#activeliving

When it comes to walking and type 2 diabetes risk, it’s not just how much you do it that helps – it’s also how fast you move, a new study has found. Brisk walking is associated with a nearly 40% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, according to the study published Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine…….Continue reading…. Source: CBS News . Critics: Regular, brisk…

Mint Images / Getty Images You need balance for everyday movements, like walking and going up and down stairs. Though balance can sometimes be tricky, there are lots of ways to improve it. Engaging your core strength is foundational for balance, explained Duana Soeda Stinson, CPT, a NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist and Pilates instructor. But in addition to doing your crunches, these nine…

Newbridge House & Farm in Donabate is one of those places that feels like a countryside escape but is still very much within “Greater Dublin”. Set on 300+ acres, it combines a historic Georgian house, wide open parkland and a working farm in one compact day trip.

Step inside an 18th‑century mansion

At the centre of the estate is Newbridge House, an eighteenth‑century Georgian mansion. The interiors are unusually intact, with original furnishings and family collections still in place, and guided tours walk you through how life actually worked on an Anglo‑Irish estate.

Walks, walled gardens and deer

Outside, the demesne is perfect for slow exploring. You’ve got woodland paths, pastureland, a deer park, wildflower areas, watercourses and even the ruins of Lanistown Castle tucked into the landscape. There’s also a historic walled garden with old Irish apple varieties and restored glasshouses, plus colourful borders that look great from spring through autumn. A loop of close to 3 km is an easy, family‑friendly walk and perfect for photos and fresh air.

Farm, playground and café

Newbridge is also a traditional working farm, which makes it especially popular with families and animal lovers. Expect pigs, goats, cows, horses, ponies and smaller farmyard regulars. Right beside it is an adventure playground, and between the farm, the play area and the courtyard café, you can comfortably spend a full afternoon without leaving the estate.

Getting there and key info

Newbridge House & Farm is in Donabate, North County Dublin, about 30 minutes from the city centre and around 10 minutes from Dublin Airport by car. Drivers can take the M1 north and exit at Junction 5 for Donabate; it’s clearly signposted and has on‑site parking. If you’re travelling by public transport, you can take the train to Donabate or use bus routes such as the 33, then walk from the village.

The park and demesne are free to enter, so you can enjoy the walks and open space without a ticket. There are separate tickets for the house and farm, with standard and concession options available, and opening hours vary slightly between summer and winter, with the farm generally opening from around 9:30 in the morning. This is a must visit for active families and historical lovers, so why not book a date in the diary and take in these amazing surroundings.

The lightweight folding travel walker with seat helps support active lifestyles with an easy-to-fold frame and comfortable seating option. Designed for convenience, it allows smooth movement indoors or outdoors while maintaining confidence and balance.