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Come on your own or as a group. Different circuits cater for different heights, ages and abilities. Families can complete circuits together or can choose to supervise kids from the ground. No harness = no charge. This is the perfect outdoor activity for children age 7 upwards to adults of all ages.
Our courses are ideal for corporate outings, school tours, team bonding and social groups, hens and stags, kids and adult birthday celebrations.
Prices vary per age.
It is cheaper to pre-book online. There is an additional charge of €3 per person if you take your chances and turn up on the day. See our online pricing page here
As an adult you can supervise from the ground free of charge or choose which circuits you want to complete. If you choose to take part you have to pay the adult price, regardless of which circuits you want to complete.
For groups over 12 there is a 10% discount, given at checkout. Prices for children vary according to age.
We can be fully booked in advance during the peak season, so you do need to pre-book online.
This means that you are reserving one harness for one person. For example 10 spaces = 10 harnesses available to reserve but 1 space means there is only 1 harness available, so you cannot book for 2 people on this timeslot.
No, we don’t have a cancellation list. If anyone cancels a booking, the spare places will go online immediately, so it is always worth keeping an eye on the ‘Book Now’ calendar, just in case.
Restrictions vary by age
We do have course restrictions to ensure your safety:
Each circuit also has its own minimum age and height restrictions. Please visit Pricing to see what circuits are available to you.
We strictly enforce the age restriction, to give the best experience to everyone. We understand that some children are more able than others but for insurance and safety reasons, you must book your child under the correct age group and sign a waiver to state that they are the age that you have booked them for. We really hate to disappoint children, so please book the correct age.
From 1 to 20 metres
The Children’s Circuit (Green) starts off at approximately 1 – 2 metres from the ground and height gradually increases as you move through the Family Circuits (Orange and White) to finish around 15-20 metres off the ground (Blue and Red Circuits).
Throughout most of the year
Weather dependent, we open mid-February to coincide with the school holidays and close at the end of November. We open 7 days a week from June to August and every weekend and bank holiday from February to November. We will take group bookings for weekdays outside of July and August, so if you have a minimum of 15 adults, give us a call on 051 858008. If the weather is good, we will open additional weekday slots, so check online for availability.
Opening hours depend on the season. During July and August we open at 9am with last Safety Briefing usually between 3pm and 6pm dependent on demand. Check website for realtime schedules. We are open for 3 hours after the last Safety Briefing. When you make a booking online, available times will be highlighted.
Up to three hours
Each participant has their harness for a maximum of 3 hours. You will complete the Safety Briefing and, as a guide, 3 circuits within the 3 hours. During busy periods circuits can take longer to complete. If you don’t wish to move on to the next circuit or you have a height/age restriction, then you have the option of repeating the earlier circuits.
If you prefer an experience with fewer people on the course it is recommended that you book the early slots because it is generally quieter.
Please be aware that the circuit starts will be closed at least an hour before we are due to close the park so if you are in towards the end of the day, check the circuit close times.
You can make changes to your booking through the Manage your Booking on your confirmation email
Cancellations
You can make changes to your booking through the Manage your Booking on your confirmation email.
Rain does not stop the activities from going ahead, so please check the weather in advance if you are concerned.
Harness Restrictions
Maximum Weight is 120kg.
The maximum waist measurement of the harness is 110cm (43 inches).
The maximum expansion of the leg loops, which you step into and tighten around the top of the thigh, measure 70 cm (27 inches).
If you have any concerns we advise that you visit a course prior to your booking and speak to a member of the Zipit team.
Age Restrictions
Minimum Age is 7 years.
Minimum Height is 1m.
Each circuit has its own minimum age and height restrictions. Please visit Pricing for these restrictions.
I have a pacemaker / ICD
Our parks use a safety system which involves the use of magnets. Magnets may interfere with the operation of pacemakers and ICD’s.
We recommend that you check with your doctor, before making your booking.
What if I’m pregnant?
Unfortunately, due to safety risk, anyone who is pregnant is unable to participate.
Additional Needs Participants
Our circuits are designed to offer a level of physical and mental challenges. For customers with additional needs or disabilities, some or all of our circuits may be unsuitable. We recommend that carers or adults with disabilities visit Zipit prior to booking and evaluate the suitability for themselves. Our Course Managers are on hand to offer advice.
Participants must be able to operate the safety system independently, otherwise, regardless of age, they would need to remain on the green circuit, with supervision by their carer up on the circuit. A late afternoon/evening booking is recommended to avoid busy circuits, resulting in a more leisurely pace around the course.
We will try to provide as much assistance as possible to help those with special needs to undertake our courses. However, the primary responsibility of our staff is to ensure the highest levels of safety for all our customers. This ensures a great day for everyone. We are sure that you will understand this, even when it conflicts with individual needs. Course safety, for our customers and staff, will always be given priority.
Yes, at all sites
In Zipit Tibradden, parking is free on-site.
In Zipit Lough Key, there is a €4 Coillte charge for the car park that is a 5 minute walk from Zipit. It can only be paid in contactless, coins or tokens from Lough Key Activity Centre.
In Zipit Farran, there is a €5 Coillte charge for the car park. It can only be paid with credit/debit card. No option for cash.
Is there a café?
Lough Key Forest Park has a Lakeside cafe only a 5 minute walk from Zipit. From the cabin we sell water, Lucozade, crisps and a couple of chocolate snacks in case you are low on energy!!
Zipit Tibradden and Zipit Farran offer hot and cold drinks, crisps and a selection of chocolate snacks.
There are picnic benches around the parks if you would like to bring your own food. We do not have any indoor facilities or a fully-covered area.
If it rains …
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”- Sir Rannulph Fiennes
If it’s raining, you might get wet, but this is Ireland and we never let a bit of rain stop us from having fun! The tree canopy offers protection from the elements. You’ll be having so much fun that you probably won’t even notice!
Only high winds or extreme conditions will close the site and the tree canopy offers protection from the elements.
Our cancellation/re-schedule policy is 48 hours, so please check the weather forecast ahead of time- Harnesses are reserved so we cannot refund on the day.
Is it safe in the rain?
If it wasn’t safe we wouldn’t open. Rain does not affect the safety of our courses, or equipment.
Dogs on leads are welcome, in line with Coillte policy. Obviously, if you are participating at Zipit, you need someone on the ground with the dog at all times.
All children under 18 must be supervised by an adult, either participating or on the ground. We do ask that all supervisors attend and listen to the Safety Briefing. Adults supervising more than one child must keep all children within their view, and on the same circuit. Unsupervised children will be taken down from the circuit, without refund.
No harness = no charge. There is no fee for supervisors who remain on the ground.
Do I need to book in advance?
Pre Booking is essential
To take advantage of our reduced rate, your visit to Zipit must be booked online.
During peak times we are fully booked most days. As we have a limited number of harnesses, if you do not have a booking we cannot guarantee that you will get on the circuits.
What time should I arrive for my booking?
It is important to arrive on time
Your booking time is the time you need to arrive to enable you to complete the check-in process and get harnessed up ready for action. Late arrivals cannot be guaranteed admission, especially during busy times.
Is it OK if one person from the group arrives late?
Unfortunately, not
We cannot accommodate late arrivals as every participant is allocated a time slot. If a member of your party cannot arrive on time, they will be unable to participate unless they are booked separately for a later time. However, this will mean they are separated from the rest of the group who will be at a different stage on the course.
Does the Instructor follow us on the course?
Instructors are always nearby
A trained instructor will give you a 30-45 minute Safety Briefing session before you climb the trees. When you have successfully completed the practice circuit, you can then complete the circuits at your own pace. You move through the circuits unguided, but Instructors are always on hand and will offer encouragement and help when you need it.
Can I get down at any time?
Yes
If at any time, you encounter difficulty or feel like you can’t continue climbing in the tress, our specially trained rescue instructors are on hand to assist you and lower you to the ground if necessary.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing
We recommend that you wear something comfortable that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. You can bring your own gloves or you have the option to purchase a pair for €2 on arrival with contactless payment , no latex, fingerless or padded gloves. There will be no used gloves for customer use. You should wear comfortable shoes with good grips, no flip-flops or open-toed shoes or sandals. Long hair must be tied into a bun and it’s recommended that body piercings be covered. Midriffs should not be bare as the harness may chafe. We do not have changing room facilities.
You may need to bring insect repellant and sun cream during certain months.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes
It is fine to wear glasses on our circuits, though, as with any activity, there is always a risk that they can fall off.
Can I bring my camera?
Of course you may!
Bring your camera if you want to record your time in the trees. All loose objects (such as cameras, phones etc) must be attached to you at all times or secured in a zipped pocket. This is for your own safety and that of the other participants.
Will there be queues?
Occasionally
In light of the current Covid_19 Pandemic, we have reduced our numbers on the course, to allow for social distancing and less queueing at the starts. There may be queues in the middle of the day at peak times, though our instructors always do their best to dissipate them as fast as possible. If you want to get around the course as fast as possible, book an early morning slot and be first on!
Are there storage / changing facilities?
Sorry, no!
We are afraid we do not provide storage for your belongings or have changing facilities.
Are there toilets?
Yes
These are located in the Visitor Centre at Lough Key and on-site in Farran and Tibradden. Unfortunately due to lack of running water in Tibradden Wood, we are restricted to the use of dry, ecological, composting toilets. It is recommended that you use the toilet facilities before starting.
Can I stop for food?
If you wish!
Your time at Zipit is up to 3 hours so if you do stop for food, you will be cutting down your time on the circuits. As we are an open forest, we cannot stop anyone from having a picnic in the open areas, but we would ask that you stay away from the decking area and surrounding when stopping for a break. If you are leaving the site your harness has to be removed.
Is it safe?
Zipit is very safe
We have taken all necessary steps to ensure our activities are safe, providing you adhere to all of our safety rules. You must listen carefully to the safety briefing.
Zipit Forest Adventures is a member of the European Ropes Course Association (ERCA) and adheres to EN 15567-2 Sports and recreational facilities - Ropes courses - Part 2: Operation requirements.
This European Standard applies to the operation of ropes courses and specifies the operational requirements to ensure an appropriate level of safety and service when used for either recreation, training, education or therapeutic purposes.
We have a policy of informing participants of the nature of risk associated with our activities through our Waiver and our Safety Briefing (approx. 30 – 45 minutes) which is mandatory for all customers wishing to participate on our courses.
Through strict adherence to the ERCA requirements and continual investment in the most current Personal Protective Equipment we are confident that all risks are minimised.
For more details on safety, click here.
What happens if I get stuck?
Don’t panic, instructors are at hand
Instructors are always close-by to either encourage you or help you down to the ground. Instructors are fully trained and have special equipment to rescue you from the trees and bring you down safely to the ground.
However, we always try to offer advice and assistance to help you complete the circuit, so you leave us with a great sense of achievement.
What if I fall / slip?
No problem
Your safety harness will catch you, and then you can regain your footing and proceed. Instructors are always patrolling the course so if you need help just let them know.
What payment types are accepted at Zipit Cabin
Contactless payment, no minimum spend required, cash payments will also be accepted.
Do I have to participate?
Spectators are welcome
You do not have to participate, you are most welcome to follow your children or friends from the ground (offering encouragement of course!), but we have a strict active supervision policy, so you cannot leave your children unattended. For supervision from the ground there is no charge.
A supervising adult (over 18) must be able to see all of the children under their supervision, all of the time. So if you have children of varying ages, it is advisable to bring extra supervision.
How many supervisors do I need?
It depends on the number and ages of children
A supervising adult (over 18) must be able to see all of the children under their supervision, all of the time. So if you have children of varying ages, it is advisable to bring extra supervision.
For example, if you have children spanning ages 7 - 17, there may be a time when they are on 5 different circuits, and this would necessitate for separate supervision.
If you are bringing a group of 7-8 year olds, we recommend a ratio of one adult to every 4 children as they often need encouragement at the start.
Can two supervisors share the same harness?
No
For safety reasons each person must be fitted with their own harness by an instructor and they must go through the Safety Briefing and trial circuit.
I am bringing other people’s children…
Parents must complete waivers for them online prior to your visit
We ask parents to complete an online waiver for children under 18. It is their duty to ensure that there will be supervisors for their children, on the day.
What’s maximum people I can book in online?
If you have a group of 13 or more, please complete the Group Booking Enquiry
Where do I find the waivers for signing?
When you make a booking you will receive 2 emails, one has your booking details and one is ‘sign waiver’ email. Select this one.
Can I just sign on the day
All waivers must be signed before arrival at Zipit.
Do I need to print my waiver
No, there is no need to print your waiver – once it has been signed, your booking is updated online.
Is it one waiver per booking or per person
One waiver per person. Children under 18 must have their waiver signed by a parent/guardian or supervisor.
Can I sign one waiver for all my family
No, one waiver must be signed per person.
Can children sign their own waiver
No. the parent/guardian must sign on behalf of the child, but the child’s name and date of birth must be entered.
Can I sign on behalf of other people’s children.
If the parents of the child are aware that they are visiting Zipit, you can sign on their behalf, however, most organisers prefer the parents to sign themselves.
How do I forward on a waiver to other people
I need to change a name on an unsigned waiver
You can do this when you are ready to sign the waiver for the new person. The old name can be overwritten before signing.
If you are sending on the waiver to someone else for signing, you can call us on 051 858008 and we can change the name for you, before signing.
Can I view a waiver once it is signed?
No, you cannot click into a waiver once it is signed, but you can see the name of person that the waiver refers to.
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