St Stephen's Day – What's On around Ireland
Escape the house on St Stephen’s Day
Every year after the excess food and television of Christmas Day, it’s nice to get out into the fresh air on St Stephen’s Day. And work off some of those chocolates and mince pies! This St Stephen’s Day you are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities. Some of them are featured here. But for a complete list check out InspireMe.ie.
Go the extra mile
If you fancy getting out for a quick walk, run or jog to stretch the legs, there are lots of GOAL miles taking place all over the country. Why not bring all the family to Clane Co. Kildare, Herbert Park in Ballsbridge, or northernmost Downings in Donegal. You get to meet like-minded neighbours and raise money for a really worthy cause. Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions too!
Stretch the legs for a good cause
Or if the energy levels are really high (or you really overdosed on the Quality Street) the Annual Cavan Christmas Dash will take you on a 5 km circuit. In aid of Cavan Down Syndrome and Enable Ireland, this is well worth leaving the house for. Drag the children along too! In Rockcorry, Co Monaghan, all the family can run 5k in aid of Cootehill Cancer Care and Crocus Monaghan. There will be refreshments and a raffle afterwards. In Leitrim Village, there is a really scenic and brilliantly named ‘Burn off the Turkey’ 5km run/walk along the Shannon/Erne Waterway. All monies raised are in aid of helping the IHCPT bring children with disabilities to Lourdes. There will be prizes, refreshments and a presentation afterwards to celebrate everyone’s achievements.
Those in Mayo should head to Knockmore GAA Club for the annual PJ Loftus Memorial 5km Walk and Run. Now in its 6th year, this raises much-needed funds for the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. Meanwhile in Kilbeggan you can run 6 km while raising money for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin. Or in Clonaslee you have a choice of a longer or shorter circuit in aid of Laois Hospice.
Who got new runners from Santa?
Those with energetic smallies should head to Wicklow Town where the annual ‘Streets of Wicklow’ event combines a chip timed, fast and competitive 5 km run with a fun 1 mile race for children. It’s only €3 for children to enter on the day. And there are cookies, juice and a medal to tempt them over the finish line. This is the perfect family day out.
Feel the burn
What if these runs don’t seem like enough of a festive stretch? Why not head to Glenbeigh Co Kerry where the St Stephen’s Day Boot Camp will really make you feel the burn. And with all donations going to the local charity, Siobhan Mather’s Fight against Neuroblastoma, this will definitely be your motivation to push your body to new limits.
Or if you prefer getting your exercise in the form of a bracing swim, don’t miss the Noel Reilly Memorial St Stephen’s Day Dip. In the beautiful Belmullet, Co Mayo you can clear your head in the unspoilt Atlantic Waves, in aid of Cancer Care West.
Shout from the sidelines
If shouting from the sidelines is more your style, why not head to the Damien Ruth Memorial Soccer Tournament in Clonmel. With 16 local teams in action there should be plenty opportunities to display your knowledge of the off-side rule.
Horses for courses
Or if all things equestrian take your fancy there is always the highlight of the winter racing festival. Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day is a tradition in many an Irish household. The glamour, the chat, the racing – this will definitely give you something to talk about for the rest of the festive season.
Finally, these are just a small sample of the events that are taking place this St Stephen’s Day. All details were correct at time of going to press. Please confirm events with individual organisers before you travel.
