Orienteering
What is Orienteering?
Orienteering is an exciting and challenging sport that combines running with navigation. The aim is to navigate between marked points on a map at different levels of difficulty to suit your ability and age. At competitive levels of orienteering, the aim is to complete the course in the fastest possible time.
Is it for me?
Orienteering suits all ages and fitness levels. You can choose to run, jog, or walk around an orienteering course. Orienteering will bring you to exciting new places throughout Ireland that include forests, open hillside, parkland and urban areas. You can take part and walk the course to simply enjoy the surroundings, or you can take up the challenge at some of our competitive levels to push yourself even further.
What Equipment do I need?
You do not need any special equipment to try orienteering. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for being outdoors. Choose your clothes based on if you want to walk, jog or run. When the orienteering event is taking place in the woods wear leggings or long trousers. You may get a bit wet and mucky, so consider bringing a change of shoes and clothes.
How do I start?
You can try orienteering at www.orienteering.ie or use MapRun (a phone based app) which allows you to walk or run an orienteering course in your own time using your phone's GPS.
In South Dublin there are the following MapRuns publicly available:
- Corkagh Park, Clondalkin
- Collinstown Park
- Tibradden
- Hellfire Wood
- Masseys Wood
- Ticknock
All of these maps are available for use on the MapRun app.
There are five Dublin clubs that operate in the South Dublin area, with events regularly occurring throughout the year. They can be found on www.orienteering.ie/fixtures.
If you would like to learn more about orienteering you can check school and instructor resources can be located at www.orienteering.ie