Explore the medieval city of Galway from the water with a picturesque coastal tour in a kayak.

Putting in some elbow grease may not be everyone's idea of fun, but it will definitely build up a thirst before you relax in one of Galway's famous bars or restaurants for refreshments. A few firms offer three-hour guided tours, where participants learn the basics and safety skills before paddling away. Some tours take in the docks and head for Salthill, while others go down the city canals to discover Galway's hidden lakes.

Best: €40 Galway Sea Kayak Tours

Avoid: €50 Outdoors Ireland

Save: €10

www.kayakmor.ie

OFF-ROAD DRIVING

If gliding across rivers and lakes is not your thing, maybe you'd prefer it a bit more rough and ready with an off-road experience.

Jump in a 4x4 (someone else's of course) and hit the hills, as well as the gullies, side slopes, woodlands, wetlands, and muddy waters. Instead of clocking your speed as you would on the racing track, this sport calls for precision, skill, confidence and nerves of steel as you negotiate challenging tracks and attempt to get yourself – and the vehicle – back in one piece.

Best: €130 Fennor 4x4, Co Meath

Avoid: €149 Mondello Park, Co Kildare

Save: €19

www.fennor4x4.com

CAR INSURANCE

If you opted for the above, it may be best not to mention your love of off-road driving when calling around for car insurance. This week we have a 51-year-old bank worker in Co Kilkenny who is looking for fully comprehensive cover. She is driving a 2012 2.0l Audi A4, which is worth €27,000. She has a full licence with no points or claims and is bonus protected. Excess €300.

Best: €386 Chill

Avoid: €579.60 Axa

Save: €193.60

www.chill.ie

SERIOUS ILLNESS COVER

You may need to get really sick before this policy kicks in, but thousands of people think it's worth it to help cover the bills. Serious illness cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you contract one of the defined illnesses covered under your plan. They usually include certain types of cancers, heart attack, stroke and multiple sclerosis. Our 40-year-old non-smoker is looking for €150,000 stand alone serious illness cover over 20 years, so it does not include life insurance.

Best: €72.58 Friends First (via Low.ie)

Avoid: €100.20 Irish Life

Save: €6,628.80 over the policy

www.low.ie

PET INSURANCE

If your pooch is poorly the financial burden of a few visits to the vet can be as much, if not more, than getting yourself seen to at the doctors. This playful two-year-old cocker spaniel may be in its prime of life but, let's face it, it could be hit with a mysterious illness – or worse, a car. Insuring your pet against an expected illness or accident can save on costly vet bills.

Best: €99 Pet Insurance.ie

Avoid: €147 Allianz

Save: €48

www.petinsurance.ie

Sunday Indo Business