So its April, Easter is behind us, there is promise of good weather and talk of such a good summer that there could be a drought in the west of Ireland!!? You'd be surprised what titbits of knowledge can be picked up in the local establishments of Leenane village on a Friday night!

We are welcoming lots of school and youth groups during the week and at the weekends there are great numbers of stag and hen groups coming to do something a little bit different. Its great to have the centre back to its hive of activity and all of the staff returned from lands afar. Read on to see what we are up to!

1. Devises to Westminster Kayak Race - 130 started, only 87 finished, former olympian rowers pulled out and team Killary placed 22nd - What an achievement!

Around one third of those who enter the annual Devizes to Westminster kayak race fail to finish. Sir Steve Redgrave was one of four Olympians taking part in the race including Ben Hunt-Davis, Sarah Winckless and Kate MacKenzie, all of whom pulled out before the finish.

If you want to read about the experience of Team Killary, Shane Young and Kevin O'Callaghan read shanes blog entry here.

The photo to the right  is of Shane and Kevin at the finish line on Westminster bridge. I think it was the first time they had smilled in quite a few hours!

2. NEW schools, youth and summer camp video - Watch it HERE!!

One fine day in March we set about trying to capture on file the excitement, camaraderie and fun had by all school and youth groups that come to Killary.

We wanted to capture the diverse range of over 20 activities we have on offer and the fantastic facilities available to groups here.

You can watch the video on the Killary website, don’t worry its short, and hopefully we have captured this.

Thanks to those who helped make the video. Please share it with friends, family relations, school teachers, team coaches, youth and scout leaders. We think it gives a great insight into what a school, youth or summer camp trip to Killary is like!

COMPETITION TIME!

We have posted a link to this video on our facebook page. There are 5 Killary Adventure Hoodies up for grabs. All you have to do is 'Like' and 'Share' this link to be in with 5 chances to win! You must do both to be entered.

3. Famous 'Pretty Little Liars' actress Shay Mitchell visits to sample the now world famous Killary summer camp Turf Challenge!

It started as an ordinary day here at Killary with mount Anville school heading off on activities. Little did they realise that that afternoon a mud covered Shay Mitchell would run through the activity site stopping for a few group pictures before finishing the Turf Challenge! Just you average day at Killary!!

Shay took on the Turfinator, Rude Tubes, the walls, the entrails and finally the leap of faith before returning to the centre for a hot shower!

"NOTHING could have prepared us for what we were to do next at the Killary Adventure Centre. Rob (our “ex” friend from Vagabond Adventures) had given a deliberately vague description of what we could expect on the Turf Guy Adventure, mumbling something about jumping in mud, puddles etc. As we changed into another wetsuit it dawned on us that perhaps they might be rather deep, muddy puddles! Shane, our ‘Turf Guy’ instructor said not to worry, it would take us back to our childhood, but we couldn’t ever remember jumping in muddy puddles as kids. Perhaps it was more like going back to Rob and Shane’s childhood. I guess this is why….

BEFORE	AFTER!!

I have to say this was one of the most fun things we have ever done. Thanks GI-Shane (our saviour and downfall)!
Oh and we bumped into some Pretty Little Liar fans from Mount Anville School in Dublin. Thankfully they were there to help Shay out of the mud. After 2 showers and a bottle of shampoo we were off again!!"

Kids can try out the Turf Challenge this summer on a Killary summer camp residential, non- residential or day trip.

Its is also available to adults as a daily activity anytime!

Book Now!

4. Upcoming Events - May

Leenane Mountain Walking Festival - 4th-6th of May 2012

The weekend sees walkers of all kinds taking on a variety of walks including, including Mweelrea, the Twelve Bens and Ben Gorm.

The full programme of the weekend for this year’s festival can be found here.

It includes low and high level walks, guided cycle on both days, an archaeological walk with Michael Gibbons including megalithic tombs, stone forts.

There will be arts, crafts & a photography exhibition and the weekend is topped off with the famous BBQ & Ceili.

Full details of the weekend are available at www.leenanevillage.com

Book your place at the festival here.

Connemara Adventure Challenge - 12th May 2012

The Connemara Adventure Challenge is back for its 3rd year. This stunning 31km course takes in the foothills of the Maaumturks, the Killary fjord and coillte forest.

This event is great event to start off your adventure racing career, with the hill climb being reasonable small and the cycle being quiet flat, making it accessible by all levels of fitness. It is achievable by everyone with a little bit of training.

You also get to experience some amazing views of Connemara and enjoy the evening with our free after party on the Saturday night. 

More information on the event can be found on the Gaelforce events website.

Entries for this event are open here so sign up now!

5. Irish Stags and Hens .com - Special offer for 1 weekend in May

Have you or someone you know been tasked with throwing your best friend the most amazing Stag or Hen party EVER!

Well forward them this email quick!!

IrishStagsandHens.com are offering a fantastic package for one date only, Friday the 25th May 2012.

This special offer is for a 1 night B & B, 1 day of activities package.

Normal price €125, special offer price €99!!!

This offer includes the following;

• 1 night bed & full Irish breakfast in our dorm-style en-suite rooms
• 1 full day of adventure activities at Killary (your choice – no surcharges apply) and late start time if required
• Steak meal and a pint of beer at Killary
• Booking of all aspects of your package handled by Killary Adventure Reservations Team
• Book over 10 people and the Stag goes FREE!

There are limited places available and popular activities fill up quick so book your party in today!

Call Linda on 095-43411 or email info@irishstagsandhens.com to book this amazing value offer.

6. Connemara Adventure Tours - NEW video and special offers for bookings made in May!

Videos are being made in nearly every department around Killary at the moment and Connemara Adventure Tours is no different! Check out their video on the website and send it on to anyone who needs to get out of the rat race and create their own adventure in Connemara!

Connemara Adventure Tours offer short breaks for those who want to get away for a long weekend as well as longer tours. They have both cycling and walking options for the short breaks so something to suit everyone. Check out the details on their website.

And any tours booked in May will receive a free bike upgrade and an extra dinner included in your package! So go on create your own Connemara adventure today!

Well that’s it for this month. We hope to see you all west over the coming months!

The Killary crew.