New Adventure Sports Magazine For Ireland

Rob / 12.10.2003

Multi-sport outdoor magazines have come (and gone) in the U.K. in the past, but now the idea is being tried in Ireland, with the launch of ‘Outsider’ magazine.

After a few delays (which always seems to be the case with new titles) the very first issue is due on the shelves on October 13th. The magazine is pitched as an ‘outdoor pursuits’ and ‘adventure sports’ title and has a strong editorial team led by Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Damian Hackett. The Deputy Editor is Birmingham born climber Dominic Green and there are specialist and contributing editors for ski and board, mountain biking, and canoe and kayak.

The fact that well known writers and performers are on board has helped spread news of the magazine within their sports and on the main outdoor sports web sites in Ireland, and even before it was launched ‘Outsider’ sponsored the POG mtb event at the end of September.

Their web site has story headlines on, and assuming these come from the first issue they give a taste of what’s to come. There is an interview with Pat Falvey about his successful Everest ascent, and another with downhill skiing legend Pierre Tardivel. There’s a ski season preview, an mtb test, and a profile of the white water descent of the Caragh river in Kerry, plus news and pictures of the World Kayak Surf Championships.

Outsider will sell for 3.50 Euros, but the big challenge will be selling enough to make the title viable. A multi-sport magazine has never worked in the U.K., despite several attempts and far more potential buyers. Let’s hope Outsider finds enough adventure and outdoor enthusiasts to buck the trend.

[If any of our Irish readers have picked up a copy let us know how it looks and what you think of it in the forum.]