I woke up last Thursday morning to the joys of Spring. The chirping of the birds in the garden outside my window put a smile on my face. It gave me that real feelgood factor and put me instantaneously into good humour! I wanted to get up and go.

The dreary, dull mornings and dark evenings are slowly leaving us. To wake up to a bright, crisp, sunny morning takes the blues away. The smells in the air are fresh and different too. To see all the daffodils blooming is a joy.

I found myself at Sandymount Dart station with rucksack and flask of oxtail soup on board, joining a team of walkers. These weekly walks have been organised courtesy of Ronan O’Donnell, who is a Senior Officer with Dublin County Council.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ann Marie Fyffe and Mary McDaid, who I joined on my stroll to the Shelley Banks and they filled me in on all the information regarding the weekly walks. The company, chat and sunny day made my afternoon very enjoyable and I was delighted I went.

The walks are diverse and are held on a weekly basis. They are suited to people of all ages who have an interest in staying healthy without too much stress or overdoing the exercise, and of course meeting new people and learning about our ‘fair city’ is a bonus in itself.

There is a top team of walk leaders and the walks are extremely successful, thanks to the different officials who make great efforts to ensure a variety of places to see and visit each week.

These walks last approximately 90 minutes and are led by volunteers from the community. Recently, one of my friends went on one of these walks which involved bird watching. He thoroughly enjoyed his afternoon out and met some lovely people who had similar interests.

The other walks that one can do include historical walking tours which last about two hours and are led by acclaimed historian, author, artist and tour guide, Pat Liddy. Pat has been instrumental in promoting Dublin’s heritage and history through his involvement with literature, the media and the arts. He is indeed a fountain of knowledge on all things regarding our city.

The weekly walks are as follows:
* Sunday: Meet at 2pm at the Parkgate Street entrance to the Phoneix Park for a walk in the park or surrounding areas (Museum Luas station is nearby).
* Monday: Meet at 11am outside the Halfway House Pub, Ashtown, Navan Road, for walks along the Royal Canal, in the Phoenix Park and many other places.
* Tuesday: Meet at 2pm outside the Barge Pub, Charlemont Street for a walk along the canal and Dublin 2/ 4/ 6 areas (Charlemont Luas station is nearby).
* Wednesday: Meet at 2pm outside Raheny Dart Station for a walk to Dollymount Strand, through St. Anne’s Park or beyond (a particular favourite of mine).
* Thursday: Meet at 2pm outside Sandymount DART station for a walk along Sandymount Strand and to neighbouring suburbs.

So folks, lots to choose from. Get those walking boots on and get into the swing of Spring. It’s a lovely easygoing pastime and will put a spring in your step!

If any further details are required, please contact: Ronan O’Donnell on (01) 2223726 between 9-5pm
Or via email at ronan.o’donnell@dublincity.ie