Who can participate?

Anyone over the age of 18 on the departure date can take part. All you need is lots of enthusiasm to get fit and to do the fundraising. You may be required to provide referees.

Who organises the charity challenge?

Irish Charity Challenge is the concept of, and is administered by Cosgrove & Associates and their management partners. All flight and challenge arrangements are undertaken by Travel Partners (Licence No ) or another licensed travel agency of the Charity’s choice.

How do I take part in a Charity Challenge?

Firstly decide on which charity/challenge you would like to support. Then send in your application form with the deposit/donation required. After which we will arrange to meet you and go through all the fundraising, the guidelines and answer any questions you might have.

How fit do I have to be?

You need to be of a moderate fitness level to start. We can supplyi you with a eight-week basic training programme that will get you to a level that will enable you to do any of the training walks – which we organise before we go and it is very important that you attend these. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the Challenge.

How much sponsorship do I have to raise?

Accepting the physical challenge is just the beginning. To participate, you will also be required to raise substantial sponsorship for the charity/challenge of your choice. The level of minimum sponsorship is indicated on each of the itineraries. All money should be sent directly to the charity as and when you collect it. All monies have to be with the charity at least 6 weeks before the departure date, otherwise you may forfeit your place. You can make up any difference yourself. We want you to raise the money required and are here to help you achieve this.

How do I convince sponsors that it’s not a holiday?

None of these challenges could be considered to be a holiday. You will need to spend a lot of time training and fundraising – before you go on the challenge. All three of these elements of a Charity Challenge take time, effort, dedication and commitment. You will be raising thousands of euros for charity, and then doing the challenge itself. Participating in a Charity Challenge starts long before you depart. We do also suggest that you put some of your own money towards the Challenge.

Where does the money go?

At least 60% of the money you raise goes directly to the Charity i.e if the target is €5000, then €3000 of that goes to your charity. The balance is the cost of the Challenge e.g. flights/accommodation etc.

What is included in the price?

Once you have completed the application form, been accepted and raised the minimum sponsorship required, you are entitled to participate in the Charity Challenge and included in your itinerary are: International flights to and from Ireland (Usually Dublin) all accommodation during the challenge(usually twin basis); Meals as per the itinerary; drinking water; entrance fees to national parks or other places of interest visited on the itinerary; internal road transfers; all ground staff including English speaking guides; full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies; visas(where required); standard travel insurance and discount on personal equipment from selected outdoor adventure shops.

What is not included?

Transfers to and from the departure airport; vaccinations (if applicable); personal equipment; tips; personal spending money; overseas airport departure tax (if applicable); items of a personal nature; additional activities not included in the itinerary.

What about spending money?

The only time you are likely to need spending money is at the beginning and end of the challenge. We suggest you take about €300 in relevant currency and a credit card for emergency situations.

Who takes part in a charity challenge?

The challenges are open to anyone over 18. The group is normally made up of like-minded people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, ages and fitness levels. Everyone needs to be relatively fit and have a sense of adventure. Many people join on their own. The groups usually include more women that men.

What personal equipment do I need?

Before you pack everything but the kitchen sink, remember this is a charity challenge and not a five star luxury cruise. Bring as little as possible but bring everything you need. Travelling light is much less of a hassle; so do not bring things you can do without. The general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. The dress code is usually strictly casual.

Well broken-in walking boots should be worn. Trainers are too flimsy for trekking. Sandals leave the feet exposed to sunburn, abrasions, thorns, insect and animal bites. Desert or Gortex boots are satisfactory.

We will supply you with a detailed kit list, depending on where you are going, before you travel.