Western Ways George Keegan on happenings along the Western Seaboard in travel , the arts, food and entertainment
Ireland’s own Camino
On the Kerry Camino
The story begins in 2002 when a French man named Roland Monsegu moved over to Ireland. At that stage he had not made a decision to live here permanently. However a few years later following a trip around the world taking in Asia, parts of Europe and much of South America he finally decided to make Ireland his new home. During that global journey Roland discovered the Camino de Santiago for the first time so on his return he set about founding his first adventure travel company named Greenlife Tours Ltd in 2011. A short time later the first brand called Caminoways.com was launched. The aim was to introduce a new option for Irish pilgrims and walkers eager to experience one of the famous Camino routes. The idea proved to be an outstanding success story. Speaking to Senior Times Roland said ‘It quickly became apparent to me that the Camino resonated with people and I thought it would be a good idea to have a brand dedicated to it. Being an Irish company many returning clients would ask if we had walking packages for them in Ireland, so Irelandways.com was launched’. It was in 2014 the decision was made to add this new brand specialising in trails across the Irish countryside. The major focus was on offering a new range of walking routes along the Wild Atlantic Way and other parts of Ireland, with options for those who prefer to travel by bicycle. Today 72 Senior Times l January - February 2020 l www.seniortimes.ie
this sister company offers several different packages to suit all tastes and fitness levels. The following are two of the most popular routes on the Western Seaboard. The Kerry Camino: walking from Tralee to Dingle takes just three days. In times past pilgrims travelled from all parts of the West to take a boat from Dingle to the port of Coruña in North West Spain then continue by foot to Santiago de Compostela. Today the Kerry Camino takes you on the same path from Tralee along the spine of the Dingle Peninsula to St.James Church in Dingle. All along this route are wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Kerry mountains. It passes through an area once home to St.Brendan known as Brendan the Navigator. It was from here he set off to preach the gospel in coastal areas of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, as well as Brittany. Roland points out that the Kerry Camino has its own pilgrim passport just like the Santiago routes and a certificate can be requested at St.James Church, issued by the local Kerry Camino Association. In addition anyone who completes the Kerry Camino can also request an Irish ‘Compostela’ in St.James Church Dublin issued by The Camino
