DIY Orienteering
DIY orienteering lets you try out an orienteering event, in your own time, for free! Simply find a course near you on the map below, print it out and try to find your way around. Once you are finished, submit your time on the leaderboard and see how you compare to others! New courses are being added all the time so check back regularly.
3 ways to do DIY Orienteering
MapRun courses: simply download the app (search for ‘MapRun‘), open the course and run around. The app will tell you when you reach the correct location. See further details below. Instructions for MapRun
Permanent courses: these courses have fixed markers which tell you if you are in the right location. These are great for trying out the more complicated courses which you can find at a real-life event. Find out more about permanent courses.
Virtual courses: these are generally old events which orienteering clubs have made public. There are no fixed markers. If you think you are in the right location, just move on and look for the next point! These are an excellent way to try out a real orienteering course in your own time, without any pressure.
Find a course to try? …. click on a location near you for more information:
Legend:
- Black = Virtual Course;
- Blue = Permanent Course;
- Red = Virtual (without app) and MapRunF (with app).
Note: Many of these areas also have longer or more difficult permanent courses as well. These can be found on the websites for the areas themselves. Some also have an “all-controls” map so you can make up your own courses.
What does the map mean?
Visit our detailed guide at: https://www.orienteering.ie/orienteering-education-resource
This downloadable page helps to explain what the symbols on the map mean: https://www.orienteering.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Legend-1.pdf. Print it out and take it with you!
Safety and Disclaimer
Please note that you undertake these courses at your own risk. DIY courses are not manned. While most courses are in lower-risk public locations such as parks, some take place on open mountainside in remote terrain. It is your responsibility to ensure you are properly equipped and carry safety equipment appropriate to the location. Such items can include: waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, fully charged mobile phone, footwear with good grip and a whistle. Be aware that not all areas have phone coverage. Leave details of your plans with a family member or friend. If in doubt to your abilities, start with a lower-risk location and/or attend an organised event.
Availability of a map does not give you right to trespass on private property. You must gain permission of the landowner.
Download of maps is deemed acceptance of these conditions.
Warning: Do not leave valuable items visible in parked cars when you are out on a course.