Our guests often ask us about what there is to do on holiday in Co. Donegal, so we spoke to Hugh Gerard at Maghery Coastal Adventures to find out a little about some of the things visitors at Termon House can do.
Can you tell us a little about Maghery Coastal Adventures?
Maghery Coastal Adventures is a community based outdoor activity provider that offers both the local and the visitor, of all ages, the opportunity to explore the beautiful and wild area of Maghery, whilst participating in a variety of exciting outdoor activities. Maghery is a small and vibrant coastal community situated in the Rosses area of West Donegal. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty with a variety of landscapes including: beaches, islands, sea cliffs, caves, arches, hills and lakes. These areas can be explored through the various activities we run. The activities on offer are: kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing and hill walking. We can also cater for team building activities for both large and small groups. The adventure centre is located a short distance from Termon House.
You are located in an area that is excellent for hillwalking. Do you do guided tours? If so, are they suitable for all ages and abilities?
Yes,we run guided hill walking tours, both in the local area and beyond. One such event we run in the Sli Na Rosann: a 65km established walking route around the Rosses. Most of our walks are suitable for ages 8+ with general good fitness. We also offer some more moderate walks that would be suitable for the more experienced walker.
Tell us a little about a stand-up paddle-boarding experience.
The stand-up paddle boarding sessions leave from Maghery Pier and explore the area of Dungloe Bay. Depending on the conditions and ability of the group we can cover a good distance and get to explore the islands within the bay such as Inishal and also see the large population of seals that inhabit the bay. We can also run family friendly sessions that are more of an introduction to paddle boarding and generally involve a lot of games and family fun.
You take groups out snorkelling and kayaking, what can people expect on a trip like that?
We are currently not running snorkelling sessions, but the kayaking tours are still happening. With kayaking there are several types of sessions that we run. General kayaking tours, family fun sessions, sunset kayaking, sea kayaking and kayaking skills. The sit on top kayaking tours will explore the islands and wildlife of Dungloe Bay. Sit on top family fun sessions are a great intro to kayaking and incorporate lots of games to help build confidence and skills in the water in a fun manner. Sit on top sunset kayaking is a more relaxed session, heading out on to the water to watch the beautiful changing colours of sky and the sun sets, normally surrounded by the local seal population. Sea kayaking sessions are for the more experienced kayaker and we will be in closed cockpit sea kayaks and go on a longer journey along the coast exploring caves and sea arches. The kayaking skills courses look at the fundamental skills needed to help keep yourself safe while out kayaking as part of a group.
What is it that makes a visit to Donegal in the Autumn/Winter season magic?
Donegal is a magical place at all times of the year. In Autumn the hills really seem to come alive with all the amazing autumnal colours, making them seem so much more pronounced and spectacular. Even on a cloudy day the landscape is dramatic and ever-changing lending a sense of mystery and timelessness to the whole experience. Don’t be put off by the thought of cold water, wetsuits will keep you warm, you can wrap up against the cold and then there’s always a welcoming turf fire in the local pub for warming up and reflecting on your adventures whilst enjoying a wee hot whiskey!