Hiking

✨️2026 NEW YEARS 🎉EVE🎊 SINGLES BALL. Are you solo and single? Make🥂 👫 new friends 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨! Join us for a great night out with good music, dancing and having fun while making new 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 friends. Tickets are on sale click the link below. This Party is for Singles who like to mingle and socialize with other solo singles, dance the night out and to have a great start to the🎉✨️ New Year 2026 🎆🎊. Bring your friends with you if you wish. If you are home alone, you are not going to meet anyone💞🤣. If you are coming Solo do not worry. Many people come solo💕 to our events. DRESS: VERY NEATLY PLEASE.👍👍 This NEW YEARS event is a great value. So Come dressed to impress and get ready to dance the night away as we countdown to midnight and celebrate the start of a 🎊🎆🧨NEW YEAR✨️🎉 2026 in style. Our event will take place at the trendy Noosh Cafe Bar, where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere and great music all night long. Whether you're looking for a new romance or just want to have a good time this is the perfect event for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make new connections and start the 2026 year off right at our NYE Singles Ball! **Tickets must be purchased on our Eventbrite page by clicking the link below.** https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/new-years-eve-nye-singles-ball-tickets-1970190270134 * **Doors 8pm, Video DJ till late.** * **Welcome glass of Prosecco or beer.** * **Full Zaytoon restaurant menu and finger food available all night (extra cost).** * **2 floor venue with bars in each. Main bar and dancefloor downstairs.** * **Drink specials.** * **Cloakroom.** * **Free street parking, Aircoach, Luas, Dublin Bus and taxis serve this area (nightlink services also).** *Formal attire recommended. No jeans, trainers etc. Shirt essential for men.* *This venue is a 6 minute walk to the Sandyford Luas stop. On NYE the night Luas will be picking up at the Stillorgan/Sandyford stops every 30 minutes until 3:15am, and travelling out to Broombridge in Finglas via the city centre. Free on street parking and taxi rank outside. Dublin Bus and Aircoach serve the venue*.

Details: Ring out 2025 with a last blast in the hills climbing to Glencullen before a return to Dublin along the coast from Killiney. Distance: 50kms, 500m ascent. Note that there is a long unbroken climb of over 400metres from Rathfarnham up towards the Glencullen valley. Here is our plan for the day. We meet and leave Portobello Harbour, Rathmines at 10.30am. We cycle out through Terenure and Rathfarnham before beginning the 400metres climb up towards Glencullen. We will have a coffee/refreshments stop at Johnny Fox’s pub in Glencullen. From Glencullen we descend to join the coastal route from Killiney through Dun Laoghaire, Blackrock and back to the city. Please wear a helmet and bring a tube, etc., in case of a puncture. 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/%20; My guests and I have read the Meetup Terms of Service at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/ and hereby amend it to include the same waiver and release therein to this event's organiser(s)

Join us for a relaxed post-Christmas daytime run, aiming for around 10km on grass and trails. Depending on numbers, we’ll look to split into pace groups of approximately 5:00/km, 5:30/km and 6:00/km. If the Visitor Centre café is open, we’ll stick around for a coffee afterwards.

Come join Deirdre and myself , for the last sea dip for the heart ❤️ Foundation , also the last swim of the year, swim dip and chat, bring warm clothes for after, see you all there

This is a hike, not a walk, take note. The route is a repeat of the 01 November 2025 event. Hello! NEW Meeting TIME: 1020am. ■ DEPARTURE TIME: 1030am sharp. NEW Meeting PLACE: Treo Coffee at Fernhill House, Enniskerry Rd, Newtown Little, Dublin 18 Please allow enough time to join us. Start time: 1030am sharp! Distance: 4hrs (including break) - please use the toilets at the meeting point before we leave! Toilets at start and end **only**. Start point and End point are the same. This is a circular route so feel free to drive if you have a car. Public transport: Nearest Luas is Glencairn. Nearest buses are 44 and 47. Food break: at the very top, at Fairy Castle. Bring food + water! Toilets at start and end **only**. Important: bring water, bring food/snacks, wear suitable footwear for a big hill walk. This walk will NOT proceed if there is a yellow, orange or red weather alert for Dublin OR Wicklow. Dress for the weather! Disclaimer: This event and every event in this group is entirely and in every possible way at your own risk. Thanks Alan

Meet-Up Hike We are meeting at Tara Street for 10:30, meeting beside Fresh (shop) opposite side of the Ticket Machines. We will wait five minutes so please be early. After we will walk to Poolpeg Street, the Bus 47 (Dublin Bus) is scheduled for 10:45, the bus duration is 45 minutes (estimation). We will be getting off at Belarmine Drive. Then it is 11 Minute walk to start. You can get on the Bus from Stillorgan Laus Stop and from Sandymount Bus Stop also. There is a Fernhill Car Park also (which is 12 minutes away) Walk is 2 1/2 - 3 hours long (Distance 6KM).

## Sofa to Summit Challenge Jan 26 ### About The Challenge and what it entails: This is a 4 week challenge, building up to you getting to the summit of Lugnaquillia (925m) Leinster’s highest Point. **Come Join us this great challenge**! It is a great way to get fit, lose some of those pounds, put on eating all those mince pies!, enjoy incredible scenery and socialize at the same time. We will start you off on the sofa to summit challenge with a relatively easy walk while gradually increasing the length and altitude of the walks each week. The course starts with our first walk on Jan 3rd and continues on gradually to the final summit on Jan 24th. * Details of the walks and meeting locations etc will be emailed to you when you sign up. * If any of the Walks need to get cancelled due to weather conditions we will postpone it for another day. * Car Pooling and Transport will be organized for each walk. * There will also be a 50% discount offer for our Walking Club membership for those who sign up. [Read more here](https://www.hilltoptreks.com/guided-walks-and-hikes-ireland/sofa-to-summit-challenge)

Meeting at car park outside Lacken National school at 9.40am (just outside Blessingtown town). This is approx 16km hike on forest tracks & open hillside. First we take the mass path to Sorrel Hill Cairn, then Black Hill, before returning to the car park. This hike should take approx 5hrs or less. Bring appropriate hiking gear & a packed lunch for this hike. Coffee afterwards in Blessingtown.

## Sofa to Summit Challenge Jan 26 ### About The Challenge and what it entails: This is a 4 week challenge, building up to you getting to the summit of Lugnaquillia (925m) Leinster’s highest Point. **Come Join us this great challenge**! It is a great way to get fit, lose some of those pounds, put on eating all those mince pies!, enjoy incredible scenery and socialize at the same time. We will start you off on the sofa to summit challenge with a relatively easy walk while gradually increasing the length and altitude of the walks each week. The course starts with our first walk on Jan 3rd and continues on gradually to the final summit on Jan 24th. * Details of the walks and meeting locations etc will be emailed to you when you sign up. * If any of the Walks need to get cancelled due to weather conditions we will postpone it for another day. * Car Pooling and Transport will be organized for each walk. * There will also be a 50% discount offer for our Walking Club membership for those who sign up. [Read more here](https://www.hilltoptreks.com/guided-walks-and-hikes-ireland/sofa-to-summit-challenge)

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.

Join us at Highbanks for sledding, snacks, hot cocoa, and nature 🛷🌲🌈 Bring your own sled. No snow? We’ll enjoy the nearby trails together instead. This event is dog and kid-friendly and accessible to wheeled aids. [Please register here for more details closer to the event ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn3P7WpBONMJXiL6v_KrVGj688NLtmeUl81rIMt_6GHe8jEQ/viewform?usp=preview)