About Beyond the Glass
Outdoor experiences led by locals who know Cork, its surroundings and the mountains of Munster.
Beyond the Glass is a Cork-based outdoor business offering guided cycle tours, mountain hikes, Mountain Skills training, scavenger hunts and outdoor team experiences.
Explore our experiencesMeet James Foley
James Foley is the owner of Beyond the Glass. A Cork native, he has lived in Cork all his life and brings that local knowledge to the Cork City cycle tours and Scavenger Hunt.
He is Mountain Leader qualified and delivers Mountaineering Ireland Mountain Skills 1 & 2 training.
James leads many experiences himself, with local guides supporting Cork City cycle tours and qualified Mountain Leaders assisting with guided hikes when needed.
Why Beyond the Glass?
Before starting the business, James worked in corporate offices. They were sealed, air-conditioned buildings where you couldn’t open a window, but some of them had great views — out over Cork Harbour, and away towards mountains like the Comeraghs and the McGillycuddy Reeks.
He often found himself standing at the window looking out. One day he scribbled “go beyond the glass” on a Post-it note. It was half an idea and half a dream, and the note followed him through a couple of different jobs.
When he finally started the business in 2018 and was trying to settle on a name, he came across the note again. That’s where the name Beyond the Glass Adventures came from, and it’s still the idea behind Beyond the Glass today: less time looking at places from a distance, more time getting out and experiencing them.
The same idea sits behind the Cork tours and outdoor experiences we run now — cycle tours, guided hikes, Mountain Skills training, scavenger hunts and team experiences.
What you can expect
Local knowledge
Experiences shaped by a strong knowledge of Cork, the surrounding area and the mountains of Munster.
Well organised
Clear practical information before you arrive, with the activity properly planned for the group.
Relaxed
Enough time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed from one stop to the next.
Personal
Straightforward contact and a friendly, hands-on approach from the people organising and guiding your experience.
Experience & qualifications
- Mountain Leader qualified
- Delivers Mountaineering Ireland Mountain Skills 1 & 2 training
- REC Level 3 outdoor first aid
“We had a great tour, organised by James and led by Alan. Alan has an amazing knowledge of his city.”Majella — Google Review
Find the right experience
Explore cycle tours, guided hikes, Mountain Skills training and team activities.