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By this point, it feels almost redundant to say that in an age of massive digital connection, we’re less physically and emotionally connected than ever. Ireland is one of the most lonely countries in Europe, and regardless of the demographic you fall into, it seems we’re all feeling that same strain of isolation.
As part of our ongoing partnership with AIB, we’ve been curating a series of events that support and inspire you to Keep Doing What Matters to you. Here, we’re highlighting some stand-out events, groups and spaces that will help you carve out time for yourself and your interests, find like-minded people to enjoy them alongside, build and nurture a community, and above all, feel connected, fulfilled and a whole lot less alone.
Let’s get into it…
Health, exercise and fitness can feel like very solitary activities. Squeezing in an hourlong session in the gym on your way home from work, earphones in and world out, is all well and good, but there are plenty of community groups out there that make breaking a sweat a hell of a lot more fun. With spring allowing us to thaw out a little, temperatures for sea swimming are much more manageable, and organisations like Salty Sea Sisters will help make taking the plunge feel all the more tempting. There are local groups dotted all over Ireland, so keep an eye out for the next event near you.
Similarly, lacing up and pounding the pavement is made more alluring when you’re surrounded by a big group of people helping to keep your energy up. And the promise of a little sweet treat at the end doesn’t hurt either. Sole Mates Run Club is a Dublin-based community event taking place each week that welcomes sprinters and slow runners alike.
If you’re looking for something a little more alternative that feels a lot less like your typical forms of exercise, dance is a great way to get your body moving and your blood pumping without even realising you’re burning calories. In Dublin, there’s Throwing Shapes with Pj Kirby Galang and Jose Kirby Galang, and in both Dublin and Galway, there’s Bevel & Embody’s heels dance classes to make it that little bit more challenging and confidence-enhancing.
Any book lover will resonate with the feelings of frustration that come to the surface when no one you know has read (or indeed, has no interest in hearing detailed descriptions of) the book you’re currently reading. The act of reading a book is the most intimate and immersive experience you can have with art. It’s just you in a little bubble, eyes running across the words, flipping the pages and imagining the world within.
Whether you love it or find parts that irk you, it’s terrible having so much to say and no one to share your thoughts with. That’s why book clubs are quite literally the best idea ever. Of course, you can try to inveigle your friends into starting up your own and meeting up monthly, but there’s also a number of options all around Ireland (and online!) to choose from.
In Galway, the Charlie Byrne book club is hugely popular, as is Cork Book Club and Lit(erature) to the Tit in Belfast. Podcaster Jenny Claffey has recently started an online book club on Fable entitled The Unreliable Bookclub, where you can read chapter-by-chapter comments on what’s going on without stumbling into spoilers.
Taking place from May 10-11 this year in the gorgeous surroundings of IMMA at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, WellFest is Ireland’s largest outdoor health, fitness and wellness festival. Across the weekend, you can expect high-octane follow-along fitness demonstrations, deeply relaxing yoga and meditation sessions, and a plethora of informative and thought-provoking talks from some of Ireland’s top health and wellbeing experts.
Though the day by day break down has not, as of yet, been revealed, presenters poised to speak at the two-day event include sexpert Jenny Keane, one half of I’m Grand Mam, Kevin Twomey, breathwork savant Niall Ó Murchú, and Em the Nutritionist.
Oh, and as always, there will be many (many, many) delicious food trucks and stalls to swing by to refuel between workouts.
Taking place from April 4-6, Wander Wild Festival—or ‘Ireland’s Great Outdoors Festival’—invites you to wander off the beaten track and step into a world of adventure and natural beauty in Killarney. Swim at sunrise in a crystal-clear lake, conquer Ireland’s highest peak at Carrauntoohil, or kayak through Killarney’s stunning lakes.
Whether you run, bike, horse ride, or stroll, there’s no better way to explore the wild heart of Killarney National Park and experience its lakes, mountains and park. Savour the taste of Killarney with local food vendors or recharge with a soothing wellness session.
From adrenaline-pumping thrills to mindful escapes, the Wander Wild Festival offers something for every adventurer. Dive into nature, embrace the excitement, and discover Killarney like never before.
AIB supports customers by offering financial advice at all life stages so you can keep doing what matters to you. To book a chat with an AIB advisor to get real guidance on how to use savings, pensions, and investments to build your financial future, simply visit www.aib.ie/make-a-plan.
