There’s life beyond the glass

By Geraldine Fitzgerald

We’ve been glued to screens through a Covid-19 winter of discontent.

Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours is a Cork based outdoor adventure tour company whose aim is to take you beyond the glass – be it your phone screen, laptop or the glass of your office window – into the outdoors for an active, fun and memorable experience.

The company run cycling tours in Cork city, and guided day hikes on the spectacular mountains of Munster.

Choose from a classic city cycle tour at a gentle pace to explore Cork's history and vibrant culture and discover a few of hidden secrets. You’ll cycle through colourful streets, city parks and on riverside pathways to discover the evolution of Cork from its beginnings as a Christian settlement to its time as a Viking stronghold and then as the centre of trade for an empire.

For the more energetic, the Greenway cycle tour takes you alone the Marina onto Passage West greenway and along the old Blackrock railway line.

You’ll hear stories of Cork’s maritime heritage and how the world’s second largest deep water harbour played a huge part in Cork’s development. The tour incorporates Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the Marina Market and Blackrock Castle.

Guided day hikes over the beautiful mountains of Munster can be tailored for individuals, groups and corporate days out, with knowledgeable guides trained to Mountaineering Ireland standards.

Popular choices are on Galtee Mountain and Mangerton Mountain, or if you’re feeling very adventurous, Carrauntoohil is an option.