Cycle- Meet at the carpark beside the tower on Beach road ,Sandymount.
Set off at 10.30.Cycle via Blackrock Park, Dunlaoghaire, Coliemore harbour,Killiney to Shankill.Return via Loughlinstown and N11 cycle lane to Leopardstown. From there some may return to Sandymount via Newtownpark Avenue.
For your own safety please wear a helmet and a hi vis top
Mick Griffin and Pat Fitzgerald
Time: 11.10 am (for those intending to travel by DART, there are arrivals at 10.40 am and 11.00 am)
Meet: Malahide Railway Station Car Park.
Route: Railway Ave,- Old St- Malahide Castle -Seamount Rd- Paddy’s Hill- Portmarnock Promenade- Coast Rd- Malahide.
(For those who did the walk last year it’s basically the same route in reverse)
If time permits we’ll visit the Flight memorial at Portmarnock.
Car parking in Malahide can be problematic at times but basically €1 per hour. The Bridge Field car park (on the right just before the village), offers the first two hours free and €1 per hour thereafter. You must display a ticket or use the Parking Tag app. There can be some spaces in the Railway Station car park if you’re lucky. There is plenty of free car parking at Malahide Castle upper car park and it’s a short walk down the drive to the station. The Coast Rd Car Park is also free (but apparently not for long). It’s about a 10 minute walk back to the village.
For those of you on a bus route, the 42 comes via the Malahide Rd, the H2 takes the Coast Rd. route via Raheny, Baldoyle and Partmarnock. The 102 goes between the Airport and Sutton Cross via Malahide.
I may offer some snippets of local history on the way but if I’m boring you please tell me to stop!!
On that note, Google the term Sheela-na-Gig. I’ll be showing you an example of one on the way.
There is a wide selection of coffee shops in the Village for afterwards.
Other than that, it just remains for those of you who have a Child of Prague statue to put it out in the back garden the night before to guarantee fine weather.
Happy trails,
Stephen Mac Donagh.
Hi all bridge players,
Please find below entry form for Bridge Competition.
DUBLIN BRANCES RTAI Dublin Branches Bridge Competition 2025
The Annual Bridge Competition will be help in Club na Múinteoirí on
Saturday 29th November – starting at 11.30am.
Christmas Dinner will be served at 3.30pm
The winners will be announced during the meal.
Entry Fee: €30 per pair (ie €15 per person)
This year all entry fees and forms must be posted to the Teachers Club, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin 1. Entry fee and form must be received by Wednesday 19th November.
————————————————————————————————————————————–
Player 1Player 2
Name: ………………………………………………………..Name: ………………………………………………………………….
Phone: ……………………………………………………….Phone: …………………………………………………………………
RTAI member YesNoRTAI member YesNo
Please tick your bridge ranking
Player 1Player 2
Master ABNoviceMasterABNovice
I paid by (please indicate)
Bank electronic Transfer
Cheque
Cash
Cheques should be made payable to; Club na Múinteoirí
Bank IBAN: IE73IPBS99061915203590BIC: IPBSIE2D
We are grateful to the Teachers Club and the Teachers Bridge Club for hosting this event. If you have any queries, please email tommonaghan63@gmail.com or contact Tom Monaghan on 085 3825654
September 2025 saw the South Dublin RTAI Social Walks group as guests of the Lord Mayor Cllr Ray McAdam at the Mansion House
and Built between , Dublin’s Mansion House is the only mayoral residence in Ireland and it is older than any mayoral residences surviving in Britain.
On the day, Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Danny Byrne conducted a tour of the spectacular reception rooms in what is considered to be the oldest house in Dublin City.
The next RTAI cycle will be on Tuesday, 23rd September.
Since there was a very positive feedback to our cycle in June we are once again venturing outside our regular routes and will cycle from Maynooth to Moyvalley along the banks of the Royal Canal.
There is a cycle track all the way from the canal harbour beside the train station in Maynooth to our destination – Furey’s Pub / Restaurant in Moyvalley. On our way we cycle past Kilcock and Enfield staying on the cycle path all of the way.
Some participants may bring their bicycle on/in their car to Maynooth The daily rate for car-parking in Maynooth Train Station is approx. €3.50. If there are no vacant parking spaces at the train station motorists may park on one of the nearby residential roads.
Some may wish to bring their bike on the commuter trainfrom Connolly Station to Maynooth. This leaves Connolly Station at 09.50 with stops at Drumcondra, Broombridge, Ashtown and at other stations and arrives at Maynooth at 10.34.
See this notice on the Iarnród Éireann website re bikes on trains.
“Bicycles on DART and Commuter Trains
We welcome bicycles free of charge on off peak DART and Commuter services, subject to available capacity.
For the safety and comfort of our passengers, bicycles are not permitted on DART and Commuter services between 07:00 and 10:00 and between the hours of 16:00 and 19:00 Monday to Friday. Customers can travel with bikes all day Saturday and Sunday.”.
Whether you arrive by car or on the train we will set off from the entrance to the car-park in Maynooth train station at 10.45. The cycle is 25 Km each way to Moyvalley and back to Maynooth and there are no climbs on this route. Lunch stop will be at Furey’s Pub, beside the canal in Moyvalley.
We are really looking forward to this adventure. The weather forecast for Tuesday is promising; in the interest of safety, the usual advice re wearing a high-viz top and a helmet applies.
Please note that we will set out from Maynooth at 10.45. Any queries re this cycle – contact Michael Griffin at 0871390034.
Wednesday 15 October 2025.
West Pier Walk, Dun Laoghaire. 6km. Duration 90 mins. Walking shoes / trainers.
Leader Betty Behan mob 087 239 9384
11am Meet outside Dun Laoghaire Dart station. Set out at 11.10am.
Meet at Dun Laoghaire DART Station, walk via the Coal Harbour to the West Pier. Walk down this pier and then return to Dun Laoghaire for coffee at one of the several coffee shops on the seafront.
Transport: DART to Dun Laoghaire Station. Buses 7 7A E2 S8 L25 L27 111
We look forward to your company on this or on othersocial walks during the year.
Cora Quinn and Mary O Shea
WHAT ARE RTAI South Dublin Social Walks? 2025 – 2026
This is a third choice of walks for members to take part in. Social walks are held monthly on the third Wednesday, October to May inclusive. Flat or nearly flat walks that are approximately 5km. Some walks will be shorter but include a cultural aspect. There is always a stop for refreshmentsarranged for after each walk.
Comfortable trainers or walking shoes recommended. Note there is no Social Walk in December 2025.
We recommend you take a photo or print off the list of walks. About a week before the date of each walk you will receive an email with the details. Just turn up on the day at the venue as instructed.
Monthly on third Wednesday. Flat walks. 5km. Refreshments stop after each walk.
Wednesday 15 October 2025
Dun Laoghaire DART Station to West Pier and return to Dun Laoghaire.
Leader Betty Behan.
Wednesday 19 November 2025
Marlay Park, Rathfarnham
Leader Carmel Corcoran
Wednesday 21 January 2026
St. Stephen’s Green & Museum of Literature Ireland
Leader Jean Coleman
Wednesday 18 February 2026
Merrion Square & National Gallery of Ireland
Leaders Cora Quinn & Mary O Shea
Wednesday 18 March 2026
Tolka Estuary Greenway, Clontarf
Leader Carol Jackson
Wednesday 15 April 2026
The Wyckham Stream Walk, Dundrum
Leader Mary O Shea
Wednesday 20 May 2026
River Dodder Walk, Milltown to Bushy Park
Leader Bridie Mahon
Next Wednesday’s walk is a long one. It’s a circuit of the Dublin Mountains, 3 Rock and 2 Rock from Fern Hill. It’s about 14 k and should take 4 1/2 to 5 hours depending on the pace and conditions. The highest point is Fairy Castle at 537m.
Some of the tracks are uneven and challenging. Boots are essential and poles helpful. The ferns are still high (it is Fern Hill) so if you have gaiters, wear them. You’ll need rainwear, food and drinks.
We’ll start at 10.30 from Fern Hill car park (top left corner). This is on the Enniskerry Road, the 117, between Lamb’s Cross and Stepaside. It’s the same exit (at traffic lights) as Rosemount School. Please sign in when you arrive.
If you have any difficulty about directions you can contact me at 0879932843.
Margaret ONeill
Lake Garda, Venice and Verona 2026
This Package Includes:
• Direct return flights from Dublin to Verona.
Aer Lingus, EI412
Dublin 14/05 15:25 -> Verona 14/05 19:00
Aer Lingus, EI413
Verona 21/05 19:40 -> Dublin 21/05 21:15
• Upon arrival in Italy you will be met by our
local representative and transferred by coach to your hotel in Limone Sul Garda.
• 7 nights 4*** hotel accommodation at the Hotel Alexander on a Half Board Basis.
• Travel to Italy
Upon arrival in Italy, you will be met in the arrivals
area of the airport by our local representative who will
accompany you to your hotel. As you travel to your
hotel, your guide will share some information about the
local region, suggest activities for you to enjoy and
answer any questions you may have.
• Boat Trip on Lake Garda
After breakfast, join your guide for a short walking tour of Riva. Following this, you’ll
board a private boat for a unique sightseeing tour.
Your first stop will be at Limone, a small village backed by lemon groves, with
waterside cafes and cobbled streets lined with
shops. Afterwards, with fantastic panoramas and a
spectacular mountain backdrop, travel onwards
for a visit to picturesque Malcesine, famed for its
medieval Scaligero Castle.
The boat will then return to Riva del Garda, but if
you wish to stay on, you may return by public bus
or boat later in the afternoon (this will be at your
own expense). If remaining in Malcesine, we
recommend a trip in the cable car which will take you 1,800 metres above sea level,
with spectacular views.Please note that this schedule refers to summer
season only, and is weather-dependent. During
winter months, there will be an excursion to
Bolzano, in the scenic southern Tyrol.
For holidays based in Limone or Malcesine, a coach
transfer has been arranged from your hotel to Riva
del Garda, where there will be a short walking tour
and some free time before beginning your boat tour.
• At Leisure or Optional Excursion to the Italian Alps
Today, you will have a full day to relax and enjoy Lake Garda’s charms. Shop, sightsee at
your own pace or sit by the lake and take in the incredible views. You can take a water
taxi across the lake to explore at your leisure and your local guide will be happy to
suggest activities to suit your interests and advise which highlights are a must see.
Optional Excursion – The Italian Alps with wine
tasting (Subject to Supplement of €80 per person)
Let’s embrace the beauty and charm of the Italian
Alps on this delightful optional tour. We’ll feast
our eyes on green, unspoiled mountainsides,
dotted with tiny villages that are unchanged since
medieval times. A highlight of the afternoon is the
included wine tasting among the vineyards,
where a warm local welcome awaits us.
Please note that optional excursions are subject to minimum numbers. Booking pre
departure is advised.
• Venice
On today’s full day excursion, you will explore the
enchanting warren of canals, alleys and squares that
make up the fascinating city of Venice. Known as ‘La
Serenissima’ or The most Serene,Venice is a prized jewel
in Italy’s glorious crown. Witness its famous landmarks
such as St. Mark’s Square, the stunning Gothic building of
Ca’ d’Oro, and the imposing Palazzo Ducale. Admire 16th
and 17th century art in the Galleria Franchetti and take a
photograph on the Ponte di Rialto. You’ll have free time to admire the piazzas, bridges and
ornate dwellings that adorn the quaysides of Venice’s extensive network of canals, before
returning to your hotel in Lake Garda.• At Leisure
Today, you will have the day at leisure. In the heart of Riva
del Garda is the Piazza III Novembre, surrounded by 14th
century porticos and the Apponale Tower, a former
defence tower and World War I prison. This square is a
beautiful place to explore during your free time. Don’t
forget to check with your local guide who will be delighted
to suggest further activities to suit your interests.
• Verona
Following breakfast, you will depart by coach for Verona, via the east side of the lake or the
motorway. Either way, the journey time is generally about 60 minutes.
Verona is very popular among tourists as well as being a significant commercial hub, given its
position half way between Venice and Milan. It is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site due to the importance of its historical
buildings and is probably best known today for the Roman
amphitheatre, now home to the world famous Verona Opera
festival, which runs from late June to early September. Also
of interest is Juliet’s balcony – the fact that the balcony was
added to the house in the 20th century doesn’t deter the
hundreds of thousands of visitors that flock to see and
photograph it every year.
• At Leisure
Spend your last day enjoying the beautiful lakeside setting,
shopping for last minute souvenirs or enjoying a coffee,
gelato or glass of wine at a local cafe.
• Return Home
You will be transferred to the airport with guide assistance for your flight home
Double Room for Sole Use Supplement: €369 per person (Currently 2x
available. Any further Single Occupancy Rooms required must be requested and
are subject to availability)
Notes:
1. Price is based on 20 people travelling and is inclusive of taxes and charges. If less
than 10 passengers travel this offer will be invalid.
2. Price per person sharing is €1389. This price is a special group rate and cannot be
combined with any other offer.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Price is per person and based on 2 sharing.
Single rooms available with supplemental, please see above.
Optional Excursion must be pre booked. Subject to minimum numbers.
Travel insurance is available for purchase – please enquire for details.
€250 non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure booking.
Final balance will be due 10 weeks prior to departure,
This is a quotation only; no services are being held at present and are subject to
availability at time of booking.
10. Prices, taxes, & availability are subject to change. E&O
If you have recently joined the ranks of the RTAI and wonder if cycling is for you,
come along and join your colleagues. Beidh fáilte romhat. The route is flat and the
pace is easy.
Our meeting point is the Wellington monument in the Phoenix Park. We will set out from there at 10.30am and we plan on cycling from the Phoenix Park to Ashington Park, Pelletstown, along the Royal Canal bank to Ashtownand Castleknock. We return to the Phoenix Park for Coffee / Lunch.
Make sure that your bicycle is in good working order. In the interests of safety wear a helmet and a hi-vis top.
Please note the date – the notice is being posted well in advance of the cycle.
Micheál Ó Gríofa
Pat Fitzgerald
Dublin South RTA 