Discover An Óige Activity Groups

An Óige activity groups bring members together through a shared love of the outdoors, photography, conservation and exploration.

Hiking Group

Weekly walks for a range of routes and abilities.

Photography Group

Courses, excursions and creative events.

Conservation Group

Practical projects supporting nature and biodiversity.

Cycling Group

Leisurely group cycles and weekends away.

Our Activity Groups

Shared Interests, Memorable Experiences.

Our activity groups are an important part of the An Óige community, creating regular opportunities for members to get outdoors, develop their interests and enjoy new experiences together.

Whether you are an experienced participant or trying something new, you will find a welcoming group of people who share your enthusiasm.

Walks for a range of abilities

An Óige Hiking Group

The An Óige Hiking Group organises weekly walks for members, led by dedicated volunteers.

Hikes take place every Sunday throughout the year, with additional Thursday walks twice each month and a walk on the second Saturday of every month.

Three levels are available:

Moderate
Easier Moderate
Easier

Participants must be An Óige members and carry their membership card. Everyone must also have suitable hiking boots, rainwear, trousers and a backpack. Jeans and runners are not permitted.

Children aged 15–18 must be accompanied by a verified parent or guardian, with advance notice given before taking part.

For photographers of all levels

An Óige Photography Group

The An Óige Photography Group welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced photographers. Members share knowledge, improve their skills and take part in regular get-togethers and excursions in search of the perfect shot.

Affiliated with the Irish Photographic Federation, the group participates in its annual competitions and publishes a new programme of events and activities each month.

The group also organises an annual Digital Camera Course for beginners and photographers looking to improve their skills. During the summer, an exhibition of members’ work is held at the National Botanic Gardens, with clubs from around Ireland invited to submit photographs and IPF gold medals awarded to the winning entries.

As well as sharing tips and tricks with one another to help improve skills and techniques, the group also organises get togethers and excursions, always in search of capturing the perfect shot.

Protecting Nature and Heritage

An Óige Conservation Group

The An Óige Conservation Group brings together volunteers with a shared passion for the natural, cultural and built environment.

The group promotes sustainable practices across An Óige and gives members opportunities to take part in practical conservation work, environmental education and activities that deepen appreciation of the world around us.

Its achievements include helping to introduce waste-recycling systems across An Óige hostels, several of which have since gained recognised eco accreditation.

Knockree Hostel is at the centre of much of the group’s work. With support from a Heritage Council grant, a conservation management plan was developed in 2016 for the hostel’s 26-hectare site. Volunteers continue to help deliver that plan, including the installation of more than 1km of deer-proof fencing and the planting of 10,000 native Irish trees within a new 4.5-hectare woodland.

Monthly meetings and activities take place at Knockree during spring, summer and autumn, and in Dublin during winter. All An Óige members are welcome to participate.

Updates are shared through the Knockree Nature Facebook page, the An Óige volunteer database and the Conservation Group email list.

Leisure cycling and weekends away

An Óige Cork/Kerry Cycling Group

Founded in 1938, the An Óige Cork/Kerry Regional Cycling Group remains active in and around Cork City.

Routes are generally organised at three levels:

Long — typically around 50km
Medium — typically around 40km
Short — typically around 30km

Distances may vary depending on how hilly the route is.

Thursday evening cycles take place during the summer months, with Saturday morning cycles running from September to March. The group also organises regular cycling weekends away and monthly Sunday leisure walks.

Participants must be An Óige members and have a reasonable level of fitness for cycling and walking.

For further information, email

Need more information?

Ask Us About Our Activity Groups

Have a question about hiking, photography, conservation or cycling with An Óige? Complete the form and let us know which group you’re interested in, and we’ll help point you in the right direction.