We might not have the weather of Hawaii or the beaches of Brazil, but getting away in Ireland still has plenty of advantages, one of them being the selection of great fitness breaks in store.

If, like the Man Cave, you want to get in shape this summer, there are plenty of ways to go about doing it; and far from being a busman’s holiday it’s a great way to spend your time away from the stress of work and come back feeling that you’ve accomplished something really great, rather than staring at the scales wondering how you’re going to shift the pounds you put on while you were away.

Boot camps

Healthsmart offer packages that can be as short as weekend breaks to boost your fitness or a gentle push to get you back on track. You can test your limits over a few days with the Peak Fitness program, a high intensity boot camp style package, or spend a few days learning to make some healthy changes to your lifestyle that will create a permanent change, rather than a quick return to your old ways. Of course, it’s not all just about weight loss and fitness, it’s about detox too, and if you feel like a cleanse is the best thing for you, then you can also try a package like that on for size in locations across Meath and Wicklow.

Cycling holidays

Biking is another great way to spend a few days getting some activity in on your holiday, and if the weather is decent, it’s also a beautiful way to see Ireland’s picturesque countryside. You can stay in some fantastic B&Bs along the way to still have plenty of comfort on your travels, spots like The Ring of Kerry or Beara Peninsula in Cork would make for a stunning and relaxing retreat. They're a little bit out of the way for other coach tours and large groups, so you can get some rest and relaxation away from the crowds. Southwest Walks Ireland have packages for walking or cycling holidays all around the island.

Hiking holidays

Speaking of walking, Ireland has plenty of hills (something you’ll discover if you opt for a cycling holiday, so hiking holidays are also an incredibly popular way to get to see unspoiled nature in locations around Ireland. Kerry, Cork and Wicklow are particularly good spots both for the terrain and for the places of interest around them. You can opt to get a guided tour where you’ll get to know all the interesting facts and history of the areas you visit, or go for something self-guided if you’d prefer to really get away from it all, with a walking holiday.

Kayak breaks

If you’re getting away for a stag or a hen and want to do something different, or you just fancy getting out on the water where you can literally go with the flow, a holiday in a kayak might be just the ticket. From beginners to experts, there are courses and packages available that will ensure you have a good time, but when it comes to mixing a bit of adventure with some exercise and stunning views, you’d be hard pushed to find a better way to spend your time than going for a paddle at sunset or in the moonlight off the coast of West Cork with the lads from Wilderness Ireland.

Surf some of the world's best waves

Last, but definitely not least, Ireland is quickly becoming known as one of the best destinations in the world for surfing. We happen to have some of the best waves known to man, and Lahinch has become a haven for those with boards in the last few years. However, up and down the West Coast there are no shortage of places to go, from Clare to Sligo, and even as far north as Bundoran in Donegal, another venue becoming famous in the wave-riding community.

You can take lessons and get to know the basics, or if you’re a seasoned veteran tackle some of the bigger challenges in store on our shores as you kick back at night and enjoy the scenery and local cuisine.There are no shortage of websites where you can find information, like Surfbreaks.ie. If you fancy getting a few lessons, then Finn McCools Surf Co in Dingle can sort you out too.

For all these and more travel tips make sure to check out discoverireland.ie or download the Facebook app.