News & Events » Past Events

Here is a selection of  Walk Connemara's past events, including walks, island trips and book launches. To see a calendar of our upcoming events, click here.

PAST EVENTS:

Tully Mountain Climb, June: This is a great walk for walkers of all abilities. The first part is follows the beautiful coastal road through Letter. Then it continues over grassy cliff-tops before the climbing starts. It is well worth the effort to get to the top, where there are panoramic views of the Bens (also known, incorrectly, as the "12 Pins"), the Mayo coastline and the Islands.

Inishark Island Trip, May: We had a magical afternoon walk in Inishark with its abandoned village and Great Skuas (Arctic birds of prey). What great island walking.

Inishbofin Northern Sunset Walk, May: The Northern Sunset walk was spectacular, with a cloudless sky allowing the sun to slowly disappear over Tulach, The Stags and the Atlantic.

Roundstone Bog Adventure, May: We  had dry weather for our morning traverse of the spectacular Roundstone Bog complex, with its multitude of lakes and quaking bog.  It's still a bit early for wild flowers, but we saw rare flowering heathers and plenty of bird-life.

National Park Hike, April. Sunday’s hike in the Connemara National Park provided a great chance to see the early spring flowers and the megalithic (court) tomb. We saw a wall of wild garlic in the Ellis Woods, and a carpet of bluebells in the Letterfrack woods.

Omey Walk, April. It was a beautiful spring day for our Omey Island walk. There was lovely sunshine with a brief shower. We walked across the sand to the island where we visited the ruined chapel and the holy well and saw some  rare wild flowers.

Maamturks Challenge, April It was a great day for the Maamturks Challenge. The weather was fantastic with a spectacular clear dawn. Very sociable and great people on the hills. Wonderful organisation and volunteers including the welcome at Benbaun and the very tasty soup at the end.

Caher Island and Inishshark Adventure, April. Connemara's emminent field archeologist Michael Gibbons expertly guided us on these uninhabited monastic islands. On Caher Island (Cathair na Naomh: City of the Saints) we disembarked at the impressive Portatemple (Port of the Monastary?), surrounded by cairns with crosses. After visiting the remains of the monastic chapel (several carved slabs and a cursing stone), we hiked the island to the holy well. On Inishshark, we visited the Dunin promonotory fort, passing by a currack bay and Clochan Leo while hiking back through the pre-historic field system to the Aill na Gall (Foreigners') cliffs overlooking the impressive Buachaill sea stack. We even dropped into Inishbofin for a refreshing cup of coffee. What a great Connemara Island Day!

Maamturks Challenge Training, March. The weather was fantastic for the Maumturks Challenge training hike. Paul led a group over the final part of the challenge, ending up in Leenane. There was even a bit of snow on the mountain tops.

New Year's Day in the Park, January. Wet weather weather didn't stop us from starting the year with a trek in the Connemara National Park.

Diamond Moon Walk, December. We climbed Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park by moonlight. It was a beautiful night and the moon was bright with just a few clouds to add to the atmosphere.

Rosturk Islets coastal walk, September. We took advantage of the stong tides to guide a group around the stunning tidal archipelago at Rosturk in Clew Bay (between Mulranny and Newport). The rain stayed away and we got spectacular views of the sun lighting up Clare Island.

The Mayo Launch of Paul's book “Connemara and Mayo- a Walking Guide”, September. The Mayo Launch of Paul's book, of "Connemara and Mayo: a Walking Guide", went very well, with a great turnout of walkers and others involved in local Tourism. We had a few drinks while Michael Gibbons officially launched the book. Thanks Michael Gibbons, to the staff of the Westport Tourist Office, and to the Clew Bay Hotel for supplying glasses.  

"Omey in a Gale", August was a blast (Errisbeg had to be cancelled due to the high  winds).  With hardy visitors from the Canadian Yukon, we crossed the strand just after the tide had ebbed. But the driving rain left the sands wet. The wind was strong to  gale force as we traversed the Western end and stayed with us as we returned to the mainland. It was a great experience, in the company of great people.

The Mweelrea Mountain Climb in August was fantastic. With a family group, we headed up towards the misty top of Connaught's highest mountain. As we approached the summit, the sun came out to take advantage of clear northern air and reveal the spleandour of the panaromic views. The light was superb; Glassillaun was torquoise and looked stunning. The descent was warm. What a day to be on Mweelrea!

The Omey Walk in August was spectacular. A slow start, due to French timing and communications difficulties, provided an opportunity to try a new frisbee from The Outdoor Shop Clifden. The weather was beautiful and the sands were a comfort to bare feet. A lot of old bones were found. We had a wonderful picnic on the north western islet, looking out at Cruach and High, before returning to the "continente" of Omey. The underwater bog was exposed and the blackberries are coming out!

Introductory Twelve Bens Hike August  was a great day in the Bens. We spent six and a half hours hour climbing the three adjacent peaks Ben Lettery, Ben Gower and Ben Gleniskey. The ground was slippy after all the rain of the past days. But we had a fine day. Even the wind decreased as the day progressed. The bog under Ben Gleniskey was magnificent. The sun was out; the clouds were occasional. We came acrooss a lot of sheep, especially up high on Ben Gower - something we did not see two weeks ago!. What a great introduction to the Bens!

Mweelrea from the Silver Strand in August was misty all the way up - and down - Connaught's highest mountain. The ground was very wet and the streams were flowing very rapidly; the rivers and lakes were high.  On the summit we encountered sheep. During our descent we met a group who were heading up. It was a very atmospheric day to be walking!

The Introductory Twelve Bens hike in August was a great day to be walking in the Bens. The weather was dry with light winds and the visibility was suprtisingly good; we could even see Kerry's Mount Brandon far away on the southern horizion.  We covered Bens Lettery Gower and Gleniskey and enjoyed descending along the river.

Omey in August was an exciting and enjoyable walk around the beautiful tidal island near Claddaghduff. Our group included two Omey residents who showed us their beautiful house and provided great hospitality to overseas visitors; many thanks!

Errisbeg in August was a breezy climb all the way to the top of one of Connemara's most dramatic peaks on a lovely afternoon. Our group included a great French family.

Glencoaghan Horseshoe in August. Paul led a group on a challenging six-seven hour hike over the dramatic and strenuous circuit of Ben Lettery, Ben Gower, Ben Breen, Bencollaghduff, Ben Corr and Derryclare.

Errisbeg guided walk,  August. Paul took a group of Dutch people to Errisbeg today, where there are stunning views over Roundstone bog and the 12 Bens

Clifden walking tour, August. Although it was a bit damp, this was an interesting and enjoyable way to see Clifden and its surroundings.

Twelve Bens Introduction, August. Paul led a five hour climb up three adjacent peaks. It was warm, dry and clear as we climbed  Ben Lettery. The wind increased and mist arrived with a little rain as we got to the first peak. It was a pleasant temperature and the mist made the climb to Ben Gower and Ben Gleniskey alll the more atmospheric. The mist cleared as we descended the valley. A nice introduction for our guests!

Omey, August Paul led a small group of French people on two-hour walk of the beautiful tidal Omey island near Claddaghduff. We headed across the big strand that had little or no sign of the great Omey Races just a couple of days ago (See photo of the last race - against the tide!). We followed the route as described in "Connemara and Mayo - a Walking Guide", stopping off at the old Church remains (See photo). We also saw a large number of amulets at the Holy Well (Tobar Feichin). The sun came out as we returned along the road to cross the sands again.

Mweelin, June. Paul led a small group on an evening walk of three of the smaller "Bens". We started at Mweelin on a warm summer's afternoon with the sun shining. Adter passing the Lime kiln, Megalithic Tomb and burial ground, we climbed the steep grassy ground to the top of Benbaun. There were fine views down to Kylemore, out to the Islands, and North to Mweelrea and the Maumturks. Next we descended a little and climbed Benbrack with fantastic views of The Twelve Bens and The Inagh Valley. En route to Knockbrack we met two wild goats. The midges were out by the time we finished what was a lovely midsummer's evening walk.

Mweelrea, June. Paul led a group to the top of Connaught's highest mountain. We started from near the Silver Strand in fresh winds as clouds swirled over the summit.  As we approached the saddle with Ben Bury (photo), the clouds lifted and we climbed to just below the summit to take in the great views (photo). Surprisingly there was no wind at all on the boggy peak where we met about ten other climbers. The sun came out as we descended past the remains of a circular enclosure (photo) to Dadreen. Taking about 5 hours, this is certainly the easiest way to climb Mweelrea (unless you have a boat!). En route back to engaging refreshment in Gaynor's of Leenane, we stopped off to see the fabulous Srahwee (Megalithic) Wedge Toumb near the stumps of ancient Scotts Pine trees.

Cloonamore Loop, Inishbofin, May. Paul led the final walk of the inaugural Inishbofin Walking Festival. From the Community Centre we headed up “The Pound Road” and east to Cloonamore which was exposed to the fresh west-north westerly wind. We passed the house from where 2FM’s Tubridy Show was recently broadcast (photo) and climbed the new stile. After reaching the end of the Loop we continued north to the spectacular Doonahinnena (Dún na hInne) cliffs (photo) complete with recently cut “scraw” turf (photo). We spotted several interesting birds thanks to one Inishbofin’s bird watching enthusiasts. When we reached the East End beach, several people took off their boots and paddled (photo) in beautiful sunshine. Leaving the East End we heard the distinctive sound of a corncrake (there are reports of four pairs in Bofin this year). We visited the remains of St. Colman’s Abbey before finishing off with excellent food in Day’s bar. The Inishbofin Walking Festival has been launched and offers great potential for the future. Thanks to Donal Kitt and the Inishbofin Development Company for a great trip to Bofin.

Diamond Hill 28 May 2011 Paul finished his week of guiding for the Grassroutes group with a trip to Connemara. From the village of Letterfrack we walked up the hill to the Connemara National Park and then headed up the Diamond (photo). It was breezy enough on top, but there was no rain (photo). On our return we visited the National Park to view the fantastic displays. We finished the day with a drive past the Aasleagh Falls, Delphi and up the Doo Lough valley. It was a great week despite the weather. Thanks very much to John Wallace for the great support work with the bus. Thanks to the group for the lovely card below.

Achill Head, May. Despite another poor weather forecast, we went to Achill and out to Keem Strand. Two of the more serious climbers in the group headed up Croaghaun.  As the rain was just starting, Paul led the main group north west up along the stream (hoping it might clear later for the cliffs). After a short climb we passed the lakes under the misty Benmore and descended along the stream to the Booley village (photo). After a rather wet lunch stop in the fine remains of a large Booley house we descended to Bunown to look at the cliffs below Croaghaun; it was impressive despite the driving rain and a sea with little swell. We returned along a similar route and finished with a short walk on the beautiful Keem beach. We then drove to the deserted village below Slievemore and picked up the two fast wet and tired Croaghaun climbers before heading back to Westport.

Cong and the Seanbhóthar, May. Paul continued his week of guiding for Grassroutes Holidays with another day dictated by the unseasonably bad weather. The forecast for strong winds and rain meant we had to stay low and avoid the coast. We headed to Cong and visited the Abbey before walking through the beautiful woods to the “Pigeonhole” cave, passing several fossilised outcrops along the way. After a good lunch in Clonbur we walked along the old road to Cornamona. A few words of Irish were spoken as we passed some interesting archaeology in this Gaelic-speaking area. We finished the day with a drive up to Lough Na Fooey for an excellent working Sheepdog and shearing demonstration (photo).

Clare Island, May. Paul took a group to Clare Island for the day. The crossing was rather rough after the previous day’s storm but the day turned out very sunny. We dropped into see Beth Moran’s beautiful weaving en route to the Lighthouse and walked the spectacular cliffs as far as Alnamarnagh (photo). We lunched looking up at a stunning Knockmore (photo) before descending Ballytoohy to take the “Tar Road” to the Abbey. Thanks to Bernie Winters we got to see the wall paintings (photo) and the curious O’Malley coat of arms (photo). We managed to fit in a drink in the hotel before returning to Roonagh with entertainment provided by two Dolphins!

Tóchar Phádraig,  May. Paul led a group of 11 visiting Americans on a section of Tóchar Phádraig  (Patrick’s Causeway), Ireland’s oldest pilgrim walk. This low-level walk was chosen as storm-force winds were forecast which made it unsafe to climb Croagh Patrick as planned. We started at the 12th Century Balintubber Abbey with an introduction from Fr. Fahy and headed off in very strong winds. The rivers were flowing very rapidly and the lakes were very high (see photo). After sheltering from the squally showers and passing through some beautiful fields (photo) we eventually made it to Aghagower. The refreshment in Scott’s Bar included the Enda Kenny and Barack Obama (O’Bama) speeches on the TV; a memorable occasion.

Beanna Beola, An Gleann Mór, May. Paul led the Beanna Beola Hill-walking Club's final walk of the 2010-2011 season. After meeting at Letterfrack with visibility poor and a forecast for windy rain, we decided to stay low in An Gleann Mór. We climbed up into the Connemara National Park and along the Diamond Walk. Then we descended Addergoole to the Polladirk River, which was difficult to cross due to the recent rains. We went all the way up into the big valley (Gleann Mór), and lunched at Maumnascalpa in the shelter of the cave (photo). Then we returned underneath Benbrack and Knockbrack past waterfalls (photo) a fantastic underwater stream. We followed the river before turning east under Diamond Hill to Letterfrack passing the remains of a sheep's head attached to the deer fence, with bones scattered around. We were all a bit damp afterwards.

Maumturks Challenge, April. Paul led a group of three on the Maumturks Challenge. The weather was superb, with good visibility apart from a little mist on Corkóg. We climbed the last hill, from the Coll of Despondency, in total silence and without stopping once. We made it all the way to Leenane, where Paul bumped into a very fit friend from Errisleannan. This man had finished ahead of us despite having earlier cycled for two hours from Errisleannan to the start of the challenge! And after getting the shuttle bus back to the start, he was planning to cycle for another two hours to get home again!

Galway Book Launch, April 28th 2011. The Galway launch of “Connemara and Mayo - a Walking Guide” by Paul Phelan was launched by Michael Gibbons in the Discover Ireland Tourist Centre. This was a great event with distinguised guests from Galway along with photographer Sean O'Farrell and the artist Joe Boske. Thanks to all who helped, particulary Medbh Killilea and Anne Melia (Failte Ireland), Brigid Sealy, Ciarán Hanley (Murty Rabbitt's) and Michael Gibbons.

O’Maille’s Cave, April 23rd 2011: To marking the 90th anniversary of the Kilmilkin Ambush, and the publication of “Connemara and Mayo - a Walking Guide”, Paul led a special walk to “O’Maille’s Cave” in the Maumturks. It was a great event. Five of us (including a member of the Acton family, related to Padraigh O'Maille's wife) met at the fabulous Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel. In fine weather we climbed to Maumahoge and down into Glenlosh to the cave. We spent half an hour marvelling at this man-adapted cave that was used as a hideout during the War of Independence by local IRA activist and speaker of the first Dail Pádraig O’Maille. It is a truly special site. We could imagine the sounds of the rifles ringing out 90 years ago over the hill.  After lunch. we returned by the same route, stopping off at the pass to view the spectacular corrie lake. Back in the Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel Dominick and Maura O'Morain produced tea, coffee, scrumptous scones and cake. To mark the 90th anniversary, an excerpt from Adrian Acton's account of the Kilmilkin Ambush was read out (Adrian's full story can be heard on Connemara Community Radio).
 

The Book Launch, April 16th 2011: “Connemara and Mayo - a Walking Guide” by Paul Phelan was launched by Michael Gibbons on the 16th April 2011 in Clifden. The launch included great music from Aidan Ward (vocals, guitar) and Fergal Scahill (fiddle). Books are now available in the shops. For more details including local distribution opportunities see the Guide Book page. 

Beanna Beola, Nephin Beg, March. Paul led a group of seven from the Beanna Beola Hill-walking Club on a walk of Ben Gorm in the Nephin Beg range (West of Newport, Co. Mayo). The weather was good with the summit clear and light winds. From Lettermaghera South we climbed to the coll overlooking the Lough Doo corrie and had lunch.  Then we climbed to the summit 562m of Bengorm. Instead of returning, we continued north and then north west to the coll at 357m before making our final ascent to 468m. We then returned to the coll before descending a little into the Glendahurk valley and contoured to the south towards Carheenbrack (where there are beautiful remains), before picking up the Burrishoole Looped Walk back to the start. All in it was nearly six hours of gentle hiking.