Let’s not forget that getting involved in sports locally is one of the best ways of integrating into a new community. Just one more reason to lace up your runners and get out there.
GAA
It really couldn’t be handier: Carbury GAA club is based in Parsonstown, just 2 minutes from Derrinturn, and is an active and bustling club. They are a welcoming bunch, in it for the love of the sport.
New members are welcome, both adults and children. It’s a really fantastic way to become a part of the community, make friends and of course share in a common passion.
Golf, tennis and something you’ve never heard of!
You are spoilt for choice if you’re a keen golfer, whether you’re keen and good or keen and could improve!
Highfield Golf Club and Foot Golf is in Carbury. The club boasts a driving range and 18-hole parkland course.
It also offers Foot Golf! This is new, not yet widely known and great craic. You basically kick a football around their 18-hole championship course! So get on it before everyone else does.
They are also home to all-weather tennis courts if you’d like to show off your Wimbledon form!
Edenderry Golf Club: 10 minutes away is this great friendly members-owned club and challenging course – some say one of the finest courses in Leinster. The recently refurbished clubhouse is the perfect spot for that 19th hole!
Moyvalley Golf Club: about 15 minutes away is this lovely golf course, part of the luxurious Moyvalley Hotel complex. It boasts a driving range with both outdoor and covered driving bays, and a short-game academy with two large chipping greens, three large bunkers and a large practice putting green. You have no excuse not to work on your technique!
Soccer
There are two local clubs to pick from: Edenderry FC and Enfield FC. Kids and adults are welcome to join and train.
Rugby
Edenderry RFC is a busy club just up the road, which welcomes adult and junior members. It’s another great place to burn off some energy and make like-minded friends.
Parachuting (yes, you’re reading this right)
If you ever fancied getting into skydiving, you couldn’t move to a better part of Ireland. The Irish Parachute Club is Ireland’s only skydiving school in the country and it’s located at Clonbullogue Airfield, just 30 mins from Derrinturn! It’s a non-profit, so every penny gets re-invested into the club. The facilities are second to none and they have just purchased a new plane. They operate on weekends and bank holidays and offer training and support whether it is your first jump or you’re preparing for a competition.
Yoga / Pilates
For a gentler proposition, there are yoga and pilates classes and studios in Enfield, Edenderry and Kilcock.
Yoga is taught in YoGrá studio in Kilcock, Helga’s Wellness Centre and The Yoga Loft in Edenderry, and Shanti Yoga in both Enfield and Edenderry. For Pilates, Compass Physio is in Enfield.
Grab your mat, find the one that suits you best and allow yourself the mental space to relax and build strength. You’ll be guaranteed a good night’s sleep afterwards!
Walking/Running
There are some lovely walks and runs around the area. Strap on the FitBit, plug in the earphones and go for a head-clearing walk/jog/run in the gorgeous North West Kildare countryside. The Grand Canal in Edenderry is a popular spot, a major advantage being that you can’t possibly get lost.
To give yourself an incentive, seek out the local 5k/10k fun runs or weekly Park Runs. Most local communities organise a fun run at some stage during the year, often for a good cause. Keep an eye open for the ones in Carbury, Enfield and Edenderry or even further afield in Naas, Newbridge, Clane, or Kilcock. Park Run is an international movement which organises free, timed 5km runs at 9.30am on Saturday mornings. The Mount Lucas Windfarm Park Run is just 20 minutes away, with Naas and Celbridge Park Runs both half an hour away.
If you want a bit more structure and support, join the North West Kildare Athletics Club: check out their Facebook page for training details.
Fitness
Gyms: There are fantastic gyms nearby: the one in Johnstown Estate is next to the spa… great when you need that massage after an arduous workout! In Edenderry, Fitsquadgym offers everything a gym bunny needs.
Martial Arts and Boxing: Enfield Fitness and Martial Arts Academy, Hurricane Martial Arts in Edenderry and St Brigid’s Edenderry Boxing Club.
Personal training: If you have a specific goal in mind, are recovering from an injury or just need a bit of support and mentoring, you can’t beat a personal trainer. Peter Manley does one-on-one training in the gym he built on the family farm outside Edenderry. Manley Fitness also offers Boot Camp.
RIG Fitness in Edenderry is also there to help you reach your goals.
The Pub!
Sometimes the best way to show your love for sports… is by sitting in the pub with a pint in front of you watching a match with the lads and ladies! Carbury GAA has a giant LCD screen that broadcasts all major sporting fixtures.
So, as you can see, there’s a huge amount of choice when it comes to getting fit or staying active and connecting with the local community.
