Mayo Trip 2015
The Kilbroney Ramblers' spring walking trip this year was to Westport in Co. Mayo. What amazingly beautiful weather we had there every day, and we enjoyed a memorable stay in the Castlecourt Hotel with its bright, colourful atmosphere, comfortable bedrooms and delicious food. On Sunday evening everyone relaxed and eagerly anticipated two days hill walking in the area.
On Monday morning we divided into two groups. One group of walkers took on the challenge of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's only holy mountain where Saint Patrick spent forty days and nights fasting. With a climb of 764 metres to the summit, Croagh Patrick is not for the faint-hearted, yet very many pilgrims still follow in the Saint's footsteps on Reek Sunday (last Sunday in July) every year. The views from the top are often hidden by mist, but due to the glorious April weather our walkers enjoyed views that were nothing short of spectacular
The second group of walkers were destined for Clare Island, situated at the mouth of Clew Bay. We crossed a perfectly calm sea, a journey of 25 minutes by ferry. Coming into Clare Island harbour, we saw before us the much modified castle that once belonged to the famous Pirate Queen of the 16th century, Grace O'Malley.
On Clare Island is the highest mountain of all the islands of Ireland, Knockmore (642 metres). After a walk mostly over rugged terrain, our group divided, some to climb Knockmore and others to walk roads, tracks and hills. Eventually we all met up again at the hotel near the community centre, where refreshments were enjoyed before going to Fawnglass ferry pier for the return trip to Roonagh Quay.
Tuesday was our second walking day and again the weather was beautiful. One group of walkers went off to climb Mweelrea that is considered by some to be among the ten best views in Ireland. At 814 metres, Mweelrea is Connacht's highest summit and the group experienced sensational views.
Killary Harbour was the destination of most of the other walkers, while some walkers went to enjoy the striking beauty of Achill Island.
Killary Harbour is a fjord that opens into the Atlantic beneath the imposing bulk of Mweelrea. Beyond are the conical quartzite peaks of Clare Island and Achill Island.
This part of the country was badly affected by the Great Famine of 1845 – 48 and evidence of the hardship of the era is impossible to avoid. At Foher we visited a semi-ruined cottage, one of several ruinous stone buildings that once made up the village. Lazy beds furrow the hillside and mark former potato drills. Across the fjord more lazy beds indicate another deserted settlement on the lower slopes of Mweelrea.
We ended the walk in the fishing hamlet of Rosroe that is centered around a working pier at the mouth of Killary Harbour. Here we stopped at a local pub for refreshments before driving to view the Aasleagh Falls near Leenane that are plainly visible from the road (R335). This picturesque drop gained fame when it was used as the location for a scene in the film 'The Field', starring Richard Harris and Tom Berenger. Finally we drove up through Doolough Pass to see the famine memorial that commemorates the visit of Archbishop Tutu of South Africa.
Wednesday came and another beautiful spring day, but for our walkers it was time to leave Mayo.
The Kilbroney Ramblers' spring walking trip this year was to Westport in Co. Mayo. What amazingly beautiful weather we had there every day, and we enjoyed a memorable stay in the Castlecourt Hotel with its bright, colourful atmosphere, comfortable bedrooms and delicious food. On Sunday evening everyone relaxed and eagerly anticipated two days hill walking in the area.
On Monday morning we divided into two groups. One group of walkers took on the challenge of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's only holy mountain where Saint Patrick spent forty days and nights fasting. With a climb of 764 metres to the summit, Croagh Patrick is not for the faint-hearted, yet very many pilgrims still follow in the Saint's footsteps on Reek Sunday (last Sunday in July) every year. The views from the top are often hidden by mist, but due to the glorious April weather our walkers enjoyed views that were nothing short of spectacular
The second group of walkers were destined for Clare Island, situated at the mouth of Clew Bay. We crossed a perfectly calm sea, a journey of 25 minutes by ferry. Coming into Clare Island harbour, we saw before us the much modified castle that once belonged to the famous Pirate Queen of the 16th century, Grace O'Malley.
On Clare Island is the highest mountain of all the islands of Ireland, Knockmore (642 metres). After a walk mostly over rugged terrain, our group divided, some to climb Knockmore and others to walk roads, tracks and hills. Eventually we all met up again at the hotel near the community centre, where refreshments were enjoyed before going to Fawnglass ferry pier for the return trip to Roonagh Quay.
Tuesday was our second walking day and again the weather was beautiful. One group of walkers went off to climb Mweelrea that is considered by some to be among the ten best views in Ireland. At 814 metres, Mweelrea is Connacht's highest summit and the group experienced sensational views.
Killary Harbour was the destination of most of the other walkers, while some walkers went to enjoy the striking beauty of Achill Island.
Killary Harbour is a fjord that opens into the Atlantic beneath the imposing bulk of Mweelrea. Beyond are the conical quartzite peaks of Clare Island and Achill Island.
This part of the country was badly affected by the Great Famine of 1845 – 48 and evidence of the hardship of the era is impossible to avoid. At Foher we visited a semi-ruined cottage, one of several ruinous stone buildings that once made up the village. Lazy beds furrow the hillside and mark former potato drills. Across the fjord more lazy beds indicate another deserted settlement on the lower slopes of Mweelrea.
We ended the walk in the fishing hamlet of Rosroe that is centered around a working pier at the mouth of Killary Harbour. Here we stopped at a local pub for refreshments before driving to view the Aasleagh Falls near Leenane that are plainly visible from the road (R335). This picturesque drop gained fame when it was used as the location for a scene in the film 'The Field', starring Richard Harris and Tom Berenger. Finally we drove up through Doolough Pass to see the famine memorial that commemorates the visit of Archbishop Tutu of South Africa.
Wednesday came and another beautiful spring day, but for our walkers it was time to leave Mayo.
