Thirty ain't a cutoff point, it's a springboard for fresh delights and adventures.
Taking the Leap: Make your 30s Memorable by Trying New Things in Ireland
For some, hitting the big three-oh triggers panic or introspection about where they are in life. But instead of fretting over a number, why not view it as an exciting opportunity to expand your horizons? That's exactly what author Kate Brayden did, and she's here to share her experience.
Kate's college dream was to learn how to DJ, but an intimidating all-male scene at a DJ society kept her from pursuing it. Fast forward to her 30s, she finally took control and enrolled in workshops with Skin&Blister and Puzzy Wrangler. Although she may not become a professional DJ, learning something she'd always been curious about felt like a massive achievement.
Kate also challenged herself in other ways, such as conquering her fear of heights by bouldering, facing her fear of public swimming pools, and even learning Spanish to better communicate during travels. She discovered that Ireland offers a multitude of activities that cater to various interests and desires to push personal boundaries.
Joining the Crowd: Social Sports for the Not-So-Sporty
Not everyone's a marathon runner, and that's perfectly fine. Ireland boasts social sports leagues like tag rugby and mixed hockey that are all about camaraderie and having fun while staying active. For those seeking a queer-friendly vibe, clubs like Phoenix Tigers and Emerald Warriors foster vibrant communities. Social Sports Dublin connects various sports clubs, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit.
Embracing the Adventurous Side
Thrill-seekers can explore Ireland's outdoors by joining communities of mountain bikers and climbers, attending cold water swimming events, or diving into indoor competitions like CrossFit and Hyrox. Bouldering has seen a surge in popularity, with The Wall in Sandyford, Bloc in Dublin 22, Awesome Walls near Finglas, and Gravity Climbing Gym in Inchicore among the popular spots.
Getting Cultured
Learning a new language can be both a practical skill for traveling and a fantastic brain workout. Conradh na Gaeilge in Dublin offers Irish language classes, encouraging participants to immerse themselves in the language and its culture. Ireland's literary scene thrives, with book clubs, writing groups, and literary salons making it easy to immerse yourself in the world of literature. Timeleft hosts "dinners with strangers" for those wanting to make new friends through meaningful conversations. Board game nights offer another fun way to engage with others, fueling friendly competition.
Stepping into Your 30s
Embrace the movement toward a more connected and active lifestyle. Yoga and aerial classes provide excellent opportunities to stretch your body and your social circle. Aerial classes, in particular, have become increasingly popular as a means of building strength and fostering supportive communities. Tribute Fitness and Dance Studio in Dublin offers various classes, while Flying High Fitness in Galway, Limerick, and Ennis, and Pole Garage in Galway cater to those who prefer other forms of aerial fitness.
Creating Your Masterpiece
Crafts like embroidery, pottery, and wood turning can help you tap into your creative side and find new friends who share similar interests. Irish Stained Glass workshops enable participants to create beautiful stained glass art, while Pottery in Throwing Shapes and Flux Studios offer opportunities to sculpt with clay.
Music is another fantastic way to explore new skills and meet new people. One-on-one classes, group sessions, and open mic nights provide various outlets for beginning musicians to grow and connect with like-minded individuals. For those with a passion for traditional Irish music, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the largest organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish traditional music.
Turning thirty isn't about reaching a final destination and assessing your past achievements. Ireland offers a wealth of unique social activities and creative corners to discover new aspects of yourself. Whether it's climbing a wall, learning salsa, sea swimming at sunset, or finally taking that DJ class you always wanted, remember: the real triumph is just taking that first step to introduce yourself in a room of strangers. Enjoy the journey!
- Delving into new experiences, Kate's 30s inspired her to take control and enroll in DJ workshops, proving that personal growth can come from education-and-self-development opportunities like learning a hobby she'd always been interested in, even if it doesn't lead to a career.
- Ireland's social landscape offers a variety of activities for those seeking camaraderie and personal growth, such as social sports leagues and workshops that cater to various interests, ensuring there's something for everyone and providing opportunities for lifetime lifestyle improvements.
