Nobody’s suggesting you follow Rudolph’s example and survive on carrots this Christmas, but if you’d like to do something a bit more strenuous than simply pressing the remote and opening another tin of biscuits, check out some of the activities scheduled for Killarney this Christmas holiday:
5km Santa Fun Run December 15th
Really get the season (and your heart rate) going with a fun run around Killarney’s stunning national park. The run is designed for people of all ages and levels of fitness, so keep your competitive spirit under your Santa Hat (supplied with your timing chip) and join the fun. The race will start at 2 PM on Main Street, and registration is €15 for adults and €5 for under-18s.
Christmas Day Dip Fund-Raiser
Work up an appetite for all that turkey and pudding with a swim in one of Killarney’s beautiful lakes this Christmas morning. This will be the third year the hardy swimmers have gathered at Dundag Beach in Muckross to raise money for Aware, which works to combat depression. Enjoy hot drinks and mince pies after your dip and free parking at the Arboretum Car Park.
A sponsorship pack and free T-shirt are available from Niki on 086 160 8673.
St. Stephen’s Day Naughty or Nice Bicycle Challenge
December 26th is traditionally the day Killarney folk head up Carrauntoohill, Ireland’s highest mountain, but if you’d prefer to stick to two wheels, come to Killarney town centre at 11 AM instead. You have a choice of two cycle routes - one naughty and one nice, with all funds raised going to St. Brendan’s College development fund. Which route you choose may depend on how greedy you were the previous day!
Free Guided Walk December 27th
Walk Killarney has organised a free, guided 11km loop walk through one of Ireland’s last remaining native oak woods. You will enjoy breathtaking views of Lough Leane (lower lake) and O’Sullivans Cascade, as well as a possible glimpse of a White Tail Sea Eagle. You will find further details at Christmas in Killarney.
Tag Rugby December 28th
Round off your Christmas activities with a fun tag rugby game at Killarney Celtic all-weather pitch at 11 AM on December 28th. Enjoy the thrills of rugby with fewer of the spills and really shift that Christmas pudding for €10 per individual or €100 for a team of ten.
If you are visiting over the festive season, check out the wide range of budget and luxury hotels in Killarney and book instantly.
