We have already talked about the benefits of team building activities. Now, how about our top 5? There are so many incredible team building exercises you can do. It was tough to narrow it down! But low and behold our top 5 team building activities. You and your team will have heaps of fun and reap the rewards ten times over!

Paintball :

Paintball is a sensational way for teams to work together. Each group is divided into two teams who must battle it out. A dynamic will form where the members of each team work together to win. It is exhilarating and can get pretty intense! Your team will love the rush. And, the connects they form while playing this high adrenaline game will transfer into how they communicate at work. And that aside, who doesn’t love getting covered in paint!?

Karting :

Tearing up that karting track is one high octane way to have fun! Dust off those cobwebs and head out for some super fun go-karting. This team building activity is perfect for the team that might be cooped up in an office most of the time. Or, even if your team just loves getting stuck in to something energetic!

Escape Rooms :

Escape Rooms are becoming an incredibly popular team building activity. Why? Firstly, because it stimulates some serious team work energy. Secondly, the group thinks creatively to solve puzzles to escape a room. To up the anti, they are working against the clock. This trendy team building activity is where it is at!

Bubble Soccer : 

This next level game will blow your teams mind. Ever heard of Zorbing? No? Well basically you are strapped into a giant bubble and left to roll around a designated area. Bubble Soccer is when  you are part of a team of people in this situation, playing another team in a game of soccer! If you haven’t seen it already, you should check it out.

Foot golf :

Ah foot golf, the noble sport. Like golf but not as fusty and dusty. It is definitely an upgrade to the original game! The rules are similar to regular golf. The only difference is, you guessed it – you use your foot to kick the ball. No more carrying around heavy caddy bags full of golf sticks you haven’t a notion of how to use!

Whatever you choose to do for your annual outing, our top five is a great place to start. This ultra trendy list of team building activities will give your team something to look forward to! And, something to reminisce about.

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You and your team have been through thick and thin. Experiencing those highs and lows together throughout the season has brought you closer together. Here are our top 4 reasons why your soccer team should have a night away. You deserve it!

Strengthen Bonds :

Catching up with one another off the pitch is a great way to strengthen those bonds. You all have such a great time together, why not dedicate some time just for having the craic? Soccer is a sport that requires a lot of focus. Even though it seems like you and your team are just having fun, you are actually working hard to achieve a goal…literally! So blow off some steam and remind each other how much you like to laugh. Of course this is going to be the first reason of top 4 reasons why your soccer team should have a night away.

Blow off steam :

A night away from it all can do you the world of good! We all have hectic lives. From family commitments to work, we juggle a lot. Having an excuse to head away for a night can be just what the doctor ordered. You and your team will return home renewed and ready to take on those every day challenges with fresh eyes. So blow off some steam with your comrades and be better for it! An excellent way to do this is by trying out a new activity! Check out our top team bonding activities for inspiration.

Visit somewhere new :

Exploring a new place and having a new experience is what it is all about! Make those amazing memories with the team you are proud to be part of. Head to somewhere in Ireland you have never been before. No one has been everywhere! Whether it is that scenic sea side town or majestic waterfall, make the time to see it with your team. Chances are you visit different towns for matches on a regular basis. Ever wondered what any of those towns would be like to visit off duty? Find out for yourself!

Marking occasions :

Marking special occasions for your team is super important. You all worked hard to win a match and want to celebrate? Team night away! Or, maybe you didn’t win the game you were training for. In that case, a team trip away can perk you all right back up! It is also a perfect way to welcome a new member or members to the team. Equally, it is a great way to say goodbye to a member who is leaving. Playing as part of a soccer team is like being in a family. Celebrate those iconic moments, no matter what they may be.

So whatever you and your team deicide to do, remember these four reasons. If you are planning your first team trip away, we are sure you will have such a blast you won’t ever need an excuse again!

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Turning 40 for a lot of people means reaching a personal peak of sophistication. You have levelled up. Opting for the more expensive wine is now a thing. You have crafted a timeless personal style. And, you almost never forget to turn on the sacred immersion. Celebrate the myriad of achievements your colleague has made inside and outside of the workplace by throwing them a bespoke birthday bash that chimes with their approach to life! Check out our 40th birthday weekend trip ideas. They will feel appreciated and happy to work in such a supportive environment.

Outdoor Activities

If your colleague is full of zest and life and ready to keep those energy levels up for the next 40 years, a weekend trip full of activities is the one for you. They want to breathe some life into themselves and those around them. As far as 40th birthday weekend trip ideas go, a super fun outdoor activity trip is something that could hit the nail on the head for many! A trip to an Adventure centre would quench any ones thirst for adventure! From zip lining to rock climbing, the variety of activities means that there is something for everyone.

Relaxing Activities

Maybe your colleague is one to enjoy the finer things in life. They know how to relax and repose and they are ready to stave off those wrinkles until the bitter end. A weekend of rest and relaxation sounds like heaven on earth for them. Put your feet up in unison at a luxury Spa weekend away. When is there literally ever a better excuse? Your colleague works hard and deserved a relaxing start to this iconic age. A Spa day would allow your colleague to peacefully enter this phase of their life with calm and a feeling of zen. And, massages and facials are always welcomed – at any age!

Creative Activities

Is your colleague a creative person? Do you often catch them doodling or do they have an interesting screensaver of a piece of art? In that case, a weekend trip that includes something that will unleash their inner artist will be the perfect way to celebrate this landmark age. Art can be at the same time exciting and peaceful for a lot of people and is a total crowd pleaser. Therefore, everyone will be able to get stuck in and try to make their own personal masterpiece, or even just play about. Another thing about turning 40 is that you might have a new found comfort with yourself and your body! Embrace this new found embracement of the physical form by Painting a Nude. This activity may even inspire a giggle from your inner child too.

Whatever you decide to surprise your colleague with, make sure that it is something that they will love. You may have worked together for many years and know exactly what will excite them! Or you could ask a few subtle questions to find out. Our 40th birthday weekend trip ideas are a great jumping off point that will steer you in the right direction! So get planning the 40th birthday surprise of a lifetime.

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So your hockey team have been playing together for 5 years and you want to celebrate. Or maybe, your soccer team won a championship and a well deserved holiday is on the cards! Perhaps one of your team members are leaving, or several new team members have joined. In these, and many other cases – Team Weekends Away are the one. Bond with the team you experience all of those highs and lows with in style. You and your team will reap the rewards of an activity like this for many reasons.

The Craic!

Team Weekends away have many benefits. Firstly, they are a breeding ground for hilarious anecdotes. These will be exchanged over post-game pints for years to come. Memories will be made. In-jokes will live on through the season. And, many a belly laugh will be had. Just think of how many times you have been reminisced to yourself about jokes made and laughed at inappropriate moments! That is what it is all about. The moments that make your sides ache from laughing.

Outdoor Activities

Secondly, this incredible bonding experience transfers into your game play. Strategies are easily communicated and understood. There is an unspoken language that allows your team to psychically interact as they play. Therefore, hitting up some super fun outdoor activities will show your team just why they are so strong! New connections are made when you change up the game you are playing. New cognitive processes will be established. In addition, a day spent on a dirt buggy is a super exciting and trendy way to get out there and get the adrenaline flowing. Your team might take to it like ducks to water.

Unleash your Creative Side

Thirdly, getting away from it all is amazing for your mental health. A team trip away that focuses on unleashing inner creativity is cathartic and rewarding. Your team will return home relaxed and renewed, with a piece of amazing (or questionable!) art to have in their home. Playing with a team, no matter what the sport – is a creative pursuit. Therefore, you think on your feet and come up with new ideas all of the time. Team Weekends away that nurture this facility are super beneficial. And, your team will feel as though they all achieve something individual and that’s important too! Pottery making is a super therapeutic and relaxing way to engage with your creative side. Maybe someone will sculpt a trophy for a team mate! Or, print the team crest on a vase.

So whether you are going to tear it up on the dirt buggy track, or make like Patrick Swayze in Ghost and sculpt a masterpiece – you are going to have the craic. Strengthen the friendship in your team, embrace new members and say goodbye to old ones. And, celebrate victories and have fun with one another. Above all, your team are connected. In other words, they are a cracking bunch! Take plenty of photos for your locker room or training space. Most importantly, remember this incredible time.

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Team building activities in Ireland : Our top 5 is a toe dip into the vast array of activities available to those that want to organise a worthwhile team building experience for members of staff. The range goes from sedentary to pampering and from gut busting to high wire adrenaline pumping.

We at Bigpotatoes have a list as long as Desperate Dan’s arm but today we want to focus your mind on our top five.

1. Go-Karting

This one always hits the spot and the beauty is that while it’s an adrenaline rushing activity it’s always safe. The Karts are low slung vehicles with small wheels, fitted with safety gear and impossible to flip over. There are plenty of karting tracks both indoor and outdoor and dotted around the country. When you arrive at the track you are fitted with a special suit and helmet and made to feel like Jensen Button. Once in the car you have two objectives, beat your team mates and beat the clock. Lots of hair pin bends, sweeping corners and straight sections for overtaking. So why wait. Bang… you’re off!!

2. Off Roading

This is an experience for the petrol heads. This is 4×4 off road driving that will test the skill sets of the most committed “would be” rally driver or adventure motorist. There are many venues around Ireland that utilise abandoned trails, bogs, small rivers, steep inclines, mud baths and obstacles with frightening names such as coffin and twister. There are different courses, some will suit more experienced off road drivers and others are for starlet drivers. The team will be enthralled with this activity and will usually do three circuits of a course while navigating through “gates” that are usually situated at the most awkward part of the course. You can hire a 4×4 at the venues or have a go in your mothers Toyota Yaris. That should be fun!! www.motorsportireland.com

3. Assault courses

This is the daddy of all team building activities. It is what separates the sheep from the lambs. Team building for the good, the bad and the ugly. No place for wimps. It’s up to your arse in mud and muck as you physically challenge the course, your team and yourself. This makes a mockery of jogging in the park. There are several events, team events that can be used for personal development and team building. Tough Mudder, Mudfest and toughest Muckers are a few. It’s messy, very messy and challenging but

the adrenaline rush compensates for looking like a hippo after a mud bath. Competitors and team builders should be sure to have their spinach, like Popeye, before they head on a 10 k mud run. It takes team building to a new level, if you survive. Other forms of assault courses are zip wire and obstacle courses. If any team member was not in the habit of making mud pies as a child they might prefer a jog in the park.

4. Zorbing

Team building for head cases would be an appropriate way of describing Zorbing. It’s high octane stuff where team members are encased in a giant see-through plastic sphere before being rolled down an incline at speed. Just you and your vomit to keep you company. You are of course harnessed but the “Gawk” is not. Its crazy stuff and very popular but give it a skip if you suffer from motion sickness. “Burp”.. Sorry!!

5. Sailing

There was a time where it was the preserve of the G&T brigade in their white slacks and plimsoles. Not anymore baby. Yacht racing is regarded as one of the top 5 most dangerous sports in the world. It’s a great team building sport. There are 40 different classes of craft that run courses. www.sailing.ie There is also a great social side to this sport and it ranks in our team building activities in Ireland, our top 5.

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Summer BBQ for staff : 5 top do’s and don’ts like these are super useful. Sometimes it appears as if Christmas is still visible in the rear view mirror when the days get longer and you’re sucking in the smell of freshly mown grass. Summer has arrived and it is time to shake off the winter blues and get outside.

Time once again to organise the annual BBQ for all the staff at the company. Team leaders need to step up to the plate and recruit willing members for the BBQ team as the first step in putting the annual bash together. There are two ways of organising the annual Gig; firstly, the easy way and that is to hire in an outside caterer and just sit back with all the staff and team leaders and enjoy the stress less occasion. Secondly, get a team of volunteers together and do it the hard way. Yes, a self catering BBQ. The craic is mighty and it does give people a chance to show off skills that might not be apparent in their everyday work life.

Team leaders can make this a fun day or make a complete balls of it so getting it right is important.

So Bigpotatoes has put together a summer BBQ for staff; the top 5 do’s and don’ts

1. Do get everyone involved in the planning.

It’s a big undertaking and if the group is large there is a huge amount of work involved. We also know that most staff like to be involved in helping and it creates a better atmosphere and fosters better friendships. It gives normal team leaders a chance to evaluate other skill factors in their colleagues.

Do NOT go on a solo run or an ego trip so that all the glory falls into your lap with the attitude of “look what I can do”

2. Do select a proper venue.

It may be on the sports field attached to the business or in a beer garden attached to some watering hole. Be sure that you have access to power and water and that it’s in a sheltered area.

Do NOT pitch the BBQ on the top of a hill where the wind will make it difficult to keep the cooking running smoothly. Also make sure that access to the site is easy for vehicles. On a beach with access down a rocky slope gets you zero points.

3. Order proper quantities of food and booze.

If unsure ask a professional. Make sure that there are enough food containers, cutlery, plates, glasses, booze and bags of ice. Make a list and use the KISS philosophy. (keep it simple stupid)

Do NOT underestimate the quantities and at the same time do NOT grossly overestimate either. It’s bad enough being short on the day, but it is just as bad chucking oodles of leftover food into the bin. Make sure that the balance is right. Drinks can be done on a sale and return basis.

4. The actual BBQ itself can either be gas fired or charcoal.

Gas is easier and cleaner and gives better control. Get advice on the size of the BBQ to cater for a crowd. The hire people will guide you in the right direction. Start cooking in plenty of time so there’s no one dropping from starvation.

Do NOT use throw away tin foil trays with a few knobs of charcoal for a large group. Be professional in your approach. Also do NOT leave metal tongs or forks lying on the hot flames. Going to A&E in the middle of the event with burnt hands with spoil your day.

5. Be sure to order enough tables and chairs so that everyone is comfortable while eating.

Also remember the fair skinned Irish, they will need to sit in the shade so order some parasols.

Do NOT get plastered by drinking on an empty stomach as you pretend to be Gordon Ramsey at the Summer BBQ for staff.

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4 reasons why we love it :

Historically, Dublin was known as the pale and the rest of Ireland was referred to as “beyond the pale”; in a peculiar kind of way the same yardstick could apply today. Well, the Dub’s, as the natives of the city would have us believe that, if they had their way. One thing for sure, it is the centre of the Irish universe and without doubt we would recommend Dublin for your end of season night away, 4 reasons why we love it.

1. The centre of the Irish universe.

Strictly speaking Athlone is in the centre of Ireland and it is on a line west of Dublin, but for size, scale and population The Capital is vast compared with all the other cities in the country. It lies on the east coast about half way between the top and bottom of the country. Ease of access in terms of transport is a Godsend for any team planning an end of season night away.

Dublin is served by a very efficient rail network. It is also connected to all other major cities in the country by motorway. Dublin airport is one of the busiest in Europe, if your team is based outside the Island of Ireland. Likewise the port has ferry connections to the UK and Europe. If your team is planning on a

major “knees up” then don’t designate a driver, stay safe, hire a coach or use public transport.

2. Places to go, Things to see and do.

We are back to the old chestnut here of “how long is a piece of string” but as it is Dublin for your end of season night away, it is best that we stay focused on life after dark. Dublin is like New York in that is a city that never sleeps. Massive range of activities for the team if building up a sweat is on the menu for the team members. Dublin tourism can provide your team with all the options.

Meanwhile Bigpotatoes would suggest some of the following; a visit to the live theatre, if getting a lash of culture is your bag; alternatively the concert hall usually has some great musicals or the 3 Arena for a musical gig. This arena is a great spot for international stars, groups, bands and solo singers. Planning is definitely needed well in advance for a show as the tickets are advertised as early as a year in advance. It’s a great end of season gig for the team. A trip to Vickers Street is another option, again a bit of forward planning. It’s more intimate than the Arena and can have great comedy shows. If the team arrives early in Dublin a trip around the city on the amphibious Viking vehicles and a splash into the Liffey is mighty craic. Maybe the team has a “lip” so a trip to the Guinness Hop store could sort out that problem with some samples of the “black stuff”, or as Arthur Guinness used to say, “A pint of plain is your only man”

3. Choice of accommodation

Dublin is spoilt for choice when it comes to bed nights. More Hotels and bed and breakfasts than you could shake a stick at Bigpotatoes have lots of deals in the capital and will be only too glad to steer your team in the right direction. Look, that’s what we do!

3. Nightlife

Dublin rocks after dark and has everything that your team will look for in terms of music, food and drink and that is why we recommend Dublin for your end of season night away and 4 reasons why we love it

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Check out the Top 4 reasons you need to team build in Cork. At Bigpotatoes we pride ourselves in the way we put events together to suit our clients. Destinations are a major fact in that process. Today we are looking at our cities and giving you firstly, the top 5 reasons you need to team build in Cork.

Without banging on about it too much, it is important to keep the focus on the purpose of the trip. It’s about team building and not about individual satisfaction or gratification. It’s all about the team, so get the team, the whole team and nothing but the team involved in the planning of the trip to Cork.

Work through a list. The team leader should draw up and finalise the list making sure that all details are covered no matter how insignificant they may appear. Location, accommodation, transport options, activities, indoor and outdoor, music, food and drink and return journey.

So, here are our top 5 reasons you need to team build in Cork.

1. Range of outdoor activities

It’s “how long is a piece of string” answer that comes to mind. Let’s take a look a few, well, a couple anyway. One of

the most popular is go-karting. We have several on our list, both indoor and outdoor but with fingers crossed on the weather we will go outdoors. The buzz the team will get from karting hardly needs to be explained. It’s motor car racing at a small and safe level. Who doesn’t want to be a Lewis Hamilton tearing into corners, screeching round the hair pin bends, overtaking on the straight, beating your fellow team members, competing against the clock; throw in the imaginary crowd, the smell of fuel, the thought of a pit stop with pretend change of tyres and of course the television cameras focusing on the team as they battle each other for line honours.

Another great outdoor activity that the team will love is a harbour trip on a high speed rib. No Dear, it’s not the rib that the lord took from Adam to make eve”, it’s a high speed power boat that planes on the water.

On a calm day, the adrenalin rush that the team will experience as the rib speeds over the water is pure exhilaration. Of course the drivers are professional and all on board are fitted with life jackets and sitting on special seats. No cobwebs in the head after this trip.

2. Indoor activities in Cork city for the team.

One of the favorite ones of course is 10 pin bowling. Again the team leaders can divide up the group into small teams and they can compete against one another. Listen to the

clatter as the bowling balls hit the skittles. On the other hand listen to the roars of laughter as the ball drops into the drain and misses the whole mass of “wooden soldiers”.

This is a terrific option is the weather is anyway lousy. The Cork people will swear that it only rains between midnight and eight in the morning.

3. Cork is Big enough to have loads of options but small enough to be personal.

The centre of the city lies between the north and the south channel of the river lee and most of the Craic and shopping is in that area. If there are ladies on the team building event they will need retail therapy and Cork won’t disappoint.

4. Booze, Burgers and Beds.

Everything that the team will need in the above departments are in full supply in Cork City and at all different price levels. Add in the natives and you can be sure that this will tick the box for the top 5 reasons you need to team build in Cork.

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There are so many different categories of extreme sports that we are spoilt for choice. We have already covered white water rafting in the Scottish mountains and the thrills and spills associated with that sport. We moved from water sport, sort of speak to aerial or sky sport in the piece on parachute jumping and the adrenaline rush associated with that. Now we go to terra firma and explore the thrills and adrenaline levels by having a go at buggy racing.

So we have air, water and mucky terrain as the first three on our to do list for team building and in those three we are examining three elements that get the juices of excitement going and at the same time contribute to our team building exercise.

There is no doubt that Buggy racing will tick all the boxes. We have yet to meet someone that doesn’t want to get behind the wheel of any vehicle and give it welly.

It’s amazing to think the motor manufacturing conglomerates are concentrating so much money and technology on building driverless cars! Especially when all the world and it’s mother just wants to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and test their driving skills. Mind you, the roads are so congested with traffic these days that any type of driving can be either boring, painful or both for that matter. So let’s get off road and experience the absolute thrill of bombing a rough terrain buggy around some serious undulating country side. This is team building as it should be. Team leaders can select the drivers that will give them the best advantage over the rival team.

The first of the three adrenaline “hits” comes early.

First is the kit out and buggy allocation. It will bring back memories of the bumpers at the local funfair when the now adults and team leaders were children on holidays from school. The buggies are powered by 650 cc engines, have robust suspensions and sequential gear shifts built for mayhem. They are fitted with a safety harness and anti roll cage bars to ensure safety. As you await instructions from the course marshal and encouragement from the team leader, the excitement builds. This is what time out from the office should be all about. First a leisurely lap of the track to get familiarised with the course and then back to the starting pit, line up and off.

Number two : the actual drive.

It doesn’t take long for the competitive streak to kick in with the teams. Speeding on the flat surfaces where the opportunity exists to overtake and get your team in the lead is followed by some tricky maneuvers over rocky terrain. Drivers will master driving sideways, oversteer and understeer techniques. The teams will learn how to tackle extreme terrains, bumps, twists, jumps and turns. And, learn how to overtake your team opponent particularly on the flat fast section. For team building, this has it all. Team work, team leadership and team enjoyment;

Number three on the adrenaline scale is the race to the finish. That means challenging the opposing team at every opportunity even more so when it would normally be deemed as risky. That is when the thrill hits the top note. It is great fun, highly entertaining and extreme. Don’t underestimate the power of these awesome buggies; a breathtaking experience.

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Extreme sports team building: White water rafting? Why not! We have had a wide range of team building and team bonding activities reviewed at this stage. Some are great fun, like paintballing or kayaking. Some are exciting and give a great buzz, like activity courses, go-karting and buggy driving. Others can be described a very pleasant experiences. The spa and pamper afternoon for men are in this category. And, there is a massive range of pampering facilities available for ladies, of course! Then we have the sedentary team building exercise. Here, only the only drops of sweat are on the waiter’s forehead as the team relaxes having afternoon tea on the lawn by the shores of the Lakes of Killarney.

We have a range of team activities that stretch from plus one to nine on our activity Richter scale and everything in between.

Today we are going to view a team building event that goes outside that scope.

This team building exercise will get the adrenaline pumping and the heart racing. Today we are taking a look at a spine tingling and exhilaration team sport that will rock your team to the core. We are going white water rafting in Scotland. Make sure that the company accountant is aware that you and your business team are sticking the hand out for a good budget! One that will get you and your team up into the Scottish mountains where the tumbling river torrents have venom and little mercy.

It’s cold, fast and furious. And, when you think you have reached the pinnacle of excitement, the raft lunges down another turbulent narrow gorge. Framed with threatening rocks and lofty Scottish pines, each turn makes your heart tastes salty as in bounces into the back of your mouth. Your instinct is to scream but your voice was left on the last bank at the top of the incline.

The yellow rubber raft is four meters long; it’s robust and carries six victims – sorry! team members!

Each member has a wet suit, helmet and life jacket and holds a paddle. Each raft has an instructor who roars out instructions as the yellow machine goes from naught to sixty in three seconds. Did I mention the steering wheel? No? that’s because there isn’t one. Guiding this water toboggan down the rocky water chute, over weirs, around bends, through raging pools is done by the six on board using their paddles. Therefore, a practice is first held in the calmness of a peaceful pool at the head of the river.

The instructor will advise in how to use the paddles. They will tell you and your team to be alert to her instructions as the craft bounces down the ravine. You will be told that there is a possibility of falling overboard and getting separated from the craft. There is also the possibility of the craft overturning and getting trapped underneath and how to deal with that. At this point you’re approaching cardiac arrest, and that’s even before its game on.

This is a team effort, a team building exercise that is purely high octane stuff, adrenaline rush that goes faster than the water.

Because of the altitude and the time of year and because it is far north, it is freezing. Sympathy is stuffed down behind the couch back at the hotel. The instructions are clear and you paddle out of the calm pool. Literally, the gate is open and the bull is ready for the ring with a big desire to get the riders off his back. The craft lunges forward amid the screams. Game on baby!

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Well, how long is a piece of string?

If you need to build sandcastles you go to a beach, if you need to go sailing you go to sea, and if your team decides that mountain climbing is the perfect event for them then it’s off into the country and find a mountain range.

Horses for courses: So then why would we think it strange that the team would select Dublin as a destination for team building? It is the capital city of the country and has the greatest and most diverse range of activities than anywhere else in the country! When it comes to team building and group bonding that we are all on different pages at the beginning. It takes time, effort, leadership and coaxing to sometimes get a consensus. Nothing wrong with that really and it does show democracy at work. Someone always needs to put their hand up and take the initiative. It’s what happens. Others prefer to be led than and that’s fine too. The whole point about leadership get-a ways and team building events is it opens up opportunities for those who neither are, nor regarded as natural leaders.

It also brings out qualities that may not be apparent in an office environment. It gives all participants a chance to see what other members can bring to the party. Just because a team member it red hot at computing doesn’t mean that they are dumb when it comes to outdoor pursuits or outdoor team leadership. There’s many a gem hidden under a corporate rock and a spell away from the work environment can often help to unearth such gems. So let’s bring it on.

Back to Dublin and the reasons for selecting it as a corporate event outing destination for the team.

The variety of activities, places of interest, art galleries, hotels, pubs, restaurants are as long as they are interesting.

Whatever we find in other places in Ireland, we can find the whole bundle of them in Dublin. Dublin is not just the capital of Ireland now, it’s a vibrant European city and pretty much like New York, it’s a city that never sleeps. The only drawback is probably the extent of the activities. There will surely be some disagreement within the group as to what is a priority. This takes the team back to the reality of democracy and consensus. THE main attractions are the art galleries and the museums, the range of bridges spanning the river liffey. The enormity of the phoenix park, which houses the Zoo and the Aras, home of the President of Ireland is not fully appreciated.

It totals over 1700 acres and is bigger than Central park in New York and Hyde Park in London. There are lots of other main stream activities to keep the team happy.

Another reason for selecting Dublin as a destination for the team is its access.

The main railway hub in Ireland is at Heuston Station and it services the south, the south east and the west of Ireland. A second station at Connolly serves the north east and Belfast. Dublin airport is now one of the busiest in Europe and has connections to multiple destinations in not just Europe but worldwide. Ferries sail in and out of Dublin Port every day to the UK and continental Europe. So it your group or team are planning a spell in Dublin and moving on as a part of that team building exercise all travelling options are open. Finally, Dublin as we have stated is not just the capital of Ireland, a European city, but is a multicultural location that can compete with the best in the world at anytime.

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Team building and team bonding isn’t just for footballers or rugby players or those involved in team sports. It is also about creating a healthy and harmonious atmosphere within the confines of the workplace. A happy staff, or team, leads to better productivity and a friendlier environment. The knock-on effects from that happy environment are indeed multiple. Apart from productivity, staff or team retention in today’s market is critical. Demand for highly productive, well educated team members is at an all time high. Therefore, making the work place a happy place will be the first brick in the wall.

Team building and breaks away from the desks are paramount for a successful work place environment. We have discussed a myriad of options that involve both the ladies and the gents in the company getting together for team building. Sometimes, it’s ladies only and sometimes the concentration is on the men.

Today we are discussing an option for the male team member, that’s usually regarded as the preserve of the ladies. That option is a Spa and a pamper afternoon.

First of all, the spa is not just for ladies!

And, while the lads from the office might think of it as girly, forget it! Drop the caveman attitude and get the male team along to a Dublin spa for some real body treatment.

The fear for some blokes is that it’s all about fluffy dressing gowns slices of cucumber on the eye lids and delicate perfumes. Wrong again! The body and mind needs relaxing whether it’s male or female. The Idea is that on entering a spa the man will immediately experience the feeling of calm. The Therapists will focus on the stress points so that the body’s well being is assured and that the mind is free to drift to a higher altitude. The highly trained staff will guide your team through each step of your relaxing journey.

It’s amazing how relaxed, revitalized and rejuvenated you will feel after the treatment.

Depending on where exactly you take your male team, a variety of treatments are available, each with its own unique selling point.

Indian head massages are popular with most establishments. They involve a relaxing face, neck, shoulder and head massage. The treatment is steeped in Indian tradition and with their skill set, the masseuse will work on the head and scalp to ease out all the tensions above the shoulder areas.

Men with sinus problems and tired eyes will also experience a major improvement. Other treatments for instance involve a pine and eucalyptus enriched moor mud back treatment followed by a back massage. Or why not try a Hot stone back massage and or maybe a hot stone leg and foot massage.

The hot stone heat penetrates the deep muscle tissue and eliminates the need for an excruciating deep muscle massage that makes the cure worse than the disease.

The male members of your team will experience a life changing moment when they are whisked off for a Spa and pamper afternoon.

Once the body is successfully sorted, the mind in a peaceful orbit. A pleasant feeling of well being will hang on the body like a well cut suit. It can be regarded as a job well done and an initiative that was worth pursuing. The spa will no longer just be for the ladies in the team but also for the macho males that had never had the experience before.

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Summer is creeping in over the horizon! The first swallows are whizzing excitedly about overhead making their shrill sounds and announcing the beginning of the season.

Time to start thinking about the office day out and a bonding and team building event! There are loads of activities that will light the fires under the weariest of office members and get them thinking about the summer day out. Inclusive activities are always top of the team leaders lists. These range from kite surfing, canoeing, and power boating, to hill walking, spa treatments and fine dining.

Let us look at a completely different idea for the team event away this year. Consider a trip to the Gaeltach! In particular, the beautiful area of Dingle and the dingle peninsula. Get lucky with the weather and it is a most stunning experience. The team leaders and organisers will need to plan carefully for this trip. This is because,  your teams starting point will have huge bearing on travel arrangements. For instance, if your team is coming from an area on the west or south coast hiring a mini bus would be ideal.

As in any team building exercise, planning should be split up among team members as this promotes a spirit of inclusiveness and makes team members feel important. If the team is travelling from a destination farther north like Dublin or Belfast, taking the train to killarney and a coach from there to Dingle would be practical. Killarney to Dingle is a little over an hour’s drive.

The first reason that the team day out should be to Dingle has just got to be the stunning scenery.

All team members will be gob smacked as it has been described as the first place that God made. The view opens up to reveal the stunning beach at Inch on the narrow road in from Castlemaine . It is facing south west and in line with the prevailing winds. Therefore, the surf is constantly crashing in on the golden sand making it a paradise for swimmers and surfers. After a photo stop and a coffee and scone, the team then head off into the beautiful, colourful fishing town of dingle to begin their next experience.

The second reason we have chosen the area is the buzz in this marine Gaeltach town.

Beautiful little shops selling artisan products, glorious pubs where the locals converse in Irish and at the same time enjoy the craic and Irish music. Restaurants are plentiful and the quality and range of menus will satisfy the most discerning of diners. Of course the team could take a boat trip out the harbor for an encounter with the famous Dingle dolphin called Fungi

Third on our list is a trip around the Dingle peninsula.

Here the team will see the beautiful beaches at Ventry and the historical bee hive huts. They will see the Blasket islands off shore, including “The Sleeping Giant” and of course the stunning Slea head where the film “Ryan’s daughter” was shot some years ago.

The fourth buzz point is the mountain back drop dotted with stone walls and sheep.

Ruined stone cottages from the famine times are a testimony to the tragedy of our history. And, a reminder of the families that were decimated and those that emigrated. Should the budget stretch to two days, there are plenty of Hotels and guest houses in the area.

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Three stimulating reasons :

We all know the benefits that we gain from taking a leisurely walk in the countryside. The tingling feeling as the body warms up and the breathing increases. The gentle push of the breeze against your face, the sounds of the countryside, birds, cattle, farm machinery and some traffic all add to the moments of serenity and pleasure. The freedom of being out of the rat race, whether on your own or with a team training to get fitter and healthier, is of great benefit to you and your team. That’s an easy option and while very enjoyable for team training or solo recreation it will not bring on a stimulation that will leave you in a mind blowing situation. Let’s examine another team building extreme sport that will test the team and it daring qualities;

We are talking about Skydiving, also called parachuting.

There are several places in Ireland that cater for the parachuting enthusiasts and the nearest to Dublin is an area in Kildare. Generally, this sport is very much weather dependant.

Low cloud cover makes it a non event. Visibility is a key factor not just for the aircraft pilot, but for the teams participating.

Let’s be honest, there’s no point in jumping out of a plane at 10.000 feet if you can’t see the ground. The whole adrenaline rush would be lost.

We are highlighting three factors that make this team experience high on the adrenaline rush Geiger counter.

Number one is turning up at the aerodrome with all your team members and getting the feeling of trepidation as you kit out in the gear, parachute and slip on the helmet.

Gloves and goggles are supplied! Let’s be honest, this is an extreme sport and can be dangerous or fatal so qualified instructors are on hand to make sure that everything is done according to the regulations. Because there are risks means that we class it as an extreme sport. Therefore, the exhilaration that the team will experience illustrates our desire to push the boundaries out. Everything is done with military precision with no chances taken as the team enters the aircraft and prepares for takeoff.

Team leaders will say some reassuring words as the plane picks up speed and lifts off into the clear blue sky. Butterflies will begin swirling around in some stomachs, hands will become sweaty and mouths dry out. Suddenly the plane is at ten thousand feet and the instructor starts the jump sequence. No turning back at this stage as someone shouts “Geronimo” and disappears out into the great emptiness.

This is where the second great adrenaline rush kicks in as team members fall and accelerate to 120 miles per hour (terminal velocity) in less than ten seconds.

The wind rush distorts the facial features so the fear factor is not plain to see. It is an unbelievable feeling. A mixture of exhilaration, nervousness and thrilling expectation as the ground appears to rise up to meet you. The cord is pulled and the traffic slows down to a crawl. Time to draw breath and view the landscape from a place inhabited only by the birds; silence wraps you in a blanket and leaves the team in awe as the gap between feet and ground closes.

Then the third great adrenaline kicks in.

The landing is soft but the euphoria is truly hard core.

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Bigpotatoes was very impressed on a recent visit to Limerick and so we wanted to share our findings with any of you planning a team outing!

Bigpotatoes.ie has had a great input from the businesses and hot spots in the city and we are working with their advice on how to help the team leaders everywhere to bring their football, hockey, rugby and GAA teams to the Treaty city and suck up the beauty and the atmosphere. Limerick is a buzzing university city and we want to share this with you!

Limerick has everything from sizzling food to street art. As they say in the Treaty City, ‘there is something in the air in Limerick right now, so lets’ make tracks’. Making a really early start and breakfast in Limerick will give plenty of time for visiting all the sights.

1. The Big Breakfast.

This is an old fashioned Irish tradition, breakfast like a king and where better than The Canteen. Chef Paul Williams has brought a beautiful casual edge to Mallow Street. Good food, good coffee and good prices that the team will enjoy. A tip! Try the green eggs and ham, a delicious plate of poached eggs, avocado and chilli sauce topped off with bacon. Lots of other enticing options on the menu;

2. Thomond Park, home of Munster Rugby.

Thomond Park is Legendary in the sports world and a fortress for the home team. Take the team on a tour of this stadium and feel what the players feel when they walk into the dressing room and out on to the pitch. Browse through the museum and get a glance of the memorabilia of some of the great players that wore the red jersey of Munster. What better way to boost team morale than to take the team to the home of legends. You might even see some players!

3. The Hunt Museum and the Limerick City gallery.

In 2014 Limerick had the honour of being Ireland’s first city of Culture. While that showcased the City it also brought attention to the wonderful historical artifacts in the above galleries. The team will witness a different side of Limerick’s culture and it could be something different for them from the norm.

4. Street art.

This will be appreciated by the whole team. Have the cameras ready for some stunning photos in Limerick. Limerick is a fun vibrant university city and there is street art everywhere. This gives the outing and the trip great energy and life. Limerick has art in spades and this will add to your amazing day out

Well, there you have it! 4 great reasons for taking your office team on a trip to limerick Your team will be talking about it for weeks!

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Bigpotatoes is working on establishing a diverse range of activities for team builders. Team building in the employment space is so important not just for the staff member but for the company as well. Team building and team leadership building encourages staff members to work in harmony. Therefore the team learn how to understand one another better. The team will benefit by having a more harmonious work space. And, the company will benefit by having more loyalty and better productivity. It’s a win, win, situation for all concerned!

Today we recommend something completely different. It will increase the heart rates of all on the team building day out. We are going to go to Falconry.

Yes, to take a bird of prey in the hand and get it to soar up into the sky. There are several falconry’s in Ireland and they all provide an excellent day out.

First a little bit of background on falconry: Falconry is a sport with a long social and historic history. It is the art of using a wild bird to attack its prey in its natural habitat. Falconry originated in Korea around 2000 BC. It spread throughout China and Japan before spreading west to Persia. From there it spread to the Arab world with the Mongol hordes of Genghis Khan. The returning crusaders brought it back to Europe. It was used more as a means of catching prey rather than just a sport at that time. Falconry flourished for centuries till the advent of firearms. It was in decline for many years until the emergence of modern falconry. This is now considered the fastest growing country sport in North America and Europe.

So, the first thing the team needs to do is select a location and make plans. It is a good idea for team leaders to divide up the responsibilities so that the whole team feels involved. At bigpotatoes we are great believers in the old fashioned map. So get a team member to purchase a map and look at the different locations. Select a location and check the booking details on their web site.

Select a day, make the booking and turn up. Corporate rates are available for business teams and team building days out.

The first exciting reason :

The first exciting reason for this day out becomes obvious very quickly when the staff introduce the team to these magnificent birds.

The most popular birds used are the Harris Hawks. The team or guests are then brought to a sparsely wooded area in the countryside where they will be given the opportunity of handling the birds and putting them through their paces.

Most of the falconry’s carry out their routines in the traditional manner. They employ techniques dating back thousands of years. They have married those skills with modern technology and they keep abreast of conservation and the welfare of their birds.

The second exciting moment :

When a team member slips on the glove and holds the falcon for the first time. That is an awesome moment.

The third exciting moment :

When the bird leaves the gloved hand. The thrill of flying your own hawk in natural surroundings.

The fourth exciting moment :

When the bird swoops down from the sky and settles on the gloved hand. It’s exhilarating stuff!

There are loads of species in the falconry. The team will enjoy their introduction! Their will be a few photo opportunities too!

Your team will love this amazing trip.

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Now if its rugged beauty you are after for your team and you want them to enjoy the beauty of the coast around Ireland then there’s no better place to go than the south west coast.

As we have mentioned previously, this is God’s country.

This is an area of stunning beauty and is teeming with amazing marine wildlife. This area is the Skellig Coast. It is part of the Kerry coast but narrowed down, it highlights the amazing sea world on our door step. The Skellig coast line covers some 130 kilometers from Castle cove in the East to Kells Bay in the west.

The area takes in the Iveragh Peninsula out towards Derrynane and the Beara peninsula out to Bull rock on the Southern side of Kenmare bay. This is one of the most exposed coastlines along the Wild Atlantic Way and bigpotatoes recommends that your team put it on their priority “to do list”. The diversity of the scenery is stunning and includes cliffs, bays, islands and the mountains in the back ground. This means that much of this area is full of marine wild life and so the coastal area is protected by European legislation. Therefore that includes Natural Heritage areas and the Kenmare river special area of conservation.

Getting to the area will take some planning by the team leaders. Don’t just flake off and depend on your Sat Nav system. Get one of the team members to out and buy a good old fashioned map of Ireland. That will give the team perspective. It will also give the team an overall view of the area in relation to the rest of the country. The team will see in one quick glance the designated area and all the small towns, villages and bays in the area.

For the team benefit and to stay focused we are going to concentrate on the Area of Kenmare bay.

Reason 1 :

The first top reason for bonding on the Skellig coast is the journey to Kenmare. Stunning sea views as the team drives along the roads west of Bantry. The mountains always as a back drop. Most time they are covered in beautiful purple heather. If the weather is good, visibility clear the team will be really excited.

Reason 2 :

The second of our four top reasons is meeting the boat and boarding in Kenmare. The sounds of the sea water gently lapping at the hull of the craft will add to the ambience. The boats are licensed by the Government and the Skipper and crew are very experienced and expert at finding the right spots for exciting viewing.

When the team is ready, life jackets put and instructions and safety outlined the boat moves off from the pier. The team is heading out into open waters. The thrill of being at one with nature as the spray rises behind the boat is awesome. Soon the team will be out into the spotting grounds and scanning for the Marine life. Bigpotatoes recommends bringing binoculars.

Reason 3 :

The third reason is about to unfold. Kenmare bay affords wonderful opportunities to see some of the largest animals on the planet. The team should keep their eyes peeled for the second largest fish in the world, the basking shark. It can grow up to 25 meters in length and it just casually swims around on the surface feeding on plankton. It has a triangular dorsal fin and that’s a real give away. Sometimes as many as ten of these creatures can be spotted swimming together; the fourth reason is the possibility of Whale sightings. These can include minke and fin whales.

That’s only the beginning. It’s a trip of a lifetime.

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Kinsale on the south coast of Ireland is generally classified as the gourmet capital of Ireland. There are more top class restaurants per block than you could shake a stick at. While the restaurant, hotel and tourist industry in Kinsale is vibrant, the town itself has some beautiful quaint shops and winding streets. Of course we often overlook the fact that Kinsale is a stone’s throw from the ocean. The town itself is built on the river Bandon. The river flows past the town and swings right and passes between Charles fort and James fort. Kinsale was a marine fortress used by the English navy from the year 1601.

Getting to Kinsale is easy for your team. A bus service runs regularly from Cork city a mere thirty minute away. Off the quay wall on the left as you pass through Kinsale town is the yacht marina.

The first Adrenaline hit :

The first Adrenaline hit will come as your team makes its way down the causeway and onto the marina. Your chariot awaits, all thirty odd feet of this modern sailing boat. While your team will be instructed will be expected to take full part in crewing the craft on tasks. This is while they learn about safety features, dangers and nautical terminology.

When the Instructions to the team are over, the skipper will cast off the shore lines and motor away from the marina. The prevailing wind is south westerly so in order to hoist the main sail and the bow of the boat is set into the wind. Therefore minimising the pressure on the sail. Team members will be asked to use the winches in order to get the sail up tight. And, another team member will be shown how to secure to rope in a jam cleat. The boat is steered off when the sail is secured.

The second adrenaline rush :

The second adrenaline rush will kick in at this point as the boat leans over and moves forward at the same time.

The headsail is then unfurled and tightened by hauling it in on a winch in the cockpit. The pressure on the ropes from the strength of the wind will be considerable. It will take two team members or crew members to complete that task. As the wind is coming from the south west and as the boat is heading in a southerly direction out the harbour the boat picks up speed.

The third adrenaline rush :

The third adrenaline rush is just a moment away. A gust of wind known as a squall hits the boat and she puts her lower deck down into the tide. Ropes are slackened slightly to counter balance while at the same time the boat picks up more speed. The thrills are more frequent as the boat reacts to the weather and tosses spray back along the deck and the team.

The fourth Adrenaline rush :

The fourth Adrenaline rush hits the button as the boat reaches the mouth of the harbour by the bullman buoy and encounters the Atlantic waves. Not only has she her ear down in the surf but she is plugging into some serious waves and weather. Thrilling stuff but not for the feint hearted.

The fifth Adrenaline rush :

The fifth Adrenaline rush comes as the skipper turns the boat and heads back in shore. It requires all ropes to be slackened and allow the sail to be set on the opposite side adding to an exhilarating team day out.

So organise a sailing trip like this for your team! All of that adrenaline will get the blood pumping and clear out the cobwebs. This activity is perfect for the team that is mostly based in an office.

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Spike Island sits right in the middle of Cork Harbour. Cork harbour is regarded as the second best natural harbour in the world. It has ninety square miles of water. Spike Island is one of five islands in the harbour area. The island itself is made up of 104 acres in total including a 24 acre fortress called Fort Mitchell, also known as Fortress Spike.

The first activity recorded on Spike Island was a sixth century monastery. It remained a monastic settlement for several hundred years until probably the Norse invasion from the Scandinavian Countries. There were centuries of island homes with inhabitants commuting by boat to the main Island, or great Island with the town of Cobh as its capital. Spike had its role changed several times during its history. For a time it was used as a quarantine for cattle and livestock. Most famously it made its name as a prison fortress. Designed and built about 200 years ago in the shape of a star, it went from being a military fortress at one stage to becoming the world’s largest prison.

Now that we have an overview of the Island let us go through the five reasons why it is a great for team building and a team day out;

Reason one, no one can just rock up and drift inside the fortress. It is after all an island and access is by way of a ferry from Kennedy Quay in the harbour town of Cobh. So the first adrenaline hit will come as the team make their way along the quay and embark on the vessel for the ten/twenty minute trip to the Island.

The tour starts as the team disembark from the ferry on to this unique Island. Teams can avail of the island guided tours; use an audio guide or just self exploration.

Immerse your team in the fascinating history that includes Monks and Monasteries, raiders and pirates; captors and convicts and saints and sinners. The 200 year old history of the fort will keep the team riveted for the duration of the day.

Reason two, the tableau of scenes depicting the inmates of the prison in particular the punishment block that was constructed in 1858 after a warden was killed. The real live scenes will make the hair stand up on the back of the combined team’s heads. Conditions were horrendous and punishment very severe. It was the world’s largest prison with as many as 2300 inmates.

Escape from the island was impossible even though several brave souls attempted it. The tidal current between Spike and Cobh roars through the estuary and makes swimming practically impossible.

Reason three on the adrenaline list is a state of the art Computer simulation room. It is here that a computer rendering of cork harbour allows team members to take control and pilot a ship or even protect Cork Harbour from attack. This aspect of the Island visit will certainly appeal to all the computer geeks.

Reason number four for your team building visit to Spike is the range of activities that are available when the team has soaked up all the interesting history.

There are adventure activities. Also there are obstacle courses for the energetic team members. The team can spend time on an archaeology dig. Plenty to excite the curious team members; For team leaders there is nothing better than donning military dress and barking out orders as your team drills.

What about Jail break orienteering for the adventure lovers of the team?

Reason number five is the refreshments side of the events. Restaurants and shops to relax in before heading back to Cobh.

Cork is a great location for team building! Check out what else this county has to offer here.

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Bigpotatoes continuously looks at alternatives for team building exercises. Many people just don’t know to start looking. Our expertise and knowledge is crucial in this regard. Bigpotatoes examines the range of activities and challenges that are available and matches them with your team building requirements. Some are high octane events. Others are physical and adrenaline pumping. More are “living on the edge” stuff. We do team building for those that want to go on tours. For teams that like marine activities. For teams that prefer quiet sedentary events. Other teams like to be chaperoned and touring is into their oil can. As we at bigpotatoes say, “its horses for courses”.

One that never fails to excite is a trip to Dublin City for the team. The range of interesting events, historical buildings and cultural occasions is huge. Train services to Dublin are from all corners of the country. So getting your team to the capital is not going to take a huge amount of effort and the team won’t spend days planning the travelling arrangements.

Again as we at bigpotatoes repeatedly say, plan, plan, plan.

Get the whole team involved in making the choices. Team leaders will ultimately make the final decision but get in with your tuppence worth, while you have a chance.

The First Reason :

The first reason that Dublin is perfect for team building is the diversity and ease of access. Take the train and arrive in Heuston station. From there take the luas to the city centre. Let the team walk over to O’Connell Street. Admire the spire; Visit the historic GPO where the Easter uprising began in 1916. The bullet marks are still visible in the outer walls. Take the team for a coffee or a light breakfast in any of the restaurants on O’Connell Street.

When the troops, meaning the team, are fed and watered take a bus out to Kilmainham Gaol. This is when the day really kicks off for the team.

The Second Reason :

The second and main reason the team has selected Dublin is the visit to Kilmainham Gaol.

The team will discover the fascinating history of the Gaol and the role it played in rallying the Irish people in the pursuit of independence. The highlights for the team are, seeing the execution site of the leaders of the 1916 Uprising. What else? A visit by the team to the Irish National War Memorial Gardens.

The team will also experience what life was like during the many Irish Uprisings. Therefore, they will hear about the historical events that changed the course of Irish History. And, everyone will first be taken on a guided walk through the famous Kilmainham Gaol! This means that they will discover the fascinating history and the role it played in rallying the Irish people to pursue independence from England and the English parliament.

Once inside the Gaol the team will hear of its dark history while walking in the footsteps of many of its inmates.  The team can learn about the Irish and English politics while the guide will tell the team more about some of its notorious prisoners including the leaders of the 1916 rising.

Many women were also incarcerated in Kilmainham

This is including Countess Markievicz, an Irish Politician and Nationalist who was awaiting execution for the part that she played in the Rising. The team will get a chance to visit the cells of some of the more infamous inmates as well as some of its youngest. The building itself has been fully restored and is a joy to visit.

The third reason is the conclusion of the team’s tour and dinner in Dublin!

Your team will be inspired and full of ideas after this trip. What better way to polish the day off with an amazing dinner in one of Dublin’s many celebrated restaurants.

Want to go further afield?! Check out our top three locations for Team Bonding in Europe!

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Sea kayaking as a team building exercise for hotel staff has a lot of benefits. One of the most important industries that we have in Ireland is the tourist and hospitality business. This has lead to more hotels. Why? The increase in demand for accommodation for both local and foreign visitors. 

It’s great to be in demand! But, gone are the days when any old standard was good enough as you could cover a multitude with the coat of Irish charm. Gone are the days of pigs in the parlour and chickens on the table. Visitors want proper standards in hotels. Those standards are maintained by the hotel staff. The team behind the team at the front desk; hotel staff more than staffs in any other business have to be so diverse and operate as different teams at different points of the establishment; those different teams also have to work in harmony.

That is why team building and team leadership is critical to the success of the business. The hotel teams are all working under enormous time pressures so team breaks to rejuvenate is very important. It will be appreciated and will contribute to better work relationships in the business.

Bigpotatoes suggests that the hotel workers team should get up close and personal with nature; get outdoors and do some river or sea Kayaking!

The First Reason :

The first reason for taking the team kayaking is to get everyone outdoors and into the fresh air. Kayaking is not the first activity that would spring to mind for most team organisers but it is brilliant. The Irish times said of their trip that it was one of the most magical experiences that you could have anywhere in the world. So at bigpotatoes we would as usual advise the team leaders to involve all the team in the putting together of the trip. The south coast of Ireland is our main focus and we will highlight some of the options and the thrills.

The Second Reason :

The second reason is the absolutely beauty of the scenery as the team takes to the kayaks and head off. There are starting points at lots of different locations, but we will concentrate and recommend a few for hotel teams.

One that would suit the team would be a full day trip of Baltimore and Carbery’s hundred isles. The team, in double kayaks will paddle off into some astoundingly beautiful and remote coves, caves and islands. They will glide gracefully and silently along observing the marine wildlife, the occasional dolphin, gulls and herons. There will be schools of mackerel and raw nature at sea level. Why is this beneficial? Well, this will relax the hotel team as they will feel in a different world. And, opportunities will be presented to the team to stop for lunch and refreshments. The team will return to the mainland later. All Kayak trips are supervised by trained operators who have a deep understanding of the waters and also the dangers.

The Third Reason :

There are several other kayak trips on the coast. Our third reason is the trip in Lough Hyne. Lough Hyne is Northern Europe’s only inland saltwater lake. This is a beautiful team building trip but is tide dependant. The trip begins in the Lough and makes its way to the open sea through a short channel called “the narrows”. Once in the open sea the team will have an opportunity to explore caves and islands before returning on the tide.

The Fourth Reason :

The fourth reason is doing a river trip under the bridges of the river Lee. Cork is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the north. View the city and learn the history from the views on the river.

So, sea kayaking as a team building exercise for hotel staff has many merits indeed! Show this list to your boss or your team and they will be reaching for their paddles. Enjoy this refreshing experience and breath new life into the bonds that exist within your team.

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These 5 reasons why beauticians should go quad biking as a team building day out really make a great case! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And, beauty is a big industry! Everyone wants to look beautiful. Life is a rush and people want others help them be handsome. Beauticians are involved in team work. Some do hair, some do faces, some do eyes and eye brows. Others do nails. Let’s not forget the toe nails and the tattooists. Bigpotatoes recognises the need for beauticians as a group, to get together and team build every so often. So, we ask ourselves at Bigpotatoes – “what kind of team activities would suit those in the beauty trade? What would excite a team of beauticians?”

Definitely not a visit to a spa and some pampering – that would be a busman’s holiday! Something that doesn’t involve cucumbers on eye lids, cold tea bags and lots of face cream… but maybe involves mud packs?Something that involves lots of mud, lots and lots of mud!

Bigpotatoes would suggest that the team goes quad biking for the team day out. It’s great fun and a complete opposite to life in a beauty parlour.

Reason 1 :

The first reason why the team should go quad biking is for its excitement. It is the perfect autumn or winter adventure sport. The time of the year or seasons aside, there is every chance that it could be raining on your team day out. According to some fans of the sport, it’s much better fun in the lashing rain. Quad biking is muddy, bone crunching, head shaking, very noisy and will appeal to the team. It is where man or woman and machine take on the elements and the rough terrain.

Reason 2 :

The second reason is the kit out!  Some of these parks are as much as 80 acres in size. So, don’t turn up in short skirts and high heels. This is moo cow stuff. Wear something rough and ready. The team will be kitted out in top to toe rubber suits and helmets.

The team will be assessed by the staff who will decide on the type of bike and track that suits the team best.

A courses are different grades. This depends on experience or physical size. The team go to the quad bikes and get further instructions, once kitted out. This involves the knowledge of the bike, the workings and the safety features. The team can split up into a couple of teams depending on numbers and can compete against each other.

This adds extra excitement and a challenge to the team day out. After that is time to rock and roll.

The undulating courses are mud baths and when the quad bikes hit the spot, mud splashes ever where. Very soon the team members are unrecognisable as they are covered from head to toe in muck. As members speed around the track they compete against fellow team members and score points.

Reason 3 :

The third reason is the thrill in manoeuvring the bikes and mastering skills like reversing around obstacles at speed and balancing on seesaws.

Reason 4 :

Imagine the adrenaline rush as the team takes on nature in the form of hills, ditches, streams, bridges and other obstacles. Therefore, tearing up inclines, swerving at the crest and descending at speed into a muddy swamp where the wheels are barely visible.

Reason 5 :

The fifth reason is that no experience is necessary before mounting the all terrain vehicle, as full onsite training is given!

So that is all you need to know! Are you convinced you should take your beautifying team quad biking!? Make those memories and form those bonds! Bigpotatoes recommends that your team remembers to bring the appropriate clothing including waterproof boots.

The post 5 reasons why beauticians should go quad biking as a team building day out appeared first on BigPotatoes.

St. Patricks day comes every year and it is a time that most of us enjoy. Whether we are new to the country and want to engage in the customs and traditions here, or have fond memories of watching the parade as a child – St. Patricks day can be a fantastic day out. Get in on the Paddy’s day cheer by organising a day of team bonding for your hardworking colleagues.

A trip the a Millinery is wonderful way to get some extravagant head gear ready for any St. Patricks day events! Perfect for the office gang who love getting crafty, this team building activity will have your team producing some seriously stylish creations. Use plenty of green tulle and beads to create the perfect Paddy’s day look.

St. Patricks day happens during Spring time in Ireland and this means that the weather is a combination of sunny spells with random pours of rain. If you are lucky enough to stumble upon some glorious weather this St. Patricks day, definitely head off on a Boat Tour. Relax and enjoy a drink with you co-workers whilst taking in the scenic Spring time views. Is there beginning to be a stretch in the evening!? We think so! (This would be the perfect event to sport your newly made St. Patricks day hat too!)

There you have it! The perfect recipe for an amazing St. Patricks weekend team bonding session. Maybe kick things off on the Friday of the bank holiday weekend. The extra day to relax and have fun will be wonderful news to your hardworking team.

The post St. Patricks Day Team Building Ideas appeared first on BigPotatoes.

Start 2019 off with a bang! Shake off those dusty christmas cobwebs and get active. Everyone is back to work, not too reluctantly let’s hope! Christmas break was a great time to rest and catch up with loved ones. Give your team something to look forward to! Arrange some exciting new adventures for your team!

Sports Day!

What better way to kick off 2019 then with a good old fashioned Sports Day! Many people like to start off January on the right foot. They do ‘dry January’ and really get off on a health kick. Therefore, a sports day will appeal to a lot of your team. People want to work off those second and third helpings of turkey! Or simply get the circulation going after a lot of sitting around. Grab some potato sacks and skipping ropes and head to a near by park. Or, why not organise a trip to an Adventure Centre!?

Is it any ones last year?

Figure out if any staff member is heading on maternity leave or retiring this year. Make the year extra special for them. They will be taking time off to enter into the new phase of their life soon. Some may have been with the company for many years! Take time to plan the ultimate retirement party. Pool funds to get them a smashing going away present! Or that trendy crib that your expecting co-worker has their eye on. Events like this bring your team closer and appreciate the time they spend with one another.

New Years Resolutions

Ask your team to write a list of 5 new years resolutions. They can be simple like, ‘switch to decaf!’ or more ambitious like, ‘get a promotion’. Get them all to put there new year resolutions in an envelope and drop them all into a box. Give them back before the end of the year so that they can see what they have achieved! (Or maybe squeeze in the things they forgot!) This team bonding activity is great for building a sense of accomplishment. Your team can choose to share them with one another or keep them privately! Leaving people set their own goals creates a sense of independence.

Looking for more ideas to help your team feel active and refreshed? Check out our list of Outdoor Activities!

The post Back to Work Team Building Activities appeared first on BigPotatoes.