A Look Back at Her Outdoors Week 2025
‘Her Outdoors Week’ is an all-island initiative aimed to highlight and showcase women and girls in sport. In this month’s blog, we invited Sport NI’s Effie O’Neill to share the significane of the campaign which took place in August.
From 11th -17th August 2025, Sport NI and partners joined Sport Ireland’s Her Outdoors Week to shine a spotlight on women and girls in outdoor sport.
Over the week, 27 events, courses, and ‘try it’ sessions were organised across Northern Ireland – from paddleboarding and fishing, to mountain biking and even workshops on how to be and feel safe when walking outdoors.
This year’s celebrations formed part of Sport NI’s ‘Be Seen, Be Heard, Belong campaign’, championing visibility, confidence, and connection for women and girls in sport.
Why Her Outdoors Week matters
In early August, with the help of many SportNI partners, 274 women took part in outdoor activities through Her Outdoors Week events. That’s 274 women who carved out time for themselves to move, to breathe, to connect with others, and to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more people than ever have discovered the benefits of outdoor activities. Time outdoors boosts not only physical health, but also mental wellbeing and social connection. The outdoors gives us space to move, to chat, to laugh and to find calm in our busy lives.
It was incredible to see so many women embracing new challenges, from Get Wet Stay Safe sessions with Swim Ulster, mountain biking with the Feel Good Factor and several council organised events across a number of different sports.
Every smile, every muddy shoe, every splash in the water was a reminder of what’s possible when women feel encouraged to take up space outdoors.
How you can get involved
The beauty of the outdoors is that there’s something for everyone. If you’re drawn to water, try kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing. If you prefer land, join a walking group or take on the challenge of mountain biking. If you love competition and problem-solving, orienteering could be your sport.
No matter your age, background, or experience, there’s a club, group, or community ready to welcome you. Try something new, meet like-minded women, and discover just how energising and exciting it feels to belong in the outdoors.
Find a Club
Mountaineering Ireland Clubs Near You
NI Orienteering Association Clubs Near You
Cycling Ireland Clubs Near You
About Effie
A huge thank you to Effie for taking the time to share her expertise on HER Outdoors Week. Effie is a People Developer at Sport NI with a big passion for the outdoors. In previous roles Effie has introduced, coach and guided sea kayaking groups all over the world and has seen first hand the impact the outdoors can have on individuals. She now focuses on developing leaders across sport to ensure everyone has access to sporting that is welcoming, engaging and safe.
