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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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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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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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 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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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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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.

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The four high adrenaline team activities worth talking about

WE must think of increased heart rate, tingling sensation, being on the edge, adrenaline rush, lung bursting, exhilarating and breath taking if we want to get that fulfilling electrifying experience.

There’s a lot of movement required to push all those buttons.

Again, this comes with a health warning to the team leaders. Not that any of the activities are going to be a danger to life and limb. They are all suitably supervised and the proper gear and safety measures are paramount. But life in the slow lane may not ever be the same again.

As you lead your team onto one of these amazing gob smacking adventures and then expect them to put on a shirt and tie and be energized going forward, from just the chat at the water cooler or a game of pitch and putt, think again buddy.

As you rev up your team for the occasion and you drive the “thrill button” up several notches be prepared for an adrenaline hangover. You may achieve your goal in bonding and team building. But a day out with the people from the office will never be the same again. Talk to management first about increasing the recreational budget before you stick your feet into the wet cement.

Let’s start with the obstacle course. Get a serious one: don’t do short cuts or sissy stuff. You want a full military designed course that will leave your team sweaty and exhausted on completion.

Crawling through mud and under attack from the enemy; Razor wire curing the itch on your back, up and over the horizontal pole wall with the clock against you and your team and the opposing team breathing fire down your neck. Struggle to get up the vertical nets before climbing the hanging ropes. Then onto the zip wire that takes you right through the freezing river water. At what feels like a hundred miles an hour. The rubber tractor tyre obstacles will definitely put manners on the calf muscles before the sprint to the safety of the finishing line. If you and your team are not on your hands and knees gasping for air at that stage, and saying a few Hail Mary’s. Then you have turned up at the wrong venue. That’s one that will soften the cough of the whole team.

Parachute Jumping; correct, parachute jumping.

Be warned, if your team or any of them are scared of heights. This may not be your team building cup of tea. That said, once members exit the door of the aircraft and the rip cord opens the parachute, it’s just pure buzz. Silence as the plane vanishes out of sight and the manic sensation of the wind rushing past your face kicks in and you float gently downwards. The views as you drift on air currents. That only the eagles and skylarks get to experience will be forever locked in your memory bank.

This is toe curling stuff and reaches its crescendo as the soles of your boots line up to touch terra firma once again. As you connect with the earth and your team does likewise. You will attempt to gather in your chute as you get your bum off the grass. It is quite likely that you will hear your team shouting and whooping as they spill out their emotions.

As it’s hard for your team to beat that in terms of high octane activities. The number three on the list of four is a return jump from the same aircraft.

Last but not least is a bungee jump over the Water. Weather and location will play a vital part in this. Again, like the last activity, anyone without a head for heights or knowing that their arse has left its original body position and now appears to be stuck in their helmet as they descend at a frightening speed towards the water below only to be checked by the elastic bungee, should just go and have a cup of tea.

So, which of The four high adrenaline team activities worth talking about would you choose?

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The top four adventure activities in Ireland

We go back here to “one man’s meat is another man’s poison”

“Different strokes for different folks”

Playing golf on an 18 hole golf course that takes several hours will be viewed by some as Nirvana. While someone else considers it “a good walk spoiled”

Generally speaking we are looking at high octane adventure activities and so in keeping with the philosophy of team building and team activities we will put the focus on exhilarating sports.

Karting

Top of the list for most teams has got to be Karting. Customised Karts and cleverly designed race tracks are two of the main ingredients for this spine tingling sport. There is of course much more to it than that and we will touch on all those factors as we progress. The Karts themselves are powered by small petrol engines. The more competent a driver you are the bigger the engine capacity of your vehicle. The aerodynamic design of the Kart means that the wheels are small and the body very close to the ground. This allows them to be driven at a maximum speed of sixty miles an hour.

Not frightening fast on a motorway, but fast enough to get the juices flowing on a specially designed race track. Tight corners, left and right hand bends and fast straight runs all add to the thrill of the race. Proper safety clothes and helmets are worn and drivers are advised on how to perform. After a practice lap your car is timed electronically by control staff that measure the time to do a lap. In team events groups can have their lap times added together and so work out the winners with the fastest lap times.

Dirt Buggies

On the same theme of driving it is worth looking at buggy driving on rough terrain. The buggies are specially designed metal cars with carefully adapted suspension, anti roll bars, seat belts and very robust bodies that allow the participants or teams race over undulating terrain. This could be sand dunes but more likely a disused quarry.

A large shallow pool, steep climbs and bumpy ground means that the drivers have to have full concentration at all times. It allows team organisers and their teams a chance to do what is forbidden on the public roads and go like the clappers. This activity is a must for the “living on the edge freak”

Kayaking

Getting away from self propelled is a must at some stage and what better way than Kayaking. There are lots of different locations in Ireland that are little gems for this activity. Two that jump off the page are Bantry bay and Killary Fjord. One on the beautiful south coast and close to the historic town of Bantry and the other in the rugged west of Ireland accessed through Connemara.

Different terrains and different experiences visually at least; However, the concept and kayak’s are pretty much the same as you slip into a one man “canoe” and propel and guide it with your paddle, a spoon in each end of the pole. Instructors are always on hand to guide participants and ensure that all on the water are never in any danger. The thrill is being so close to the water without actually being in it. Sea birds and fish in clear water are a joy to watch in this thrilling and silent sport.

Surfing

Surfing on the West of Ireland is another must for the outdoor freak and adrenaline junkie.  Anywhere from Dingle bay to Donegal is as challenging as it gets for the lovers of mighty waves and rolling surf. Any of the water activities web sites will have details of the best locations depending on the wind and weather. It’s not for the feint hearted but if it’s thrill a minute stuff your team are after, this will push all the buttons.

So, which of The top four adventure activities in Ireland will you choose for your next team building event?

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Five reasons your rugby team needs a trip away

It could easily be escape, escape, escape, escape and escape:

It all depends on multiple factors as we all know. Nothing is simple when it comes to life or taking a rugby trip away. The most important factor apart from the multiple factors is the good old fashioned break.

It also helps to rejuvenate and re build team bonding and team leadership. They are the critical factors but they may not necessarily be the prime motivator in the urge to take a trip away.

Destination

Let us consider first of all, a destination. Somewhere that is easily accessible from the Emerald Isle. Wales has got to be top of the list as it is the spiritual home of rugby. While the provincial teams may be hitting a rocky patch, the smaller clubs in the towns and valley’s are thriving. The Welsh are our Gaelic first cousins, so to speak and share our tastes and humour. They would also bite your hand off for a chance to compete against an Irish club team. Most of the rugby teams in this country would have contacts with their Welsh counterparts so setting up a challenge game with a lash of pints afterwards, hotels and transport would be just a formality. Failing that the local IRFU branch would be well capable of steering a club in the right direction. Now that the location has been suggested, let’s get back to the reasons for such a trip. Of course it will have a lot to do with team building, team bonding, team friendship and team development but there are other aspects as well.

Reasons for the Trip

One of the principle reasons, depending on the time of year could be team reward. The season is long and tough and if the team ends up doing well or even winning the division title, then what can be a better team reward than taking the squad to Wales for a game of rugby and a good old knee’s up. It certainly helps pay back for the long torturous hours pushing a scrumage machine around a muddy surface with fellow team mates sweating bricks and ignoring the lashing rain in mid winter.

This is what separates the men from the boys but it also shows the commitment to the team and team building. That type of team bonding and team closeness cannot be purchased off a shelf in a sports store. Most team members would just love and away trip like that to Wales. Both countries are well served by air and sea connections.

Team Rewards

Another reason for a trip away to Wales could just be a thank you for the team that did not set the world on fire but showed great team spirit and drove on hard during the miserable winter months when the option of being coerced in to watching one of the soaps on television from the comfort of the couch often had more appeal. These are the players that deserve that break away. They may not be world beaters but they are the life blood of any club. These are the future of any club. These are the real team players. The team leaders going forward;

Underage teams are not just the present, they are the future. The future players, the future senior teams and the future team leaders.  Team leaders in this context does not necessarily mean team rugby players but team leaders in society. Business team leaders, hospital team leaders and political team leaders.

What they learn from team playing will stand to them all through their lives and so arranging a trip to Wales for the underage group will help with their development.

Developing international friendships by taking teams abroad helps to build relationships with people that don’t live in the same parish as us. Also understand how they view life and how they see us in a way that we don’t see ourselves. It goes towards building international team relationships with ultimately bring peace to all.

The final reason, of our five reasons your rugby team needs a trip away. We touched at the top; Escape.

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The top three reasons it’s so important to team build

Trying to solve problems or develop ideas is naturally built into all of us and while much of the time we try to work things out for ourselves by ourselves.

Very commendable of course but think of it slightly differently. How much more successful the outcome might be if the approach was shared, in other words a team effort. We will examine the main benefits of team building, team bonding, and sharing team experiences as we look at the top three reasons as to why it is so important to team build.

Was it not Edison who once said after he was criticised for making ten thousand false attempts in perfecting the light bulb, “It’s not that I made ten thousand mistakes, but found ten thousand ways that it won’t work”.

Perhaps if Mr. Edison had been part of a team or team building or had a team working around him. He may well have solved the problem much sooner.

The first of our top three team building benefits is achieving goals.

Life is full of challenges and while we can individually rise to any challenge the benefits and results of working together as a team and in particular as we team build will accelerate the end result and more than likely also enhance it. This is most obvious say in team sports. While an argument will be made that a team sport is exactly what it says, a team sport. It is possible to have a team of very gifted and accomplished sports people playing together as a team and not functioning properly. It’s called individualism, brilliant at executing a particular skill but not functioning in a team set up.

In order to achieve the target, the individuals need to bond, need to team build, need to understand all other players and the part that they play in making the team strong. Make the team a unit by team building. Team leadership is important in building this concept. External leadership by a team leader or head coach, but internal team leaders in different areas of the team set up. Team leadership is particularly important in the game of rugby, for instance. It is often noted by commentators that a team had great team leaders all over the pitch. Forwards, backs, defenders, attackers, line jumpers and in the pack. So in order to achieve their goals, team building is paramount for success.

Personal Skills Building

As part of team building we develop interpersonal skills and we learn from others as we share ideas. Team building is not a one way street. It’s two way traffic; as you learn from a team member on the strengths and views as they see things and at the same time you can teach them on the basis of your own experience. That is applicable to all team sports but it also applies to everyday life. How many of our greyer population never had the opportunity of attending a third level college. Yet the experiences that these people have had, as they say, in the University of Life; can have a huge effect impact in team building in the progression of life’s goals.

One of the unseen benefits of team building is the development of friendships and social interaction. Man, and woman for that matter were not meant to be alone or solitary. Just by nature alone we see the necessity for the procreation. So that the world has its guardians and team leaders as time moves on. Friendship and personal attractions are not just essential for team building but more importantly for the good of humanity.

So, when you’re planning your next team building event. Don’t forget The top three reasons it’s so important to team build.

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The top three locations for a team getaway in Europe

When we look at the options for teams of footballers, rugby players, golfers, GAA players, both social and semi professional for locations in Europe as destinations for a team break, team bonding or just a team event away, the range is mighty. So, we put together the top three locations for a team getaway in Europe.

It’s a case of how long is a piece of string.

There are many factors in this equation that are worth considering and there are just as many more that are vital to the success of such an event.

The starting point for the team has to be the starting point. That may seem like an obvious statement but it infers the actual geographical point from where the team is based. As Dublin is one of the busiest airports in Europe, the range and choice of destinations for a group getaway are multiple, as against say, Cork, Shannon, Kerry, Knock or Belfast. So decisions must be made first about the exit point from Ireland and as importantly, the entrance point and the subsequent road journey back to the starting point. This is important as an away event for a team, while it is meant to refresh and recharge it can sometimes let guys wrecked after burning the candle at both ends and in the middle. Therefore, facing a long car journey back home for a team may not be the smartest trick in the book.

It is also important to note that teams travelling for a getaway break like to get a football match included in the itinerary. For that reason we will stick with the three best destinations in the UK. Flight access is good from all locations and distances home should not be a major concern.

London

Top of the list has got to be London. How many teams or team builders would turn down the opportunity of visiting one of the most iconic capitals in Europe? Secondly, there are about six premier league teams with their home grounds in London. Add in the London based championship teams and the menu for football entertainment gets huge, enough to satisfy ninety nine per cent of the group.  The range of diverse activities, sightseeing tours, museums, art galleries, hop on hop off city tours, trips down the Thames, restaurants, bars, night life is on a massive scale. Planning is important before departing so that the team is kept together.

Make a team list and get input from all team members. Spread the planning among the group of players. This will help with team building. First on the list, and this applies to all three destinations is the booking of flights.

Manchester

Second is booking and confirming accommodation. Making sure that all team members are committed by paying up front is critical, as cancelations at the last minute can have a major impact on finances and group tensions and group morale. Decide on the game that people would prefer to see and go through the proper channels to secure the tickets. These are indicators for all three destinations.

The second destination is probably Manchester as a huge amount of Irish support the reds. Liverpool could fall into this geographical area with two teams, Liverpool and Everton, both playing premier league football. Both cities are in the North West and are in close proximity to each other. This is an ideal location for a team break. With so many football enthusiasts in the area, it would only take a bit of planning to get a competitive friendly match against a local team before going on to the stadium.

Glasgow

The third option is Glasgow, home of Celtic. Celtic have magnificent stadium in a           vibrant city bursting with lots of attractions, hotels and restaurants. So you can be sure that any Irish team or group of players planning a weekend break would snap your hand off for this one.

Group planning, team bonding, team hotel booking, Team event in that order.

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The top destinations for a team get away in Ireland

Ireland is blessed to have so many options when it comes to sporting activities, team building events, team day out locations and cultural enhancing organizations at everyone’s disposal in a relatively small Island.

Our forty shades of green land on the west of Europe has gone from zero to 95 mph in record time. Facilities are modern and state of the art, event locations are properly managed and the range and diversity of events is varied and wide.

The modern office team and team builders are prepared to pay good money for service with quality. Team building, team bonding and getting employees out of the office environment for an exciting bonding, relaxing and stimulating  events all works well with team builders and also for football teams and sports people looking for an exciting well structured break.

Team getaways are so good not just for the moral of the team but for bonding, and mental well-being.

Number one on our list of top destinations for team breaks is Cork City and the surrounds.

Cork

Cork is Ireland’s third largest city and as Cork people would say, the real capital, boy. Like all the major cities in Ireland it is on the coast so a diverse range of activities in both marine and land based activities is available for teams organising a getaway. Cork is easily accessible by road from all major centers, has an international airport and a major rail network hub.

For the marine enthusiast, a choice of sailing, sea fishing, water skiing or just messing about on the river is on the Cork menu. For groups more interested in land based team building activities the range is wide. Sports groups love a challenge, so why not go Karting and get the adrenaline rush. Groups might like indoor bowling or even hop on hop off tours. A visit to the English market is a must for first time visitors to Cork. Cork has a fine range of quality hotel and a large amount of B&B’s. The city center is bursting with a diverse collection of amazing restaurants, bars and music establishments. So it’s just right for a team’s break away or team building.

Belfast

Belfast is another great City for a break visit. As we have pointed out before, teams, whether taking a break or team building like to get involved in activities. Belfast has some fantastic locations where teams can hone their footballing skills, be it rugby, soccer or Gaelic. Visit any of the sports recreation grounds and enjoy a 5 a side game of football, archery, ten pin bowling or paintballing. A walk with your team around Belfast city centre is a must as it a visit to the Titanic centre. Belfast is easily accessible from all major towns and cities in Ireland and is also served by an international airport.

Athlone

Athlone can be put third on this particular team break away list. It is bang in the middle of Ireland and situated on the banks of the river Shannon. Bursting with beautiful buildings, pubs and gastro outlets the team will find plenty on offer in this beautiful town. There are the standard events that teams on a break like to do like playing golf, horse riding swimming or bike riding but the main attraction has to be the boat trip up the Shannon or white water rafting.

Waterford

Let’s not forget Waterford in the sunny south east as a team break destination. Marvelous state of the art sports facilities, hotels, restaurants and the wonderful green way walk or cycle track out to Dungarvan.

So, which of the The top destinations for a team get away in Ireland will you choose?

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A day out in Galway for your team:

We spoke in an earlier piece about Ireland having four sides. Galway is on the rugged raw western seaboard and a superb location for team building events. Here’s just a few reason why you should have a day out in Galway for your team.

Nothing will rock your team day out like an excursion to Galway.

It is important before you start, that your team understands a little about Galway.

It has a rich history that will excite ninety nine percent of any team especially a group that’s embarking on either team building, a team event or just a team day out.

Galway, known as the City of the Tribes is the western capital of Connemara. The tribes consisted of fourteen families. They dominated the commercial, business and social events from the mid thirteenth century till the end of the nineteenth century.  Galway is now on the route of the wild Atlantic way.

There are some wonderful options for your team as you fix on the team building and team events available in Galway.

If your team wants a refreshing brisk walk with marvelous sea views and bracing air. Then take your team for a saunter along the promenade in Salthill. Rolling crashing Atlantic waves venting their might against the shore will stimulate all members of the team. It will also give your team an opportunity to chat and inter act with each other while they soak up the bracing outdoor air.

If the team’s preference is team bonding and team building by engaging in something more robust, then here are a few options. First on the list is a venue called Pure Skill. This will challenge all members of the team as it gives team members a chance to exercise their skill set at a variety of different sports.

Team Building Activities

This is an indoor facility, divided by nets. Skill tests for your team members include soccer scoring and hurling skills. These will test any non national team member who has never picked up a Hurley before in their life. The rest of the team will get a great kick at watching a total novice try to strike a sliothar between Gaelic goal posts. Team members can also enjoy striking a cricked ball travelling at about fifty five miles per hour. All activities are supervised and so that team members are not in any danger.

The second option is ten pin bowling. This is a favourite team event. Teams can be selected and compete against each other while accumulating points. Each team should have a balance of strong and novice team members. So that the team competition is fair and balanced. Ten pin bowling in Galway is close to the city centre.

A third option is footgolf. Yes, it is what it says on the tin. Instead of using golf clubs and small balls, players use soccer balls and their feet. It’s great fun and will make a great change for a team day out. As in all sports, members on a team day out are divided into teams and the teams compete against each other as in real golf.

A fourth option and always a winner on a team day out is Go Karting. Galway has a fantastic track where all team members can show off their driving skills as they whizz around the track.

Another unique team event is the great escape rooms. Your group can be divided up into teams. They are locked in one of three specially designed rooms and the object is for the team to use a series of puzzles to work out how to escape.

Another great team event is the Hawk Walk in Ashford castle.

For a team day out in Galway for your team team building, is as close to the top as you could find.

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Scavenger hunts – the most fun you will have on a team day out

Scavenger hunts or as they were known in a previous existence, treasure hunts are a fantastic and funny way to do team building or just a fun work team day out.

It’s important to stress also that team building events are not necessarily confined to work colleagues but can work brilliantly for a group of friends or neighbours interested in team building, challenging themselves as they break into teams.

It can also involve birthday party teams or hen and stag party teams.

In today’s world, team building, among younger employees especially has shifted from a paper based team event to an electronic or digital based team event.

In practical terms, it is possible to combine both forms as event teams usually have a mix of ages.  There are a myriad of types of scavenger hunt ideas floating about. Bigpotatoes.ie is well positioned to guide your event team in the right direction.  Is this a good team building event? Will all the elements of a scavenger hunt make the team event a memorable team event day out?  Let’s put the benefits on the table and see how a team day out would work well for a mixed, multinational and culturally diverse team of people.

Of course we have to be cognizant of the fact that all teams are made up of different age bracket people.

Some people on the event team of a certain age may prefer to test themselves using the good old fashioned paper, pencil and local maps. Paper of course.

What is a Scavenger Hunt?

Practically all the scavenger hunt templates are based on working out a set of clues and getting to an end point. It’s definitely a team event as flying solo on this one would be a bore. The team can be of any size. But in a team building exercise it is better that a large group is broken into smaller teams. Teams by their nature are set to challenge each other. It brings out the competitive edge as teams strive to outdo each other.

Typically a team building scavenger hunt event will start off with a briefing. The itinerary will be carefully detailed so that all teams are on the same page. At this stage the large team is divided into smaller teams. Hand out, instructions, tasks and electronic tablets, in some instances will be distributed to the teams. Fun elements are these days introduced, such as funny photos of the team in unusual positions.

Teams need to be careful on approaching strangers for directions. As sometimes wringers are selectively and strategically placed to give the team false information and disadvantage them in the team event point scoring at the end of the hunt. When the final point is reached and the teams converge, scores can be assessed and prize giving takes place. Rounding off the team building day with a prearranged dinner and refreshments is also a good idea. Videos and photos can be viewed and exchanged and all teams can share in the hilarity.

There are some more team building scavenger hunt ideas that are in vogue like disarming an imitation device in a so called nuclear power station. As we get deeper into the digital age more whacky ideas are possible. Dublin is a great place for team building treasure hunts with buckets of options. A team day out will hit the button for practically all teams.

Benefits of a Scavenger Hunt

The benefits for team building are terrific.

The teams must be creative. There is a sense of team inclusiveness. Setting challenges for your team in a fun environment and of course a chance for all teams to explore the city.

Finally, if you’re interested in a scavenger hunt as your team building event. Drop us a line today on info@bigpotatoes.ie.

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It’s amazing really that in a world and at a time when engineers are desperately trying to perfect driverless cars. People absolutely love to get behind “The Wheel” and have a go. Nowhere is that more evident than on karting circuits. As a team building exercise it ranks close to the top. The buzz that’s generated among team participants when karting is proposed as a team building event is palpable.

What is it that gets team members so excited? After all it is just a low slung car on small tyres with an engine the equivalent to the size of one on a small motorbike.

Perhaps team members just love the idea of racing on a track and splitting into teams and competing against each other. Karting certainly gets the adrenaline rushing. Team competitors can travel at a top speed of about 60 miles per hour.

Competition is the common denominator in sporting occasions that involve team building. That so, but that on its own would not be one of the top reasons for kart loving as a team building event. It has to be taken in conjunction with other factors. Many of the team building Karting events are held at night under floodlights. This adds another level of excitement to the team event.  The mystique is further enhanced with the check-in, fitting of special racing drivers multicolored suits, the team getting fitted out with helmets and gloves and teams been selected from the main team building group.

Next, team competitors upload their individual details plus car number into computers. So that each individual team member will have his or her lap time monitored and recorded and printed out for comparison after the race. Each team will add their combined totals and those with the quickest times and lowest numbers will be the winners.

This of course generates more competition as individual team members and for that matter individual teams. They will be anxious to improve their performances and score better times.

The second reason and most important one why team building driving karts is so addictive is the actual race itself. As drivers are not scaring the daylights out of each other on the track or bend. They do compete against themselves as they try to up their lap speeds.

The third reason has got to be the noise of the machines. Add in the smell of fuel, the challenge on the corners and the instinctive built in challenge in all of us. But in particular in the team competitors to push as hard as possible and as close to the edge of danger as is humanly possible. That does get the adrenaline pumping.

As we have said, the cars are small and close to the ground so flipping them over is nearly impossible. The health and safety of team building group is paramount so track organisers keep a close monitoring eye on procedures. Travelling at 60 miles per hour so close to the road also adds to the excitement and adds to the joy of the sport.

The fourth reason why team building by karting is loved by team participants. It’s the fantasy illusion of driving a real racing machine, belting along the track, breaking at corners, speeding out of the bends and trying to get faster than the other team members while improving your performance on every lap.

The fifth reason has to be the interaction of the team members after the racing. The team bonding and the friendships that are being built up which ultimately helps improve performances in the work environment.

Photos, videos and time cards from the night out are great to have.

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5 reasons why Cork is the best location for team building

There is nowhere better than Cork as a location for team building. Ireland is like a square with four distinctive sides. Cork, is the bottom section or more correctly the southern part.

All sides are washed by the sea as we are a small island and as Cork has the second best natural harbor in the world. It’s an ideal location for team building activities involving marine and water sports.

Let’s take just five reasons why Cork is the best location for team building.

Cork is easily accessible by Road from all major Cities in Ireland, has an excellent rail network servicing the main centers of population. It has an International airport for groups coming from abroad using Cork as a team building venue.

In Cork Harbour, The Royal Cork Yacht Club, founded in 1720 is an ideal location to get into team sailing under supervision. Cobh, on the other side of Cork Harbour is another brilliant spot to do some water sports. Where team building will involve maneuvering sailing or motor vessels in the safety of the harbor and under the excellent control of seasoned mariners.

A trip to the historic Spike Island where military games are organized for teams competing against each other in an action packed couple of hours where teams will rely on each other to avoid all sorts of obstacles in the outdoor theatre. This is a fantastic team building and thought provoking experience that will require multitasking and leadership skills. Cobh is connected to Cork City by rail, has some excellent bars, restaurants and of course the famous titanic centre.

Cork County

Cork and the surrounding area is spoilt for choice when it comes to Golf. What better way to get your company’s staff into team building and competitive mode than whacking the small white ball over some of the most stunning scenic golf courses in the world. Top of the list here has got to be the Old head of Kinsale Golf Club. This magnificent course is surrounded by the wild Atlantic Ocean on three sides. Divide up your group into competitive teams and make team building one of the most memorable ever. The Town of Kinsale, only thirty kilometers from Cork city and easily accessible by public transport is regarded as the gourmet capital of Ireland. There are several top hotels to choose from.

Deep sea fishing is another wonderful way of team building. Splitting the group into teams and competing for the heaviest catch of the day. Boats and skilled operators are available in Crosshaven and Cobh.  Fishing gear is provided as are life jackets.

Cork City

In Cork City itself there are several indoor games arenas where team building in the form of competitive sport can be nurtured. What can be more fun and in out of the changeable weather than ten pin bowling. One of the best in the country is in the heart of the city and close to hotels, bars and restaurants on McCurtain Street. McCurtain Street is becoming the New Orleans of Cork and a great spot for team builders to wind down and enjoy the music, food and drink into the early hours as the organizers of the team building group analyse the performances of their charges from earlier in the day.

Outside Cork city is a karting track. Now this must be the daddy of team building.

Split the corporate group into different teams and do a “formula one” competition in these brilliant Go Karts. Points can be totaled and teams can be assessed on speed, ability and leadership. And it’s only a fifteen minute drive has the team building group back in the City.

So, there you have it. 5 reasons why Cork is the best location for team building. Finally, I also threw in few extra reasons why Cork is such a fantastic location for a team building event. Because it’s just that good.

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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!

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Qualities of a Strong Team

There are many qualities that make a team strong. Encourage your team to embody these qualities. Suggest activities that inspire support, openness and individual development. These team building activities will bring out the best in your team. Above all, a strong team is a happy and productive one!

Support and trust

A strong team is built on trust. People help each other by listening, evaluating and offering ideas. Therefore, Encouraging experimentation and giving support is key to progression. Give your team the chance to build trust in one another. Suggest Archery Tag! Your team will learn to support one another learning a new skill. (And trust they won’t be used for target practice!)

Openness

People can express themselves openly and honestly. Working through difficult situations constructively is important. Looking for a way to encourage this? Take them Paint balling! Form teams and open fire! A great way to get the blood pumping. This team bonding activity increases reaction speed. As a result your team will learn to trust their instincts!

Individual development

Developing new skills is a way to stay excited. You learn new ways to think! In other words, It keeps everything fresh. This can be stimulated in a variety of ways. Developing your team on an individual bases is a great team building exercise! Of course, Surfing is a great skill to learn! Many people have not tried it before! Your team is made up of individuals. Give them all a chance to learn something new! 

What else makes a great working team? Find out here!

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Memory Wall

Kayaking with your team soon? Or maybe half your team won a trip to the Spa as an incentive prize? Celebrate these moments! Planning excursions and activities can bring some more excitement into your office! Remember these occasions by creating a Memory Wall in your office. This team building activity is one that gives your team a place to remember the fun they have had together!

What is a Memory Wall?

Your office Memory Wall will be an archive of your teams most exciting moments. For example, Christmas Parties and Summer Barbecues. A few snaps of your office manager Zorbing! A group of your interns at a Gin Tea Party! Nominate someone in your office to document these events. This team building activity will make your team laugh and reminisce. In fact, all you need is a Camera! Or maybe hire a professional photographer!

On your memory wall, don’t just stop at just pictures of activities. Appreciating employee contributions is important. To make a positive effort to celebrate their accomplishments is key to a happy office. For instance, awarding an ‘Employee of the Month’ is a popular way to celebrate an individuals effort.

Celebrate your employee of the month on your wall too! Or celebrate whoever came up with an idea to make a task easier or recycled the most waste! Acknowledge a team members effort.

Why have a Memory Wall?

The wall can help build camaraderie among team members. It is a positive and encouraging way to support productivity and harmony within the office. A team is connected. Seeing each other every day. Working side by side.

Experiencing the same wacky Extreme Sport team building activities suggested by their boss! Therefore, having an ongoing memory wall is an activity that promotes team bonding. It rewards people for their efforts and celebrates the time they spend together. Mark the time spent in the office and further a field with a memory wall!

Tip : Consider hanging your memory wall in the foyer of your office. This way, visitors can see your teams achievements. Friends and relatives will be able to pick the person they know out of group pictures. It will be the first thing your employees see when they come into work. What a great way to start the day!

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