Outdoor Adventures

Join us for this Thursday evening cycle on the southside of the city up to the Killakee viewpoint and back. It’s a decent climb and offers some great views over the city. 🚨Warning: this cycle has a steep/long climb. 🔴 Back and front lights on your bike are essential for this cycle. The total distance is 25km, and so not far but it has 350m of climbing taken on all at once. For perspective, 350m is about twice the amount of climbing as the Thursday Howth cycle. If you are unsure of your ability to do this, I recommend trying the Thursday Howth Cycle first. We do not go fast up the climb, we go as slow as needed. Here is our plan for the evening: 1️⃣We leave at 6:30PM from Portobello Harbour 2️⃣We cycle south through Rathfarham and climb up to Killakee via Stocking Lane 3️⃣ We'll head back to starting point via Cruagh Road. 4️⃣ If time allows, we'll make a stop at The Merry Ploughboy pub for a break and refreshment before heading back to the start. See link for komoot map below: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1944062322?ref=itd&share_token=avWE4P7gDG72obQjmW7n6nUD67jQdNauD2gbxInZd0955579N5&ref=its ⛑ PLEASE WEAR A HELMET and bring a tube in case you have 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/ ; 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.

## Details Join us for a circuit of the lovely Glencree valley from Bray. **Level of difficulty**: 36kms, 520m climbing. Almost all the climbing takes place before we reach Glencree. Here is our plan for the day. 1️⃣ We leave from Bray DART Station at 11am. There is a DART train leaving Connolly Station at 10.06 arriving in Bray at 10.57. 2️⃣Cycle out to the Glencree valley passing Powerscourt Waterfall entrance and Crone Wood as we climb steadily towards Glencree, where we stop for coffee at the Armoury Cafe. 3️⃣ We then descend back to Bray passing through Enniskerry village on route. 4️⃣ All going well we should be back in Bray 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/](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.

Join us for a social cycle out to Howth Village. Total distance 25 km. Here is our plan for the evening 1️⃣. We leave at 6.30 pm from the sails sculpture on Clontarf Road. 2️⃣. Cycle out to Sutton Cross along the coastal cycle path 3️⃣. Here we turn right and cycle directly over Howth Hill 4️⃣ Short stop in the village for a coffee and a chat then back . As this is a night ride. 🚨 You must have good front and rear lights on your bike 🚨 🪖PLEASE WEAR A HELMET and bring a tube in case you have 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 [http://www.meetup.com/terms/ ;](http://www.meetup.com/terms/%20; 1. My guests and I have read the Meetup Terms of Service at [http://www.meetup.com/terms/ and hereby amend it to include the same waiver and release therein to this event's organiser(s)

Explore Loughshinny and Rush in County Dublin. We will be meeting at Dublin Connolly for 10:40 Inside, The Meeting Point inside will beside Pret A Manger. We will wait 10 minutes to see who is coming after after we will be going to the train. We will be boarding the InterCity Commuter Train Serving All Stations (Howth Junction and Donaghmede, Clongriffin, Portmarnock, Malahide and Donabate) to Drogheda. The train departs at 11:10 in the morning and we will be getting off at Rush & Lusk Train Station at 11:44 (We will be on the train for 34 minutes). When we are off the train we will be going straight to the Rush & Lusk Station Bus Stop at 11:50. We will be on the Bus (33A Go-Ahead Ireland Bus) for 12 minutes and getting off at Loughshinny Cross at (12:02). After we will be getting off the Bus and Walking 19 Minutes (1.4KM) We will be walking to Dunlunea Car Park, Loughshinny (K34 YA00), this will be right beside Jump Coffee. We should arrive there for 12:21 at the Car Park, you can drive if you like. Our Trail is 10.9KM (2:30 Minutes to 3 Hours Long) (Moderate Trail) Just be careful, because the route might be slippy, this is a loop Dogs are welcome on Leads

If you are tired running on your own, new in Ireland or looking to meet like-minded runners, join us at Shanganagh Park Run. A fun and enjoyable 5 k run/walk/jog surrounded by amazing people. After the park run we will grab a social coffee in Bray.☕

Meeting at Laragh free car park at 9.40am, on the trail there after. We will hike onto the Wicklow Way, on to Baravore waterfall where we will have lunch and a short rest before returning back to car park via Derrybawn ridge. This hike is approx. 6hrs & 21km so please come prepared for a hike with appropriate hiking gear. Bring lunch & drinks of your choice. Coffee afterwards in Glendalough Cafe.

🛼 Roller Skating Disco Night – Friday 🎶 📍 The Rink Roller Disco (D12) ⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Hey everyone! Join us for an awesome roller skating session with great music, fun vibes, and good company! Whether you’re a complete beginner or already confident on skates, this session is for everyone 🤩 ✅ What’s included: 🛼 Roller skates included (no need to bring your own) 🎧 Disco music to keep the energy high 🎟️ Entrance: €12.50 for the full experience ☕ Social time: You can also grab a coffee, sit at the tables, and chat during or after skating — perfect for relaxing and socialising even if you want to take a break from skating 😊 🎟️ How to book: 👉 Book your ticket here: https://ecom.roller.app/therinkatd12/bookings/en/product/837059?date=2026-02-20 Select Friday at 6:00 PM After payment, you’ll receive: ✍️ A waiver to sign 📧 An email with a QR code ticket At the entrance, staff will scan your QR code and give you your roller skates. 👯‍♂️ Feel free to invite friends — the more, the merrier! Let’s roll, dance, and have a great time together 😎🛼 See you there! 🌟

**History** [Slate Run Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/slate-run/), located south of Canal Winchester in Pickaway County, has roots tracing back to the early planning efforts of the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District. In 1963, Metro Parks officials identified the land along Slate Run as having strong potential for a large metropolitan park due to its expansive acreage, diverse habitats, and natural features like the stream that gave the area its name. The largest stream in the vicinity, Slate Run, flows south to northwest through a ridge, providing a logical basis for the park's designation. Between 1964 and 1968, Metro Parks acquired approximately 1,662 acres through multiple parcels, including a key 212-acre farmstead that had been continuously operated since 1805. This acquisition phase positioned Slate Run as a future major addition to the system, following the openings of other parks like Sharon Woods in 1968 and Highbanks in 1973. The park officially opened to the public in 1981, marking it as the sixth Metro Park in the district and, at the time, the largest with its substantial land holdings. From the outset, Metro Parks envisioned incorporating a living historical farm to educate visitors about 19th-century Ohio agriculture. The focal 212-acre parcel, purchased from the White family heirs in 1964, included historic structures that made it ideal for this purpose. The park's development preserved natural areas such as grasslands, wetlands, meadows, and forests while integrating interpretive elements. Upon opening, Slate Run quickly became a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Central to the park's identity is the Slate Run Living Historical Farm, which interprets life on a typical Ohio farm in the 1880s. The gothic revival farmhouse on the site was constructed in 1856 by owner Isaac Fridley and later restored by Metro Parks for historical accuracy. Visitors can explore interiors like the living room, parlor, and kitchen, where interpreters demonstrate period activities. The multi-bay barn, built in 1881 by Samuel Oman (the fourth owner), was meticulously restored with help from Amish carpenters. Heirloom animals such as Percheron horses, pigs, geese, and turkeys inhabit the farm, enhancing the immersive experience. The historical farmstead reflects a long lineage of ownership and agricultural use dating back to the early 19th century. Continuous farming on the land since 1805 made the site authentic for recreating late-19th-century practices, including grain harvesting and animal husbandry. Metro Parks focused on authenticity by restoring original buildings and introducing period-appropriate methods, such as horse-powered threshing machines from the late 1880s. The farm operates with volunteers and staff in period attire to portray daily rural life. This educational component has drawn school groups and families for decades. Today, Slate Run Metro Park spans about 1,705 acres and attracts roughly 250,000 visitors annually for its blend of natural preservation and historical interpretation. The park maintains diverse habitats supporting wildlife like nesting sandhill cranes and reintroduced northern bobwhite quail. Trails and open spaces offer opportunities for hiking and observation amid the preserved landscapes. The Living Historical Farm remains a crown jewel, continuing to teach about Ohio's agricultural heritage. Ongoing programs and restorations ensure the site's relevance for future generations. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Slate Run](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SLR-parkmap@2x.gif). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Five Oaks, Sugar Maple, Covered Bridge, Shagbark, and Lake Trails. This will be around 4.5 to 5 miles. While Slate Run is moderately strenuous in a few places, it's generally a good place to hike and doesn't seem to wear people out. Some spots on the hike are unshaded, though, so be prepared for the possibility of some sun. I find Slate Run to be very underappreciated for the quality of its hiking. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the [Shady Grove Picnic Area](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B045'30.1%22N+82%C2%B050'13.2%22W/@39.758347,-82.83701,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.758347!4d-82.83701?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can use the map pin I've provided here; it's accurate. There's a latrine at Shady Grove, but there is no running water (no water fountains). We will pass a water fountain when we get to the Buzzard's Roost Picnic Area, although I can't guarantee this fountain won't be off for the winter. I'd recommend bringing some water just in case, at least for after the hike. I'd also recommend [hiking shoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D972KN3W) for this park. **After the Hike** Once we're finished at Slate Run, we'll head over to [Loose Rail Brewing](https://looserailbrewing.com/) for [drinks](https://looserailbrewing.com/canal-winchester-canal-winchester-loose-rail-brewing-drink-menu) and [food](https://looserailbrewing.com/canal-winchester-canal-winchester-loose-rail-brewing-food-menu). The brewery's actual address is [37 W Waterloo St, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/37+W+Waterloo+St,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/@39.8432511,-82.8071032,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88387be3ac496d83:0x23e8ee9d9391dd6b!8m2!3d39.8432511!4d-82.8071032!16s%2Fg%2F11cp8n8x1j?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's about 10-12 minutes from Slate Run. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

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.

Hey all! Let's meet at the new sports bar, [Thirsty's Pub](https://www.thirstyscolumbus.com/italianvillage) , located in Italian Village on 4th Street! You'll be able to find us at a table with CAC flyers. **Adress**: 944 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201

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

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

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