Western Ways

George Keegan on happenings along the Western Seaboard in travel , the arts, food and entertainment

Ireland’s own 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’.

72 Senior Times l January - February 2020 l www.seniortimes.ie On the Kerry Camino

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.

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One of the many splendid vistas on the Dingle Way

Society Ireland, then complete their journey to Santiago by walking the 75km of the Camino Ingles from A Coruña in Galicia. This is known as the Celtic Camino.

The Dingle Way: if you wish to take a longer walking adventure in the West and continue enjoying magnificent scenery then follow the marked Dingle Way which wraps around the whole peninsula and takes approx 10 days to complete. Along this walk are important historical sites such as Celtic Ogham stones, Fahan beehive huts, ring forts and much more. IrelandWays.com has useful eBooks including the Ireland Essential Walking Guide all easily downloaded.

Cycling route: another option is taking a leisurely cycling break and the company offers a package on the Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill Island. I have travelled on this route several times and it can be highly recommended. Most of it is away from the busy main road and the terrain is not difficult. The views are really stunning especially between Newport and Achill Island and there are some excellent coffee shops and picnic areas to take a rest. CaminoWays.com has grown from an original cast of just three people to a production company of almost 40 from all corners of the globe, specialising on all things Camino.

Useful websites: www.irelandways.com www.caminoways.com www.wildatlanticway.ie www.discoverireland.ie

Whatever your interest, there is a festival for you ! says the Donegal Festivals & Events web page and to prove the point there are not one but two festivals taking place during this month setting the ball rolling for 2020. Donegal festivals

Letterkenny Trad Week The Letterkenny Trad Week is about to celebrate its 6th year and will be held from the 19th to 26th at the Regional Cultural Centre and the An Grianan Theatre. A host of Irish traditional and world music acts are set to appear during the weeklong event with such household names as Sharon Shannon , the Lisa O’Neill Trio, Laoise Kelly and Tiarnán O’Duinnchinn, Xylouris White and Navá , Paul Harrington and Friends, to name just a few on the programme. Sharon Shannon will be accompanied by Alan Connor on keys/guitar to showcase music from her back catalogue starting in 1989 through to the present day. In the first five years many top performers have appeared at this festival including Altan, Irish super group Usher’s Island, Billy Bragg and many more. For full details and booking visit: www.regionalculturalcentre.com .

Atlantic Irish Fest The second festival is the ‘Atlantic Irish Fest – a Music & Cultural Tour of Northwest Ireland taking place from 18th-22nd January in Bundoran, organised by The Institute of Study Abroad Ireland. It is a celebration of the traditions of history, culture and music. There will be talks, tours, outdoor activities and a full programme of live music performed by some of the county’s best musicians. Note this festival is a 4 day add to Dublin’s ‘TradFest’ which is marketed in the USA as ‘The Calling’. While it might be geared mainly to a younger generation there will be lots of interesting cultural and music events to suit all ages.

Among the highlights in Bundoran are classes on Irish history, language and culture, guided visits to ancient tombs and historical sites. There will be tastings of Donegal’s craft beers and whiskeys and for outdoor enthusiasts surfing, golf, guided coastal walks or riding by horseback on Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way. On Tuesday 21st a visit with guided tour of Derry/Londonderry will take place to include tour of Bogside murals, Free Derry Museum and the Historical Walls. For up to minute programme and booking details click on www.atlanticirishfest.com

Coming in January: Home Instead’s Senior Citizen Guidebook 2020

Home Instead Senior Care is now taking advance orders for its free annual publication, the Senior Citizen & Family Carer Essential Guidebook 2020.

In 2020, Home Instead Senior Care celebrates 15 years of operation in Ireland. During that time, tens of thousands of Irish families have entrusted the home care company to look after for their older loved ones.

Home Instead is proud of the difference that it has made to those the company cares for and their families, by enabling Ireland’s seniors to live happy, healthy lives at home.

In its 15 years of operation, the company says it has instilled the concept of ‘relationship-based care’ at the heart of its service delivery model. The Senior Citizen & Family Carer Essential Guidebook, which is made available to you free of charge, is undoubtedly the most comprehensive ageing resource in Ireland.

It is often referred to as a ‘bible’ for seniors – and it helps the company to honour its mission and truly enhance people’s lives.

By sharing the experience and expertise that it has accumulated through 15 years of operation in Ireland, Home Instead hopes to make it easier for seniors, their family members and healthcare professionals to learn more about ageing in Ireland.

Therefore, the 2020 edition of the Home Instead Senior Citizen & Family Carer Essential Guidebook, which will be available in January, takes relationship-based care as its theme.

Readers will be introduced to a number of clients, CAREGivers and key staff, who explain what relationship-based care means to them in their own words. Whether it’s understanding the value of a reablement programme, or learning ‘handy hacks’ to improve your home, or discovering the benefits that Consumer Directed Home Care can bring, the company hopes that the guidebook can help you make informed decisions.