Information and events from around the country for those who like walking and the outdoors
Speed sailingSeveral of the world's fastest speed windsurfers will converge on Dungarvan, Co Waterford, over the next week for the final stage of the World Production Speed Sailing Cup 2008. Starting today, more than 60 of the sport's biggest names will compete for points counting towards the 2008 Speed World Cup and the one-off Production World Cup title. Speed windsurfing, known as Formula 1 in the sailing world, is one of the fastest growing water sports. Many top Irish windsurfers are due to take part, including Irish record-holder John Kenny; the top-ranking Irish windsurfer Martin Waldron; multiple overall Irish windsurfing champion Oisín van Gelderen; and current wave sailing champion Finn Mullen. Very strong international and Irish women speed sailers are also participating. www.speedworldcup.com.
Hotrock climbingThe Mountaineering Council of Ireland is holding a Youth Climbing Selection Day and competition at the Hotrock Climbing Wall in Co Down next Saturday, December 6th. The competition will be a fun event with an emphasis on improving climbing and identifying talented young climbers. Selected participants may be offered some additional coaching. Registration in advance is essential. E-mail youth@mountaineering.ie.
Kilkenny Frost FairKilkenny castle boasts an outdoor ice rink for the first time this Christmas, as part of Kilkenny Frost Fair. The 600sq m ice rink, situated in the castle courtyard, opened yesterday with a medieval and festive theme. There is a heated sky terrace and Arctic Cafe & Bar for refreshments. The rink will be open 10am-10pm Sunday to Wednesday and 10am-midnight Thursday to Saturday each week until January 11th. www.kilkennycastle.ie.
If you would like to submit information for this guide, e-mail it, at least seven days before publication, to go@irish-times.ie