DVO’s sustainable travellers in the Emerald Isle by John Duckworth
This was the third year in a row I’ve been to the Irish Orienteering Championships (IOC), cycling there and back every time. This year I was joined by Ann-Marie and Stuart Swalwell who also cycled. Stuart took the scenic route via North Wales for the Holyhead to Dublin ferry, whereas Ann-Marie and myself took the more direct route via Liverpool to Belfast.
The IOC is held over the May Bank Holiday weekend and like the JK has Sprint, Middle, Long and Relay days. This year they threw in an Urban event on Thursday evening for those so inclined. Based around Coleraine near the north coast of Northern Ireland, the Sprint was at Ulster University Campus, whilst the other 3 days were on the sand dunes at Magelligan (used for the British in 2002). Camping at a stables just outside Coleraine meant we could cycle to the Sprint, and cycle/take the train along one of the most scenic rail lines in the UK to the other three days at Magelligan.
Although the event has the same format as the JK and has high quality areas, planning and organisation, it’s quite a bit smaller so has a much more relaxed feel, coupled with Irish hospitality.
The Sprint had one fiendishly incomprehensible multi level area that caught everyone out despite knowing about it in advance. The Middle and Long on Magelligan were classic sand dune areas which rewarded fine orienteering and minimising mistakes.
The Irish have got Relays sorted. Rather than the multitude of classes we have at the JK and British they have men’s and women’s elite, junior courses, and then everyone else is in a handicap class. They have one mass start for every class, giving a big relay feel even though there aren’t that many people. The DVO Nomads team came a respectable 9th with three clean runs.
Next year’s event is in the south west of Ireland so expect complex open areas (with fabulous cycling there and back if that’s your thing). I’d thoroughly recommend it. The dates are 1–4 May, and the embargoed area is here.
And finally, Stuart wonders if 4 legs or 2 wheels will get him to the Relays fastest?!
