Backcountry

🐠First timers who are interested in doing their first Open Water Scuba dive 🐬course, please RSVP and I will send you the contact information about the scuba dive course and dive master's details. There will be other people on this course besides people from this meetup. There are different course dates, so RSVP and you can choose another date if you wish. The cost of this PADI Scuba Dive course is about 650 euros or so and it is a part time course. The duration is over about a month or so. https://www.padi.com/ https://youtu.be/kvmgy4XsqrU This (PADI) scuba dive course is also a legal qualification requirement for scuba divers. The first dives will be in a large swimming pool 5m deep. If you like you can also do a pool try dive to see how you go before you start your dive course. You will be shown how to use scuba diving equipment. This PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three main phases: * Knowledge Development (online, home study or in a classroom ) to understand basic principles of scuba diving (5 modules) * Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills (5 pool training dives). * Open Water Dives to review your skills and explore (4 open water dives). * Once you become a PADI qualified scuba diver you can do open water boat dives and weekend Atlantic sea boat dives and or Fyords boat scuba dives trips will be avaliable to you around Ireland and overseas. ## **Course Schedule (3-Week Format)** ### **Week One** **7:00 pm – 9:00 pm:** Induction, equipment orientation, safety briefing **9:00 pm – 10:00 pm:** Confined Water Session 1 ### **Week Two** **7:00 pm – 9:00 pm:** Knowledge Development + skills briefing **9:00 pm – 10:00 pm:** Confined Water Session 2 ### **Week Three** **7:00 pm – 9:00 pm:** Knowledge Development + final review **9:00 pm – 10:00 pm:** Confined Water Session 3 ✅ After your pool training, you're ready for your **two open-water dives.** People use Sea swimming for its healing salt properties,it washes viruses, bacteria and cleanse your skin amongst other things due to the sea salt content. There has been a large increase in people going swimming these last years. Scuba diving also refreshes your mind like hiking to start a new fresh day and a new work week. Anyone thinking about doing scuba diving this would be a good starting point for you. As usual this is a sporting event, so when you RSVP and attend this course, every person is directly responsible for their own health and saftey and accept full responsibilty. To find out more, please RSVP and I will send you the Dive Master Contact Details.🐳🐬🐚

**Join us on May 12 for the next Stripe Dublin meetup. This is an in-person event for anyone building with Stripe. An evening focused on Stripe user experiences, product insights, best practices, and community.** 🍕🍺 **Perks** Food, drink provided! **🎫 Tickets** There is a hard limit for RSVP :) Wait list will be operating on Meetup. **📍Location** The event is hosted at Stripe's Dublin offices, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Pl, Dublin, 2 · Dublin, ie **🕚 Rough timings** * 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Doors open with refreshments * 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Talks and Q&A * 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Drinks, food, and networking **📣 Talks** 1. **Minions: Stripe’s one-shot, end-to-end coding agents,** Mark Doyle 2. **Enabling Crypto in Stripe - from pay-ins to pay-outs,** Ana Andres del Valle Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the Stripe community. [Stripe developer code of conduct.](https://stripe.com/legal/developer-code-of-conduct)

Meeting at Weston Airport, parking outside along the cul de sac. 10am approx 20k. Tracks and trails. Coffee at Castletown Hiouse

***Unfortunately due to circumstances outside our control we are currently unable to run this class until further notice. People interested in coming along are welcome to join our Sangha Nights in the meantime: https://dublinbuddhistcentre.org/sangha-nights/*** Our meditation drop-in class is designed for those new to meditation or returning to practice. The 1 hour 15 minute session includes input on meditation and the Dharma, a led meditation, and time for questions and discussion. A welcoming space to learn, practice, and connect with others. **Practical details** The night will start at 7pm sharp so arrive a little early to ensure a punctual start. **7 pm** – Welcome & introduction to the meditation practice **7.15 pm** – Led meditation followed by space for questions **7.55 pm** – Short talk on aspect of meditation or Buddhism **8.15 pm** – Finish This event is for: * Those totally new to meditation or Buddhism * Meditators or Buddhists with some experience who want to visit the Dublin Buddhist Centre for the first time. All our Drop-in Meditation Nights are led by experienced members of the Triratna Buddhist Community. No need to book in advance, just show up a few minutes before we start at 7pm. On a donation basis. **Why meditate with others?** Meditation can help you pause, notice what’s happening in your mind and body, and build greater calm, clarity, and self-awareness - particularly important in a busy, demanding world. Meditation isn’t about emptying your mind or getting it “right,” but about paying attention to your own experience, just as it is. Learning and practicing meditation with other people can deepen this experience. Practicing together creates a sense of connection and shared understanding, reminding you that everyone’s experience is different and that there’s no single right way to meditate. Being part of a group can offer encouragement, structure, and a feeling of support, making the practice more sustainable and meaningful over time.

Do you like to try an indoor pool scuba dive 🐠with scuba dive equipment🐳? If you are interested in going for this Pool scuba try dive🐬class, please RSVP early as there will be other people going beside this meetup. If anyone cannot make it on this day and wants a different date, RSVP and you can change your date to another date. I will send you the information details to book your pool dive a week that suites you. 😊 https://www.padi.com/ https://youtu.be/kvmgy4XsqrU This event is (PADI) scuba dive for First Timers 🐬who are interested in trying Scuba Diving🐠🐟. This will be a scuba dive in a large swimming pool 5m deep at one end. Cost is about 55 euros. Scuba dive equipment will be included and supplied. You will be shown how to use scuba diving equipment by a dive instructor. If you do well in the pool, you can go to the next step and take up an open water PADI dive course qualification. With this qualification it will allow you to do open water scuba diving world wide. Dublin open water boat dives and weekend Atlantic sea boat dives trips and or Fjord boat scuba dives trips will be also avaliable to you around Ireland and World Wide once you are a PADI Open Water qualified scuba diver. People use Sea swimming for its healing properties,it washes viruses, bacteria and cleanse your skin amongst other things due to the sea salt content. Since the pandemic there has been a large increase in people going swimming. Scuba diving also refreshes your mind like hiking to start a new fresh day and a new work week. Anyone interested, please RSVP and I will send you the booking information. As usual this is a sporting event, so when you RSVP and attend this meetup, every person is responsible for their on health and saftey and accept full responsibilty.

A lovely session of music and song in a relaxed and supportive environment. All levels of musician and singer welcome. You can come and sing or play one song or just come and listen to the other members. Great way to build up your playing skills and build up your confidence. We don't pay the bar for this session, so make sure you buy at least one drink. Charge €2.

***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)

Free. Easy. No experience needed. We meet at 12:00 in Dublin city centre for a little hike - the kind that clears your head after a full week and reminds you why you started. This is community time. No agenda, no pitches, just good conversation with fellow solopreneurs, founders and professionals who get it. After the walk, we head to a nearby restaurant (costs not included in this meetup) No pressure to join, always welcome if you do. This is a free event hosted by the Accountability Circle. Want more? Join us online at [Accountability Circle](https://www.skool.com/bebeyond-now-momentum-makers-2352#) 📍 Exact meeting point in Dublin city centre, details shared before the event. 🚶 Beginner-friendly, flat route, all paces welcome.

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.

Adult Bachata and Salsa dance classes with practice social at Coolock Ardlea Scout Den Coolock Village. This is a mirror studio located upstairs from the hall with nice wooden floors. This is a weekly Thursday event. Come down, learn and have fun! Men and Women are welcome. Free taster for first timers and discount for students, request via dm. Beginners cost 10 euro for all beginner classes and practice.

Imagine waking up in a stunning villa overlooking the mountains with private pool + sauna… Lacing up for guided hikes through breathtaking coastal paths, olive groves & mountain trails… Feeding your soul with fresh market feasts, charming village stops, epic trail adventures, yoga & pure French Riviera magic. **Everything included:** ✅ Airport pickup & drop-off ✅ Shared villa stay with private pool, sauna & epic views ✅ Breakfast every morning + all lunches & dinners (vegetarian feasts) ✅ Local wines, beer & drinks at the villa ✅ French farmers market visit ✅ Guided hikes & trail adventures around Nice & the Riviera ✅ Daily village explorations & scenic walks ✅ Yoga classes ✅ Recovery boots & massage guns ✅ All transport & logistics Only **3 spots left** for May 2026! Perfect for solo adventurers, couples or your crew who actually show up. No pressure, just good humans, epic trails & memories that’ll last forever. [INFO HERE](https://www.epic-retreats.org/retreats/may-hiking-nice-france)

All surf equipment provided, Surf board + Wetsuit, Surf Lesson and Return Bus from Dublin. Hot showers & Changing area. Beginners welcome , 2.5 hour surf lesson with our instructors on the beach and in the water. More advanced options are also available. Make sure to bring a towel to get changed, swimsuit, sun cream and a snack + drink. Payment €109 via Revolut to @surfireland , See you on the waves, Davey

**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

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.