FAQ's

What are adventure activities?

Adventure implies that there is an element of risk involved so for an activity to be an “adventure activity” there must be a level of risk, inherent or perceived, involved. By practice most of the inherent risk has been eliminated, wearing a buoyancy aid for example. Neptune uses perceived risk to maximise the effect of their adventure programs.

Can you cater for large groups?

Yes, although there is a limit to the number of people we can have on the water. We can cater for up to 120 people at one time in our Clogherhead base. But we could take more on our off site locations.

Does Neptune only take group bookings?

At Neptune we cater for many schools, youth groups, language schools, corporate groups and various other bookings. We do however run sailing and kayak courses and a summer camp, these can be booked by individual bookings, please phone us on 01-2463022 for course updates.

My school wants to make a group booking for the An Gaisce president's award, can you give me some more information on this?

At Neptune we have outdoor programmes that are recognised from An Gaisce bronze awards. We have 2 expeditions available, one in Wicklow and one on the Cooley Peninsula in Co. Louth. Both are 2 day expeditions and include an information pack or call out from a Neptune Instructor, please phone 01-2463022 of email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.

I've never head of Neptune Adventure Centre, what is it?

Check out www.neptuneireland.com for starters. We are a privately owned and operated outdoor education company based in Dun Laoghaire. We currently have centres in Co Wiklow and in Clogherhead, Co. Louth. We run a variety of outdoor programmes for groups and individuals from fun courses to hard skills. We should have something to suit you.

What primary school tour will be best for my class?

It is hard to say but the T1 – Living History probably has the best mix of educational and fun activities. We offer historical tours around the mystical sites of Glendalough and a plethora of high energy outdoor educational days.

Do you do overnight programmes?

We do cater for overnight trips. We have accommodation available in Drogheda that can cater for up to 45 students. We can organise all meals and travel to and from the centre. Alternatively we do a camp out activity in our forest that involves students getting “back to nature”

I'm looking for a challenge?

If you're the kind of person that is always looking for something fun and adventurous give us a call and we can discuss with you and develop a program to suit. 01-2463022 and ask for Morgan.

Would this suit an adult group?

Absolutely. As all of our programs are tailored to achieve the needs of each group, We have provided many successful team building days to corporate groups.

After Booking

What do I need to bring with me?

Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided. We advise everybody to arrive in suitable clothing for the course they are doing. This will probably mean old clothes that can get dirty. For the water you will need a swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit and a towel. Each person must bring a spare pair of runners for going into the water, to prevent foot injury, at the discretion of the staff students may NOT be allowed into the water with out wearing footwear. Each person should bring a full change of clothes - runners, tracksuit, and rainwear.

Do I need to bring a packed lunch with me?

You have two options here, If you are visiting our Clogherhead centre we can arrange a hot lunch for you in a local establishment. Otherwise a packed lunch is advisable.

What water and land activities will I be doing?

This depends on the type of booking you have made, so please contact a Neptune member of staff for more information. 01-2463022

For multi activity programs and primary school programs, water activities will be decided on the day depending on the weather conditions. Students will generally be involved in two to three water activities however this is totally dependent on the weather conditions.

For a full list of activities check out the activity list on

Is Neptune insured?

Yes Neptune has full public liability and is fully insured for all of the programs that we offer. A copy of our insurance summary is available upon request.

What team building activities do you do?

The outdoors as a location is considered an excellent medium for personal and group development. Neptune has developed a range of team building activities and has a programme called the Crystal Maze to further increase levels of willing participation thus increasing the benefits of the course. Our team-building programme is used by schools, youth groups and business to increase levels of communication, productivity and morale.

We also offer hill walking or bivvy camping activities as team building exercises.

How do I find the adventure centre?

We are located just outside Drogheda town, less than 40 minutes from Dublin . You can check out here for full directions and a map

What is the student to instructor ratio?

Neptune is an Irish Sailing Association approved sailing centre and follows there guidelines in relation to ratio's. Sailing courses are carried out with a maximum of 6 students to 1 instructor but often we keep courses to only 3 students.

Other water activities have a ratio of 1:8 and the land activities have a ratio a little higher.

This depends on the specific activity, water ratios are on average 1 instructor to 8 students, and land activities are a little higher. All activities are carried out under strict best policy guidelines and child protection policies.

Do I need to be able to swim ?

For certain activities we do have a policy as per guidelines set out by the governing body, a kayaking course for example you do need to be able to swim. For sailing and all our other water activities a level of water confidence is enough. People should be able to float with a buoyancy aid in water where they can't reach the bottom.

What is the minimum age for Neptune 's Programmes?

Neptune Summer camp is available for people aged 6 years and upwards, the weekly sailing and kayaking courses are available for children 12 years and up. There is no age restriction to the adult courses.

Other information

I want to purchase a wet suit, what do you recommend I buy?

We recommend you call into Neptune's sister shop ‘Outwardbound', located on Narrow West Street in Drogheda ; Outwardbound will cater for all your outdoor needs. Fully trained outdoor instructors are available to advise and assist you with any queries you may have. Outwardbound – Tel 041 9848111

I want to get more information on Kayaking or Sailing?

You can check our the Irish Canoe Union or the Irish Sailing Association

I want to stay in Drogheda after I do a course at Neptune?

We recommend you stay at the approved Green Door Accommodation.

Can you create a day or package for my group?

Absolutely. All programs are tailored for you. Every person and every group is unique, so we believe that you deserve a unique package built just for you.

 

Group 1 Tab

Multi Activity - Fun, Fun, Fun.

Louth. Starting the day at 10am doing a range of out land activities – Karting, Archery, Orienteering or Rock-wall Climbing and Abseiling. And after lunch we hit the water with some great activities. Rib-rides, Banana Boat Rides, Sailing Rides as well as our classics of Pier-Jumping, Surfing and Kayaking. Then, when all are exhausted, head home happy at 4pm.

Wicklow. Start the day with a range of team-building activities, including: Assult Courses, Orienteering, Treasure Hunt, Atomic-Bomb Challenge, Minefield & Capture the Flag. Then after lunch complete the secret challenge!!

Group 2 Tab

Bonding Programme - Improving Group Dynamics

Wicklow or Louth

The group starts with our crystal maze challenge. Teams compete against each other completing a series of tasks designed to bring out leadership, communication and problem solving qualities among other skills. Points are awarded for successful completion. Meanwhile, our team monitors each person.

After lunch, teams compete in the raft building challenge. The materials they get are based on the points they where awarded in the morning session and the best construction usually wins! Uniquely, our team writes a report on each participant; sent back to the school within a week.

Group 3 Tab

The Overnighters

Any combination of outdoor activities from the other options. PLUS Unite the group by staying in our Failte Ireland approved accommodation with the teachers staying close by, in our lodge. Students are under constant supervision. All meals, activities and local travel are covered.

For our 2-night package add in cinema, bowling or rock-climbing as and evening activity and the extra day can include Sailing rides, Indoor Karting, Archery or Hill Walking.

Group 4 Tab

New Skills - Certified Courses

We are also happy to deliver specific skills-based courses such as Kayaking, Sailing or Orienteering,
with certification by sporting bodies – up to Fetac Level-5 on the national framework qualifications.