Planning an outdoor team activity in Cork

Start with the group, not the activity

Mixed fitness levels are the single biggest factor. An activity that suits everyone in the group beats a more ambitious one that leaves people behind — and people remember being left behind.

Questions worth answering early

• How many people, and is the number likely to change?
• Is anyone unable to cycle or walk long distances?
• How much time is actually available, including travel?
• Is there a meal or social element afterwards?
• What is the wet-weather plan?

Time budgeting

Allow more time than the activity itself. Gathering a group, briefing them and getting everyone moving usually takes twenty to thirty minutes at the start, and people are slower to leave than to arrive.

Weather

Irish weather rarely cancels an outdoor activity, but it does change how people feel about it. Tell the group in advance to bring a light waterproof, and the day goes better.