Local Issues

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

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

Beidh fáilte is fiche roimh chách. Is é seo an chéad oíche don ghrúpa seo. Beidh bia agus deochanna ar fáil ón mbeár/dteach ósta, agus ní bheidh easpa áiteanna páirceála ann (saor in aisce). Cruinniú neamhfhoirmiúil is ea é seo, in Óstán Talbot ar an N11 i Stigh Lorgan. Beidhimid inár suí ar an taobh deas nuair a thagann sibh isteach priomhdhoras an óstáin. Tá an t-óstán suas Ascaill Chnoc Mhuirfean ón stáisiúin DART (An Charraig Dhubh). Stopann busanna, an E1 agus an E2, díreach os comhair an óstáin. Cuirfear fáilte 's fiche roimh dhaoine nua go háirithe.

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

Dear fellow Gaeilgeoiri, Cead mile failte / a warm welcome to this group of Irish language lovers and enthusiasts. Hope you will enjoy everything it has to offer and feel free to suggest new events, and, why not step in as an event organizer? What this group is not: - A group limited to those with perfect proficiency in the language, where any single word of English is banned, and where you will get corrected for every séimhiú that, God forbid, you might be forgetting What this group is: - A forum of Gaeilge enthusiasts willing to share their interest and love of the language. We all started learning a language, including our own, from scratch at some point in our lives. Absolute beginners are welcome and should not feel intimidated. Near perfect and native Irish speakers are also welcome to share their vast knowledge of the language. Hopefully this will create a thriving community of lovers of the language at any level. Beir bua Alex (organizer)

**✨ What Is the International Meetup?** Meet people from all over the world in a friendly, relaxed and social environment. Whether you’re new to Dublin or a long-time resident, this is the perfect Friday plan to talk, laugh and connect with others. **🌍 How It Works** When you arrive, you’ll get a small paper with a table number. Groups are made of 3–5 people to ensure natural, easy conversations. Every 30 minutes, groups rotate so you meet plenty of new people throughout the evening. No pressure, no awkward silences — just good vibes and international energy. **🍀 Who Is This Event For?** Everyone is welcome! Newcomers, expats, locals, shy people, outgoing people… absolutely anyone. It’s also ideal if you want to practise English in a comfortable and social setting, especially if you can’t join the mid-week Language Exchange. **💬 A Friendly & Safe Atmosphere** Our community is known for being inclusive, open and respectful. Come alone or with friends — you’ll feel comfortable from the moment you walk in. **💸 Pay-as-you-go (Cash / Card)** • €6 General Admission • €5 Students • €4 per person when you bring friends **⭐ Loyalty Card (Automatically Activated)** Attend **4 Language Exchanges or International Meetups**, and your **5th event is FREE**. **💳 [Membership Options (Save € & unlock perks)](https://buymeacoffee.com/newindublin)** **🟡 Regular Membership (€12/mo)** ✔ Free: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ –50%: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ Extra perks **🔵 Theme Membership (€15/mo)** ✔ Free: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ –50%: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ Extra Perks **🟣 Complete Membership (€20/mo)** ✔ Free access to ALL events ✔ Extra Perks **📱 Stay Connected** 🔗 **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)**[ ](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)– full weekly calendar 💬 **[WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)**[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)– reminders & updates 📘 **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)– photos & highlights 📸 **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)– stories & behind-the-scenes 🌐 **[Website](https://newindublin.net/)**[ ](https://newindublin.net/)– all information about our events **🎉 Join Us** Expect good vibes, friendly people and plenty of great conversations. RSVP now and start your Friday evening the best way possible!

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

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

A relaxed coffee meetup to connect, chat, and get to know each other in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. A simple chance to meet new people, enjoy conversation, and build connections.

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

**[Early Bird Discount](www.eventbrite.com/e/1987332173027/?discount=Meetup)** ### ✨ What Is the Social Pub Crawl? A relaxed and social pub crawl designed to help people connect naturally while enjoying a night out in Dublin. This is **not a massive party crawl** and not a tourist tour. It’s a friendly, international experience where drinks, short social games and good conversations come together in an easy and natural way. Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll quickly feel part of the group. ### 🍻 How It Works We’ll visit several pubs in the city centre, staying around **30–40 minutes in each one**. At every stop, the organizer will run a **short and simple social activity**. These games are designed to: * Break the ice naturally * Help people interact without pressure * Work well in busy, noisy pubs Between activities, there’s plenty of time to chat, grab a drink and enjoy the atmosphere. 🏆 In each activity, points are awarded to several participants. At the end of the night, **the 3 people with the most points win a free drink**. ### 🍀 Who Is This Event For? Absolutely everyone. New in Dublin, long-time residents, expats, locals, shy people, outgoing people — all are welcome. You don’t need to drink alcohol, be loud, or be “good at games”. The only requirement is being open to meeting new people in a relaxed way. ### 💬 A Friendly & Comfortable Atmosphere Our events are known for being inclusive, respectful and easy-going. Come alone or with friends — you’ll feel comfortable from the very beginning. To keep the experience social and personal, **spots are limited**. ### 🕕 Practical Details • **Time:** 19:00 – 22:30 • **Group size:** Limited • **Location:** In front of the Odeon! (next to the Iveagh Gardens) ### 💸 Entry • **€7,5 [Early Bird Discount](www.eventbrite.com/e/1987332173027/?discount=Meetup)** • **€10 Pay at the start** 🟡 Regular Members: **50% off** 🔵 Theme Members: **Free** 🟣 Complete Members: **Free** ⚠️ Limited spots available. ### 🎉 Join Us Expect good vibes, friendly people, light games and great conversations — all while discovering some great pubs along the way. RSVP now and enjoy a social night out, the easy way 🍺✨

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

**Local Cantina -** We'll shut down wine club at 8 pm this evening and take a short walk to our neighborhood Tex-Mex eatery - Local Cantina. Join us after wine club for a snack or meal. Please RSVP early AND Please let me know in the comments if you plan to join us after at the diner so I can have accurate numbers for the reservations. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

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

**History** The 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.

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖