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)

Hi Everyone, This is so exciting! We're going back 🥳 We are taking our private bus up to hike Irelands own table mountain, Benbulben in Sligo. Benbulben is a truly amazing mountain with some very special stops along the route. It’s approximately 11km hike with 500m of height gain taking 4 - 4.5 hours. It’s moderate difficulty needing a reasonable level of fitness. A few requirements to make sure we have a safe and enjoyable day.. - Hiking boots are essential for this hike. - Suitable clothing for hiking, no jeans please. - waterproofs. - Pack a spare warm layer to keep warm during stops. - Plenty of water and snacks. - A bag to carry all this in Please dont hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. The cost of this trip is €89 including private minibus transfers to Sligo from Dublin and places are strictly limited. payment by Revolut to @surfireland or 0879811701

We’ll explore the dramatic coastal trails and panoramic viewpoints of Bray Head, one of the most visually rewarding walks near Dublin. From woodland paths and rugged cliff edges to expansive sea views and the iconic summit cross, this walk offers endless opportunities to work with light, texture, scale, and storytelling. The goal is simple: slow down, observe carefully, and shoot with intention. Along the route, we’ll experiment with composition, exposure, timing, landscape framing, candid moments, and using natural light in constantly changing outdoor conditions. *** ## **📍 Meeting Point** Raheen Car Park, Bray Head 📅 Saturday, 23 May 2026 🕒 10:00 hrs *** ### **What to expect** * A relaxed photowalk through Bray Head Looped Walk * Coastal landscapes, woodland trails, cliff views, textures, and candid moments * Practical, real-time photography tips while shooting * Opportunities to experiment with composition, exposure, movement, and perspective * A casual post-walk coffee session to review shots and exchange ideas *** ### **About the walk** The Bray Head Loop is one of Wicklow’s most scenic coastal walks, offering spectacular views across Bray, Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea, and the Wicklow Mountains. The route combines woodland trails, dirt paths, rocky sections, and open cliffside viewpoints. The climb to the summit cross is relatively short but steep in places, with some uneven terrain and light scrambling near the top. On a clear day, visibility stretches for miles, making this an excellent location for landscape photography and learning how to work with depth, scale, and changing natural light. **Walk details** * Grade: Moderate * Distance: \~5.5 km loop * Terrain: Uneven trails, rocky sections, woodland paths *** ### **This is for you if you want to** ✅ Get more comfortable using your camera beyond Auto ✅ Understand shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure in real situations ✅ Improve landscape and outdoor composition ✅ Learn how to work with changing weather and natural light ✅ Meet other photographers and creative people *** ### **Benefits** * Experience Bray differently by actively observing instead of just walking * Learn faster through practical shooting rather than passive tutorials * Build confidence shooting outdoors in unpredictable conditions * Get feedback and inspiration from other photographers *** ### **What to bring** 📷 Any camera (phones are absolutely fine) 👟 Comfortable walking shoes with good grip ☔ Weather-appropriate clothing 💧 Water/snacks 💰 Money for coffee or food after the walk *** ### **Weather note** If conditions are too poor or unsafe for the hike, we’ll still meet in Bray and turn the session into a photography discussion and photo review meetup instead of cancelling. *** ### **Important** 🔔 This is a casual, peer-led meetup. You are responsible for your own safety and equipment. Some sections of the trail are uneven and can become muddy or slippery after rain. Please assess your own fitness and comfort level before joining. Dogs are welcome but should remain on a lead. *** ### **Leave No Trace / Outdoor Ethics** Please help keep the trail enjoyable for everyone: * Dispose of waste properly * Respect wildlife and nature * Be considerate of walkers and cyclists * Leave what you find * Keep dogs on a lead * Respect local residents and trail users *** ### **GDPR / Consent** By joining, you consent to being photographed by other participants. Always ask permission before photographing identifiable individuals outside the group. Respect refusals. Extra care is required when photographing minors. *** ### **Transport / Carpool** Need a lift or want to share a ride? You can join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H0ld8u1MvjhGkVB2YijHPz?mode=gi_t) to coordinate transport with other participants, ask for a lift, or arrange carpooling.

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/)

Let's meet for a lovely evening swim. Whether you are a serios swimmer or a dipper you are welcome. I will be at the lifeguard's building on the low wall in front Please wear what is comfortable for you. whether that is a wetsuit or a simple swim suit is fine. It's a good idea to bring a hot drink to warm up after the swim. I hope to see you there.

**Explore Donabate Beach in County Dublin** **Meeting Point : Dublin Connolly Train Station (Inside beside Pret A Manger).** **Time : 12:00PM.** **When : Saturday, 23rd of May.** We will be meeting at **Dublin Connolly Train Station for 12:00PM**, we will be **waiting** for only **10 minutes**. **At 12:10PM**, we will be walking to the **Scheduled InterCity Train to Drogheda at 12:17PM.** This Train Serves Howth Junction/Donaghmede, Clongriffin, Portmarnock, Malahide and Donabate, Duration 29 Minutes. We will be getting of the Train at Donabate Train Station **(12:47PM).** After we get of the train, then we will be walking for 35 minutes to Donabate Beach, then starting our walk on Donabate Beach. **Duration : 7.6KM** **Length : 2 Hours** Coffee Shops nearby : Triangle Coffee, Cates Cafe, Cuppacabana Cafe and The Shoreline Hotel. Bathrooms : Shoreline Hotel, Triangle Coffee and Donabate Beach. Every event is 5 Euro's you can pay by using Revolut or Cash. I hope to see you there. Many Thanks Thomas.

Are you Solo and Single? Make New Friends! Thus is a singles social hike in Howth's Cliff path walk To the light house. Social Dogs 🐩 are welcome.We will meet at 11.15am infront of the Dart Train Station Pub and leave about 11.30am. This is an Easy Social hike starting from train Dart Station and going along the top by the lake to the Summits to view the light house, Islands and beaches. This is an event for singles who want to socialize and make new friends. Bring snacks warm winter water proof clothing and water/drinks as we will stop for picnic lunch. This is a sporting event, so every person is responsible for their own health and saftey. When we are back in Howth fishing village we can go for Drinks/ Tea/ Coffee or food to socialize.

A lovely cycle along the South Coast,with its stunning coastal views. Distance 45 Km, mostly flat but a steep climb over Killiney Hill. We hug the coast most of the way, through Blackrock park and on mostly cycleways to Dún Laoghaire; then over Killiney Hill where we stop for coffee ☕. Then it is back to the city through the village of Dalkey meeting up with the outbound route and back to city centre. Here is our plan for the day. 1️⃣We leave the Convention Centre at 9 am. 2️⃣ Cycle out to Killiney where we stop for coffee 3️⃣ We then cycle back by a slightly different route, we should be back in the city by 1 pm 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.

**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 :-)

**Explore Laytown in Meath.** **Meeting Point : Dublin Connolly Station. (Inside beside Pret A Manger)** **Time : 11:50AM.** **When : Sunday 24th of May.** We will be **meeting** at **Dublin Connolly Train Station (Inside beside Pret A Manger) at 11:50AM.** **Waiting 5 Minutes** then we will be heading to the **Drogheda InterCity Train** which is scheduled for **12:10PM.** 1**0 Stops (56 Minutes)** Howth/Junction Donaghmede, Clongriffin, Portmarnock, Malahide, Donabate, Rush & Lusk, Skerries, Balbriggan, Gormanston and reaching our destination Laytown Train Station. **We will arrive to Laytown Train Station at 13:06PM (Estimated).** **Starting** our walking loop at **13:10PM** **from Laytown Train Station.** This is loop is a coastal walk around the seafront of **Laytown** and continues into **Bettystown**. **Duration 2 Hours 30 Minutes.** **Length 10.3KM.** **Coffee Shops** : Relish, Navy at Bettytown, Ellies Ice-Cream, Ariosa Cafe and Bistro BT. Every event is 5 Euro's you can pay by using Revolut or paying by cash. I hope to see you there ! Many Thanks Thomas

Burrow beach is a Pacific Style Beach in Sutton and it is the nicest beach in Dublin! The weather forecast for Sunday looks good. We will meet on the Beach by the beach entrance. Places are limited to 15 due to restrictions. Please RSVP if you are attending and chang your RSVP if you are not attending so others can attend. This swimming and any other outdoor activity is at your own risk. Thanks.

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

**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.