Members of the Kildare Amateur Radio Club enjoyed two busy weekends of portable amateur radio activity during July 2026, taking part in official Parks on the Air and Bunkers on the Air events.
On 18 and 19 July, the club activated a POTA site on the Curragh in County Kildare as part of the official Support Your Parks Weekend. Over the two days, we operated using the call signs EI0K and EI9DD.
The club operated across several HF bands and made numerous contacts throughout Europe and as far away as the United States. The Curragh provided an excellent location for the portable stations, antennas and logging equipment, while also giving members an opportunity to meet, operate and share their amateur radio knowledge.
Parks on the Air, or POTA, is an international amateur radio programme that encourages operators to establish portable stations in designated parks and protected areas. It combines amateur radio, outdoor activity and the development of portable and emergency communication skills. The club was delighted to receive a POTA Summer 2026 Activator Award for participating in the Support Your Parks event.
The radio activity continued the following weekend, from 24 to 26 July, when club members also activated bunkers as part of International BunkerFest 2026. Organised through Worldwide Bunkers on the Air, this official 72-hour event encouraged amateur radio operators around the world to activate historic bunkers, contact other bunker stations and promote the growing BOTA programme. More information is available on the official International BunkerFest 2026 website.
Together, the POTA and BOTA activations made for a very successful club summer radio blitz. A great time was had by all, with plenty of contacts, good company and opportunities to develop portable operating skills.
Thank you to everyone who organised, participated in or supported the activations. We hope to see everyone on the air—and out in the field—again next year.
73 from the Kildare Amateur Radio Club—EI0K!
