Surfing, Fancy Dress and Bloody Marys!

October 6, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Hello from Donegal Adventure Centre & Surf School - 
Those of us fortunate to live in Bundoran did enjoy a very nice Monday of clean surf- it’s dropped off a bit during the week, but looks like it’s gonna pick up by Friday, Saturday’s got waves, westerly winds probably going to make it a bit messy, but Sunday looking promising.
We do have two options for surfers- we have a beginner weekend with Ken, and an intermediate surfer’s weekend for those already popping up on their boards, with intensive surf coaching by Kyle. This weekend, we are doing a fantastic ‘recession session’ price of 99 euro per person for two nights B&B and up to three surf sessions- two on Saturday, one Sunday morning. If you are interested, phone Collie or Lee at 07198 29357 and book in. Please let us know if you are beginner or intermediate.

If you have your own board, accommodation is from 20 euro per night B&B, and we also offer free board storage if you get tired of hoofing your board up and down the country every weekend.
Music-wise, Na Doirse (Doors tribute band) are in the Chasin’ Bull, and J90 are in Paris, DAC staff are having a bit of a night out on Saturday, so eh.apologies in advance!

Coming up over the next few weeks- October Bank Holiday is looking busy, we’re doing a three-night break & surf or multi-activity weekend, don’t forget that if you’re not a water baby, we have brilliant climbing & abseil facilities here, high ropes, skateboarding, cliff jumping and lots of other stuff going on.

Over the Bank Hol weekend, there is a mini ‘Sea Sessions’ including the movie premier of ‘Bustin down the door’. The film is a documentary/story of Rabbit and the bronzed Aussie taking on the Hawaiian locals and waves in the 70’s and has won rave reviews. The film will be shown at Bundoran multiplex at 8pm on the Saturday night.

There is a full line up of live Music in The Bull all weekend, including the amazing Jason Kelly on Friday, Skins on Saturday and Moonchild (Rory Gallagher covers) on Sunday, and late night Saturday in Paris features the amazing RSAG.

Also- La Sabbia restaurant (next door to Homefield Hostel) reopens under new management next week- they have given us a sneak trial run of their menu, and it’s all good- yummy cocktails, credit crunch-friendly pizzas and pastas, mouthwatering steaks and.my favourite, their Sunday Brunch menu from 10am-3pm has pancakes, bagels and yeah, a Bloody Mary Cocktail! I’d imagine we’ll be there a lot.

Halloween is October 31st, naturally, we will all be dressing up in costume for this, there is a party in the Chasin’ Bull with music by one of the absolute crackingest bands at the moment, The Dead Flags. We’ll have a surf weekend, multi-activity weekend or just accommodation here for you, with free entry to the Chasin’ Bull (as long as you’re in suitable Halloween attire).
In November and December, we are booking for Christmas Parties & – yeah, it’s getting nippy for surf but a: that’s what winter wetsuits are for, and b: everyone knows that the fastest ultimate cure for a hangover is a surf and c: if you have snogged the boss/office nerd the night before, surfing makes everything OK again. Fact!  We are also doing great ‘Boot Camp’ breaks for sports teams, clubs, PE students and groups to do some intensive training & team building- if you want more info on this, give us a shout.
Finally – if you are a Dublin-based muso, and you are going to the HWCH showcases, please check out Bundoran band NOLADY www.myspace.com/noladymusic featuring local Diva Aine O Doherty – they are playing at the Academy, Friday 16th at 8pm. If you’ve been in Bundoran at all, you’ve probably seen Aine performing, either with Surfchixxx, solo or Nolady, and we are all very excited about this big break. More info on www.hwch.net
Just remember- if you fancy going somewhere that’s good craic, single, couple, gang of friends, school or college group, staff outing – this is what we do. Easy on your pocket and reasonably healthy, you can’t beat Bundoran and Donegal Adventure Centre. Please email back if you have the time and tell us what you’re up to, love hearing from you all. Take care, have a good rest-of-week, see yiz soon,
Niamh, Collie, Lee, Trisha, Ciara, Fiddy, Neil, Ken, Kyle, Morgan, Rachel, Eimear, Shiv, Melissa, Ciaran, Punk, Dickie, Darby, :)

Autumn Action

September 15, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Hi again from us at Donegal Adventure Centre. It’s Niamh here, with an occasional update on our surf weekends, special offers, bits and pieces of gossip, what’s on in Bundoran, and whatever else crosses my mind on the day. Right now, we are warmed and invigorated by last weekend’s surprise sunshine, after a rotten August, it was really nice to work in tee-shirts and shorts. The beaches were packed, and that wonderful peely flaky skin-thing was on show everywhere by Saturday evening..
Anyway, we are looking forward to the next few months, September/October usually brings in the best surf of the year, and we are keeping our fantastic recession sessions going- yes folks, only 99 euro for the weekend, 2 nights B&B, 2 activity sessions, and all the general craic that is Bundoran at the weekend- and for those of you who work at weekends, we also do this offer for groups during the week, so just email us for more information.
We are also doing a special offer for the October Bank Hol weekend, and this will be of interest for those of you who have already done a few surf lessons- Kyle, our resident surf superstar, will be running a special surf weekend for those past beginner level – you’re already standing up on your board, and you want good coaching to improve your turning and surfing – Kyle will also be doing theory workshops including information on reading weather charts and predicting swell, buying wetsuits and boards, surf etiquette at unfamiliar breaks, and safe surfing. The lessons will run simultaneously with beginner lessons, so if you are ready to introduce your friends to surfing, you can pop them onto the beginner lessons, and surf a bit more intensively yourself.
The price of the Bank Hol weekend is 150 euro for three nights’ accommodation & three activities (Surf, climbing, high ropes, cliff-jump etc.you choose.) There will be three surfs on the dedicated surf weekends, + a workshop on the Saturday evening for those interested. Please book early as we have limited availability, the DAC is already fully booked out. The number is 07198 42418, and the craic will be good, it’s the last bank hol weekend of the year, and while the water is still reasonably warm and friendly, make it your next surf weekend!
Other craic.well, the restaurant next door to the rock hostel is under new management, and will reopen on October 1st, super chef Keith Barry, formerly of Locks’ restaurant Dublin is taking over, and promises a super menu catering to all.our mouths are watering at the thoughts of his cooking next door to the centre!
If you are planning the Christmas Party, we are now booking for overnights and package deals including dinner and evening craic. Best thing to do is contact me directly. We have two new activities for adult groups, we have ‘Prison Break’ which involves climb & abseil, zip wire, clues and problem solving, – it’s a team event, and hilarious fun- not everyone HAS to climb or swing, so it does suit scaredy people, – we also have a challenge called ‘Survival’ which is also a FUN team-based couple of hours involving land-based activities.. If you think your staff would be up for an afternoon of capers here at the centre, then drinks & dinner and an overnight stay, just let me know!
A big thanks to all who visited our Rock Hostel over the summer, the hostel is now becoming famous for its cool, friendly buzz and this is a credit to Collie, Lee, Ciara, Eef & Trish who have worked so hard in making it THE place to stay in Bundoran for good value, comfortable clean accommodation convenient to everything in town. The staff celebrated the end of the summer season with a raucous trip to Donegal Town, most survived, although Ciaran was unseen for about five days afterwards.
For those of you into your music, we are chuffed that Aine O Doherty’s new band, NOLADY  www.myspace.com/noladymusic was selected for the Hard Working Class Heroes festival , as were our friends THE DEAD FLAGS, we’ll let you know times and dates, but really delighted local bands making themselves heard up there in Dubbelin.
As always, if you don’t want emails from us, just return this email with a remove, it is never our intention to spam. I absolutely love receiving hellos from you back, (I feel less crazy, talking to myself.only a little less tho) and hope you are all well, wherever you are. DAC has a facebook (doesn’t everyone these days?) and a twitter, and all that new-fangled interweb stuff, and I am always available to you by phone 07198 42418 or by email info@donegaladventurecentre.net
Have a good week, chat soon,

October Bank Holiday Weekend & More

October 16, 2008 by donegaladventurecentre

I am a technical Neanderthal when it comes to.well, technology, I suppose but here is the start of our new news blog.Work is still ongoing to upgrade and relaunch Home field House as a large hostel for groups, backpackers and weekenders: We are already using the building for some groups: there will be a major overhaul in December, and we will reopen it after Christmas, and do a launch ‘proper’. We had hoped to do
the overhaul first, and then the launch, but we have had so much demand for rooms it was impossible to close over the summer months. So we’re going to continue until our surf weekends finish up, and then get the overalls on. We will be running some introductory weekends in Jan/Feb, I’ll be telling you all about it!

Surf weekends continue regardless:  our OCTOBER BANK HOLIDAY  weekend is
Donegalalmost upon us, and we are still booking for groups in both centres: DAC and Homefield House. We have a special offer of three nights’ accommodation & two surf lessons and a rope-climbing session for 150 euro per person for the whole bank holiday weekend, -. If your group is of 8 persons or more, we are happy tomake one place free for the group organiser – a thank you for doing the gathering!
You can surf am or pm Saturday, am or pm Sunday, am Monday, and the ropesoption is available pm Sunday. You will be met by your instructors on Friday Evening when you arrive: there will be a briefing at 10pm Friday Evening before pints in the local, and again at 10am on Saturday morning before the first surf. For those interested, there will be a surf theory lesson onSaturday evening at 7pm, and for intermediate or own-board surfers, there will be an advanced option over the weekend. We provide you with all you need, – you bring towels and togs, and something eye-catching for the nights out!
If you’ve no plans  yet for the bank holiday, give us a call- groups are welcome, and there are plenty of facilities for either self-catering, or eating locally. There’s loads of live music and craic happening, and itlooks like a good time for a break – especially as the rest of the world seems to be collapsing :) Niamh

Winter heats Up at Donegal Adventure Centre

November 17, 2008 by donegaladventurecentre

Greetings from a calm day in Bundoran. Hope your weekend was a good one! Just letting you know what’s happening at DAC in the next few weeks:

This coming weekend we have a beginner surf weekend: suitable for absolute beginners, newbies to the water – starts Friday evening with meet & greet & a few beers in the local, 2 surfs on Saturday, some après-surf fun on Saturday night, and a final third surf on Sunday morning before departure. Our special rate for this weekend is 120 euro per person for 2 nights + 3 surf lessons. For non-surfers, 2 nights accommodation is 50 euro.
Entertainment this weekend: Ronan O’ Snodaigh of KILA & Donal Dineen are in town Friday night, and on Saturday night Jinx Lennon plays Paris, Bundoran.
The weekend of November 28 – 29 is a Surf Rock weekend here at DAC : We have a surf weekend available for beginners, and also we have an intermediate level surf weekend: The rock part of the weekend features superb Cork band FRED on Friday night at The Chasin’ Bull, with support by ONYA, followed by brilliant Sligo originals ‘THE DEAD FLAGS  on Saturday night. Admission to these gigs is FREE for our weekenders: Surf weekend 2 nights accomm + 3 surfs 120 euro pp, or 50 euro accommodation only.
Give us a call to book: 07198 42418, or you can email me back here.
We are also now offering vouchers for surf lessons, surf breaks and surf camps as very cool Christmas prezzies.
We are open through December, closing (briefly ) from December 20 – 26th inclusive. We reopen December 27th for surf lessons, accommodation & rentals. Dublin supergroup RED KID play Bundoran on Dec 27th – that will be a great gig, and again, admission is FREE to any DAC clients. On December 28th, local surf-rock band INUENDO play The Chasin’ Bull – possibly my favourite band of all :) So if you will have had enough of the family by then,  there is plenty of fun going on up here.
Hope all is well with you: remember, if you don’t wish to continue to receive updates from me, just send a ‘remove’ and I will. Re staff gossip, – Kyle cut his hair! It’s a big deal when a surf-king decides the time has come to ‘go short’, so promise to be gentle with him.

Niamh

The Gospel According to the DAC

December 11, 2008 by colliemacp
Innishowen Gospel choir

Gospel Choir

Niamh here, with the usual gossip and info from Donegal Adventure Centre – this is not the last email of the year, just a short one to tell you what’s happening this weekend -
If you are heading for a surf this weekend, or fancy a lesson, we have beds for you in our Homefield House at 20 euro a man (or woman) and on Saturday night, the Inishowen Gospel Choir are performing in The Chasin’ Bull – I saw them perform at Glastonbury this year, and they are amazing, and it seems like the right sort of thing to do coming up to Christmas – so just letting you know it’s going to be a fun weekend here! And- for those of you on flexi-time (or with someone who can call in sick for you on Monday), the annual Donegal Adventure Centre Staff Christmas Party is on Sunday night at the Bull: the theme is 80’s – some of us remember it from the first time around.and some of us don’t (I have had to explain to several staff members that YES we really did wear hair that big.) anyway, if any of you are hanging around, you are more than welcome to party with us. Give us a call if you need accommodation/surf lessons etc, it’s 07198 42418

We are going to take a wee break over Christmas, – the office will be open for Christmas vouchers and bookings etc, -  we will reopen officially on Jan 5th 2009. But I will chat to you before we lock up the surfboards. Just wanted to let you know about the Gospel Choir thingy, – surf looks nice Thur/Fri, getting a bit messy Sat/Sun, ain’t that always the way!
By the way: Our most wonderful instructor & friend, Paul Darby, had a very unfortunate accident last week: his car  skidded off the M1 and he  did himself a fair bit of damage: he is going to be OK but he’s in Tallaght Hospital at the moment, and will be on crutches for a while. I am sure that any of you who know Darby will join us in wishing him a very speedy recovery – if any of you want to send him e- cards , flowers (!) or anything, send along here, and I’ll make sure he gets them.
Have a safe weekend, whatever you do! Best wishes for now, from all at DAC.
Niamh
P.S. Brian D says we never mention him, so we won’t.

Happy New year

January 9, 2009 by colliemacp

Hi Folks we’re all back now getting the two centres ready for the new season. We know times will be tough for everyone but feck it we may as well enjoy ourselves while we are here. We are kickin’ off with some new stuff for people in the area.

Niamh’s Aerobics -
Mon, Tues & Thursday 7 – 8:30 Beginner level

Ken’s Advanced fitness -Mon & Wed 7 – 8:30
for those already reasonably fit -improve stamina and fitness, indoor and outdoor

Neil’s Fitness Adventure- Wed 11 am
For those who have always wanted to to try adventure sports includes surfing, climbing & kayaking. A different activity every week, inexperienced and even non-swimmers very welcome

DAC Youth Club -Thurs 7 – 8:30
Age 8-10 supervised indoor games, activities and fun for boys & girls -5 € !

DAC Surf & Skate Club Sun 2-4 pm
Age 10-15, Boys & Girls, All equipment provided, beginners welcome- 10 €

Loads more news soon

Iglu and Hartly SurfRock weekend

January 16, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Just want to give you a head’s up on some of the stuff going on at DAC. We are SUPER excited that USA surf-rockers IGLU & HARTLEY have just agreed to come to Bundoran for a gig on Friday March 6th – these boys are surf fanatics, and we are stoked that they are our main act for March SURF ROCK. If you don’t know who I’m talking about, watch the video
So – before the tickets go on sale, I am offering our regular subscribers
the option to join us for those two nights, 6th & 7th March, prebook a ticket for this gig, and join us for a surf or other activity. This deal is 99 euro per person,-again, that’s for 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION + TICKETS TO CHASIN BULL FOR FRI (Iglu & Hartley)  & SAT (Inuendo)  + SURF OR ACTIVITY SESSION it is ONLY available through us here at DAC, and on a first come/first serve basis. Tickets will go on sale to the general public next Wednesday, and there are only 200 tickets- this is going to be an intimate gig, and  a fantastic surf rock weekend, – you are ‘in the know’ about it before anyone else, and you’ve got the option to come, surf and rock.

TO BOOK: You must call DAC office on 07198 42418. You must have a credit card number ready, and there is no refund and no deposits. Don’t ring before Friday 16th January, 9.30, you’ll get voice mail. The only package for sale at the moment is the accommodation + activity +
gig. We are NOT SELLING tickets only at this point. Tickets-only go on sale next Wednesday.You can, of course, book for your friends and people who haven’t been here before. The gig is OVER 18’s.
And yes, the band are all surfers, and we expect they’ll be in the water over the weekend. YAY!

January 31, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

OMG gorgeous surf today, clean as a whistle earlier when I passed by Tullan Strand. and the Rally’s on as well, so it’s busy everywhere. Love that at the end of January!

Anyhow – just a quickie, reminding you of our RECESSION SESSION weekends – we have one next week, we have 2 nights accommodation AND 2 Surfs or other activities AND free passes to COWBOY X in The Chasin’ Bull, Friday Night, and MIRACLE BELL, Chasin’ Bull Saturday night.
So – two nights accomm, 2 surfs with all you need, coaching, wetsuit hire, boards, handsome lifeguards, and a cracking nightlife.

Cowboy X

Cowboy X

WHERE ELSE WOULD YOU GET IT?
Phone us and come up, 07198 42418.

By the way- our new HOMEFIELD HOUSE HOSTEL has a music theme- yes, it’s all rock & roll!
We are doing up each of the rooms as an homage to various bands and artists, so I’d really like to know who YOU THINK deserves to have a room in our Hostel! Please email me info@donegaladventurecentre.net with your suggestions!
Also, as part of the décor, I am looking for VINYL RECORDS – it doesn’t matter who they are, or whether scratched or not, but we just need black vynal 33 records- if you have a box of old records you don’t want, and would donate them to us, let me know!
THANKS.

Its just a holiday invented by Hallmark anyway!

February 12, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Valentines Day.
if you’re feeling BAH HUMBUG about all the hearts & flowers business going on, we have a simple remedy - Come up to us for the weekend: Here’s the plan: Arrive Friday night – meet our staff at the Homefield ROCK hostel at some stage on Friday night, check into your room, and come on out for some beers – Surfchixxx are doing the ‘NO LOVESONGS ‘ acoustic rock gig in the Chasin’ Bull, it’s free, and full of lots of single people :) On Saturday & Sunday, sign up for any three activities, from Surf lessons to climbing & abseiling, high ropes, skateboarding or cliff jump. Sessions are at 10am and 2pm each day. On Saturday night, avoid all the crap that goes on in restaurants on love-night, and join our staff for a big feed from the local Indian, in our Home field Kitchens, you bring your own brew, and order cheap & cheerful recession friendly grub! After a few beers, we will head on out to ‘pub. And our cheap & cheerful prices?
Accommodation only (Dorm rooms) €15 per person
Accommodation private rooms x 2/4/6 €20 per person
Double rooms – BANNED! (not really, I think they are all booked up tho..)
Activities – activities from 20 euro pp – tell us what you want to do. Food & drink at your own discretion. Beginner Surf Weekend: 2 lessons for €50 euro – all equipment & coaching supplied. Book our Valentine Bah-Humbug special 07198 42418
And why look for love, when no-strings surf debauchery is far better all round? :)
ALSO – we are NAMING the final few rooms in our Surf-Rock hostel- we have Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zep, Bruce Springsteen, an 80’s room, Elvis, Motown, Beach Boys.. We need your SUGGESTIONS and we are crying out for any unwanted vinyl records or music memorabilia/posters any one has – c’mon folks, if you have just got too grown up for your old posters, we will give them a good home here, and you can visit any time.. Looking forward to seeing you soon,

February 26, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Howdy from us here at Donegal Adventure Centre.
Like us, you’re probably sick to the back teeth of all the doom and gloom on the radio & TV about the state we’re in.well, none of that from us! It’s all cheap and cheerful Bundoran Way :) Now- I told you we were theming our ROCK HOSTEL - well, we are done, and now we have all kinds of groovy (yes.the word groovy is making a comeback ) accommodation options for you. We have dorm rooms – male, female & mixed, with beds from 15 euro a night. We have private rooms – doubles, twins, 4-beds & six beds. We have an apartment for 6-8, and for groups of 50+ we will book out the whole hostel for you, including 2 kitchens, two large rec rooms, etc. In case you’re wondering who we named the rooms for – well, we had to have a Rory Gallagher room, The Beatles & U2 made it , there’s a Rocker’s Male Dorm, and a Diva’s female dorm, – the double rooms belong to John n Yoko, Sonny & Cher ,.and for those who aren’t sure exactly what their relationship is, we will put them in the White Stripes room. There’s a little bit of country in our Elvis & Country legend rooms, but it’s mostly rock and roll- and if you’re a Springsteen fan (like me) you’ll have to check out the Boss’s kitchen . Now- surf rock weekends. This weekend is sold out, we welcome UCD Commerce to Home field Rock Hostel, – next weekend, we have what I think is the best weekend we’ve ever put together. IGLU AND HARTLY are playing a once-off Surf Rock in the Chasin’ Bull, – the band are keen surfers, and added on a Chasin’ Bull gig cos I asked them to.. If you are into your music, please snap up a ticket for this – the tickets are only 20 euro, there won’t be more than 250 people at the gig, I know it’s gonna be one of those gigs that will be legend. The IGLU & HARTLY boys are staying in town to go surfing, and on Saturday night, the Bull is home to local surf rockers INUENDO and also the surfchixxx (that’s me and Onya) are celebrating their birthday! It’s gonna be a great atmosphere & a great weekend.
I know I’m always telling you that every weekend is gonna be a good one, but seriously folks, if you haven’t anything on, lift the phone -07198 42418 book your tickets for Friday night, get a bed sorted out and go for it. We are doing 2 nights accomm + IGLU ticket for 60 euro,
2 nights accom + ticket + surf lesson for 90 euro.
Admission to the Bull on Saturday night is free, and a tequila for me is an optional :)
Will you also spread the word that this is happening at the weekend: unfortunately this is a ticket-only gig, so people arriving on spec next Friday won’t get in if the tickets are all sold.. But we will take orders by phone and hold them no problem, so please don’t leave it til the last minute. Don’t want people arriving up & then can’t get in, … Loads more happening over the next few weeks & months, – I’ll keep in touch! Rock on, and have a great weekend, and unless you really can’t make it, hope to see you here March 6th! Best for now, Niamh & DAC crew.

SeaSessions & other fun in Bunderland

March 10, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Just about recovering from one of the most rock and roll weekends EVER in Bundoran – if you made the Iglu&Hartly gig, -then.you understand. Have to say, fair play to the lads, they were probably the most affable, fan-friendly band I have ever met, they hung around before and after the gig, meeting fans, posing for photos- it was 100% Rock and Roll, and great craic. Also, our own Trisha, from reception beat Jarvis (the fetching lead singer.) in an arm wrestle.. We think she ROCKS for that! Lots of youtube up already, especially a very funny performance of Onya’s featuring band frontman Jarvis.
Now- no sooner is one Rock n Roll event over, than another one appears. The SEA SESSIONS in Bundoran is the big summer festival, and they have just announced dates, some of the line up, and amazing recess..sorry, not gonna say that word – good cheap prices! So, for those of you who like to plan ahead, here’s the details. The Sea Session festival takes place in Bundoran, down by Main Beach. It runs from Friday 26th of June-Sunday 28th. It’s such a party weekend in Bundi, and the town rocks- Kila are headlining the Friday Night this year, and Super Furry Animals on the Saturday, also playing are Mick Flannery, Jape, Fred, Juno Falls, rsag, Zion Train, Onya – and loads more to be added on. It’s a really cool chilled out set up- not the manic mudfest of Oxygen or Picnic, it’s a smaller boutique thingy, and every chance of bumping into the bands during a surf or a pint in the local. www.seasessions.com for info. Tickets for entry into the Sea Sessions are 53.50 for THE WHOLE WEEKEND! And there’s skateboarding & surf stuff going on too, we think that’s amazing value, and we are delighted to make those tickets available to you. if you want somewhere to stay, our Home field Rock Hostel is 3 minutes walk from the action, and we are doing accommodation from€20 per night, or €50 for the three nights. We can also arrange the beginner surf lesson, the climbing ropes or whatever – but have to let you know that SEASESSIONS is the weekend you need to set aside for your Bundoran summer visit. Beat the crowd, book a bed and a ticket, and start looking forward to it. Our number is 0719842418 -give us a buzz. It’s the perfect weekend to gather a few heads, come down, and enjoy hanging out by the beach with great music and a very cool crowd. Other stuff happening: Beginner Surf weekends EVERY weekend from now through summer, those of you who have o2 surf packages, that deal ends end of March, so try to make use of it. Our RECESSION SESSION weekends have been great fun- 99 euro for 2 nights & two activities- most people have gone for surfing lessons – and we will continue the recession weekends for the next few months anyway. We have a Beach Lifeguard Training Course at Easter, still one or two places left, we are also booking for a May Beach Lifeguard Exam, Paddy’s day Bank Holiday is an extended surf weekend (pretty busy actually) and May Bank Holiday weekend there is an awesome music weekend planned featuring masterclass from the legendary Pat mc Manus & equally legendary Johnny Gallagher.. See http://www.guitarbreakaway.com/for more info All this and more from your non-stop source of happiness, Donegal Adventure Centre :) I hope all is good with you – remember, to unsubscribe just send me a remove, if this info isn’t what you require anymore, we will cut it off at the source, and likewise, if you have friends who you think should be copied, I’ll put them on the list. If you are, or have teens, we have an email with updates on family and teen stuff, let me know if you want to get that info. Oh yeah, and finally, we have all the rock hostel rooms done, including rooms dedicated to The Beatles (very popular suggestion!), Rory Gallagher, U2, White Stripes, An 80’s dorm, a Rocker’s dorm, Diva’s dorm, Madonna, Queen, Elvis.and the upstairs kitchen is dedicated to the OTHER boss in this place, Mr. Bruce Springsteen. Thanks for all the suggestions, and pop in anytime you are in town for a look. And finally: to reward those of you who actually read all my emails, we will give two places on a recession session weekend for whoever makes the best suggestion re naming our canteen.. Needs to be something that ties in rock n roll with food.. Go for it!

Teen Surf Camp

April 6, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Thanks to all for the great response to our competition.’What should Collie wear’ !  Our prize went to Mary Kate Mc Grath, who sent us specially designed and very colourful Collie-surfing prints..

Mary-Kate's winning entry

Mary-Kate's winning entry

OK- anyway: Surf Camp kicks off at lunchtime next Monday – anyone getting bus from Dublin, if you get the 09.30am bus from Busaras, we will pick you up at 1.30pm in Ballyshannon, and have you in the water by 2.30! We will send you back home on Friday.
Some questions we’re getting:
Can you come to surf camp for just a day or two, not the full week?   YES!
Can you bring friends /brothers/sisters?  YES
Is there an age limit for residential camp? YES  you must be 12 years or older. oldest is 17.
Can you bring guitars and your own skateboard and that sort of thing?  YES we love it when you bring music stuff
My Mum / Dad / is worried about supervision – can they call someone?  YES, me (Niamh) 087 2941232.
I want to go, but my friends don’t. I’m worried about being billy-no-mates?  DON’T WORRY ABOUT THIS .. you can never have enough different friends, why not add some other surf/skate heads to your collection? And we are really friendly.
I get withdrawal symptoms if I’m not on bebo/facebook every day?  DON’T WORRY we have free wifi & a computer for you if you can’t live without it. But just 5 mins to check!
I / My friends have never surfed  or skated before?  NO PROBLEM, that’s what we do. Teach people :)
My Mum/Dad wants to come for a surf with me?  NO PROBLEM, surfing works for all ages, shapes and sizes. That’s cool.
I don’t have enough money – ?300 is a lot..
Yes we know not everyone can afford a camp that costs this much. It includes all your meals, and also your coaching and supervision by qualified instructors, your lifeguarding, all your equipment, and your transport & stuff. The camp starts at 9am and you keep going until bed time, always supervised and always having fun. We can collect you from the bus, and we drop you back. There is a lot going on, and it’s worth it. It’s also on every school break, mid-term, and all summer. We do have discounts and scholarships for teens and parents who love the idea, but can’t afford it, so if you feel you have a genuine reason for asking for a discount or scholarship, you can email me & tell me why. We also love when we get a group of teens, and if you arrange your friends to come, then we can give you discounts for doing all the work! Or maybe your Mum or Dad – just talk to us and tell us what you think. Also – this is a real teen holiday, with more fun and attention than you get anywhere else! We think we do a really good job, and that it is good value for money – maybe you can save up for the summer, or October, and don’t be askin’ d parents to cough up :)  
Teen surfing is a really good, safe, positive fun way to spend holiday time, with other teens in a healthy and cool environment. Any further questions or comments, please feel free to phone or email me

Niamho

April 22, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Hope you are well, and tanned from that rare but wonderful thing- the sunny weekend. Surf here was very small at the weekend, but clean as a whistle, and Tullan Strand looked positively Mediterranean Saturday and Sunday! Now-some news for those of you who have done surf lessons with us in the past.

Richard

Richard

We are absolutely delighted to tell you that local surf megastar, RICHARD FITZGERALD is back in Bundoran for the summer. If you saw the movie ‘Waveriders‘ you’ll know all about Richie, he is probably the best Irish big-wave surfer and without a doubt one of the best ambassadors of surfing ever. He is also, as anyone will tell you, a helluva nice guy. Richie has joined the DAC to offer you guys some Intermediate-Advanced Surf Coach clinics, and we are stoked about this – we are running the first two clinics over the May and June Bank Holiday weekends and don’t worry if these book out, we will be running further weekends in June. Richie’s numbers are strictly limited to 8 persons per coaching session, and we are booking for sessions on the Saturday and the Sunday of the May and June bank holiday. You have to have done a beginner lesson before- these sessions are really for people who are surfing, but want to improve.( If you are a beginner, Kyle Wilshire will be doing a beginner’s course over the same period so just book in for that) In order to avail of the DAC -Richie Fitzgerald Bank Holiday Surf package, you need to book the package, including accommodation with us here at DAC.
Here are the following rates
2/3 nights B&B + 1 clinic with Richie 120 euro
2 or 3 nights B&B + 2 clinics with Richie + 150 euro.
2 or 3 nights B&B + 1 clinic with Richie + unlimited Surf Hire
or lifeguarded surf sessions for the weekend  150 euro
2 or 3 nights B&B + 1 clinic with Richie + choice of 3 other multi-activities at Donegal Adventure Centre over the weekend.
2 or 3 nights B&B + 3 beginner surf lessons or
3 multi-activities at Donegal Adventure Centre over the weekend 120 euro
2 or 3 nights B&B + 1 beginner surf lesson 99 euro.
Accommodation over these weekends will be in our super cool Home field Rock Hostel. Private rooms for 2, 4 and 6 are available, and we also offer cheaper dorm rates for those who don’t mind sleeping with strangers :) You are welcome to bring your own refreshments and we have large kitchens and common rooms which are strictly adult-only over weekends. There is no curfew and a great atmosphere here during the weekend.
There will be après surf every night with DAC surf instructors, and the hostel has free wifi, tea & coffee, continental brekkie every morning, and sometimes I buy lollipops for the good boys and girls.

Richard surfs Aileens

Richard surfs Aileens

We will book Richie’s classes on a first-come, first serve basis, – again, we are running on the Saturday at 10am and 2pm, and Sunday 10am and 2pm of both bank holidays, -max 8 per session, and sorry folks, but we are not offering any one night accommodation over the bank holidays: it’s a minimum of two night stay to avail of the surf weekend.
To book: 07198 42418 with credit card, Ciara will take the details immediately.. And if you are an intermediate surfer, I can’t possibly encourage you enough to go and do a session with Richie himself, he is truly a legend and this is an AWESOME opportunity to surf with him, I swear to God if there’s any room left, I’m going myself! Email me if this doesn’t suit ya, or you want other info, I’m far too excited at the mo to write about anything else!

Legends

May 6, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Hi all
A quick update on the May Bank Holiday weekend here at theoitc_grad DAC. It started early when our OITC course had their gradutation cermony in the Adventure Centre on Thursday. Is was great to see everyone again and we wish them all the luck in the future. We are now accepting applications for the new course next September

We were blessed with both good weather and good surf on the Bank Holiday weekend- We were very excited because we had a few different things on -The guys from guitar breakaway were using our rooms for their jam sessions and we were particually excited to have Pat McManus on site- I know he mightn’t be as well known to some of you – but we once had a dog named after him ! Thats when you know your a proper musican. Think there’s many dogs called  eminem?
Speaking of legends, we had our first session of advanced surf lessons with Richard Fitzgerald of waveriders fame.
Richard, Conan and Catherine

Richard, Conan and Catherine

It was a great success,  everyone loved it, and we are keen to get richie in again so get on to booking this fantastic opportunity to improve your sufing with one of Europes best surfers.

As well as all our usual Bank Holiday Surf weekends and multi -activity breaks , we also had a visit from The Cavan Senior football team who went for a wave with Neil, Ken and Fiddy and then decided to brave our ropes course in the afternoon. It was brilliant fun, the lads were really up for it  and we wish them all the luck in the championship …unless they meet Dublin of course….. (Dickie says feck Dublin what about Donegal…but he doesn’t write the blogs around here :)
We’ve a really busy week this week with three schools in for two nights at various times and , The Rock Hostel is of course open at the weekend for accommodation and surf and we are very pleased that an old friend of ours Noel Berwick , is still spreading the good word and has friends coming up this weekend.  Nice one Noel
Coming up – well, everything is now booked out until after June bank Hol weekend. We do have two surf weekends coming up June 12-14 and June 19th-21st. We invite all beginners to consider our recession special deal, which is two nights B&B plus 2 surfing lessons + climb/abseil/skateboard session for just 99 euro each. Accommodation only is 50 euro per person sharing, if you don’t fancy activities, – and two nights B&B plus one activity is 75 euro. Accommodation is in the very cool rock hostel, and included in your price is the rental of surfboard, wetsuit, bootees, tea/coffee before & after session, breakfast in the mornings, a really fun après surf scene including live music and great pubs, and the friendliest instructors and staff you will meet anywhere. Come on your own, or bring a group; you will have a great weekend either way. None-surfers can play golf, visit the beautician, have a seaweed bath, go to the cinema (Waveriders still on!), go watch the footie in the pub, book some horseriding, head off walking.. There is so much to do around here, you’d be spoiled for choice.
For more experienced surfers, you can book a session with Richie Fitzgerald on Saturday 13th June, or Saturday 20th June. Richie charges 40 euro per clinic, which is 3 hours long and the max number is 8, although groups are usually smaller. Advance booking is essential, email me.
I’m sure you know about the SeaSessions weekend- brilliant festival June 26-28, tickets on sale, and beds booking out. www.seasessions.com  heading into July, we has some surf weekend availability, and our big surf weekend in August is over the Aug bank hol – We are putting together a few special bits and pieces for that, but it is always a lot of fun.

The Cavan boys on the All Aboard
The Cavan boys on the All Aboard

 

Hill Walkers and Easy Riders

May 14, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Phew what a week.
After a cracking surf weekend with Noel Berwick and crew- oh they’re addicted, they’ll be back-there was no rest for the wicked as Abbey Vocational school arrived on Sunday afternoon for

Abbey Voc. stop for a snack

Abbey Voc. stop for a snack

their Gaisce Bronze award hillwalking expedition.   

The Gaisce trips are different from regular schools trips but still great fun and Neil Ken and Dickie really enjoyed bring the group on their 25k hike…well they enjoyed the first 24ks anyway.

 Meanwhile over in Homefield Rock Hostel Collie was busy establishing us on facebook- and bikeson Twitter  when , to quote Steppenwolf, he heard the sound of heavy metal thunder as a load of bikers from Bradford turned up on the doorstep looking for somewhere to stay.  We like our bikes here at the D.A.C. plus they were really sound so we moved a few things around for them. Needless to say most of them stayed in the rockers room :)

Midweek the weather was gorgeous , but the surf was quite small so we used the opportunity to bring the group Cliff jumping which is a brilliant activity, probably only second in popularity to Surfing. cliffjump 030

 However today the Surf is absolutely perfect  and no ones out there! (except all our staff :)  so get your behind up here.

 

Join us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Donegal-Adventure-Centre/104041180658 or

follow us on twitter – daily surf reports and possibly Bundoran related silliness http://twitter.com/dacsurfreport

Roryfest and lots of Surfing

May 25, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Where to start ? I’m sitting here listening to Kitty, Daisy and Lewis - on e of the benefits of working

Lee..he will not thank me for this

Lee..he will not thank me for this

in a Rock Hostel is you get to hear really cool stuff  and Lee who runs the Hostel at nights, put all the newest, trendiest stuff on my pc. Don’t know how to break it to him that I’m going to see Journey and Def Leppard in a couple of weeks.

What Been Happening

Last weekend we had the fantastic combination of sun and surf and it made for a great weekend. As well as the well behaved lunatics from Aghlee FC in Antrim- We had the Carty crew up from Wexford and Carlow for a surf weekend and the were kind enough to say this
“I just want to say thank you so much for a great time. It
really was great and we hope to head up that way to you again soon. In
the meantime we will be annoying all our friends with our ranting and
raving about how fantastic you are!

This time of year we have a lot of schools in during the week and this week was no exception. We had the the TY’s from Coláiste Íosagáin from Dublin and St Aloysius from Athlone- Our Americans were a bit freaked by the girls from Iosagain speaking as gaeilge but it was really good craic and the pupils did their schools proud. At the weekend, we had one of our regular schools up , our old friends Ardee Community School

The Hostel was full of 3 rd level students- we had a group of Germans from the fabously titled DSC_0011Wolfgang university and we had our Adventure Ireland students from Meredith College who are staying with us for three weeks doing a combination of culture and sports -not to mention enjoying the nightlife Bundoran has to offer!  You can follow their blog here

Whats Coming Up

June Bank Holiday is possibly my favourite on enot least because the Rory Gallagher Festival is on, and the only thing we like as much at surfing is top quality music! The Rock Hostel is full that weekend but we do have a couple of rooms left over in the D.A.C. where we are doing an incerdible deal of 3 nights & 2 surfs for just 99€- only 8 places so get booking by calling 0719842418 or email us on info@donegaladventurecentre.net
We have surf weekends available for June 5th & 19th weekends, 99 euro 2 nights + 2 surfs .

On June 12th, we are offering beginner & intermediate surf coaching, own-board surfers are

The Legend Rory

The Legend Rory

invited to bring their gear and avail of the excellent and scrumptious Kyle who will coach those of you gone past beginner ..
Rates are still recession proof at 99 euro for 2 surfs, 2 nights B&B in private rooms in the Rock Hostel
June 26th-28th is the SEA SESSIONS festival, another great weekend to be in Bundoran. You can check for tickets & line-up at www.seasessions.com but we’re offering accommodation at the following rates:
Hostel en-suite (2-4 people sharing) 25 euro pp per night  B&B, 2 seasessions2009night minimum
Hostel en-suite (5-8 people sharing) 20 euro pp per night  B&B, 2 night minimum
Hostel (Dorms) 20 euro pp per night  B&B 2 night minimum

We love this too..

May 25, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

I know we usually write about whats going on and you can see all our Bank Holiday plans in the blog below but this is great:)

Sea Session Speshials…sorry Specials

June 6, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Hi Folks -

Greetings from Fundoran once more. Lots to tell you about this month- June is one of our most mental months -lots of little people on primary school tours during the week and Adult surf weekend…well at the weekends obviously.
We have just said  good bye to all our U.S  DSC_0929Students from Meredith College in North Carolina only to recieve a gang from Liverpool Uni -
They seem really sound but I don’t know if they’ll have the same impact on Bundoran that our ten southern ladies did :)

We have two pretty busy Surf weekends on the 12 and the 19- we have decided to extend our Recession Session deal right through the summer- 2 surfs or premium activies and 2 nights accommodation in the rock hostel for just 99€ so get emailing / call Ciara or Trish on 07198 42418 to avail

Of course the big weekend this month is the Sea Sessions festivial here in Bundoran- A brilliant and eclectic line up, surf competitions, events on in all the pubs and guarenteed sunshine…well ok made the last bit up but all the signs are good – We are doing really good deals in both centres

seasessions2009Rock Hostel en-suite 2-4 (Sharing) 25 euro pp per night  B&B, 2 night minimum
Rock Hostel en-suite 6+ (Sharing) 20 euro pp per night  B&B, 2 night minimum
Rock Hostel (Dorms) 20 euro pp per night  B&B 2 night minimum
Adventure Centre en suite private B&B  22 euro per person  2 night minimum
Adventure Centre  private, shared bathroom  B&B  15 euro per person. 2 night minimum
We won’t take single-night bookings for the Sea Sessions, so try and free yourself up for the two nights! Availability is limited, and first to book, gets.
You can book accommodation only at the rock hostel 07198 29357 or call the DAC on the usual 07198 42418- we can also arrange tickets- surf lessons and any thing else you can think of !

I’ll leave you what is sure to be one of the highlights of the festival….

Post Sea Sessions…

July 9, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

The surf weekends continue, all at recession-session prices, brilliant value for two nights in our rock hostel www.homefieldrockhostel.com and surf lessons at all levels with the handsomest & friendliest instructors on the planet. If you haven’t arranged a weekend away for yourself and your mates so far this summer, do this. It’s inexpensive, brilliant craic and reasonably healthy.
For those interested, we have just released details of our surf instructor training courses starting in September – due to demand we have put on a three-month full time course running from Sept- December, and a second course running from January-March. This is for anyone who wants to upskill and become an outdoor instructor. Email or check website for the application forms which are available now.
Keeping an eye on the calendar, please pencil in the weekend of Aug 22nd- that’s the weekend that all the surf schools in Bundoran run THE BIGGEST SURF LESSON EVER at Tullan Strand, in aid of the NIALL MELLON AFRICA TOWNSHIP projects.  We invite anyone with a board, or without, to join us to try and break the world record for the biggest surf lesson – it’s a full day of craic on the beach, with a live music stage, (Bands are playing all day!)  horseriding, there’s football, fun runs, treasure hunts.loads happening, I’ll give you all the details later, but you could just make a note that Aug 21-23 is a really good weekend to be in Bundoran.

August Surf Madness

August 2, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Here is what’s going on for August.
Everyone’s feeling the pinch this weather, so we aim to keep things cheap and cheerful! The Sea Sessions festival was a cracking success, and our rock hostel has got the thumbs up from everyone who stays – so we’re sticking with our ‘recession session ‘ breaks anytime thru August- 2 nights B&B and two surf lessons for 99 euro per person. All you need to do is phone us 07198 42418 and book in. In case you don’t know what’s involved in a surf weekend, – well most people arrive Friday, check in and head off for a few pints. Madden’s Bridge Bar is a great local surfie hang-out, and further up the road, The Chasin Bull has live music and is open ’til 1am.
On Saturday morning, we gather up everyone and see who is an absolute surf beginner, who has done a lesson before, and if we have more experienced surfers or own-board surfers, we dispatch you off with one of our dudes.
If you haven’t tried a surf before, you should! It’s easy, safe,great craic, and our instructors are super friendly and will be there by your side to help you get surfing. We provide wetsuits, boards, coaching and lifeguarding and a lovely cup of tea when it’s all over :) Our hostel accommodation offers twin rooms, doubles, 4-bed and six bed rooms. We have a large kitchen and two big rooms for hanging out, watching TV, playing the piano, or just chilling.
There’s LIDL, Supervalue & other shops close by, so you can rustle up your own lunch & dinner, or you can pop next door to La Sabbia bistro, or visit the many restaurants & coffee shops close by.
We have free parking, free wifi and breakfast is complimentary each morning.
On Saturday night, most people enjoy heading out after an exhilarating day of surf to hit the pubs and clubs. Bundoran stays open LATE on Saturdays, and there’s loads going on. We also have other activities- kayaking, canoeing, climbing, high rope adventures, skateboarding, archery & so on. For the non-sporting, there is the cinema, seaweed baths, hillwalks & beach walks, beauticians, barbers, bookies, .Bundoran is a busy place with lots of alternatives. For August, you can come any two nights- during the week is fine, and the town is as lively as ever.
So- 99 euro will get you two nights and two surfs and all the craic above. Rooms are subject to availability, but we will always do our best.
Collie and Lee are the friendliest hostel managers in the universe, and if you don’t agree with all of this after a visit, come and chat to me!
Good weekends coming up- the bank Holiday is fully booked in the hostel, but we have about 15 beds left in the DAC accommodation – rates are 150 euro for the three nights & 2 surf lessons, or 200 euro for the three nights and 4 surf lessons. Because of demand, we are only doing 3-night breaks for the bank hol- Fri, Sat & Sun. Bank Hol weekends are great craic!
Also, the weekend of Aug 22nd is the ‘Tullan For The Township’ Weekend- on the Saturday, there is a major event on the beach- live music from noon-6pm, followed by the world’s biggest surf lesson. This is a charity event, and all money raised goes to the Niall Mellon Township project. The beach music sees 12 bands strut their stuff, including the brilliant Dead Flags and Redkid, who will also be headlining the Surf Rock night later in the Chasin’ Bull. If you love your music, this is the weekend for you! ]
And- the weekend of August 30th, the DAC is TEN YEARS OLD! We are celebrating with an open day on Sunday August 30th, when we will be running all our activities FOR FREE. If you are interested in booking anything, you need to call us and book, as we are limited with numbers. We will be having a big party on the Sunday night, if you fancy partying with us, let us know. If you have a family, or teens, please email me for info about our deals, we have super offers for taking the whole gang away. I’ll not pester you in this email, but just give me a shout.
Gossip. Darby is back with us, good as new! Jamie got engaged :) It’s Ken’s birthday on July 31st- a BIG birthday.. DAC are on ‘Nationwide’ next Monday night ( me, I think, gulp!) Those of you who know Aine and her music should check out her new band called NoLady www.myspace.com/noladymusic (She’s recruiting friends!)
Please do email back if you have any news for us, I absolutely love hearing what you are all up to – if you came and enjoyed seasessions, if you bought a new board- do stay in touch! And come and see us in August. Also- for those of you in clubs, colleges, schools, please remember us when it comes to arranging group trips away. Yes, we want your business, and we will make sure you are well looked after. And for those of you at a loose end Sept-Dec or Jan-Mar, we have our surf instructor training courses kicking off, why not become one of us? Scary, huh? :)

Tullan for the Township

August 11, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

 Hope you’re well, and making the most of the summer. Oh, what can you say.I heard someone on the radio point out to weather-whingers last week that we are not The Canary Islands, and we always end up with summers like this, so why do we get so disappointed? Hmm, but a week or two of sunshine would still be welcome.

Anyhow- just updating you on what we have going here for the last couple of weeks in August – our ‘recession session’ deal is doing great, it’s 2 nights B&B and two surf lessons + all equipment, craic agus ceol and it’s available any two days between now and end of August, weekends or during the week. We also have family specials – accommodation + camps for the kids, email me if this is something you’re interested, we are giving super deals on all age groups. Teen surf camp has two weeks left as well, – I have a separate email for our teens, but if you’d like info, let me know- god children, nieces, nephews, – it’s the last chance for a wee break before school, and we are doing it at 50% price of last year!

Now- just want to let you know about the weekend of 21-23rd August, it’s the third annual TFTT_09_Poster_web_w600h849TULLAN FOR THE TOWNSHIP event. Part of this event is the world’s biggest surf lesson, and we’re doing a shout out to anyone and everyone with or without a board to join in with us- we’re doing our usual Guinness Book of Records bid, but we’d love to make it an amazingly monstrous lesson. The lesson is at 6pm on Saturday 22nd, preceded by a big stage of live music kicking off at noon, 13 bands in all, including those minxes, The Surfchixxx, The Dead Flags, Red Kid, Sons of Gingerbread, Neon Knights, The young Cardinals, Organic Jam & More. There’ll be loads of stuff going on all day at the beach- there’s a 5K run being organised by Tir Chonaill Athletic Club, there’s horseriding & picnics and – oh dear God, just give us a sunny day! Anyway, all info is at www.tullanforthetownship.com and there’s funny vids from last year, you’ll get the idea. If you’re within distance to come down for the day, please do – if you fancy making a weekend of it, there’s a beach party in the Bull on Friday night, and on Saturday Night, The Dead Flags and Red Kid are staying around for a big Surf Rock in Chasin’ Bull, so it’s gonna be a big weekend. It’s all free, we’re raising money for the Niall Mellon South Africa Project, – Niall Mellon himself is coming to host a breakfast in the Allingham Arms hotel at 10.30am on Saturday morning, and everyone’s welcome to go along, meet Niall and hear about the work this fantastic charity does building homes for those truly in dire need – all we’re asking for is whatever you can donate on the day to participate in the surf lesson or run or whatever you do, details are on the site. If you’re thinking about doing a weekend away before end of August, this will be a lot of fun.

Now- for anyone considering a move to the dark side, our training course begins in September, this is an eleven week course to prepare and train you for work in surf instruction and lifeguarding – generally becoming one of ‘us’. Info on the website www.donegaladventurecentre.net or you can email me for an info pack. The course costs 800 euro, it’s over eleven weeks, four days per week, you have to be prepared to move to Bundoran (unless you live locally, of course) and we’ll do all the training to get you in shape for the ISA level 1 surf instructor assessment, and a water safety qualification, plus you will do child protection & first aid training, & more stuff – it’s our fourth year of the course, and on our own staff here, Ken, Punk, Sean, Diarmuid, Rachel & Lee are all graduates, and many other grads are working in other surf schools & adventure centres. There will be a second course Jan-march 2010. Would really appreciate if you could pass this info on to anyone you know either taking some time off before or during college, or thinking about doing something ‘different’ for a while. Cheers!
Gossip and scandal here at DAC. everyone’s a bit wrecked after weeks of camps and loads of kids from overseas, -we’ll be having a bit of a party at the end of the month, so I expect scandal and gossip will unleash itself then – everyone’s been too tired to misbehave! The rock hostel has been incredibly busy – it’s never dull, that’s for sure – some strange person stealing all of the ‘D’s of our signs (onegal aventure centre???) hmmm I wonder why. Actually, best suggestion as to why someone stole our D’s will get a DAC teeshirt!

Hope all is good with you, if you haven’t seen Waveriders yet, its out on DVD, just makes you wanna get in the water. Come up and see us all soon,
Till then, happy last-few-weeks-of-summer
Niamh, Neil, Collie, Lee, Darby, Ken, Rachel, Morgan, Punk, Ciaran, Eimear, Shiv, Fiddy, Dickie, Trish, Ciara, Jamie, Kyle, Diarmuid, Melissa :-D

September 15, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

small but nice today-Rain is supposed to clear away after a while too! Fiddy is editing this message by the way!

September 12, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Oh Happy day- sunshine and perfect surf -hopefully spurs will have an off day too

September 11, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Beautiful day beautiful surf – Tullan 3-4 ft and pumping offshore. Dundalk leaving today :( but Col. Iosagain arriving :)

September 10, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Peak 3ft Tullan huge offshore Sun shining Everyone stoked except Dickie who going hillwalking when surf is pumping :)

September 9, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Forgot to post today so distracted was I by the Sun! Tullan still pretty big lessons to Rsnwlgh today- Collie and Dickie of to creat havoc in Knather

September 8, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

We have been promised sun today, we expect sun today and dagnamit we are going to get sun today

September 7, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Distacted this morning-Dundalk Grammar school bringing quite the posse for 4 days. Sun shining-Tullan still prty big-lessons in Strdgh today

September 6, 2009 by donegaladventurecentre

Tis rainy but the surf is great -get out of bed!Lessons to rssknwlgh but for more experienced theres fun to be had in Tullan & Peak