local swimming spot at sunrise. You will find groups congregating up and down the country as they celebrate the shortest day of the year. It's particularly special on a clear day as you will be treated to a spectacular sunrise.

Christmas Day Swim
Nationwide; Christmas Day
The Christmas Day swim is an obligatory activity for many families across the country. If you haven't tried it, we highly recommend it. Certain spots across the country will attract thousands of people eager to throw themselves into the frigid waters of the wild Atlantic or Irish Sea. The Forty Foot in Dublin is arguably one of the most popular spots for the Christmas Day swim, with people queueing to get in the water. However, there are similar swims taking place across the country.

Other popular spots include: Bundoran, Co Donegal; Bray, Co Wicklow; Carlingford, Co Louth; Clontarf, Co Dublin; Derrynane and Fenit, Co Kerry; Salthill, Co Galway; Guillamene, Co Waterford; Rosses Point, Co Sligo; Myrtleville, Co Cork; Greystones, Co Wicklow; Skerries, Co Dublin; Rosslare, Co Wexford.

Fields of Athenry 10km
Co Galway; St Stephen's Day; entries close December 23rd; runireland.com
The Fields of Athenry 10km is always a fun-filled event on the running calendar. Hosted on St Stephen's Day, it's a great way to get out and clear the head after Christmas. The event always attracts a good crowd with a mix of competitive runners and those just looking to complete the course. Everyone who enters will receive a woolly hat.

Djouce Remembrance Race
Co Wicklow; December 27th; €7 for seniors,€5 for over-65s and under-18s; imra.ie
Organised by the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA), this is a good one for those with a good base level of fitness. The 8km course will be far from flat and you'll be expected to take on a few challenging sections. IMRA events are always well organised and attract a very friendly bunch of competitors, so it's guaranteed to be a great morning in the hills.

Fat Turkey Run
Co Dublin; December 27th; €25 (+reg fee); runireland.com
Runners and joggers, fast and slow, are welcome at the annual Fat Turkey Run in Sutton, Co Dublin. The route is a challenging one though, and will bring you all the way from Sutton Rugby Club right up to the Summit Shop on Howth Head. Thankfully, it's all downhill on the way back. The event was set up to raise funds for Sutton Rugby Club and the IRFU Charitable Trust which provides support for injured rugby players. You can enter up until 10.30am on the day of the race.

The Croghan Chase
Co Wexford; December 27th; runningcalendar.ie
Taking place in Coolgreany, Co Wexford, the Croghan Chase offers both 4km and 8km route options. The event is chip timed and there are bespoke finishers' medals and post-race refreshments on offer. This event will suit all levels of runners from those looking to really push themselves to those who are hoping to run/walk around the shorter course option.

Revive Renew End of Year Hike
Co Wicklow; December 31st; €17.50; eventbrite.ie
This group has been running since 2019 and welcomes walkers with very little hiking experience. The aim of the group is to give you confidence in the hills while connecting you with new people with similar interests. The end-of-year hike will start in Crone Woods (next to Powerscourt Estate) at 9.15am and will take 1.5-2 hours. The cost includes the guided hike, breakfast and lunch.

Welcome the New Year at Sunrise
Nationwide; New Year's Day
With New Year's Eve parties looking set to be more sedate affairs than previous years, it's a good opportunity to take advantage of your clear head on New Year's Day. Nothing will set the tone quite as well for the year ahead than watching the sun rise from the top of a mountain or hill. The sun is scheduled to rise at 08.40am on New Year's day in Dublin, which gives you plenty of time to stroll to the top of Ticknock or the Lead Mines. Both will offer a spectacular view right across Dublin Bay. One thing to note is that you will be walking in low light so be sure to choose a route that is well marked and that you are familiar with. Bring appropriate kit with you – plenty of warm clothes, a fully-charged mobile phone, a head torch and of course a thermos of tea and some snacks.

Running workshop with Catherina McKiernan
Co Dublin; New Year's Day; €95; eventbrite.ie
If becoming a better runner is on your list of resolutions for 2022 then this is the perfect way to kick-start your year. Olympic runner Catherina McKiernan is hosting a workshop to help you to improve your running technique and mindset. The day will kick off with a video analysis with individual recommendations. This will be followed by training drills, a Q&A session and an easy and relaxed run with McKiernan. The day focuses on the principles of Chi running where runners are taught to combine the Tai Chi principles of focus and flow with the power and energy of running. It's thought that this approach to running reduces stress on the body which in turn leads to fewer injuries.

The Fuller Walk Challenge
Co Dublin; New Year's Day; register at challengemedublin@gmail.com
Kicking off in Clontarf, this is the perfect event for Dublin-based folks looking to challenge themselves on New Year's Day. Participants can choose to walk a distance of 26.2km (Clontarf-Howth-Malahide) or 16km (Clontarf-Sutton-Malahide). Both walks will start at 08.30am and will have feed stations along the way. This new charity event was set up to celebrate Rory Fuller who passed away 10 years ago from melanoma at the age of 30. The team behind the walk are hoping to raise €100,000 for youth mental health charity, A Lust for Life, and Bumbleance, which provides safe and comfortable transportation for Ireland's youngest patients as they travel between their homes and hospitals, hospices, treatment centres, and respite centres nationwide.

Ferrycarrig 5 Mile
Co Wexford; January 3rd; early bird entries cost €17.50 up until midnight on December 25th; the price will then increase to €20; entries on the day will cost €25; popupraces.ie
This five-mile road-running race is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and welcomes runners of all abilities. The course is a looped route starting and finishing in Wexford Football Club. The event is chip-timed and is offering cash prizes to the winners. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

The Art O'Neill Challenge
Co Dublin; January 21st; sold out; artoneill.ie
The annual Art O'Neill Challenge is a must-do event for any hardy souls out there. Taking place on January 21st, ultra-runners, hikers and hybrids (those who combine running and walking) will gather in the grounds of Dublin Castle at midnight to start this iconic race. From there, participants will follow in the footsteps of Art O'Neill and Red Hugh McDonnell's infamous escape route back in 1592. The 55km route winds its way out to Kippure by road, where it then heads into the forests and across the peaks of Wicklow before finishing the following day at Glenmalure. This event is sold out for 2022 so be sure to follow the Art O'Neill social media channels in order to register for the 2023 event.

Heather Snelgar edits outsider.ie, Ireland's outdoor and adventure website