Hiking
 Sundays 9.45 am, Meet at the Quad Hikes are organised on Sundays during term time, and the bus leaves the quad at 10am sharp. The bus is usually full and we operate on a first come, first served basis, so try to get there a little early! The bus costs 8 euro. The hikes are organised for different locations each week, including the twelve bens and the Burren. We usually stop at a nice pub on the way back for a quick bite to eat/tea/pint so you might want to bring along a couple of extra coins for that.
There are also weekends away organised each semester, which usually involve a lot of craic and banter, with traces of hiking!
 Forbidden Items of Equipment
If you wear any of the following items you run the risk of not being taken on the walk for your own safety: - Doc Martens - the sole provides no grip at all on wet rocks and grass, snow or ice.
- Trainers - these give no ankle support at all, and little grip, leaving you open to injury on rough ground.
- Ponchos - They don't keep you warm, and strong winds may turn you into an involuntary hang-glider.
- Jeans or similar trousers - very heavy when wet, take a long time to dry and will drain body heat dangerously.
All of these items not only compromise your safety but that of the whole group.Please note that jeans are still totally unacceptable under waterproof trousers; they will still get wet at the bottom and water will quickly soak upwards. Â What you need Before you can board the bus, you must have all of the following:
Spare Clothes
Before you go anywhere, it is a good idea to ensure that you have something comfortable to change into when you get back from your walk. For this reason, an extra set of warm clothes is advised, and a towel, which you can leave on the bus until the end of the walk.
Walking Boots (with ankle support!)
A good pair of boots is necessary. Runners and shoes are definitely not permitted on walks as they provide no grip or ankle support. If your footwear is unsuitable, you won't be allowed on the bus. It is also advised that you bring a change of footwear and socks for after the walk, as wet boots can become uncomfortable.
Please note: "Hiking Shoes" are not good enough , you must have boots that have ankle support, this means they must come up past your ankle. If you are going to buy footwear so you can come with us please make sure they are boots!  
Trousers
Suitable trousers are essential in the hills, therefore JEANS OR SIMILAR TROUSERS ARE NOT ALLOWED as bad weather conditions can make them wet and cold. Sweat pants or tracksuit bottoms are ideal.
Rucksack/Bag
Your rucksack needs to be big enough to carry spare clothing, food and drink, camera, waterproofs, safety gear e.g. a torch, whistle etc. Carrier bags and shoulder bags are not suitable. Extra waterproof layers such as rucksack liners or even plastic bags are advised for inside the rucksacks due to the weather!
Waterproofs
Water and windproof jackets are a must for the often 'breezy' days up in the mountains. Waterproof trousers are also highly recommended. As well as keeping you dry, they also shield your legs from the wind.
Hats and Gloves
The main aim here is warmth. It is often colder on the tops than lower down, making a warm hat and gloves vital at all times, but especially in the winter months.
Clothing
Layers are the key here. A few thin layers can trap the air keeping you much warmer. Thermal tops are great too, as they keep the moisture away from your skin! Always make sure you carry enough spare clothing with you.
Food and Drink
A good packed lunch is vital to give you energy. A hot drink is advisable, and each person must carry at least 1.5 litres of drinking water/fluids. Chocolate, fruit and other high energy foods are great to carry and will give you a boost if you happen to need that little extra push! No lunch, no hike.
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