Hobby heaven: Pastimes that won't cost you the earth
We are all in recession, but some of us are looking at the stars. John Cradden finds out about exploding interest in astronomy, and surveys a host of pastimes that won't cost you the earth
Looking to the stars: Gillian Deenihan is an active member of Astronomy Ireland
Related Articles
THERE is so much in the way of mass-market entertainment these days that it's no surprise many people don't bother with hobbies anymore.
Many popular sports also saw a decline in participation as people became too busy with work or other social activities.
The current economic situation, however, probably means that many of us have more time on our hands, but can no longer afford expensive hobbies.
But active hobbies and sports can still be pursued for a nominal cost. We list here a small selection of relatively cheap hobbies and sports to enjoy during a recession.
Dancing
Besides the obvious fun and fitness benefits, dancing is a much underrated social lubricant.
There is possibly no other activity that is more likely to win you new friends or possibly romantic companions.
As well as traditional Irish or set dancing, you can try salsa, ballroom, hip-hop or even pole dancing.
You don't have to look hard to find any one of a variety of companies around the country offering courses of around six weeks' duration for less than €100. Single classes can be found for as little as €10 a night.
Look up websites like Learntodance.ie, Shallwedance.ie and justdance.ie or check out your local paper.
Astronomy
Membership of astronomy clubs apparently rises strongly during recessions.
"During the last recession, in the 1990s, our membership grew at its strongest rate ever," says David Moore, chairman of Astronomy Ireland (AI).
Over 300 people have become full members of AI in the past year, which represents about 16pc of its membership, while there are 11,000 "friends" of AI, a figure that has risen by 2,000 over the same period.
Of course, observing the night sky is free, but information, guidance and alerts are always useful to gain a meaningful insight into what's happening out there.
Membership of AI is €48 a year (or €4 a month), but it is currently offering three months free membership.
For a year's membership, you get a monthly magazine and either discounted or free admission to a number of events throughout the year.
Mr Moore says equipment costs are difficult to estimate as not everyone uses telescopes.
"Usually people buy one telescope, for life, so the cost averaged out over decades can be very low." You can buy a telescope for around €100.
Gardening
If you have a garden, the costs of getting your fingers green can be kept extremely low while achieving a worthwhile effect.
"You can spend almost nothing on your garden, except some petrol or electricity for a mower and still get by," says Gerry Daly, editor of 'Irish Garden' magazine.
"People buy at plant sales and swap with friends and neighbours and recycle all manner of items. Some buy seeds and plants, others don't need to as their garden is more mature."
Experts agree that most gardening can be done with very few tools. But they add that any tool you buy must be of good quality as cheap ones can break very easily.
Painting
Another hobby on which you can potentially spend large amounts of money, but beginners can usually fund their initial efforts very cost effectively.
"Start with a drawing class, using cartridge paper and charcoal or pastel," says Chris O'Neill of the BurrenPainting Centre in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare.
"Adult evening classes are available in most towns."
Water colours are the cheapest paints, followed by acrylics. You can also choose student-quality paints, which are cheaper than artist-quality ones.
"Buy a couple of brushes and some paper," says Ms O'Neill. "Get together with a couple of friends once a week and paint in the kitchen, in rotation, sharing light and heating costs."
Running
Running is probably one of the cheapest popular sports in terms of equipment costs, as the biggest single outlay will be on one or two pairs of good quality runners a year, which cost from €100 to €180.
A pair of shorts, a couple of pairs of socks, some cotton t-shirts and a rain jacket, can set you back another €100 to €150 if buying new.
The cost rises if you get involved in races, whether at the top end or just for fun, says Paul Mahon of the Irish Mountain Running Association.
You don't need to be a member of a club, but entry fees are cheap at €10 for annual registration and €7 per race thereafter. Travel to events is another cost to consider.
Paddling
As well as running, Mr Mahon also suggests canoe or kayak paddling as a cheap sport. "Join an established club for a course and they will provide you with gear, boats etc for not much of an outlay."
In time, you may want to buy your own boat and gear, but the required equipment can be bought second hand for as little as €500, he says.
