Keeping Cork Active
Cork Sports Partnership is delighted to announce that registration is now open for the Women in the Outdoors Programme 2026.
Delivered in partnership with Sport Ireland, Sport Ireland Outdoors, Mountaineering Ireland, and the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Initiative, this exciting programme is designed to support women aged 18+ to develop their confidence, skills, and leadership in the outdoors.
The programme aims to empower women to become more active outdoors, increase confidence in supporting friends and family to participate in outdoor activities, and provide a pathway towards further training, education, volunteering, and club involvement.
The programme will run from September to November 2026 and combines practical outdoor experiences with online learning opportunities.
Participants will gain knowledge, skills, and accredited qualifications across a range of outdoor activities in a supportive and welcoming environment. No previous outdoor experience is required, making it an ideal opportunity for beginners and those looking to build on their current knowledge.
Participants will complete the following workshops and training modules:
Mountain Skills 1
Certified by Mountaineering Ireland
An introductory course covering hillwalking skills, navigation, safety awareness, and confidence in mountain environments.
Bushcraft Skills
Learn practical outdoor living skills including shelter building, fire lighting, campcraft, and working safely in outdoor settings.
Sports First Aid
Certified by ER Training
Develop essential first aid knowledge and skills relevant to sport and outdoor environments.
Kayaking Paddle Start Award
Certified by Ballyhass Outdoor Training Academy
An introduction to kayaking, water safety, and basic paddling techniques.
Community Walk Leader Training
Certified by Get Ireland Walking
Gain the skills and confidence to organise and lead community walks in your local area.
Attendance and participation in all modules is required.
When registering, participants should select the ticket corresponding to the Mountain Skills 1 weekend they can attend:
Places on each Mountain Skills date are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that while every effort will be made to maintain the published schedule, weather conditions may necessitate changes to some practical sessions.
The Women in the Outdoors Programme has an approximate value of €500 and is heavily subsidised through funding and support from the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Initiative, Cork Sports Partnership, and Mountaineering Ireland.
Participants will receive accredited certification in a number of modules, along with a certificate of participation upon successful completion of the programme.
Participant Cost: €100
Participants must:
Programme activities will take place across Cork City and County. Access to personal transport is recommended, although participants often arrange carpooling with fellow group members throughout the programme.
Places on the programme are limited to 24 participants.
If you’re interested in developing your outdoor skills, gaining recognised qualifications, meeting like-minded women, and building confidence in outdoor leadership, we encourage you to register early to avoid disappointment.
