Paul’s book “Connemara and Mayo - a Walking Guide” (published in 2011 by the Collins Press) gives detailed instructions and background information for over 30 walks & hikes. There are walks to suit all levels of ability, mainly along the Wild Atlantic Way. It's a compact 150-page book printed on high quality paper. It is illustrated throughout with exciting photographs including some spectacular shots by Clifden native and musician Sean O'Farrell along with Clifden-based designer Brigid Sealy.

Connemara Stockists

“Connemara and Mayo - a Walking Guide”  is usually available in The Clifden Bookshop,  Letterfrack Country Shop, Sheep and Wool Centre (Leenane) and  Books@One (Louisburgh and Letterfrack).

Updates

Go West from Binn Chaónaigh

A Kildare-based reader has pointed out an instruction error in Binn Chaónaigh in Walk 18 "Maumeen to Maumahoge" in the first print run.  On page 80, 2nd last paragraph, the book says "From the cairn carefully turn to the east...". In fact it should read "From the cairn carefully turn to the west...". Fortunately the map on page 79 is correct. Apologies for this error. This error has been corrected in the recent reprints. Given the large number of instructions in the book, I would be surprised if there is not another error such as this one. Please email us if you spot one.

Peak Heights

Thanks very much to the Westport hill walker for the rapid and very positive feedback on the book. This hiker was also very quick to spot the omission of some peak heights. Unfortunately, on some of the maps, we didn’t get in all of the heights. I did not have full control over the difficult process of developing the maps.  Hopefully I will for my next book.

Reaction

The book has been recommended by the Sunday Independent in their useful article on Spring walks in Ireland in April 2019. Also The Irish Examiner said "In case the walks, encompassing sandy beaches and mountain tops, aren’t enough for you, Phelan gives sound commentary on the archaeology, history, landscape, flora and wildlife." and the RTE Guide called it "a near definitive guide to the best walks in Connemara and Mayo"

The reaction to the book has generally been very positive. A purchaser has praised it highly on TripAdvisor. Tireless traveller Manchán Magan wrote in the Irish Times it has led to him "tracking back and forth across the country to try out more ot its walks". The Autumn 2011 Mountain Log (magazine for Mountaineering Ireland members) review said it is "fit for purpose", "well photographed" including "well-illustrated maps" and  "should provide all with new ideas for exploration and adventure". There is a positive report on using the book in an article in the Frederick News-Post.(Maryland USA) 

It's great to realise this book is working in unusual ways. Thanks to the person from Renvyle who has been using my book as bedtime reading. That's not exactly how I had intended it, but hey, I like the idea. Another person says the book took her and her family to Omey Island for the day, something they hadn't done for a while. They didn't follow the Omey walk described but they visited the Holy Well and had a lovely day which is great.

Send us your feedback - see below -  by email to:
walkconnemara@gmail.com

Paul's Next book?

Several people have asked about the "next book".  There have been some interesting suggestions e.g. "Volume 2". I already have a couple of walks written up that did not make the cut in "Connemara and Mayo". In addition I have already written up a couple of new walks (outlined on this site). While at present I have no definite plans for a second book, if I do I will probably call it "Mayo and Connemara ...." :).