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Countries, Ireland

Embrace the Hell of Christmas in Wicklow

10th December 202410th December 2024 funtime65

If you’re at end of your wick then here’s a solution… embrace the Hell of Christmas in Wicklow.

It’s in the Irish DNA, of course, to come at things from a different angle.

And so it is in our old haunting ground of Kilruddery House in Bray, Co. Wicklow, south of Dublin.

Where the estate is offering frazzled Christmas shoppers the Gift of Grit and Glory: Hell and Back.

Something bound to appeal to fans of I’m A Celebrity who fancy themselves the equal of any Bushtucker Trial.

Thrill seekers everywhere

This March, dare your family members to brave H&B Winter Warrior 2025.

Boasting frosty obstacles like Heartbreak Ridge, Valley of Pain and Satan’s Pit.

Participants can choose from a 21km Half Marathon, a 14km Double Lap or the 7km Social Lap.

But the fun doesn’t stop there.

Child’s Play

Drive you up the wall: But the kids will tackle it

H&B Junior Forest Frenzy for 8-12s takes place on Saturday, May 17.

Which are, of course, ideal for sports clubs, scout groups and school friends.

Hell and back

Making a splash: All part of the challenge

HELL & BACK 2025 EVENTS

1st March 2025 – H&B Winter Warrior
7KM / 14KM / 21KM – Ages 16+ (Accompanied by an adult)
17th May 2025 – H&B Junior Forest Frenzy
5KM – Exclusively for kids aged 8–12
(More Junior dates to be announced!)
7th June 2025 – H&B Adult, Teen & Family Events

Adult: 13KM / 8KM – Ages 16+
Family: 8KM – Ages 10+ with an adult
Teen: 8KM – Ages 12+

Countries, Ireland

Hell and back for a good Christmas gift

11th December 202311th December 2023 funtime65

It sounds like where you have to go to at this time of the year for the woman in your life… Hell and back for a good Christmas gift.

Of course I have got back over the years since the first Noel when I followed up on the hint she’s been dropping all year.

And bought her a non-stick frying pan, and not just that but also a tray of puddings and a half a dozen eggs.

The following year she got a spa.

A dirty job

Suited and booted: Ireland’s Fittest Family

Buying presents for your loved one at Christmas can be a dirty job but someone has got to do it.

Thankfully we’ve been offered some help from our pals in our old stomping ground, the Garden County of Ireland, County Wicklow.

Now Kilruddery in Bray, setting for many a film and TV series such as The Tudors.

And down the road from our Greystones patch it is a verdant idyll we know and love well.

It’s as familiar with the Irish for the mud it churns up for the popular RTE TV challenge Ireland’s Fittest Family.

If it and other battle with the elements endurance challenges are up your street.

Then you can book Hell & Back events throughout the year.

No loafing about

Hell & Back Winter (Ages 16+) – 8km/16km – Saturday 24^th February 24:

Set against the backdrop of the Little Sugar Loaf Mountain, organisers Alive Outside have a course set to test all your skills and stamina.

There’s the dreaded signature Hell & Back obstacles such as Hell on Earth, Tyre Zone, Heartbreak Ridge and Satan’s Pit. A

And the best bit? You can choose to join them on this muddy escapade or just watch and laugh from the sidelines!

Family misfortunes

Hell & Back Family – 8km– Saturday 8^th June 24:

Now anyone with kids will know that their sprogs like nothing better than seeing their parents in trouble.

And this family favourite will test your mettle as your family transforms into a team of daring hellraisers where you’ll deal with everything from mud pits to high walls.

Expect lots of laughter, hilarious wipeouts and moments of glory that will be talked about around the Christmas dinner table for years to come.

And more from the organisers

Gift vouchers available for Alive Outside Activity Centre, the home of Hell & Back.

Ireland’s Only Outdoor Escape Room, Laser Tag, Easter & Summer Kids Camps and many more activities available to book!

So, don’t be an oul’ stick in the mud…

Remember, you don’t have to go to Hell and back for a good Christmas gift.

Kilruddery is the golden ticket for a Crimbo gift.

Countries, Ireland, Sport

Kilruddery Thrillruddery in Wicklow

17th May 202317th May 2023 funtime65

A haven from our everyday toils we tagged Kilruddery Thrillruddery in Co. Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland.

And in the fullest traditions of the best gardens Kilruddery, near my old homestead of Greystones, knows outdoor spaces are for playing in.

Kilruddery Estate has launched a summer of fun… Weekends@AliveOutside.

And it is backed up by the evidence of our eyes.

Which is home to both RTE’s ‘Irelands Fittest Family’ and Hell & Back, Ireland’s toughest mental and physical endurance challenge.

The estate also boasts a newly developed outdoor escape room, Escape from Killruddery.

Day camps for the kids, laser tag and splash zone activities such as water jumps, splashdown slide and pontoon mania!

There is endless fun to be had for all ages and group sizes.

And helpfully, as always, Kilruddery are doing the heavy lifting here by putting flesh on the bones of their summer activities.

Camp summit

1 Day Kids Adventure Camps (Only €35pp)

The Alive Outside One Day Adventure Camps are for 7-13-year-olds each Saturday and Sunday throughout July and August.

And they’re sure to tire out your kids with obstacle run, bushcraft and splash zone activities.

Great Escape

Escape from Killruddery (Only €25pp)

Of course, you won’t want to, but let’s play the game anyway.’

Set under the canopy of Killruddery Forest, you’ll be racing against the clock to solve challenges and uncover clues.

Laser focus

Laser Tag (Only €25pp)

Of course parents would want to get in on this too but we’ll have to leave it to the kids.

Don your combat overalls and face off against your opponent with numerous shelters, huts, cubbyholes and outhouses to stake out in!

Make a splash

Splash Zone (Only €20pp)

Cool down and enjoy our Water Jump, Splashdown Slide and Pontoon Mania or just chill lakeside.

They recommend that it is a great way to enjoy a hot summer’s day and also try out kayaking.

Overcome the obstacle

Family Obstacle Challenge (Only €22pp)

If you were transfixed by RTE’s hit show, Ireland’s Fittest Family then you can try it yourself.

And take on challenges such as Hang Tough, Backs Against the Wall, Tyre Relay and the gruelling Eliminator!

Sports scene

Sports Club Packages

And remember those team building experiences of your early working days.

Then try the HELL & BACK endurance trial with obstacles including Satan’s Pit, Heartbreak Ridge and finishing on the notorious Finishing Ramp.

All part of the Kilruddery Thrillruddery in Wicklow.

And that will lead you to explore further and take in the wondrous neighbouring Powerscourt.