Adventure sports a lucrative endeavour - worth over €850m in value to economy

In a month where many of us contemplate the laziness of summer holidays spent idling on the beach, increasing numbers of Irish people look to the exact opposite for their particular brand of leisure.

In recent years, the adventure sports sector in Ireland has successfully carved out a growing niche for thousands of participants keen to test their stamina in a variety of endurance events tailored to all ages and fitness levels.

Set over courses that encompass cycling, mountain running, trail hiking and kayaking, they dot the entire country and operate on a year-round basis.