You know that line that your parents would trot out with an arched brow when you were a teenager: “And if your friends jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?”

Even though I turn 33 this month, I’m pretty sure this thought may have crossed their minds last weekend when I casually informed them that I was spending the afternoon “coasteering” in north Kerry with my pals.

Coasteering is a coastal activity combining rock scrambling, adventure swimming, jumping and exploring: basically, you are kitted out in a wetsuit, life jacket and helmet and guided through a series of safe jumps from sea rocks and low cliffs into the Atlantic.

Obviously, this is not the kind of thing you try on your own, so we spent the afternoon with John Edwards of Wild Water Adventures, whose patience and knowledge are second to none. It was amazing to see friends who would have a fear of water or heights take a leap of faith with John’s guidance – and as well as the jumps, we also got the chance to swim through an arch and cave, and learn about the local wildlife. It certainly made for a trip to the beach like none other and brought me back to my childhood, when a day spent jumping off the pier into the sea was a day well spent indeed. And, believe it or not, you don’t even need to be able to swim a stroke to take part – if you can move your arms, you can go coasteering.

For me, it was just another way to explore this beautiful country of ours; though, recently, I did that through my tummy by following one of five newly launched food trails through the beautiful Burren, which you can read about on page 8.

With Father’s Day taking place this weekend, Anthony Jordan talks to Kilkenny hurler and farmer TJ Reid about his dad’s influence on his sport, life and career on page 6, while, in a moving piece on pages 10 and 11, editor Mairead Lavery, restaurateur Claire Nash and TV3 presenter Elaine Crowley reflect on the loss of their late fathers and what they would do if they had just one more day back with them.

Meanwhile, Mary Phelan meets with the family behind Embrace FARM to talk about their annual remembrance service for those bereaved by farm accidents on page 14 and 15, while Ciara Leahy goes behind the scenes at The Natural Bakery company to find out their recipe for success on page 4.

Aisling Hussey visits a couple who are proving to be the hosts with the most at their luxury hostel in Ballyhoura on page 45.

And don’t forget that the countdown is definitely on to the RTÉ Irish Country Music Awards in association with us here in the Irish Farmers Journal (see page 42).

I hope you enjoy the read and wish you all a wonderful weekend and Father’s Day, with plenty of fun... and maybe even a little adventure of your own.