Backcountry

***Mountain Skills for Only €120 / course*** Ever wanted to learn the skills you need to become a competent navigator in the Irish mountains, the UK, the Alps or beyond! As a fully qualified mountain guide and course provider for Mountaineering Ireland and the UK, I run Mountain Skills which is a nationally accredited course and is delivered in an upland environment. Hiking in Ireland can be challenging not only because of its wilderness, but the island has very little sign posted hiking trails in the mountains or hills. In addition to this, as being an island in the Atlantic we experience the forces of nature; storms and weather events. In other words, Ireland is probably the best place in Europe to learn a new outdoor skill like Mountain Skills. The aim of this course is to help you learn the skills you need to get out hiking in the hills and mountains independently, safely and responsibly. You will learn how to navigate with confidence by any type of weather conditions. A Mountain Skills course is run over 2 days in an upland environment and covers: Map reading, map description, map scale, contour lines, land and ground features, navigation legs, simple navigation techniques, setting the map, the 5 D, estimation of direction & destination, grid reference, mountain hazards, hypothermia, mountain environment, timing, pacing, route planning, route card, emergency procedures, personal equipment, safe movement skills, river crossing and much more… Some level of fitness is essential in taking part in this course. Each course (MS1 / MS2) is a 20 hour syllabus which includes indoor and outdoor sessions and night navigation (MS2) **A course includes:** Maps and compass provided, tea breaks, course notes, 3 route cards, a free hiking day practice as part of a weekend. **For Only €100 for under 18 and students and €120 for adults.** Accommodations can be provided Her are few additionnal dates: Jan 24-25 MS2 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow Feb 11-12 MS1 Comeragh, Co.Waterford March 21-22 Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow March 28-29 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow April MS1 18-19 Glenmalure, Co,Wickow For more information contact us at: [aeaccom@gmail.com](mailto:aeaccom@gmail.com) / +35387 9691193 Or go to: [www.mountainadventures74.com](http://www.mountainadventures74.com)

Distance: –90 km Climbing: \~1,350. A proper Wicklow day out!—today we cycle the high country over the Sally gap and the Glenmacnass valley. We roll out from the city at 845am and head up to Glencree and onto the Military Road, then crossing the exposed beauty of the **Sally Gap.** From there, it’s a rewarding run down the stunning **Glenmacnass valley** to the **Glendalough Cafe**. We then head back over undulating hills to Eniskerry and then on to Dublin. Expect long, steady climbs; you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness—this is a 90 km spin with serious elevation. The reward is some of Ireland's best cycling scenery and **quiet roads** once we leave the suburbs behind. Bring: Good legs, plenty of snacks, and layers—the Gap can be exposed. A tough but very rewarding spin—perfect if you’re looking to stretch yourself a bit and enjoy the Wicklow Mountains at their best. Please wear a helmet and bring a tube, etc., in case you get a puncture. Please note - It is every participant's responsibility to ride safely, follow the rules of the road, and come prepared with the proper equipment. WAIVER & RELEASE: We are a group composed of volunteers. We are not a professional organisation. As such, each of us is responsible for our own safety and well-being during an organised event. The organiser(s) is not in any way responsible for any participant on the trip. However, as a group of friends, we make an effort to look out for one another to the best of our ability. By joining this event, you and your guests agree to and accept the following waiver and liability amendment to the Meetup Terms of Service at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/) ; 1. My guests and I have read the Meetup Terms of Service at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/) and hereby amend it to include the same waiver and release therein to this event's organiser(s) and participants.

Tired of casual chit chat with no connection among strangers? Looking for a new activity to pick up on weekends? Ready to get your body moving, sweating, and discover a new side of yourself you did not know you had? You are in luck, we have just what the doctor ordered! Experience the wonderful environment that can only be had with the sound of Afro-Latin music. Learn to feel the rhythm and body movement of traditional Cuban Salsa, show off your moves with Sensual bachata, or simply come to have good craic and meet new folks! Class schedule as follows: ● **3 - 4pm**: Salsa class ● **4 - 5pm:** Bachata class ● **5 - 6pm:** Social Dance ● **VENUE**: Turk's Head 27 Parliament St Dublin 2 ***Note***: *Meetup attendance list is not reflective of actual number of people that show up! Come with or without a partner and get ready to dance!* Check our website for specifics on upcoming events: [https://www.dublinsalsabachata.com](https://www.dublinsalsabachata.com/)

Join me to swim into light, for darkness into light on the 9th of May at Killiney Beach ⛱️ at 445am, you know the drill, bring warm clothes for after swim and hot drinks and yummy cakes, thats optional, swim in the water when the sun is raising, it's a great morning, do it for yourself or someone else, looking forward to seeing you all there.

The weather forecast for this Saturday is pretty promising so hopefully we’ll see you joining us for a great walk & coffee/ lunch in the park afterwards 🚶🏼‍♀️🚶🏻‍♂️ Walk takes approx 1.5 hours on the flat. Saturday market on in the park- lots of food options! **Note: if you are delayed or need to cancel, can you please leave a message below so that we can wait for you (or cancel your booking) thanks 🙏

Explore Ward River Valley Park in Swords, Dublin * Meeting Point : https://maps.app.goo.gl/649KPqhHiuBw2Puz6 * When : 9th of May, 13:00PM * How to get there : Swords Express 500 Bus from Eden Quay, Dublin City Centre. We will be meeting at this location https://maps.app.goo.gl/649KPqhHiuBw2Puz6 at 13:00PM (Ward River Valley Park) Walking Loop is 5.6KM (About 2 Hours Long). Dogs are welcome on LEADS. We will be walking around Ushers Lake, Old Mill (Ruins), Secret Wall, The Canyon, The Arch and so much more. Every event is 5 Euro's you can pay by using Revolut or Cash. I hope to see you there

Join us for a swim on Saturday. Regulars and newcomers welcome to come along. Take a quick dip, have a paddle, or swim to the buoy - the choice is yours. We ask that you stay within your dept and don't stay in too long as the water is still a bit cold. We look out for each other but we are not lifeguards so everyone is responsible for their own safety. Bring some warm clothes for after the swim. And if you feel like it, join us for a coffee afterwards. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Hello everybody, I’m leading a 16.7 km, 700m ascent hike from Crone Car Park up to Maulin over to the tonduffs and back over Maulin on Sunday. Meeting time at 9.30am, we'll head off at 9.40am. You will need to have hiking boots, rain gear, snacks, water and lunch and if you have them gaters for the muddy parts. This hike is not for beginners

Hi All, this is a on lead walk with dogs of all ages and experience welcome. Many who attend are recently rescued and learning. Walk the lovely grounds and see the flowers and wildlife followed by coffee. There is a Fb page Sighthound Adventures Ireland and #dublinhoundwalks on Instagram. All Welcome.

**Payment is required immediately upon RSVP for this event** Flying Lessons for Beginners: You will control the aircraft from after take-off to almost touch-down, with our instructor beside you all the way. You will Learn how to take off , climb , turn and descend in your first lesson. The agenda for the day is as follows: 1. Private minibus from Dublin city to Aerodrome 2. Safety Briefing in the clubhouse. 3. 40 Min Flying Lesson in a 2 seat airplane. 4. Tea\Coffee and Debriefing. 5. A chance for some photo's and selfies. 6. Return to Dublin on minibus. All inclusive price: €219 \*\*dates are subject to change due to conditions. Every effort will be made to provide as much notice as possible. Transfer payment via Revolut to 087 9811701 See you in the Sky, Davey Any questions please ask in the comments below. \*(yes, you can log these flying hours as pilot under tuition). \*\*(bring biscuits, pilots are hungry). \*\*\*(in the event of bad weather the trip will be postponed to the next available date. Alternatively full refunds will be offered). Revolut name is @surfireland or 087 9811701 :-)

**🌿 Active travelers, I invite you to a loop walking route around the Howth Peninsula in Dublin.** **✨ What will you get on our hike?** **•Meet new people and connect with like-minded people.** **•Beautiful views for contemplation and photography.** **•Intense aerobic workout.** **🔃Distance: 12 km** **📈Ascent: 240 meters** **📉Descent: 240 meters** **🏋️‍♂️Difficulty: ⭐️⭐️⭐️** **How to know if you can handle the route: climbing to the 10th floor of a building is a 24-meter climb.** **We'll be walking at a moderate pace with breaks. Small sections of the route run along steep cliffs.** **🗓 Date: Every Sunday** **⏰ Start time: 11:15 arrive 5 minutes in advance)** **📍 Start and finish point: Howth DART station. (We are right outiside when you exit the railway station)** **🕓 Duration: 4,5 hours. ** **💶 Cost: €8 per person.** **What to bring with you?** **Don’t dress up too warm, as you will warm up pretty well during the hike. I highly recommend to take tracking poles with you. ** **A bottle of water would be essential, as there no sourses of water along the whole route. ** **You can bring a small amount of food, as we will have a stop for a lunch. ** **Important notice** **Persons younger 18 years old only accompanied by elders. ** **For the comfort and safety of the whole group:** **No use of alcohol before or during the trip allowed.** **Smoking or vaping is not allowed during the walk and can be done only during stops, on the distance from the group.** **Actual amount of members will differ from the one on MeetUp as we use different sources to attract people. ** **Looking forward to see you with us! Come along and invite your friends and family! ** **✉️ For registration press button that you are going.** **For additional information, please contact us via** **Telegram: @Yuriy_Rokossovskiy** **What’sApp: +380508648491** **Mobile: +353851209348**

**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.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days