One of Ireland’s most stunning locations where you’ll discover even more by kayak

Brought to you by MINI Ireland.

Don’t you feel like doing something that makes you happy, gets you moving and is just LOTS of fun.

Well pack a bag and get to Dingle! We’ve called in the expert. Creator of ELEVATE and hiking junkie – John Burke (he has climbed Everest lads!) – is mad for Kerry and its kayaking adventures.

We’ve also teamed up with MINI Ireland to discover the best of Ireland when it comes to food, culture and activities. Celebrating the joys of discovery AND their 60th birthday!

MINI is also giving ‘48 hours in a MINI‘ to anyone who’d like to discover their range and enjoy plenty of adventurous things to do around Ireland. So, in his own words, here’s how John went about his kayaking exploration:

“Dingle has many attractions for visitors but without a doubt Fungi remains top of the list.

Boats zip in and out from the harbour development, loaded up with spectators hoping to catch a glimpse of the famed mammal. Dingle is a place I love, it’s my go-to home-holiday destination, usually tucking ourselves away on the quieter part of the peninsula around Mount Brandon.

But no visit to the peninsula is complete for me without two things – a visit to the famed Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub and bit of time with Fungi.

The only way I have seen Fungi has been from a kayak, always with local company Irish Adventures who make the experience seamless, and save the lugging of bulky equipment for the trek to the kingdom.

The sunset kayak has left me with my greatest ocean memories. I also love that it’s my wife’s (Aoibhín Garrihy) favourite pursuit so it ticks all the boxes for us.

Book in early and get there on time to make sure there’s enough time to navigate all your bits and pieces into the tight wetsuits. There’s a short walk from their base and you are ready to launch into the harbour.

Choose a single or double kayak. I think we moved towards single after many disputes over work rate and steering in the double!

Once you launch, you soon navigate through the harbour and are out in the ocean… well a sheltered bay version of the ocean. The evening time kayak means the day sky and water can change dramatically in colours and moods.  The hope is to always catch a glimpse of Fungi and he has never failed to make an appearance, dancing his way in and around the kayaks, popping up for an inquisitive look.

Further out, caves along the cliffs make for a wonderful experience if the ocean conditions allow. The pure silence with just the lapping of the sea against the walls is good for the head and heart.

All in, the excursion fills a wonderful three hours with memories to last a life-time. It’s a low energy output, an ideal romantic experience or family excursion suitable for anyone over the age of eight.

The paddle back in, if it’s against the wind, seems like you’re covering a lot more ground than you did the same distance out. Or maybe it’s the imaginary smells of the well-deserved fresh fish from Reel Dingle Fish (acclaimed fish and chip shop), but stroke by stroke you get there.

My top tips for this adventure is to book through Irish Adventures in Dingle, bring a waterproof carrier for a phone or camera to capture it and enjoy the evening off after it with the food, music and craic that Dingle is celebrated for. There really is nothing like the Kerry hospitality!”

Well go on then! What else are summer days for?