Why turning 30 isn't a deadline - it's a launchpad for new joys

RTÉ News​

12 hours ago

A milestone birthday should be the spark for exploring new hobbies, conquering fears, and joining some of Ireland's most welcoming social circles instead of panicking over a number, writes Kate Brayden.
For some, turning 30 instills a sense of panic or introspection around the current state of your life. Especially women, for obvious societal reasons. For me, the only sense of fear I felt was in relation to things I promised myself I'd try in my twenties that I had yet to start.
When I was in college, I wanted to learn how to DJ. I tried attending a society that was supposed to teach lessons for beginners, but found the all-male scene too intimidating. It was one of those things I always said I'd eventually get around to, but never did.
The final four weeks before my 30th birthday, I signed up for two-hour workshops with Skin&Blister and Puzzy Wrangler, who showed me the ropes of the craft without judgement. Whether I will ever become an actually skilled DJ who can play four-hour sets in the basement of Tengu is another story, but pushing myself to learn something that always scared and excited me felt like an achievement on my 30th birthday.
I also started bouldering to force me to get over both a fear of public-facing exercise and heights - and built up strength over 12 months (I can now carry grocery bags without nearly passing out!). I faced a fear of public swimming pools after a childhood incident, and now go regularly to my local spot without anxiety anymore. It only took four attempts.
After going to Colombia for five weeks and having the stark realisation that I did not have a notion of how to communicate with anyone there, I promised myself that I'd sign up for Spanish classes once I came home.
My Leaving Certificate French was useless in South America, a region I will definitely be returning to. Last year, I started attending Instituto Cervantes in person and did a second batch of classes virtually, which has been rewarding.
My 30th birthday felt like a fresh start, mostly because I had given myself confidence that I could try something new whenever I felt like it - and had the financial means, in some cases. Age doesn't have to revolve around what milestones you've achieved at that stage in life as a woman, it can just be about the everyday joys you give yourself that don't follow a timeline.
Ireland is packed full of activities of all types to try, encompassing arts and crafts, sports, culture, movement and more. Whether it's about trying something you've always had an interest in, meeting new people or challenging yourself, you won't be stuck for options here.
The 'be a good sport' approach
Not all of us are able to cross the finish line at the Dublin Marathon, and that's fine. For those of us who still break into a cold sweat at the word 'cardio', Ireland offers a range of social sports leagues like tag rugby and mixed hockey - fun, informal, and built for friend-making.
Queer friendly football clubs like Phoenix Tigers and Emerald Warriors have built incredible networks if you're searching for your tribe.
Social Sports Dublin (@socialsportsdublin) connects multiple clubs together, like Ultimate Frisbee groups for women, men and non-binary people (@sundrivesocial and @rosemountgreenuf recently had a friendly). Shout out to @herbyhoofaround and @kerrytownkickabout for their ability to welcome people from every background and nationality to their pitches without taking themselves too seriously.
For the thrill-seekers, there's a growing community of mountain bikers and climbers hitting places like Ticknock or Glendalough on weekends (look up @mountaineering_ireland on Instagram for routes and events, and the amazing @galzgonewild_ gang are now in Dublin, Wicklow, Cork and Galway).
Or dip into cold water swimming: the @seaswimsquad crew in the North and wildswim.ie Irish open water community offers swims that feel like pure magic.
If you're after something intense but indoors, CrossFit and Hyrox gyms are booming across Dublin and Cork, especially, offering both competition and community.
Bouldering has also seen a massive uptick in recent years, with The Wall in Sandyford proving popular as well as its sister site Bloc opening in Dublin 22. You can also try Awesome Walls near Finglas and Gravity Climbing Gym in Inchicore - both great, established spots.
Of course, we can't omit run clubs. Though they have boomed in numbers during the Covid pandemic (and the bigger ones can be a tad clique-y at times, rumour has it), there are smaller ones that strive to put friendship and encouragement first.
For example, @slowgirlruns_dublin is a relaxed group catering to a more easygoing pace, emphasising fun and fitness over speed. @the_libertiesrunningclub welcomes runners of all abilities - same for @innercityrunningclub's community-focused crew.
The 'you're very cultured in your old age' approach
Not everyone can aspire to be a polyglot, but learning a new language can be both useful for travelling and great for training your brain.
If you want to learn cúpla focal or get your fluency back, Conradh na Gaeilge on Harcourt Street offers Irish language classes that double as cultural hubs. Whether you're a Gaeilgeoir or a complete beginner, you'll find a session to suit you - and probably some cairde, too.
Ireland's literary scene is thriving, and you can dive in at book clubs like Léamh Rave or by volunteering at literature festivals. You can also find groups who love to sit and read in silence together, if you want to escape into another world surrounded by others before gathering at a pub or restaurant after to discuss each person's books. Writing groups like Frustrated Writers or literary salons like Salon Rógaire as Gaeilge are also on the rise.
For something a little more offbeat, Timeleft hosts "dinners with strangers" - perfect if you're looking to have a conversation between five people (matched with personality tests) that doesn't go beyond small talk. Love strategising? Try board game nights via @meetup_dublin or @boarddublin - oddly addictive and easy to chat to people with easygoing competition.
The 'move into your thirties' approach
We've all experienced the targeted ads for ClassPass on our feeds, presumably. Yoga is everywhere, but some of the more specific communities are great for moving your body in a focused way while chatting to some lovely people. Some more catered classes in Dublin now have wine nights after a restorative session, or yoga while listening to live music - like Sunflower Sessions (@sunflowersessions_ on Instagram).
Aerial classes have also seen a major increase in members, with many women in particular finding the strength-building and community to be empowering beyond measure. Irish Aerial Creation Centre in Limerick is Ireland's home for aerial arts - and offers hoop, silks, rope and Cyr wheel classes for adults, professionals and juniors.
Tribute Fitness and Dance Studio in Dublin offers pole fitness, aerial hoop, acrobalance, flexibility, and heels classes with a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, Tribe provides a supportive environment to explore your passion for aerial arts.
Outside of Dublin, you can try Flying High Fitness in Galway, Limerick and Ennis - or Pole Garage in Galway.
The crafty 'Eat, Pray, Love' approach
Embroidery classes like @be_alice_ are hosting 'sewcial' groups for meeting like-minded, crafty friends. Knitting, tufting, jewellery making, drawing classes - even wood turning - you can find it in the capital and in smaller communities around Cork, Clare, Galway and more.
Pottery in Throwing Shapes, Temple Bar, and stained glass workshops in Flux Studios are both brilliant hubs for using your hands to make something new and fulfilling. Irish Stained Glass (irishstainedglass.ie) also has its own workshops on its website.
Music is also one of the best ways to harness a new skill while meeting a community. You can take serious one-on-one classes with a tutor or attend group classes before trying open mic nights around your area, or try joining a choir if singing has always been your secret passion.
For trad, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music, song and dance in the country, for example.
Turning 30 isn't about landing at a final point and evaluating what you've done so far in your three decades. Ireland has plenty of welcoming communities and creative corners to discover more about yourself.
Whether it's climbing a wall, learning salsa, sea swimming at sunset, or finally taking that DJ class you put off in college, the real win is just showing up. You don't need a five-year plan, just enough energy to introduce yourself in a room of strangers.