Trails

January is in the rear view mirror, so why not join us for our first walk of the year and meet some new people while you're at it! We will hike up Bray Head and along the Cliff Walk (Upper Path) to Greystones, followed by lunch at The Happy Pear (optional). We'll leave at 11:20 AM sharp from Bray DART station. If you arrive late, you may be able to catch up with us along the way, but we can't promise to wait for individual members. A reasonable level of fitness is required - the Bray Head part is short but pretty steep! But you could take the DART to Greystones (next stop after Bray) and meet us at the Happy Pear if you are not the hiking type! If you want to invite someone along as a +1, they will be your responsibility. Remember: all members are to be treated with respect and kindness regardless of social background. The trails can be quite muddy, especially after all this rain, so come prepared (rain jacket, good walking shoes etc). The Happy Pear have lots of information [here](https://boarddublin.com/games/). Please have the courtesy to change your RSVP and get in touch if you can't make it. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

We will meet at Laragh Free Carpark just past the Woollen Mills for 10am and traverse the above named mountains. This will be 15km and 500m ascent, over a mixture of terrains. It will be done at a relaxed pace. Please be properly prepared for a days hike, which includes hiking boots, rain jacket, rain trousers, and adequate food and water. No jeans, runners or dogs. Look forward to seeing you there.

Explore Hill of Tara Walking Loop in County Meath. We will be meeting in Connolly Train Station (inside right beside Pret A Manger) for 11:30. I would advise coming 5 to 10 minutes early. At 11:35 we will be walking to Dublin Busaras, we will getting on the Kells 109 Bus Eireann (which is schuduled for 11:45). Bus duration is 56 minutes (22 Stops), we will getting off the Bus at Tara Cross Stop (12:41 estimation). When we are off the Bus we will be walking for 23 minutes (1.5KM), PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS WALKING BECAUSE OF CARS. We should arrive at the trail for 13:04, for those who choose to drive, there is a Car Park right besde the Bus Stop. The trail loop is 1.4KM which is about 1 Hour, This is the place High Kings of Ireland where coronated. Dating back to pagan times and has mystical energy. There are great views of the place also dating back to St. Patrick and Brain Boru and a very old church. There is also a giftshop, visitor centre and a coffee shop called Maguires Cafe. Please be aware of sheep walking past you because you could scare them. Every event is 3-5 Euro, this goes towards the monthly meet-up membership and to me for creating and doing these events. I hope to see you on Sunday,

Dear curious minds, I recently watched Sentimental Value, and it sparked reflections on how emotions, patterns, and unspoken histories travel across generations—often quietly, often powerfully. This meetup is an open conversation on transgenerational trauma: what we inherit psychologically, how much it explains, where it genuinely constrains us—and where it might sometimes become a story we lean on a little too comfortably. No lectures, no therapy session, no moral verdicts. Just thoughtful discussion, different perspectives, and curiosity. If you’d like some inspiration, you’re very welcome to watch Sentimental Value beforehand, though it’s absolutely not required. Come with an open mind. Leave with better questions.

Weather looks brighter this Sunday with some sunshine forecast. We are heading out on a morning cycle along the South coast and up an over Killiney Hill Coffee stop the in dalkey village or happy out dun Laoghaire **Level of difficulty**:45km, 220m climbing NOTE: We will be keeping an even pace on this cycle. Here is our plan for the day. 1️⃣ We leave from Convention centre at 9:15 am 2️⃣Cycle out to Killiney then dalkey where we stop for coffee 3️⃣ back similar route 4️⃣ All going well we should be back in the city centre easily by 130pm 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.

Were you Lucky enough to have an entry for this very popular sold out race? Please RSVP so we can organise car pooling and crucially, claim our post-race seats at a local coffee shop in the town centre after the 10-mile run! 🏃‍♀️☕️

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.

**📆 *Date to be confirmed.*** Fecha por confirmar. 🚀 ***From the City to the Camino.*** De la ciudad al Camino. ***After organizing several Walk & Talk events in Barcelona and Tenerife, we’ve decided it’s time to take this concept to the next level.*** Después de organizar varios eventos de Walk & Talk en Barcelona y Tenerife, hemos decidido que es hora de llevar este concepto al siguiente nivel. ***People have absolutely loved the formula.*** A la gente le ha encantado nuestra fórmula: * ***Meeting new people from all over.*** Conocer gente nueva de todo el mundo. * ***Hitting those 10k steps a day.*** Cumplir con los 10k pasos diarios. * ***Practicing Spanish and English with natives from around the world.*** Practicar español e inglés con nativos de todo el mundo. ***And what better place than the Camino de Santiago to turn our 90-minute Saturday strolls into a full 90-hour immersive week?*** ¿Qué mejor sitio que El Camino de Santiago para llevar nuestros paseos de 90 minutos de los sábados a una semana de inmersión total de 90 horas? **🥾 *How it works***. *Cómo funciona* ***We are looking for a small, balanced group.*** Buscamos un grupo pequeño y equilibrado: * ***10 Native or fluent English speakers.*** 10 Hablantes nativos o fluidos de inglés. * ***10 Native or fluent Spanish speakers.*** 10 Hablantes nativos o fluidos de español. ***The goal is a strict 50/50 split so you always have someone to practice with. No "tourist traps," just a week of real connection and language exchange.*** El objetivo es un 50/50 estricto para que siempre tengas a alguien con quien practicar. Sin "trampas para turistas", solo una semana de conexión real e intercambio de idiomas. **❓ *How many days?*** ¿Cuántos días son? ***Plan for 7 days (6 nights). We’ll walk the final 100km to Santiago to get the "Compostela" certificate.*** Cuenta con 7 días (6 noches). Recorreremos los últimos 100 km hasta Santiago para conseguir el certificado de la "Compostela". **❓ *What’s the budget?*** ¿Cuál es el presupuesto? ***We’re still finalizing details, but expect a total investment of around €750 - €950.*** Aún estamos cerrando detalles, pero cuenta con una inversión total de unos 750€ - 950€. ***This is an all-in-one package that includes.*** Es un paquete con todo incluido que contiene: * ***Shared accommodation in hostels.*** Alojamiento en hostales seleccionados (habitaciones compartidas). * ***Breakfasts and Dinners (lunch/picnic on your own).*** Desayunos y cenas incluidos (el almuerzo/picnic en ruta es por cuenta propia). * ***Luggage transport between stages.*** Transporte de mochila entre etapas. * ***Full Immersion Program (+90 hours of live practice).*** Programa de Inmersión Total (+90 horas de práctica real). * ***Pre-trip Training: Access to our online courses and prep sessions to get to know each other and gain speaking confidence before we even start walking.*** Fase de Preparación Previa: Acceso a nuestros cursos online y sesiones para ir conociéndonos y ganar confianza al hablar incluso antes de empezar a caminar. **❓ *Do I need to be an athlete?*** ¿Tengo que ser un atleta? ***Not really, but you should be comfortable walking about 20km a day. It’s a challenge, but we’ll go at a steady, conversational pace.*** Realmente no, pero deberías sentirte cómodo caminando unos 20 km al día. Es un reto, pero iremos a un ritmo constante y conversacional. **❓ *Where is the meeting point?*** ¿Cuál es el lugar de encuentro? ***We will all meet in Sarria (Lugo). Most people fly into Santiago or Madrid and take a train/bus to join the group there.*** Nos reuniremos todos en Sarria (Lugo). La mayoría de la gente vuela a Santiago o Madrid y coge un tren o autobús para unirse al grupo allí. \*\*❓ \*Why join the list? \*\*\*¿Por qué unirte a la lista? ***Places will be very limited (only 20 spots). If you join the waitlist, you’ll get the itinerary and the early-bird price before we announce it on social media.*** Las plazas serán muy limitadas (solo 20). Si te unes a la lista, recibirás el itinerario y el precio reducido antes de que lo anunciemos en redes sociales. **📩 *Just RSVP "YES" to join the list. We’ll reach out to you as soon as the dates and details are ready.*** Solo dale a "Asistir" para entrar en la lista. Nos pondremos en contacto contigo en cuanto tengamos listas las fechas y los detalles.y los detalles. ***⚠️ IMPORTANT: This is a Waiting List. The date you see is just a placeholder to keep the event active. By clicking "RSVP," you’re simply telling us you’re interested so we can send you the info first.*** IMPORTANTE: Esto es una Lista de Espera. La fecha que ves es solo para mantener el evento activo. Al darle a "Asistir", solo nos confirmas que te interesa para que podamos enviarte la información antes que a nadie.

While Organizer does this for free, entry to the gym is needed. Day pass and shoe rental. Get ready to reach new heights and forge lasting connections doing Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday at 12:00! Whether you're a seasoned climber or brand new to the sport, this event is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, have fun, and meet fellow enthusiasts in a supportive and social setting. Located at the Bloc Climbing Gym in Ballymount, indoor bouldering social event is suitable for climbers of all levels. No climbing experience? No problem! Our friendly group will provide guidance, tips, and encouragement every step of the way. Whether you're learning or honing your skills, you'll find plenty of support and encouragement from your fellow climbers. After our exhilarating climb, we'll gather for some well-deserved refreshments and socializing, where you can swap climbing stories, share tips, and make new friends with fellow adventure-seekers. So lace up your climbing shoes, chalk up your hands, and get ready for an afternoon of adrenaline-pumping fun and friendship at our Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday! Let's climb, connect, and conquer together. See you there! 🧗‍♀️🤝🧗‍♂️ If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the event organizer.

Let's start February off with a swim in the sea at Seapoint. Wear a wet suit, boots and gloves or simply a swimsuit. Wear warm clothes to change into after the swim and bring a warm drink too. The sea will be cold so don't stay in for too long. Be guided by the experienced swimmers in the group. We are not lifeguards, so everyone is responsible for their own safety. We'll meet at the lifeguard station or in the shelters if it's raining. Some of us will go to a local cafe afterwards. See you soon,

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.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

***(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.