I've seen fantastic events go unattended so often and I was wondering what it is that my fellow people of Ireland would actually feel comfortable (not awkward) to attend / enjoy? I consider myself pretty social and even I'm a bit reserved at the idea of going somewhere with the sole purpose being to make friends.
I think a lot of people are pretty lonely lately, especially after covid, and like, outside of work, where are we meeting people in our late twenties, early thirties, fourties’ etc.- even when I go out and am meeting my friends- friends, we're all so busy it'll be months or years in between seeing them again, so like, what are ye to do type thing, can't really make further friendships that way.
If there are any events that you already know of that's pretty laid back/ casual, I'd love to know! I've tried Bumble BFF and it's not the best tool to use and events/ hobbies might be more fun. i'm considering maybe starting something up myself, I just genuinely wouldn't know where to start.
Being the one to start something is the first step. We did a poll here a while back and most people are waiting for someone else to initiate. So just choose something you are interested in and invite - see what happens!
Yes this is very fair! I have a few ideas, and I've ran college societies before etc.- I'll definitely draw up a few plans and see what sounds good. Thanks for your comment!
I think it's less the type of event and more how it's run - I've been to things like that and the organiser or host ignored newcomers, which meant a lot of people just kinda hanging around. The kind of people who go to events like this aren't typically the kind of people who can make small talk easily, you gotta loop them in. I saw a post about a Boardgame meet-up and the organiser was like "you can't expect people to invite you into their game, you have to get your own game going and ask people to join you" - no, that's why I'm here, to be invited and included.
Personally, I like something that can drive discussion. A movie club or book club or something - not forced participation but where you can talk about something you know about at your own pace with like minded folk.
Oof- this is a good point! Yeah I've seen this, mostly in college societies where the person heading it up was just not very outwardly confident and so people were left feeling awkward and didn't return etc.
Yeah clearly the organiser needs to work on that, if you're genuinely seeking hobbies with a community, you need to make a community/ be a community. Especially new comers, they'll be grand after an hour- but breaking the ice is so important.
In fairness my brother who has autism and struggled a lot socially had opposite experience- he was welcomed and rules of game were explained in good detail- it was Pokémon night in board game cafe in Dun Laoghaire!
That's great! I went to one in Skerries recently and it was much the same, so hopefully that example is more of an exception than a rule. I am also autistic, so bad with social gatherings and talking to new people in general. If you're near Skerries, your bro could check out Otter Space - it's run by autistic people and is very Neuro-friendly!
Usually organizers are not proffesionals. We just look to meet another people. Myself I'm quite shy and I strrugle to initiate conversations that include everyone because I don't have the skills. We already are outside the confort zone hosting. Attendees have to make an effort too.
Look, I get it, I've hosted events and nearly passed out from the anxiety of it, but I still think as host there should be an effort of trying to include people who are clearly new and having a tough time. It's a hard one, because most people who go to events like this are probably really shy, socially awkward, struggle to make friends, but that still doesn't mean you're automatically going to connect with OTHERS like that.
I'm part of a few hiking/adventure groups and I love it! Super easy to attend and join. Usually they not only do hikes but trips away, brunches, nights out, etc etc. I joined both women only groups and mixed groups and they are equally as good! Found all through instagram and made some friends from them!
I love this so much! This would definitely be my vibe - I'm fluent in Irish and there's an all Irish speaking hiking club I've been seriously thinking of joining - but I love that you do more stuff too, that's pretty cool.
It's brilliant! And not something people usually think of joining when trying to make new friends or just get out of the house in general but I did some research (mainly through instagram haha!) and knew something outdoors would be easy going! Definitely recommend!
I love that! I love an easy going meet up, and especially if you're doing different things every now and then- I'll definitely look into it, thank you 🙏
May I check what part of the country the Irish speaking hiking group is in please? I love hiking and recently went back learning Irish with Conradh na Gaeilge. Love the idea of combing 2 things I love 😊 Grma
I'd love an indie cinema meetup. One where people go watch movies curated by someone passionate about the subject with drinks/coffee and chat about it afterwards.
That's actually an idea me and my friend had- and I was looking at those like "lotr themed food cinema clubs" where you get the food on the screen etc. (although maybe unsustainable for a whole group lol.
When I was in Berlin, I found the coolest outdoor cinema showing the Boy and the Heron by studio Ghibli, bestttt vibes, few beers, fairylights etc. (until it lashed lol - but still really enjoyed it).
If you like board games, my brother who struggles to socialise for a good while really enjoyed Pokémon card games in board game cafe in Dun Laoghaire! :) they have different games on different nights
Yes I love them and have my local! I'm pretty sure i've been there too and it's pretty good!
Hi, we are a Cork-based LGBT+ community gaymer group called Gayze Gaymes. We hold monthly meets and games nights (board games, video games, Dnd, etc.) at Gay Project, Sawmill St that is welcome to everybody. Please follow us at our socials in instagram/facebook @gayzegaymes for more details.
I attend and organize events on Meetup app. In my experience, many people are afraid of showing up on a venue and look for the organizer and attendees in between of the rest of the people.
It's also tricky to strike up a cinveesation in a bussy place, with all the noise around.
I recommend to host on a weekday in a quiet venue. Hotel bars are expensive, but comfy enough to help brake the ice.
I'd happily possibly make an effort to join a dream sharing group. No interpretation just try to share anything. Could be zoom more often than not with the odd in-person meet-up.