Outdoor Adventures

***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)

About us: The Tibetan Dharma and Meditation Group is part of a Buddhist organisation based in Taiwan, which is centred on one of the greatest living Rinpoches (teachers) in the world at the moment. It aims to introduce people living in Ireland to Buddhist teachings and practices that have been passed to Rinpoche through his masters and their masters going back many, many generations in order to benefit and bring peace to all sentient beings. Location: We hold our meetings in the small hall at Sandyford Community Centre, Lambs Cross, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Join us for a transformative Archangels Meditation session where we will connect with the powerful energies of the Archangels to bring healing and guidance into our lives. Release negative energy, receive divine protection, and connect with your higher self. Public event open to all 18 yrs + Event takes place on the 3rd Wednesday monthly Cost: Optional donation to charity RSVP: discoverpranichealing@gmail.com Alina (085) 180 2155

I heard a vicious rumour that we are over half way through May, and two-thirds of the way through Spring, meaning Summer is around the corner - Damn long corner at this rate! Well, whatever the weather may be doing on Wednesday evening, we will be running as usual and enjoying a beverage, likely alcoholic, where we finish, at **Rody Bolands in Rathmines**. Everyone is always welcome to come along. For newcomers, our Group Runs are great fun, safe for all, and once the run is complete, we can share a beer, have a good chat, make new friends, and look forward to the following week. The route map is here - https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=902615 Regards, Liam

**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

**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.

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

**The perfect way to spend a Saturday? Active walk, socialising & Saturday Market!** In May we are bringing you a Saturday morning filled with fresh air, local exploration, and genuine connection. This time we’re heading south to explore the hidden corners of Bushy Park and the banks of the River Dodder. 📍 Where we meet: We’re gathering at the entrance close to the **Bushy Park House** at **11:00 AM**. We’ll hang around until 11:15 to make sure everyone finds us! Your hosts **Maja, Norbert & Stephen** will be there to welcome you (a visual guide will be sent to your inbox a day before the walk!). *** 🥾 The Journey: We’ve curated a route that ensures we won't take the same path twice! Expect a "leisure stroll" pace—this isn't a race; it's about being present. * **The Route:** A 6km loop starting at the Bushy Park House bus stop. It’s mostly flat with a few steps along the way. * **The Twist:** We’ve prepared a small **Treasure Hunt** for you to keep your eyes peeled and your mind engaged! 🏴‍☠️📦 * **The Destination:** We’ll finish up at the vibrant **Saturday Food Market**. It's the perfect spot to grab some lunch or an ice cream and continue the chat! 🍦 *** ✨ The Quality Time Vibe: At Quality Time, we trade distractions for something more fulfilling. * **Silent Time:** We’ll enjoy 15–25 minutes of intentional silence at a stunning viewpoint to connect with nature. * **Genuine Connection:** A chance to meet like-minded people who value being present (we will help!) * **Great Memories:** No phone-checking, but feel free to bring your "normal" camera to capture the greenery! 📷 *** 🕰️ The Schedule: * **11:00 – 11:15 \|** Meet-up at Bushy Park House bus stop. * **11:15 – 14:00 \|** The Walk & Treasure Hunt: Connection with others & nature. * **14:00 \|** Arrival at the market for soft goodbyes (or optional social lunch!). *** 🐥 What to bring: * **👟 Comfortable Shoes:** It’s a 6km stroll, so treat your feet well! * **🌦️ Layers & Rain Gear:** It’s Ireland—let’s be prepared for all four seasons in one morning. * **💧 Water & Snacks:** Keep your energy up as we explore. * **🦮 Pets:** More than welcome! (Please keep them on a lead and bring bags 💩). * **💛 Yourself:** Just as you are. No "content" needed, just your presence. *** 🎟️ Tickets & Community Support: This walk is **donation-based**. We believe that intentional, offline time should be accessible to everyone. If you’d like to support our mission and help us continue organising these curated community events, any contribution is warmly welcomed! 💛 You can donate on [Luma](https://luma.com/2axn4lgl) (also, sign up to our membership!) **Note:** Everyone is responsible for their own safety and possessions. Let’s look out for one another! We can't wait to share some Quality Time with you in the park. **Hugs, Maja & Lexie** 🦄🦆🌿

**[THIS EVENT HAS MOVED TO OUR NEW PAGE - QUALITY TIME](https://luma.com/2axn4lgl)** **The perfect way to spend a Saturday?** 🌞 Join The Offline Club Dublin as we head south to explore the Bushy Park and surrounding of the Dodder River. On **Saturday, May 23rd**, we’re trading the digital buzz for the sound of the busy Saturday Park. **Where we meet:** We’re gathering at the entrance close to the Bushy Park House at **11:00 AM**. We’ll hang around until 11:15 to make sure everyone finds us! Maja & Norbert & Stephen will be there before (a visual guide will be sent a day before the walk!) 🥾 The Route Information: * As we meet next to the "Bushy Park House" bus stop - we will enter the park and start our walk. * The park offers us mostly flat surface, though there are a few steps to pass. * We prepared a route that ensures we will not take the same path twice (even if it will feel like walking in circles) * We also prepared a small treasure hunt for you 🏴‍☠️📦 * Slow tempo of walking (let's call it a leisure stroll) * 6km loop 📵 The Vibe: No phones allowed, but you can take your "normal" camera! 📷 ✨ What to expect: * **Bushy Views:** Greenery and calm vibes around us * **Silent Time: 15-25 minutes of silent time at the stunning viewpoint** * **Genuine Connection:** A chance to meet like-minded people who also want to spend less time on their screens. * **Saturday Market:** We’ll finish up the food market, so you can grab some ice cream and stay social!🍦 🕰️ The Schedule: * **11:00 – 11:15 \|** Meet at "Bushy Park House" bus stop * **11:15 – 14:00 \|** Walk through the bushy park - Connection with others & nature. * **14:00 \|** Arrival at the market & soft goodbyes (or optional social). **Dedicated Silent Time at one of the viewpoints!** 🐥 What to bring: * **👟 Comfortable Shoes:** It's still 6km walk! * **🌦️ Layers & Rain Gear:** It’s Ireland —let’s be prepared for all the weather! * **💧 Water & Snacks:** Stay hydrated as we walk. * **💛 Yourself:** Just as you are. No "content" needed, just your presence. * **🦮 Pets:** More than welcome! (Just remember the lead and bags 💩). 🎟️ Tickets & Support: This walk is **donation-based**. We believe offline time should be accessible to everyone. If you’d like to support our mission and help us organise more of these events, any contribution is warmly welcomed! 💛 Please get your supporter ticket on [Luma](https://luma.com/pdpobde3)! We can’t wait to see you there! **Hugs, Maja & Lexie** 🦄🦆

**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.

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 17 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Hosted by Licking County Parks Registration opens at 9am on April 9th. Ladies are you ready? It's back! Every other year we hold the Women's Outdoor Skills Workshop! The day is a chance for women to relax, enjoy exploring new skills in a welcoming environment, and make new connections! Session topics this year include: archery, kayak, stand up paddleboard, outdoor cooking, firemaking, knot tying, foraging, forest bathing, orienteering, nature photography, nature journaling, intro to disc golf, yoga, Tai Chi, birding, intro to backpacking, and more! Lunch is provided. Fee: $75 * Event Address: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park, 4309 Lancaster Rd, Granville, OH 43023 * Ages 16+. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. * Cancellation: Cancellation deadline is May 20, 2026. Cancellations before this date will receive a refund. There will be 4 sessions: three 1.5 hour sessions throughout the day (9am-10:30am, 10:50am-12:20pm, 1:30pm - 3pm) followed by the final 1 hour wellness short session (3:20pm - 4:20pm). Each session will have 6 or more classes to choose from. PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST FILL OUT THE GOOGLE FORM TO BE FULLY REGISTERED - The link will be in your receipt email. It determines your sessions. Sessions assigned FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. Register and pay here: [https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/271/June-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/271/June-2026)