Learn Irish - Oideas Gael was founded in 1984 to promote the learning and use of Irish and to foster Irish culture within the gaeltacht (Irish-speaking areas) and elsewhere. The annual programme of courses and events achieves the further aim of bringing together people of Irish and other Celtic backgrounds to participate in everyday gaeltacht life, improve their fluency in Irish and enjoy our living culture. Language courses are specially constructed to cater for needs of adults at all learning stages, including those who are more advanced but in need of practice. Each course contains three or more levels - beginner, intermediate and advanced - and is usually of one week's duration. For further information, visit Oideas Gael

Mountain walks - for the visitor who seeks their pleasure in outdoor exertion there is no better place in this continent than the coastal walks of Sliabh a' liag and Sliabh a' thuaidh. Renowned Ulster way hill walker and author Alan Warner agrees with the great Irish botanist and traveller Lloyd praeger who wrote after walking locally "if you ask me what is the best county in Ireland to walk in, I reply Donegal".

Swimming - at the nearby sandy beach of Port a' Chabhlaigh is safe and clean even though the black tracks in the sand may look off putting, it is only the turf mould carried from the bogland by the small stream at the top of the beach. There are also three lovely beaches in Glencolmcille but the jewel among the crown is the sheltered cove known as the Silver Strand at Mailnbeg.

Boat trips - are available from Teelin pier Ckeck here for details

Rock climbing - South west Donegal, from Muckross head to port, offers a combined total of almost 100 routes or climbs. Over 50 of these are listed at Mailnbeg and Sliabh a’Liag. They are graded "difficult" to "extremely severe". (consult handbook, the Federation of Mountaineering clubs of Ireland, edited by Dawson Stelfox, the first Irishman to scale the summit of Mt. Everest in 1993)

Diving - the pollution free waters along the coast make it ideal ground for diving. Mailnbeg and Teelin are the most suitable bases, with compressor facilities available at the Malinmore adventure centre. Windsurfing: three excellent beaches together with many lakes make Carrick a natural centre for such activity. Hang gliding: the hang gliding association of Ireland has indicated that nearby Glencolmcille is a most suitable part of north-west Ireland for practice and training.

Golf - Narin/Portnoo, 30 minutes by car. Murvagh (outside Donegal town), 50 minutes by car.

Pony trekking at scenic Derrylahan, Kilcar. Just 2 miles from Carrick. The tourist information office will give full details of times and prices.

Tennis: a hard court is situated at the entrance to pairc na ngael in Glen and is available to visitors. Racquet's can be hired at lace house. Indoor

Handball/squash - a modern indoor handball alley is located at Mali more crossroads. Permission to play may be obtained by contacting Mali more adventure centre.

Gaelic football - facilities available. Contact: Naomh Columba GAA Club.

Outdoor pursuits - Malinmore adventure centre is a purpose built outdoor pursuits centre in Glencolmcille, and can cater for up to sixty people in 2 and 4 person, bedrooms are centrally heated. Overlooking rathlin O’Byrne island and malin bay, the centre is situated between slieve league (the highest sea cliffs in Europe at 600m) and the hills and glens of west Donegal. Full range of activities programme from Lace House centre. (tel. 0739730116)