Spring Walking Festivals

Festival Diary The Irish Walking Festival scene continues to flourish, with new events added to the calendar every year. From Achill to Cape Clear, Cooley to Leenane, there’s something for everyone in this year’s Diary. Here’s our guide to the next two months of Festival action, plus reports from two early season events.

53 Degrees North Walking Festival April 11-17

They say: Set to be the biggest and best walking festival this year. Aimed at the seasoned walker through to those starting o, this week long festival will consist of sharing information, enthusiasm and a love for walking in Ireland and abroad. The walking festival starts on Monday April 11th and ends Sunday April 17th. For full details of the festival please visit our website.

T: 01 2149352 W: www.53degreesnorth.ie

North Leitrim Glens Hill Walking Festival April 23-24

They say: The 17th Annual North Leitrim Glens Hill Walking Festival is organised by the Manorhamilton based Holey Soles Hill Walking Club. Walks take place on the Saturday and Sunday, over the magical North Leitrim Glens and through the breathtaking unspoilt landscape of this green corner of Ireland. Here, you can walk through drumlins, untouched archaeological sites, seascapes, mountain loughs and slopes covered with heather and golden whins.

This is a non-competitive event with time to enjoy friendly relaxed company. A certain Bluestacks Walking Festival: April 29 - May 1

level of fitness is required as the longer walks are 12 kilometres and can take up to 6 or 7 hours, but in good company amidst the fine scenery---who’s counting? A medium walk, approximately 8 kilometres, taking approximatley 5-6 hours, is also available on both days.

There is a rambling stroll on Sunday only - ideal for both young and old. This ramble starts from Manorhamilton to explore the local boreens adjacent to the town, with information on local wildlife and folklore in both Irish and English.

The placenames found in this area tell the history of our local town lands, boreens and glens in what was once the kingdom of the Gaelic Clan of the O’Rourkes. Glencar, famous for its waterfalls; Glenade with its steep cliffs and caves, the last refuge of the Irish bears; Glenfarne and its forested walks leading to the serenity of Loch MacNean, and Glenboy with its prehistoric megalithic tombs at Tullyskeherny.

T: 071 914 7565 or 086 841 8843.

E: norlemglens@eircom.net W: http://sites.google.com/site/hshillwalkers/

Achill Walks Festival April 29 - May 2

They say: If you’ve ever promised yourself a break at the right tempo, not too fast nor too

slow, then make a date for the Féile Siúlóidí Acla / Achill Walks Festival which celebrates its ninth year in 2011, with the first of two annual events scheduled for May. Achill Island offers an ideal landscape for walking with its magnificent mountains, rolling hills and rugged coastline, there is something to suit all tastes.

Achill Tourism will host a Welcome Reception on Friday Evening, accompanied by a slideshow. On Saturday there will be a choice of two walks, The Old Coffin Trail, a route used in times past by funeral parties or a visit to Innisbiggle Island, one of our offshore islands. On Sunday we offer the choice of climbing one of the highest peaks on Achill as the high-level option or a gentle hill walk as our low-level option. Finally, on Monday we have organised a walk suitable for all abilities in The Valley, an area of Achill with a rich archaeological heritage as well as an abundance of Flora and Fauna. We would encourage pre-registration due to the popularity of the walks; in addition places on our highlevel walks are strictly limited. Registration for the May Bank Holiday Walks will be open from March on the Achill Tourism Website.

“Take only photographs and leave only your footprints” T: 098 47353 W: www.achilltourism.com

Achill Walks Festival: April 29 - May 2

Leenane Mountain Walking Festival April 29 – May 1

They say: The Leenane Mountain Walking Festival includes a choice of high-level mountain walks or a low-level option.

There will be transport to and from the mountains, including a speedboat across Killary Harbour to Mweelrea Mountain. Tea/coffee and scones will be hosted by a local business at the end of each walk.

A Special Herb Walk will take place on Saturday, 30th April, at 10.30.

This will be a unique experience with GP & Herbalist, Dr Dilis Clare from Galway. She will carry out the walk along the Famine Trail to find what grows on the waysides, and the herbs that people would have used during the famine times to survive.

The Festival ends with a BBQ and a dance on the Sunday evening. (€15 for BBQ and €5 donation to the Leenane Red Cross for the dance).

All guided walks will be led by qualified and experienced guides, aided by locals with vast knowledge and information on the area. Transport to and from starting and finishing points will be provided. See website for full programme.

T: 095 43411 E: mary@killary.com W: www.leenanevillage.com

Bluestacks Walking Festival April 29 – May 1

They say: The Bluestack Mountains are part of the last wilderness of Europe. They are known as the “Jewel in the Crown” of the Donegal Mountains It is a rugged mountain range in excess of 600m and in parts quite remote. These mountains offer a rare glimpse of an unspoiled landscape. The oldest rocks in the south Donegal region are said to be 600million years old and form many of the hills in the Bluestack Mountains . The walks cross a dramatic landscape of mountain, lake and bog land. The nature lover has great scope to enjoy the flora, fauna and the impressive geology of this special part of Donegal. Curiously, although this is a most remote area, the mountains are easy to access, being just 5klm from Donegal town. Donegal is an excellent area for hill-walking with its challenging peaks, wild and remote uplands, rocky mountain terrain.

The festival is based in Donegal town set in a valley girdled by The Bluestack Mountains and Donegal Bay. T: 087 7844803 or 087 7999216 E: bluestackramblers@yahoo.co.uk or donegalwalkerswelcome@ gmail.com

Cape Clear Island Annual Walking Talking Festival April 29 - May 2

They say: Cape Clear Island Walking Talking Weekend offers a range of interesting walks throughout the Island guided by resident guides who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Island’s history,

REPORT: TÁIN WALKING FESTIVAL: MARCH 4-6

Hundreds of walkers descended on the Cooley Peninsula for the 4th annual Táin Walking festival which took place on March 4 – 6. The festival offered a range of ten walks starting from the various parts of the peninsula ,including the picturesque village of Carlingford.

Although relatively ‘young’, the festival attracted walkers from as far away as England and Holland as well as throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland and has become a popular early fixture in Ireland’s walking calendar.

The area’s famous Táin Way Marked Way was recently upgraded and four other new looped walks introduced by Louth County Council with National Development Plan grant assistance from Fáilte Ireland.

“We featured 2 of the 4 new national looped walks and also the National Way marked Way -The Tain Trail which was offered over the 2 days as the Grade 2 walk,” said Frances Taylor of Cooley Tourism. “We purposely started the walks at different points over the Peninsula - Omeath, Rockmarshall, Ravensdale and Carlingford. Setanta Tours did a Coastal Walk between Greenore and Templetown also supported by the Loughs Agency”.

Frances was delighted to report the success of the event particularly the Night Walk, which proved popular, “Overall the festival was a fantastic success but the highlight and most spectacular was the Night Walk which kicked off the festival on Friday night. The weather was perfect - still, bright and clear. The view from the top of Slieve Foy by night was breathtaking with outstanding views of The Cooley Peninsula and Carlingford Lough lit by the night sky”.

Night Walk A group of thirty walkers left Carlingford sailing club at dusk on Friday evening,led by a combination of walking leaders from the Wee Binnians and Crows walking clubs. The walk made its way through the old medieval town of Carlingford and out towards Commons and Grange . The hill walk left the road at grid ref J 188096, following an old country track to a forest gate. The walk continued along the forest track to a point to a modern stile on the right hand side. This stile leads to a waymarked way which brings the walker up to an old deserted village. The ruins are well preserved and consist of a group of cottages and there is also a well preserved sweat house in the village. On leaving the village the walk continued to follow the way markers out onto the open mountain.

The walk then continued to follow a well-used track between the ridge and the forest as the walkers made their way to the top of Barnavave or Meabhs Gap. There is something magic about a trail of lights winding its way up a hill and onto an open mountain. At the top the whole vista of the area opens up to the walker with views of Carlingford Lough, the Mourne Mountains, the Irish sea down to Ireland’s eye off Howth, all of County Louth and beyond. The walk continued northwards along the ridge of Barnavave crossing the Tain Way and headed towards Sliabh Foye, the dark outline of which could be clearly seen in the night light. A break was taken before we tackled the climb to the top of the mountain and for a short while stories of other walks were swapped while the scent of coffee was in the air. We descended from the mountain on the north face keeping Carlingford in view all the time, with all its features outlined in lights, and ended the walk at the top of Savage’s Hill (Grid Ref J 184115) then made our way back into the town and the local pubs.

A note of caution to anyone attempting this or any other mountain night walk; do not attempt it without proper equipment and a guide with good local knowledge!

Mick O Driscoll

folklore and ecology. The Island has a variety of terrains and stunning scenery and is also famous for both bird watching and whale and dolphin watching. Participation and conversation is encouraged. Recommended evening entertainment is informal with local musicians and singers. This is a laid back weekend where you can do as much or as little as you please.

The thrill of a trip to Cape Clear begins at the ferry. As the mainland recedes, there is a sense that the everyday world is another country one has left behind. The Island ahead moves in another time; for those not old enough to remember, this is what Ireland was like before traffic and the hustle bustle, a less busy and more gracious place.

The Island also provides superb walking where the stunning scenery is complemented by a marine environment frequented by many species of whales, dolphins and sharks. Beside the paths and boreens, wild flowers bloom in an untainted profusion rarely seen elsewhere.

The weekend consists of a series of guided walks focusing on history, folklore, bird watching and ecology with acknowledged local experts followed by various, informal gatherings themed around history, folklore, poetry and song. Participation and interaction are encouraged and groups are kept small to foster a sense of intimacy.

T: 028 41923 E: seamus@walkingtalking.info W: www.walkingtalking.info

Slieve Bloom Walking Festival April 29 – May 3

They say: If you want a great value weekend of fun in the outdoors The Slieve Bloom Walking festival is the place to be on the May Bank Holiday weekend. You can be in the Slieve Blooms in less than 2 hours from Dublin, Galway, Cork, Sligo and anywhere in between on Friday evening in time to join a short trek through the bluebell wood on the Knockbarron Eco Walk, a chat in the local pub afterwards and later join in the “craic, caint agus ceól” at the local traditional music and singing session in the Dungeon Bar Kinnitty Castle. And this is just for starters.

Over the weekend there is a choice of 13 great walks, a BBQ, Walkers’ Hoedown and much more. Weekend Walking Fee €20.

Daily Walks €8.00 T: 086 278 9147 E: info@slievebloom.ie W: www.slievebloom.ie

Ballyhoura International Walking Festival April 30 – May 2

They say: The festival provides an opportunity to explore some of Ballyhoura Country’s stunning countryside in the company of guides from the Ballyhoura Bears walking club. The Festival features a packed programme of walks for all abilities, from the enthusiastic wellequipped walker who relishes the challenge of

Ballyhoura International Walking Festival: April 30 - May 2

ascending the seven peaks of the Galty’s on Sunday morning, to the gentle ramblers who were out to enjoy pleasant guided walks in the company of local experts in the fields of heritage, archaeology, history, flora and fauna.

The weekend’s most grueling walk the ‘Ballyhoura Marathon Challenge’, a challenging 26.2 mile route over forest trails and farmland will have over 100 participants up bright and early on Saturday morning.

Lisvernane will be a busy place on Sunday morning with approx. 300 well-equipped walkers setting off for the Galty Mountains and out on Slievenemuck. There are 10 different walks planned for this day. Apart from the stunning scenery, the highlight for many might be local man Michael Moroney’s rendition of ‘The Lovely Aherlow’, which many have agreed is the finest song ever heard out at Lough Curra.

On Monday the festival will move to the village of Glenroe where following 2 planned walks through the eastern side of the Ballyhouras everyone can take a well earned rest at the end of it all in the famous pub Daly’s of Darragh.

Again this year the Universal Access Walk, is planned for Doneraile Park. This walk is designed for persons with impaired mobility, wheelchair users and the visually impaired.

Everyone can enjoy the delights of nature within Doneraile Wildlife Park assisted by members of the Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club.

Slieve Bloom Waking Festival: April 29 - May 3

This year the Festival will included a range of new walks including a river & forest walk, animal sanctuary walk, archaeological walks at Lough Gur, a heritage walk at Doneraile & Galty Castle Wood, historical walks in Kilfinane and an Archaeology walk. All walks should prove hugely popular and provide great insights into some of the areas finest historical, heritage and archaeological attractions.

T: 063 91747 E: fsomers@ballyhoura.org W: www.ballyhouracountry.com

Dunmore East Rambling Weekend Festival May 20 - 22

They say: A walking festival with a difference. Discover the wonderful nooks and crannies in and around the coves and cliffs of Dunmore East and surrounding areas. Directed towards the rambler rather than the serious walker, this festival is ideal for families and the active retired and all in between. There will be seven walks to choose from: The Cliff Walk - Dunmore East to Ballymacaw. 10 kms and 3.5 hours; an easy to moderate cliff top walk. Woodstown - Bothar na Mná gorm. 10 kms and 3 hours; an easy to moderate walk along beach, boreen and field. Passage East to Cheekpoint. 12 kms and 3.5 hours. Kittiwakes, Coves and Woods.

5 kms and 2 hours; an easy ramble from the Harbour with its fishing fleet and unique kittiwake colony. A good walk for all the family. Tidal Pools Exploration. 2 hours; an exploration of tidal pools with a local ecologist.

Ideal for children of all ages and ageless adults. Saleens and Brownstown Head. 11 kms and 3.5 hours; an easy to moderate walk with short strenuous patches. Cliff Walk to Portally Cove. 5 kms and 2 hours; an easy cliff walk along the newly restored coastal path.

T: 087 6743572 E: tmdharris@gmail.com W: www.dunmorewalks.com

Inishbofin Walking Festival May 27-29

They say: The inaugural Inishbofin Walking Festival will be held from May 27th – 29th on the beautiful Island of Inishbofin, Co Galway. We will be celebrating the opening of our two new looped walks; the Middlequarter Loop and the Cloonamore Loop, which will complement our Westquarter Looped walk (featured as an Irish Independent ‘Walk of the Week’).

The weekend will be a celebration of walking amid stunning Atlantic coast scenery, crystal clear waters and Green Coast award winning beaches and will feature guided walks, talks, heritage and evening music. Updates on the festival will be forthcoming on our website www.inishbofin.com.

T: 095 45989 E: csptourism@inishbofin.com W: www.inishbofin.com

REPORT: Glen of Aherlow Winter Festival January 28 - 30 The Winter Walking Festival is a joint venture between the Glen of Aherlow Fáilte Society and the Galtee Walking Club to promote the Glen of Aherlow as a walking destination, thus bringing additional visitors to the area. The Festival is a promotional tool to introduce walkers to the Glen of Aherlow, with the aim of creating awareness of the location, its amenities and services.

This year, which is the 2nd year of the Festival, we put a lot of emphasis on the quality of service delivered by the Fáilte Society, the Galtee Walking Club and the local providers.

The cold crisp winter weather allowed visiting walkers to enjoy the Galtees and the Glen of Aherlow at its very best, affording glorious views across the valley. Aherlow House Hotel was used as the base for all walks; the hotel is an ideal base point, its location on Slievenamuck is perfect to start any number of walks.

The opening of the Festival took place in Aherlow House Hotel on Friday night January 28th, with about 150 people present. Chairman Ferghal Purcell welcomed all our guests and spoke of his vision in holding this Festival.

Special guest for the evening was Ruairi O Conchuir from Clare, the current Chairman of Mountaineering Ireland.

Aherlow House Hotel was the base for all walks over the weekend which featured 6 guided walks. All walks were led by the Galtee Walking Club, while the Glen of Aherlow Fáilte Society looked after all the administration of the event. Assistance was also given by Tipperary Amateur Radio Group (T.A.R.G.) who provided radio contact on the Sat A walk to Galtymore. Two way radios and mobiles were used on all other walks. This is wonderful facility provided on voluntary basis by T.A.R.G for communication between base point and walking group out on the hills.

With the exception of the Sat A Walk to Galtymore all 5 other walks started from and finished at Aherlow House.

The Sat A group were bussed to Glencush Boreen and collected afterwards.

On return from the walk everybody signed out and then enjoyed a welcome helping of Irish stew. Using Aherlow House as a base point gave walkers an opportunity to meet and mingle socially after each walk. This generated a great buzz and added to the overall experience of the visitor.

On Saturday, 202 made it to the top of Galtymore on Sat led by the affable Mike Moroney; Tipperary Amateur Radio Group (TARG) provided radio contact throughout the day for this walk. Rody Tierney led another group of 204 on a 17km trek across Slievenamuck on the B walk, while Eddie Mc Grath led the C Walk with a group of 138 along the Ballinacourty Loop.

On Sunday, Danny Bailey led the A Walk with a group of 73 on a hike across Slievenamuck for 22km, Mike Moroney (B Walk) and Mary Ryan (C Walk) led off a group of 121 and 108 respectively across Slievenamuck.

Entertainment was provided on both Friday & Saturday night; this was very enjoyable and well attended on both evenings. The Festival organisers provided a courtesy bus on Saturday night to bring in visitors from the surrounding B & B’s.

The Festival provided a very welcome economic boost for local business at this time of year with visitors getting value for money, a quality experience in a rural setting while indulging in their favourite hobby of walking.

Helen Morrissey