Rehab is calling on adventurers and all those with an interest in the outdoors to sign up for the ultimate challenge of 2012, while at the same time raising money for HeadsUp, Rehab’s youth suicide prevention project. The Five Peaks Challenge takes place over three days, from 3 – 5 August, with participants climbing the five highest mountains in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

In a marathon combined 17,373-foot climbing effort, participants will scale Carrauntoohil in Ireland, Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland, Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Mount Snowdon in Wales over the course of the three days of the August bank holiday weekend. A full training plan is provided and a reasonable level of fitness and endurance is required. Each person is asked to raise €1,800 and advice and support on running fundraising events will be given. A deposit of €150 is required to secure a place.

Caroline Murray from County Westmeath, completed the challenge in 2011. She says, “I signed up for the Five Peaks Challenge last year because I really wanted to set myself some fitness goals and have something to show for it. I had a reasonable level of fitness but I certainly wasn’t an exercise addict. I hadn’t climbed a proper mountain before, just a few hills, so I knew that if I could climb five peaks in three days it would be the ultimate achievement. I got great support from the Rehab staff with fundraising – that was a lot easier than the physical training and preparation!

“The best thing for me during the challenge was the support of my fellow climbers – whenever I needed some motivation they were there beside me, encouraging me to keep going with jokes and promises of chocolate and hot showers! The months of training paid off and even though there were times when I was tired, cold and wet, I knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I wasn’t going to give up! Despite aching limbs at the end, I was totally elated and the sense of personal satisfaction was unreal— I had done it! It really is one of the best things you’ll do in your life.”

Pauline Crowley, Rehab’s Head of Fundraising, adds, “The Five Peaks Challenge is an amazing adventure which pushes our minds and bodies to the limit, but that in return offers a real sense of achievement and the prospect of making some forever friends! Funds raised go to HeadsUp which was established in 2005 as a youth project to promote mental health among 15-24 year-olds, with the aim of reducing the number of suicides among young people in Ireland. It delivers a number of different programmes throughout the country including the HeadsUp Text service and interactive website, as well as parenting, life skills and suicide prevention training courses. So c’mon everybody – not only will it be good for your own mental health, but you will also be helping others look after theirs too!”

To register for the Five Peaks Challenge, please contact Kerry Houlihan on 01 2100 521 or email fundraising@rehab.ie. Registration forms are also available at www.headsup.ie

The Irish Explorers Trust will remember the country’s finest explorers by hosting a South Pole weekend from 13-15 January.

The event will kick off with a civic reception in the Tralee County Museum on Friday 13 January. Over the course of the weekend there will also be a number of talks given by South Pole explorers who will share their own extraordinary experiences. Speakers will include Mark Pollock, Mike Barry and Dr. Clare O’Leary. These talks will be held at the Malton Hotel and Killarney Outlet Centre.

Saturday evening will play host to a black tie dinner that will replicate Captain Scott’s gala dinner before his departure to the South Pole in 1910. This dinner will take place in the Malton Hotel, who will also offer special rates if you wish to stay at the hotel.

The Irish Explorers Trust was set up to help secure Irish Explorers Memorabilia for future generations, to ensure that it is held in Irish possession and available to be exhibited here. The collected memorabilia shall remain in the ownership of the group and shall remain in the care of museums to ensure it is maintained correctly.

Tickets for the event are available through the Malton Hotel in Killarney (064 6638000) and Kerry Outdoor Sports – Killarney Outlet Centre (064 6636710) .

27 December 2011
Celebrate Killarney’s victory as Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2011 and walk off the Christmas excess on 27 December. A fully guided walk will take you through some of Ireland’s oldest oak woods and across the slopes of Tomies Mountain. Experienced guides will lead the walk which will involve an easy hill trail with some gentle ascents. This event is free of charge. Further details at www.killarney.ie/walkkillarney

16 November 2011
This night-time event is being held simultaneously in Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Galway at 7:30pm on 16 November. Participants can choose from a 4km or 8-10km route which they can run, walk or crawl. The aim of the event is to involve as many people as possible to help raise funds to assist with the costs associated with Mark Pollack’s spinal injury. To find out more about Mark, who has inspired us all with his adventures and courage, visit: www.markpollock.com/blog/blog.asp. To find out more about the event nearest to you and to register online check out www.markpollocktrust.org/run

12 November 2011
The Moonlight Challenge takes place on Saturday 12 November. Setting off under a full moon, the 26km route will mostly follow the Wicklow Way. Participants walk as part of a group, although those who are truly hardcore can opt to go solo and run it if they wish! All proceeds go to Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue. Further details at www.wmr.ie

5 November 2011
Setting off from Laragh Co Wicklow, this 15km course will take you off-road and along the scenic Glendalough trails. Participants can expect steep ascents as there will be 500 metres of elevation gain over the course. All proceeds from the event will go to Fighting Blindness. Further details at www.glendaloughtrail.com

5 November 2011
Gaelforce Turf Guy may only be 10km long but this event is no walk in the park. The race will see competitors cross cramp-inducing Connemara Bog, enter the tropical October water (!) and take on the many obstacles on their way to the finish line. Challenges include a large tidal pool and a tunnel of terror. Further details at www.gaelforceevents.com

29 October 2011
This two-stage mountain bike race will take place on the Ballyhoura trails in Co Limerick. The first stage happens during early morning and covers 32km. But it will be after dark when the real fun begins. During the second stage of the race participants must brave a challenging 10km circuit in the dark accompanied by ghastly ghouls, gremlins, devilish demons and creatures from this world and the next! Further details at www.ballyhouracountry.com

28-31 October 2011
This festival offers a selection of walks suitable for all levels of fitness. Each day there will be challenging, moderate and easy routes available. All walks will be led by experienced walking leaders. Further details at www.walkinghikingireland.com

28-31 October 2011
If you are a keen surfer, kayaker or blo-karter who is partial to a good old fancy dress party then check out TurfnSurf’s 80s party taking place in Bundoran on the October Bank Holiday weekend. TurfnSurf is offering a number of great value packages which will include accommodation, surf, kayaking or blo-karting lessons and entry to the party. Further details at www.turfnsurf.ie