FRANCIS BRADLEYrounds up forthcoming outdoor events
Bat funWicklow Mountains National Park hopes to drive families batty on Thursday week, August 13th. It's inviting parents to bring their four- to 12-year-olds along between 2pm and 4pm for an afternoon of bat-based activities. A grown-up must stay with the children – and be prepared to help. Booking is essential; call 0404-45656. Adults might also be interested in a talk about bats at the park's education centre, at 7.45pm, followed at 8.30pm by a bat walk – bring insect repellent and a torch. See www.wicklowmountains nationalpark.ie.
Chase is onDublin City Chase, on Saturday, September 13th, will confront teams of two with a variety of physical, intellectual and sometimes silly challenges. The first pair to run, walk and use public transport to navigate their way through the city, completing challenges as they go, will win a place in the international City Chase final. If you'd like more information, call 01-2222327 or e-mail eventsprm@dublincity.ie.
Bog snorkellingAre you extremely athletic? Are you fighting fit? If so, say the organisers of the Irish Bog Snorkelling Championships, in Co Monaghan on September 12th, their event isn't for you. The task is simple: immerse yourself in a water-filled trench cut through a peat bog and snorkel 110m as quickly as possible. "Competitors must wear snorkels and flippers, and complete the course without using conventional swimming strokes, relying on flipper power alone. Wetsuits are not compulsory but are usually worn." The charitable event costs €20 to enter. Call 042-9746544 or see www.irishbogsnorkelling.com.