Compiled by
FRANCIS BRADLEY
Liffey descentThe Great Outdoors Liffey Descent takes place today starting out from the K Club above Straffan Weir at 12 noon with the fastest contestant finishing three hours later. The best viewing spots are Straffan Bridge, Palmerstown Weir and Islandbridge.
Rut watchWicklow's large population of wild deer are particularly impressive in autumn when they can be seen rutting. National park staff will have telescopes set up on the Spinc walking trail, Glendalough, between 11am and 4pm next Saturday, October 15th. All are welcome to view the deer through the telescopes and talk with park staff. The Spinc trail takes three hours and participants will not be escorted. Hiking boots, rain gear and binoculars are recommended. The event is free of charge and booking is not necessary. For details, tel: 0404-45656 (Mon-Fri) or 0404-45425 (weekends).
GlentathlonThe inaugural Glentathlon adventure race will take place in the Glens of Antrim on Saturday, October 22nd. Run on similar lines to GaelForce West and Wicklow WAR, the race will take in cycling, mountain running and trail running. There will be two courses starting and finishing in Glenravel – the Max at 65km (£55/€64) and the Warrior at 35km (£45/€52). Proceeds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. For details, see glentathlon.co.uk or e-mail glentathlon@gmail.com
SeakayakingThe Great Outdoors in conjunction with Shearwater Seakayaking are hosting an ICU-approved, introductory seakayaking navigation course on consecutive Tuesday evenings, October 11th and 18th. The six-hour course costs €80 and starts at 6.30pm in the Great Outdoors Watersports Department, St John's Place, Dublin 2. For details, tel: 01-6794293 or see greatoutdoors.ie.
Whale watchingThe Irish Whale and Dolphin Group's autumn/winter whale-watching weekends will take place on October 28th-30th and November 25th-27th. Based at the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery, Co Cork, the cost is €90 which includes a year's membership to IWDG but does not include the hotel package and boat. Bookings/enquiries at padraig.whooley@iwdg.ie.