Outdoors

Are you Solo and Single!! Easily Make new 💑 friends🍻 with Speed Friending! No need for Apps 😀We are meeting for social drinks including soft drinks 🍺🍸🍷 at Hogans Bar. We will be inside the Bar area. Please, at least buy a drink or a soft drink or so, as we may not be welcomed again to certain bars. We will go to another late bar afterwards for dancing. So Dress Nice & neat please. Leave your surfing cloths and 🏖 surfboards at home please.😂 https://youtu.be/wD0Mm6WIcYs?feature=shared Many new people come solo to socialize and make new friends, so do not worry if you are solo, you are welcome to join us. I will introduce you to others in the group,so you are no longer solo. 😆Welcome to ask me questions about hiking gear and 🐬🐠🐡 scuba diving.

**Explore Ballycorus and Carrickgollan Hill.** **Meeting Point : Dawson Street Luas Stop (Beside Pret A Manger).** **Time : 10:30 AM.** **When : Friday 15th of May.** **We will be meeting at Dawson Street Luas Stop at 10:30 AM (Beside Pret A Manger).** Waiting 5 Minutes and taking the **Southbound Green Line Luas from Dawson Street** and getting **off at Renelagh Luas Stop.** After getting off the Luas, we will walk for 1 minute to the Dublin **Ranelagh Luas Bus Stop (Bus Stop Number 2814), (Dublin Bus).** When we are at the Bus Stop we will be taking the **44 Dublin Bus to Enniskerry at 11:03 AM.** **Bus Duration 41 Minutes (45 Stops)** also goes past Dundrum for those who want to get on from there. We will be getting of the **Bus at Monastery House Bus Stop (Stop Number 4091), 11:44AM (Estimated Time)** Then walking **42 Minutes (2.7KM) to Carrickgollan Forest Trail (Estimated Arrival Time 12:26PM)** **Duration : 2 Hours 30 Minutes to 3 Hours** **Length : 8.2KM** **OR** **We can go to Enniskerry and Start from there, they have Coffee shops NEARLY and TOILETS.** Every event is 5 Euro's, you can pay by using Revolut or Cash. I hope to see you there. Many Thanks Thomas

Hi all, I hope you're well! Bill Nighy has been giving interviews about this Ireland-filmed movie over the past weeks, so let’s go to a screening with a Special Introduction in Lighthouse this Friday. **500 MILES (with Special Introduction) @6pm at the Lighthouse Cinema - Screen 3** Seating is unallocated [500 MILES | OFFICIAL TRAILER | BILL NIGHY | ONLY IN CINEMAS](https://youtu.be/M0pP7xKvFJ0?si=HnlsaR-GzabhA76Z) *“500 MILES is a poetic, life-affirming road movie and celebration of the human spirit that follows a broken family who are forced to come together when two young brothers run away from home.* *While their fighting parents (Clare Dunne & Michael Socha) tear their hair out with worry, runaways Finn (Roman Griffin Davis) and his live-wire younger brother Charlie (Dexter Sol Ansell) embark on an epic adventure from Yorkshire, over land and sea, to the Wild West coast of Ireland. With the free-spirited busker Cait (Maisie Williams) helping the young boys along the way, their destination is Dingle, County Kerry, and their estranged, beloved Grandfather (BAFTA-award winner Bill Nighy), who their parents haven’t spoken to since the fateful events of the previous summer.”* **Dinner afterwards:** I’ll book a table for dinner at Oscars Bar next door after the movie. If you wish to join us for dinner, please post a Comment to be included in the numbers. Numbers are limited. **Dining:** Note that they do not split bills there so it’s CASH ONLY again for this one, and there’s a 10% service charge on large table bookings.

All welcome! - See you in the Black Sheep, 61 Capel Street, Dublin for an evening of craic and chat. Caoimhghin (keeveen) 0878309001

Drink & Draw Ireland's paint party. Win Prizes. Create A Masterpiece. Music & craic! Absolutely no painting experience is necessary. This event is open to everyone, bring a loved one, a friend or come alone🎨 No experience is needed and in under two hours you will create a painting of your very own masterpiece ***[Get your Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/drink-draw-sugarloaf-mountain-byob-tickets-1985727794287)*** **What you get with your ticket?** ☀ 1 x Canvas to keep ☀ All the painting materials necessary ☀ Instructor to help guide you ☀ Patterns and designs to inspire you ☀ Custom playlist with feel good tunes ☀ Win prizes! **FAQs:** **I'M NO GOOD AT ART AND HAVEN'T PAINTED SINCE SCHOOL?** Drink & Draw is a super fun event designed so you can have a good time, we aren't about perfection we want you to relax and create. We have instructors who will help guide you to creating your own masterpiece. It doesn't matter if you can't paint this about relaxing. **WHAT IF I GET PAINT ON MY CLOTHES?** We use non-toxic paint that can be machine washed. **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie **HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?** Signup to our weekly newsletter [here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/") **IS ALCOHOL PROVIDED AT THIS EVENT?** This event is a BYOB event to make it a cheap and fun event for you!

COST: FREE **YOU MUST GET YOUR OWN TICKET ON EVENTBRITE** Cone aand join us on a lovely walking tour of the Docklands Explore Dublin’s hidden gem on the Docklands Walking Tour, uncovering stories, bridges, and tucked‑away treasures along the River Liffey. *The Docklands are something of a hidden gem in Dublin, in that there is so much to explore in all the nooks and crannies – some of the most special treasures can be found on the bridges themselves, that connect the north and south side of the Liffey. With the Docklands Walking Tour, take your time exploring this historic part of Dublin*. Details: Meet by the on the quays by the Epic Museum at 2.45pm The walk last about an hour. After the walk we will go for coffee and a snack

📚Reading books and discussing them are two distinct experiences! Conversations about books and sharing insights help us better appreciate literature and enrich our lives. Let's grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and discuss books we're currently reading or have recently enjoyed—whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Bring your physical book or e-reader. There's no formal structure or agenda—just books and good conversation.💬 It's a perfect place to get book recommendations and rediscover your reading momentum if you've hit a slump. We welcome readers of all backgrounds and interests! ⚠️**Something Happened?** If something unpleasant happened to you, it may happen to others. Even if it seems minor, don't hesitate to reach out to me. 🔍 **How to find us?** * When I reach the venue, I'll leave a comment in the meetup where the group is seated. Normally, the booking is in my name, so you can ask the staff for the group. * If you're unable to find us, leave a comment in the meetup page. I'll be able to guide you. We highly encourage you to move between tables and strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. These discussions about literature and reading recommendations are often the highlight of the event! As an organizer, I'm always looking for feedback about the event and suggestions for new events, so feel free to suggest ideas to me. 💡 I look forward to seeing you all! 😊

**SILENT WALK: The Fully Alive Experience** 🌿✨ Are you ready to step away from the noise? Join us for a unique experience of peace, connection, and great food! **ATTENTION: How to find us!** ⚠️ We want to make sure you find the group easily! Look out for our team waiting for you outside the Dún Laoghaire DART Station. We will be there holding a sign that says: 👉 ***"SILENT WALK"*** 👈 Don't be shy! Come to say hi and join the tribe! What to expect 🕊️ Kick off a peaceful journey with reflection and amazing company. The Silent Walk is designed to help you disconnect from the city's hustle and reconnect with your inner self. • 📍 Meeting Point: Outside Dún Laoghaire Station. • 🪧 Look for: The "SILENT WALK" sign. • 🎧 ESSENTIAL: Please bring your own headphones/earphones for the guided reflection. • 🌊 The Route: A beautiful walk by the sea with guided moments. • 🍔 Social Lunch: After the walk, we are heading to Wetherspoon for an optional lunch together! It’s the perfect time to chat and meet everyone. **Schedule** 10:30- Meeting (DART Station) 10:40 - Walk 11:00 - Silent Walk 11:20 - Small group sharing 12:00 - Optional lunch **Stay Connected!** We have a vibrant community on WhatsApp where we share updates, meeting points, and photos from our walks. Join us to stay in the loop: 👉 Join our WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVskvE1hQar90o0bmT8kMs?mode=gi_t

**Note:** This event may be cancelled due to weather conditions. Please check this page 90mins before the event to see any updates. Join this Improv workshop for an afternoon filled with fun! You don't need any acting/stage experience to join us. It is meant for beginners and improvers. **What we will do:** * Group exercises to warm up and feel safe playing * Play improvised scenes Each person has their own way of improvising, of playing characters, that are fun for an audience to watch and fun to play. Maybe the mind, with its judgment and fear, is now hiding this part of you. The goal of our workshops is to unlock that part of you by providing a safe environment and the tools to improvise. **About the Location:** We are meeting at the Iveagh Gardens; next to the fountain behind the rose garden (search for a grey bike with brown saddle). There are two entrances, one on Clonmel Street and one on hatch street upper. **About the fees:** 10 EUR per person. Please pay the organizer at the event. We accept cash/revolut/paypal. Check out: [https://activesocialconnections.com/](https://activesocialconnections.com/) for more events!

Outdoor Morning Yoga 🌿 Join me for a 40-minute Saturday session in nature. We’ll flow through yoga, breathwork, manifesting and facial yoga for a calm and energising start to the day. ✨ Open to all levels ✨ A soft self-care experience What to bring: • Yoga mat • Water • Your favourite lotion(optional because I have for everybody!) Come as you are and enjoy a peaceful moment together ❤️

Grand Canal Way in County Kildare. * Meeting Point : Hueston Station * When : 12:30 AM, 17th of May. Meeting in Dublin Hueston Train Station for 12:30 AM (Inside beside Pret A Manger), Waiting 10 Minutes. At 12:40, we will going to take the Commuter train which is Scheduled for 12:50 AM to Portlaoise. We will be getting off the train at Sallins and Naas 13:22 PM. This Train Serves Park West and Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin Fonthill, Kishoge, Adamstown, Hazelhatch and Celbridge. When we reach Sallins and Naas Train Station, there is a coffee shop called Hey Darling Sallins and Coffee Express Trailor at the train station. It is a 6 minute walk to the start of the trail, this is a easy walk and you might see some boat passing by on the canal. Trail Duration is 2 to 2 in a half hour walking loop, 7.9 KM. Every event is 5 Euro's you can pay by using Revolut or Cash. I hope to see you thre.

**Explore River Boyne Greenway in County Louth.** * **Meeting Point : Dublin Connolly.** * **When : 12:00, 16th of May.** **Meeting in Dublin Connolly Train Station at 12:00 (Inside beside Pret A Manger) Waiting 5 minutes.** **We are taking the SCHEDULED 12:18 InterCity Train to Drogheda** **Duration 1 Hour and 2 Minutes (11 Stops)** **Serving Howth Junction Donaghmede, Clongrffin, Portmarnock, Malahide, Donabate, Rush & Lusk, Skerries, Balbriggan, Gormanston, Laytown and finally Drogheda.** **Arriving at Drogheda Train Station for 13:20.** **For those who need to go the toilet can go at the train station, then we will be walking for 19 minutes 1.5 KM, to the starting point.** **We will be walking through the city and heading west pathway to the Mary Mc Aleese Bridge, Oldridge estate, and the Batlle of the Boyne Sight.** **Trail Loop is 8.2 KM (1 in a half to 2 hours Duration).** **This is a scenic walk.** **Every event is 5 Euro's you can pay by using Revolut or Cash.** **I hope to see you there !**

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Let's check out the Maker's Market in German Village, a large outdoor Artisan Market, featuring over 65 Makers, Goods, Art and Delicious Food Trucks! Admission is FREE! [GVMM](https://www.gv-mm.com/) Let's get outside and enjoy the New Spring Season and Warm Weather! We will meet at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village on South 3rd Street at Noon, 12 PM and then take a brisk walk to the Maker's Market, just south of Schiller Park. We can initially get coffee at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, if anyone may want to do so. Parking is widely available at Schiller Park and surrounding side streets. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.