Sínann Fetherston joined Jennifer Zamparelli on RTÉ 2FM to share a long list of fun and unusual hobbies to take up around Ireland. You can listen back to their chat above or check out the list below.
With the evenings finally getting brighter, and a summer full of opportunity on the horizon, now is the perfect time to pick up a new and exciting hobby.
Whether you want to find an activity to get you off your phone for a few hours in the evening, or you fancy getting out of the house and meeting new people, there are so many new skills to be learned and so many activities to take part in across the country.
In an effort to support Irish business, I've listed a few specific events and organisations below but if a certain hobby has caught your eye, be sure to give it a Google or check out your local town centre to see if something similar is available in your area or even online.
1. Scuba diving
Suitable for a wide range of ages, and all levels of experience, the Viking Scuba Aqua Club is a Coolmine-based group that has been around since 1976 and is CFT (Comhairle Fo-Thuinn) affiliated.
They run weekly dives during the scuba season and regularly organise trips to popular dive spots around the country as well as the occasional trip to more exotic locations around the world.
They meet every Wednesday night in the Coolmine Sports & Leisure Centre and beginners are welcome to check out their 'try a dive' events in the pool.
2. Millinery
Niav Riley Millinery is an Irish designer based in Co. Laois. Due to popular demand, she began offering a range of workshops and online classes in 2020 to teach those with sewing skills some next-level tricks.
From felt fedoras to bridal crowns, clients can learn to make beautiful hats and headpieces from the comfort of their homes. If you would rather learn in-person, she has announced a schedule of group workshops that will take place in her studio this summer.
3. Stained glass
Award-winning artist Colette Langan heads a family-run business, Langan Stained Glass, in Leitrim where she restores and designs stained glass. She also hosts a variety of workshops, ranging from four-week courses to day-long workshops, for both grown-ups and kids.
There are glass painting and glass enameling classes, glass mosaic and fusing courses, as well as Saturday classes that involve microwaving glass.
4. Candle making
Run by Karen Allison in Co. Wicklow, Crafty Craic is a craft shop and studio that hosts a variety of workshops, including candle-making for beginners. Running from 10am - 4pm, this is a hands-on intensive class with Karen which includes fascinating lessons in the history of candle making as well as the use of beeswax, paraffin and soy wax.
All materials are supplied for the course and are available to purchase for future making at home. Social events for larger groups with food are also on offer.
5. Revamping furniture
Fans of RTÉ Player's Relove My Space will be familiar with the unbridled joy of breathing new life into an old piece of furniture. As well as being sustainably minded, this is an activity that delivers unique and beautiful items for your home - what's not to love?
If you're in need of some upskilling, Marianne from The Revamp Tramp is hosting a workshop on 22 April in The Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun that is suitable for everyone over the age of 16. From beginners to those who would like to learn new techniques. There will be lessons in how to prep and paint your furniture before trying out techniques like decoupage, stenciling, glazing, distressing, using frog tape and how to plan out a design for your piece.
6. Rollerblading
Founded by Lynsey MacGowan, Huns of Anarchy is a Dublin-based rollerblading group that was formed to provide a safe and friendly space for women to skate as well as a fun way to make new friends. Check out their Instagram for details on their next event - right now they're advertising a Wednesday morning 'mermaid-skate' - a meet-up, skate'n’swim and coffee.
If you need some skating classes to get started, Eríka Cordéiro is a Brazillian skater who recently held a workshop in Dublin but also has online classes and shares tips on Instagram and TikTok.
7. Aerial
Sat in the heart of Dublin city centre, Aerial Cirque offers incredible aerial classes that are accessible to a variety of ages and all levels (I've done this one, and I was an absolute beginner), so don't worry if you can't twist yourself into a pretzel. The beginner's class lasts two hours and is a great way to learn some new and unusual tricks. Plus, you'll get some great shots for Instagram.
8. Board games
Cabra Library is hosting a 'House of Board Games' evening every Thursday from 6.00-7.45pm. They'll have the classics - Scrabble, Chess, Cluedo, Connect 4 - and it's totally free. To book a place, phone 01 222 8317 or email cabralibrary@dublincity.ie.
If you're looking for more events to fill your evenings, be sure to check out what your local library has on offer. Dublin city council has an extensive list including: European Film Club, Book Club, Gaming Club for Teens, Lessons in 3D Printing, Digital Photography, History Discussions, and more.
9. Art classes
MyArtClass.ie are hosting classes at The Bridge Mills on Bridge Street, Co. Galway for artists of all levels. The Life Drawing class is a two-hour session every Wednesday evening from 6.30pm-8.30pm for €20 (student rates are available), with a different model every week. Tea and coffee are provided as are all materials.
10. Knitting and crochet
There are knitting and sewing clubs all over Ireland, but in The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life in Mayo, there is a knitting and crochet circle that is both free and welcome to all levels. There are loads of events on their calendar, and they even have a 'meet the crafters' evening coming up with the Connacht Textile Crafters - a talented group of craft workers and artists from across the region.
11. Voice acting
Actress Jennifer Bradley is offering a free online course in voice acting. You don't need to be a native English speaker and you don’t need any fancy equipment or microphones. You might want to use these skills to make money as a professional voice actor, to tell better jokes, deliver stories to your kids, or improve your confidence in public speaking.
12. Writing groups
The Irish Writers Centre offers a range of writing courses for writers at every stage of their careers. There are both in-person and online courses available, as well as self-paced writing courses. There are 12 people per course, except in seminar-style courses, to ensure a quality and personalised experience for all.
13. Paddleboarding
On Earth Day (22 April), Clean Coasts are hosting a Paddle Boarding Clean Up around Dún Laoghaire Harbour with Big Style SUP. Equipment will be provided by Clean Coasts and Big Style SUP, however, if you have your own wetsuit it would be a good idea to bring it along, that way you can make sure you get a dry one and your own one is always the most comfortable.
Listen back to the full discussion on RTÉ2 FM at the top of the page.
