Women invited to sample exciting outdoor activities

FROM a leisurely stroll along the Barrow to an outdoor yoga session in the town park, to stand-up paddleboarding in St Mullins, ‘HER Outdoors’ week has a huge amount to offer this week. 

The initiative is a collaboration between Sports Ireland and local sports partnerships, celebrating and encouraging more women to get out and enjoy the benefits of being in the outdoors.

Speaking to The Nationalist, Caroline Shanahan, community sport and development officer with Carlow Sports Partnership, said the week gives women the opportunity to try “activities that they might not feel comfortable doing on their own, in an organised, safe, supported way”. Caroline, who is also the lead on the council’s women in sport initiatives, feels “there is a huge push to get more women and teenage girls involved in sport and to show that that doesn’t have to be on a competitive level, but just to get out into the fresh air and see what activities are on our doorsteps”.

Caroline has seen a big demand for hiking around the county and the Sports Partnership runs a monthly hike for women of all ages – “we could have women from 16 to 75, and we cater for all levels,” she said. “We’re trying to show women that there is a place for them, that there are clubs they can join, and in that way we help grow local clubs, too.” Events, which run until Friday, must be booked online. More information can be found at carlowsports.ie and booking is via tickettailor.com.