Outdoor Adventures

Paint A Neon Canvas. Music. UV Lights. Prizes. No Experience Needed To Take Part. To get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/neon-painting-enchanted-winter-forest-tickets-1975118479541?aff=oddtdtcreator Paint A Canvas Using Florescent Paint With Music And Prizes🎨 Our team will take each person step by step into creating a masterpiece with no experience necessary. Create a painting under UV Lights and do something very different. **WHAT TO EXPECT?** * Artist (to help you paint)👩‍🎨 * Themed Painting 🖼️ * Prizes 🏆 * Music🎵 * UV Lights💡 **LOCATION:** Pawn Shop, 15 Dame St, Dublin 2, D02 KD74 **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie **IS THERE ALCOHOL?** Yes, the bar has alcohol for sale. There is no BYOB option. **IS IT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?** Unfortunately not, this venue is not wheelchair accessible but we do events in other venues which are. **DO YOU DO KIDS EVENTS?** Nope, all events are 18+. We are very strict on ID. **HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?** Signup to our weekly newsletter [here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/") **ARE YOU ON INSTAGRAM?** Yes find our page [here](https://www.instagram.com/dublinartbar/ "https://www.instagram.com/dublinartbar/")

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

The first ever European OPEN tournament here In Dublin.. for experienced & new comers...& friends this is a social game, for doubles for friends ... to enjoy the game and the social too... venue to be confirmed

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).

Meeting in the car park at Zipit car park at 9.40am. Use drop pin for exact location. This hike is in and around Tribadden, DMW, Cruagh mountain and Woods and a few bits in between, covering a distance of approx. 15km Appropriate hiking gear is a must on all of my hikes. Bring lunch and drinks of your choice. Coffee afterwards as usual in Zipit car park cafe.

*I have found that it can be difficult to find male-only spaces where I can openly experience and express my emotions and vulnerability in a group setting, which can lead to feelings of loneliness that I have experienced. This facilitated male-only walk in nature aims to address that. Please note, there is no pressure to share during the walk—attendees can choose to share as little or as much as they wish.* I may run more mixed (male and female) walks in the future. *Thanks for your interest.* ‘If we keep our eyes open and our hearts clear, we can realise that life gives us adequate opportunities to experience both love and hope.’ (John Moriarty) ‘Nature, calling us out of our biographies into the fluvial marvel of now.’ (John Moriarty) 'The freedom in walking lies in not being anyone; for the walking body has no history, it is just an eddy in the stream of immemorial life.' (Frédéric Gros) “In the age of the world’s night, someone returns to be beginning, becomes so inwardly empty as to be available to the beginning.” (John Moriarty) 'There was something in the darkness and cold that comforted me in my pain. There was something in feeling the rain. There was something if I stayed long enough.' 'I asked myself what it would be like to enter into the dark and emerge into the light. What would I discover about myself and others? What would I find in this space that could help me?' \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* These walks will encourage speaking from the heart, periods of silence mixed with gentle sharing, storytelling, encounters with nature, and free-roaming/solitary exploration. Contemplation and reflection practices will also be featured, and depending on the number of participants, I may incorporate individual, pair, and group activities. **Example format of a walk (please note this format can change slightly from walk to walk, depending on different factors - see note 1):** * Welcome, Introductions, Icebreaker Activity, and Group Guidelines * Walk for 15-20 mins as a group * Gather, check in, and share for 5-10 mins * Walk for another 15-20 mins as a group with someone leading * Gather, check in, and share for 5-10 mins * Stillness activity and/or free exploration/wandering for 15-20 mins * Final gather, check-in, and share for 10-15 mins * Invitation to share feedback, thank you, and farewell/goodbyes I will aim to provide a supportive and safe space during the walk where people can freely open up about their lives and experiences as much or as little as they choose to. Anything you share is confidential and shall not be disclosed outside the space. * **TIME:** Sunrise starts around 7/7.30am, approximately, so we will meet at 6.00am and start walking around 6.05am/6.10am. Please be on time to respect other members in the group. We will need to start walking at 6.10am at the latest. * **MEETING POINT:** The meeting point is at the Parkgate Street Entrance to Phoenix Park, where the bike rental is located. * **IMPORTANT:** Please read notes 1-16 below to prepare yourself for the walk. **Note 1 - Walk Format** Please note that the format can slightly change from walk to walk as I like to check in with participants and the group regularly during the event to try and understand what they need as the walk unfolds and try to be flexible given the needs that can arise or just how the group is feeling as a whole. Other factors, such as weather, location, time, the introduction of new practices, and participant sharing, can also influence the structure and flow of the event. **Note 2 - Silence** I would like to explore being with silence during the walks, so I will suggest that people do some parts of the walk in silence if they want to and feel comfortable. When we reach destinations or resting points on the walk, there will be a break in the silence to allow for engagement and sharing if people feel like it. I may suggest different prompts or topics at times if needed to stimulate conversation, but primarily, I would prefer to use the group's collective wisdom and shared insights to guide the dialogue. If people prefer or need to talk at times, that's fine, but please be aware of and respect the silence in the space by being mindful of your proximity to others and speaking in softer tones if necessary. **Note 3 - Walking Pace** People will be encouraged to walk at their own pace, which they are comfortable with, and at the pace they feel in the moment. For some parts of the walk, I want people to explore their being, and that will bring them to different places than others. For example, someone may want to sit on a bench and breathe, someone else may want to stretch using the kerb, and another person may be drawn to walk towards or around a tree. We will regroup at different intervals before coming back together. If people prefer to talk to someone and walk in pairs or groups, that is fine. **Note 4 - Focuses/Topics** Listening, Silence, Heart, Wildness, Breath, Being, Pain/Suffering, Grief/Loss, Gentleness, Immersion, Gratefulness, Presence, Patience, Stillness, Honest Vulnerability, Kindness, Respect, Curiosity, Non-judgment, Peace, Innocence, Play, Letting Go, Ease, Rest, Movement, Senses, Feeling, Depth, Simplicity, Choices, Story, Calm, Safety, Interconnectedness, Contemplation, Grace. **Note 5 - Weather/Clothing** Please check the forecast and dress appropriately. I will still walk if there is rain/bad weather unless it is very, very bad. **Note 6 - Footwear** There is a chance we could walk through long, wet grass and/or leaves, so hiking footwear or something that can get a bit wet or dirty while you stay comfortable would be advised. **Note 7 - Phones** Please put your phone on silent mode for the duration of the walk so we can create a space with fewer distractions. If you need to take a call, please put some distance between yourself and the group before doing so to respect the quiet space we create together. **Note 8 - Thoughts On Discomfort** Speaking for myself, it will involve some discomfort to get out of bed early for a walk, as it is not something I do often. I hope to try and accept and work through this feeling of discomfort during the experience and perhaps open up to something beyond it. People may approach or experience this differently, and I hope to hear and open up to their ways of experience, too. **Note 9 - Donations** Donations are welcome and go towards supporting the group. I suggest a donation of €3 if you wish to donate. Donations can be made using Revolut, PayPal, or cash. If using cash, please have exact change as I don't normally have change on me. Pay by Revolut - [https://revolut.me/davidtbt5](https://revolut.me/davidtbt5) **Note 10 - Toilet Facilities** As far as I know, there are no official toilet facilities open at this time in Phoenix Park. Please be mindful of this before joining this event. If I hear or discover anything different, I will update this section. **Note 11 - Bike Parking Facilities** There are plenty of places to park bikes at the Parkgate Street entrance to Phoenix Park. **Note 12 - Car Parking Facilities** Parking a car to get to the Parkgate Street entrance to the Phoenix Park requires some forward thinking and planning. There is a large car park at the back of Heuston Station, but it is a 10-15 minute walk from where we meet. As it is early in the morning, you may be able to find a spot to park your car in the park, or else there may be on-street parking on Parkgate Street or around the courts. If I can think of any other options, I will post them here. **Note 13 - RSVPs** Please only RSVP if you intend to come and change your RSVP to 'No' if you are not going to be able to attend. **Note 14 - Disclaimer** Attending this event and every event in this group is entirely in every possible way at your own risk. **Note 15 - Questions/Feedback** If you have any questions or feedback, please do let me know. **Note 16 - Quotes** SOME MORE QUOTES THAT HAVE INSPIRED THIS EVENT: ‘If there's going to be any chance for us, we're going to have to stop and wait for our souls to catch up.’ (John Moriarty) 'I was experiencing an unnegotiable need to walk the earth with a barefoot heart and a barefoot mind.' (John Moriarty) 'Walking is to return to be guided by our own hearts...' (Unknown) “When there is really nothing left to do or believe, except to remember, walking helps retrieve the absolute simplicity of presence, beyond all hope, before any expectation.” (Frédéric Gros) “Days of slow walking are very long: they make you live longer, because you have allowed every hour, every minute, every second to breathe, to deepen, instead of filling them up by straining the joints…” (Frédéric Gros)

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

Join us for a scenic cycle along the North Coast to Donabate Beach, with a coffee stop at the Shoreline Hotel. We’ll ride through the peaceful Newbridge Gardens and pause to admire the historic Newbridge House, a stunning Georgian mansion. The route is **sixty kilometers** with minimal climbing, perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable group ride. New members welcome. Here is our plan for the day. 1️⃣ We leave from Clontarf at 930am 2️⃣Cycle out to Donabate, where we stop for coffee. 3️⃣ short stop at Newbridge house and demesne 4️⃣ All going well we should be back in the city centre easily by 2 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/ ; 1. 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) and participants.

**History** [Wildlights](https://www.columbuszoo.org/wildlights) began in 1988 as "Wildlight Wonderland," a smaller-scale effort to boost winter attendance at the [Columbus Zoo](https://www.columbuszoo.org/). Before the event started, December was a slow month for the zoo, with as few as 1,000 visitors in the first week. The inaugural display featured 100,000 to 150,000 white lights around the lake, successfully drawing 12,000 people and establishing a new holiday tradition. The event quickly grew in size and popularity, adding more lights and new attractions over the years. Early improvements included increasing the number of lights to 200,000 in the second year and adding animal-themed light sculptures. By 2006, the event fully transitioned to LED lights, paving the way for a massive expansion in the scale and creativity of the displays. This change allowed the zoo to grow its display to millions of colorful lights. The event has evolved to include themed animated shows, like the *Holiday Magic* light show over Conservation Lake, and new immersive experiences. Today, Wildlights attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each season, becoming a Central Ohio holiday staple. Each year, the event continues to add new attractions, like the 2024 *Yule Tide Boat Ride* on Dino Island. The modern version of Wildlights also incorporates special features to enhance the guest experience, such as meet-and-greets with holiday characters like Rudolph and sensory-friendly viewing nights. Throughout its history, Wildlights has continued to expand, adding new elements while creating a cherished winter tradition for the community. **Summary** Except for the [Congo](https://www.columbuszoo.org/congo-expedition) and [Africa](https://www.columbuszoo.org/heart-of-africa) regions, most of the Zoo is scheduled to be open and appointed with various Christmas decorations. The [Dinosaur Island Boat Ride](https://www.columbuszoo.org/ride/dinosaur-island-boat-ride), [Zoo Train Ride](https://www.columbuszoo.org/ride/north-america-train-ride), and [Grand Carousel](https://www.columbuszoo.org/ride/grand-carousel) are also supposed to be open and in a state of appropriate Yuletide cheer, weather permitting. [Gold members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) can ride the rides for free; otherwise, they're $3 or $4, depending on the ride and whether you're a [Zoo member](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership). S'mores and Frosted Nuts will be available at both [Wild Burger](https://www.columbuszoo.org/dining-option/wildburger) and the [Congo Food Court](https://www.columbuszoo.org/dining-option/congo-river-market-food-court). There's also supposed to be a new, "immersive" light display this year in [Adventure Cove](https://www.columbuszoo.org/adventure-cove). Perhaps the Zoo is trying to make everyone forget just how uncomfortable of a roller coaster the [Tidal Twist](https://www.columbuszoo.org/ride/tidal-twist) is. 😆 **Where we'll meet** If you've never been the Zoo before, they have "red" and "blue" parking lots that are really both equidistant from the main gate. I generally park in the red lot, but and time- and distance-wise, they're really the same. After you've parked, the Zoo has a security gate that you just walk through while they scan you for nuclear bombs and things like that. Then there's a second gate, inside the first security gate, where you'll either give them your ticket (which you can buy either [online](https://www.columbuszoo.org/hours-and-rates), or at one of the ticket windows on-site), or where they'll scan the membership [QR code](https://www.columbuszoo.org/digital-zoo-membership) on your phone if you're a [Zoo member](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership). Just inside this second entry gate is a big fountain with a large metal globe over it. We'll meet by this fountain. **Restrooms and water fountains** You can't walk five feet at the Zoo without bumping into another set of restrooms and water fountains. When kids need to pee, they need to pee, and the Columbus Zoo is a family-friendly place. The restrooms also all have paper towels and not those stupid hand dryers. When kids need to have their faces wiped, they need their faces wiped. There are even restrooms outside the second gate before you even officially enter the Zoo. I'm telling you, someone did some good planning on this place. **Tickets / pricing** Zoo entry is $26 for residents of Franklin County, and $36 otherwise. Parking is $10. If you're a [Zoo member](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership), though, this is all free. **"Should I buy a membership?"** Probably. If you go even twice a year, the [membership](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) pays for itself. I will always run at least one event a year at the Columbus Zoo. This event will actually be my second at the Zoo for 2025. **After the presents are opened** After absorbing all the holiday cheer and electromagnetic radiation that the Zoo has to offer, we'll charge over to the positively rated [Nocterra Brewing](https://nocterrabrewing.com/powell-taproom/), which is about five minutes away from the Zoo. The brewery has a [food truck](https://nocterrabrewing.com/trail-magic-kitchen/) that has burgers, fries, chicken, pretzels, and grilled cheese. The actual address of the brewery is [41 Depot St, Powell, OH 43065](https://www.google.com/maps/place/41+Depot+St,+Powell,+OH+43065/@40.1596203,-83.0785105,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f2758d4778c9:0xf8991f589eac0291!8m2!3d40.1596203!4d-83.0785105!16s%2Fg%2F11bw3ytblz?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Come out and join us even if you can't make the Zoo (but feel appropriate guilt if you don't).

**Summary** I love hiking [Highbanks](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) in the winter after the sun has gone down. Highbanks is never really dark -- there's too much ambient light from Lewis Center. But I love the trails at night. When I started hiking Highbanks, I was afraid of getting lost and particularly at night. But now that I know my way around, nighttime is one of my favorite times to hike there. In addition, near the end of our hike, we will take a few minutes to walk around the Nature Center and look at the Christmas lights. (The Nature Center itself will be closed, however, by the time we get to it.) We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks and [food](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood). Last year, the weather wasn't too terrible, and the Brewery had their patio fire pits going and we were able to sit outside. The fire pits at night are kind of amazing. The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, Lewis Center, OH 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by 7:45. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left. **Note on our starting time** Highbanks closes at 8:00 this time of year, and they get kind of snarly about getting everyone out of the park by then. So please be on time for this hike. I want to allow two hours for the hike and be back at Big Meadows by 7:30. So we're shoving off at 5:30, with or without a quorum.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 18 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Join us this December for a (possibly!) snowy walk in Sharon Woods Metropark. This hike is dog friendly!🐕 Hot cocoa and candy canes will be provided after the hike. [Please register for this hike here](https://forms.gle/e7mLpRt2zWev2WnB6) to receive alerts and specifics about this event.

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