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Outdoor Recreation

SSRP is committed to encouraging and supporting the use of the outdoors for sports and recreation. We work with sports clubs, schools, community organisations, agencies and NGBs to support a number of outdoor activities throughout County Sligo.

In 2024 SSRP were selected to participate in a 3-year pilot which will see an Outdoor Recreation Officer employed in the county funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. They work in collaboration with the local authority, local development companies, state agencies and other key stakeholders to support a more coordinated, cohesive approach to outdoor recreation at county level.

Our Outdoor Recreation initiatives include:

Outdoor Recreation Officer and Plan

Background of Outdoor Recreation Officer

In November 2022, the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) launched Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, National Outdoor Recreation Strategy (2023-2027). The Strategy provides opportunities to bring a more joined up approach to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure at both national and local level. This will mainly be achieved through collaboration and engagement of outdoor recreation stakeholders at a range of levels both national and local.
To support the progression of the objectives and actions outlined in the Strategy, the Department provided funding, to pilot the employment of Outdoor Recreation Officers in six counties that would be employed by the Local Sports Partnerships for 3 years.

The Outdoor Recreation Officer will work in collaboration with the local authority, local development companies, state agencies and other key stakeholders to support a more coordinated, cohesive approach to outdoor recreation at county level.
They will coordinate the development and delivery of the County Outdoor Recreation Plan to support the sustainable development of outdoor recreation in their county.
The position will aim to support and increase the number of people active in the outdoors while ensuring that best practice is implemented.

The pilot process is intended to ‘prove the concept’ in advance of possible further rollout.

Planning for the Future of Outdoor Recreation in Sligo

The establishment of a County Project Team has taken place, this team will provides oversight and governance for the work carried out. Members of the Sligo Project Team include; Sligo County Council, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, Sligo Leader Partnership, Coillte, Failte Ireland and a National Governing Body representative.

Having a county outdoor recreation plan will support a joined-up and cohesive approach to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure at county level which will further align with the commitments identified in the National Strategy. Once the priorities for the Sligo plan are established and agreed, spending can be channeled accordingly.

At this stage, there are three key tasks to be undertaken:

Engage in a process of consultation resulting in the development of a County Outdoor Recreation Plan for Sligo.
Establish a County Outdoor Recreation Committee who will oversee the implementation of Sligo’s plan, and
Establish a broader Stakeholder Forum, that will meet twice yearly to be updated on the progress with the plan and play a role in contributing to its progression.

Next Steps – Consultation

The consultation is now happening in Sligo and is being led by Outscape consultants along with the Sligo Outdoor Recreation Officer with oversight from the project team. Over the coming months, the consultation process will endeavour to reach out and communicate with all those involved in outdoor recreation. This will include relevant groups, clubs, agencies, individuals, landowners and relevant service providers at a range of levels.

Have your Say

To inform the priorities for the plan, we encourage people to get involved over the coming months. You can do so by attending the upcoming public consultation sessions or complete the online survey which will be published in due course. More information will follow once the details are finalised.
Engaging in this process will ensure that the future Sligo Outdoor Recreation Plan has integrity and every chance of success.

If you have a keen interest in outdoor recreation and have some thoughts on what the priorities for the Sligo plan might be, would like further information or have any questions please contact:

Trish Kane, Outdoor Recreation Officer,

Tel: 071-9161511 / 086 2036313 or

Email: trish@sportandrecreation.ie

Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiative

The Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiative is a Sport Ireland project funded under Dormant Accounts with the aim of promoting greater participation in outdoor adventure sports in the urban area.

It involves a collection of sports clubs, schools, community organisations, agencies and NGBs working together to create greater opportunities for people (of all abilities and backgrounds) living in urban areas to participate in physical activity through adventure sports.

In Sligo the initiative is enabled through the fantastic natural resources right on the door step of Sligo Town including for example, the Garavogue River, Lough Gill, Cairns Wood and Hazel Wood etc .

The focus for the current project is on Rowing, Kayaking, Sailing, Orienteering and Cycling.

Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiatives:

Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiatives currently supported include: Get Going – Get Rowing, Opportunities in Kayaking

To find out more contact:

Theresa Kilgannon
Email: theresa@sligosportandrecreation.ie

Walking

SSRP aims to increase awareness and encourage widespread participation in walking and in doing so we work closely with Get Ireland Walking.

We support community walking groups and walking clubs around the County. We assist with establishing walking clubs, new community walking group development while also signposting individuals to information on walking opportunities.

Walking Club Development

SSRP is committed to supporting the development of new walking clubs in County Sligo. Support and grant aid assistance may be available for the establishment of formal walking clubs which are affiliated to the National Governing Body (Mountaineering Ireland).

Club development support is provided in areas including club planning, developing club structures, recruitment and training of volunteers and walking leaders, administration and development of new opportunities for increased participation in walking.

Setting up a Community Walking Group

Community Walking Groups in County Sligo are established in community settings as opposed to formal stand alone walking club structures. Usually groups are linked to an existing community structure such as Family Resource Centre, Community Development organisation, Community Centre etc.

Generally, the Community Walking Groups focus on walks for mixed ability levels, moderate duration (one to one and half hours maximum) and on defined tracks and trails.

Get Ireland Walking is a key partner in supporting the development of Community Walking Groups which aims to support the creation of vibrant walking communities throughout Ireland. By implementing a locally based and focused programme, and working directly with communities, this initiative seeks to empower local communities to increase their physical activity – through walking.

Among the supports available is access to a walking leader who assists in planning and leading a number of introductory walks with a new group.

To find out more contact:

Theresa Kilgannon
Email: theresa@sligosportandrecreation.ie

Cycling

SSRP supports Cycling Clubs, facilitates Cycling Ireland programmes for Adults/ Children and supports national Bike Week.

Cycling Club Development

SSRP is committed to supporting the development of new cycling clubs in County Sligo. Support and grant aid assistance may be available for the establishment of cycling clubs which are affiliated to the National Governing Body (Cycling Ireland).

Club development support is provided in areas including club planning, developing club structures, recruitment and training of volunteers and coaches, administration and development of new opportunities for increased participation in cycling.

Bike For Life

SSRP supports the delivery of the Cycling Ireland Bike for Life programme. This is a beginner’s cycling programme, in which a cyclist is brought through the various skills and techniques involved in cycling over a 4 to 10 week period (length is tailored for each group).

The focus of the programme is on learning cycling skills and meeting new people, with the group cycle a key feature in the programme.

Community groups interested in hosting a Bike for Life programme: Please contact theresa@sligosportandrecreation.ie for further information.

To become a Bike for Life leader you must complete a one day Ride Leader training course. This qualifies you to facilitate led rides for groups of cyclists.

It will also allow you to run a Bike for Life programme at Level 1. The Ride Leader assessed course costs €50.

Email programmes@cyclingireland.ie for more details.

Bike Week

Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership supports Sligo County Council in facilitating National Bike Week which is held annually each year in May.

Bike Week is a cross-community effort to highlight cycling as a fun, cost effective and healthy way to travel. A number of initiatives take place annually during Bike Week which are open to all including youth cycling skills and drills, adult learn to cycle lessons, adult spins, cycle to work day, mountain biking etc.

Clubs or groups with an interest in hosting an event annual Bike Week: Please contact theresa@sligosportandrecreation.ie

Sprocket Rocket

SSRP link with Schools, After School Clubs and Community Groups to deliver the Cycling Ireland Sprocket Rocket programme for children aged 6 to 12 years.

This is a cycling skills programme where children are taught the four FUNdamental cycling skills – Balance, Braking, Cornering and Pedaling – by qualified sprocket rocket coaches. The aim is to increase the competence and confidence of riders. Sprocket Rocket is a flexible programme which can be delivered over a 4-12 week period (length is tailored for each group), with 1 hour long sessions.

Contact theresa@sligosportandrecreation.ie for upcoming dates and information on how to get involved.

Cycling Initiatives:

Cycling initiatives supported by SSRP include: Womens Tour of Lough Gill

Watersports

SSRP is committed to the development of watersports in County Sligo and to date has actively supported the establishment of Sligo Rowing Club and Sligo Kayak Club while also supporting participation initiatives in a variety of other water sports including Surfing and Sailing.

Our support for clubs include club development and programming support. Visit our club development section for further details.

Watersport Initiatives:

Watersport initiatives supported by SSRP include: Sligo Rowing Club, Sligo Kayak Club

Sligo Yacht Club in conjunction with SSRP, run a Beginner Sail Training programme for women each summer, giving the opportunity for women to learn how to sail, enjoy the club experience and meet new friends.

Open Water Swimming

Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership links with Swim Ireland to co-ordinate local open water programmes at Enniscrone, Aughris, Dorrins Strand and Streedagh with support from local community organisations including the Enniscrone and District Community Council, Strandhill Community Development Association and Dromore West Community Enhancement Committee.

Each programme is promoted locally and on Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership’s social media channels, with bookings through the Swim Ireland website at https://swimireland.justgo.com/.

Check out the range of programmes below:

Daily Dippers

Bringing community together in a relaxed, social and safe environment to enjoy a dip!

Swim Ireland with support from SSRP will provide a coach and a lifeguard for 1 hour period over 12 weeks. Dippers can join the session at any stage during the hour. After each session, the lifeguard or coach will join the dippers at a local cafe for refreshments and to answer any questions.

Dippers will be encouraged to form their own smaller groups and become regular dippers. The Daily Dippers Programme is open to all ages and abilities and is free of charge.

Beach to Buoy

Dreaming of Swimming out to that first buoy? This is the course for you. The programme is designed to improve confidence and technique in open water. Participants should be able to swim 50m, with a goal to completing 700m at the end of the programme.

This programme is 10-12 weeks and each session is 45mins.

Open Water Skills

This programme is aimed at experienced swimmers who want to improve technique, skills and stamina in open water. Participants should be able to swim 700m already with a view to building distance in a safe and encouraging environment. The programme is 10-12 weeks and each session is 45mins.

Yoga and Dip

This is a wellness and holistic programme, guided by a qualified yoga instructor for 30mins followed by a dip in the open water. Swim Ireland with support from SSRP will provide a lifeguard to ensure safety and provide tips and advice.

Intensive Open Water Week for Kids

This 5 day programme is aimed at children new to open water swimming. Through coached sessions, they will be given the tools and skills to feel safe and comfortable in open water and the confidence to learn how to swim in open water. This programme is 5 consecutive days and each is session is 45mins.

Events

Hone your skills by challenging yourself with an event at the end of the season. Follow Swim Ireland’s social media channels for information on events.

Swim Ireland’s Me and the Water

Swim Ireland’s new ‘Me and the Water App’ will provide you with all the information you need on swimming spots around the country. Find the latest local information, weather and chat with other members of the tribe.

Check out www.meandthewater.ie

Adventure Sports

SSRP is committed to the development of adventure sports in County Sligo and to date has actively supported Sligo Climbing Club through the Volunteer Support Programme while also supporting participation initiatives in a variety of other adventure sports including Archery and Orienteering.

There are a number of adventure sport clubs in Sligo including Archery, Climbing, Orienteering and Mountaineering. Check the club directory for details.

Adventure Initiatives

Orienteering with MapRun 6 App

MapRun6 is a mobile phone app available for Android and iPhones that allows you to do orienteering just using your phone. You install the App on your phone, and select a course. When you do the course the phone beeps and registers when you reach a control point. You can view the map and your current location and track on your phone, then upload your time when you complete a course. You can do the available courses at any time. There are no actual flags at the control points but the control points are defined features on the map. Sligo Town currently have four courses, two short and two medium courses.

Find out more and download MapRun at https://www.orienteering.ie/maprun/

Archery

Archery training is suitable for people of any age and ability. SSRP offer archery in the schools setting though Youth Sport West and Girls Active and in the community through Mens Sheds. Carrowmore Archers offer regular ‘Have a Go days’ for anyone looking to try out the sport.

The Sports Inclusion Disability Officer and the Carrowmore Archers Club regularly organise ‘Have a Go’ days in Archery on a monthly basis to promote the sport further and give people with a disability the chance to try out the sport of Archery to see if they would like to pursue it further.

For further information on the next Archery ‘Have a Go’ Day contact Robert Gawley on gawley71@gmail.com

Climbing

Sligo Climbing Club were involved in a Club Development Project with SSRP and Mountaineering Ireland through the Sport Ireland Dormant Accounts funded Volunteer Training and Support project 2019. Through the project the club developed clubs structure, governance, coach training and ran a number of introduction to climbing days to grow the club membership.

There is currently a strong active climbing club in Sligo, find out more on their website Facebook page.

HER Outdoors Week

HER Outdoors week aims to celebrate and encourage more females to get out and enjoy the benefits of being in the outdoors while bringing visibility to the opportunities for females to get involved in outdoor physical activity.

The first ever HER Outdoors Week was held in August 2021 and it was a huge success. With over 250 events taking place nationwide and nearly 5,000 females active across 7 days, Sport Ireland want to build on this year on year from now.

SSRP is committed to the supporting adventure sport clubs and providers in County Sligo, to create greater awareness of their sports to women and support initiatives taking place during HER Outdoors Week through a grant scheme. This is available each year and applications open in July.

HER Outdoors Week is an opportunity for ALL females to escape to the outdoors and try something new. For such a tiny island, there are so many incredible outdoor activities on offer and this should be celebrated to the fullest and Sligo has some of the best opportunities in the Country including Sailing, Climbing, Hiking, Swimming, Mountain Biking, Archery, Kayaking, Rowing, Orienteering, Surfing and many more!

Clubs / Providers interested in getting involved in #FindYourOutdoors.

contact:

Theresa Kilgannon
Email: theresa@sligosportandrecreation.ie

Find Out More

For further information on Outdoor Recreation Initiatives contact us at:

Theresa Kilgannon
Community Sports Development Officer
071 9161511
theresa@sligosportandrecreation.ie

Outdoor Recreation

Background of Outdoor Recreation Officer

Planning for the Future of Outdoor Recreation in Sligo

Next Steps – Consultation

Have your Say

Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiatives:

Walking Club Development

Setting up a Community Walking Group

Cycling Club Development

Bike For Life

Bike Week

Sprocket Rocket

Cycling Initiatives:

Watersport Initiatives:

Daily Dippers

Beach to Buoy

Open Water Skills

Yoga and Dip

Intensive Open Water Week for Kids

Events

Swim Ireland’s Me and the Water

Adventure Initiatives

Orienteering with MapRun 6 App

Archery

Climbing

Find Out More

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