2017 Walks and Events

Sunday January 1st, 2017

Sunday January 8th, 2017

4 A walkers out today starting the New Year with a 5 hr walk from Angelsborough to Clydagh taking in Paradise Hill, Temple Hill, Lyre na Capaill down Sliabh Cush a binne. The weather was overcast so it was a team effort with map compass and GPS.Bookings now open for 2017 Festival

Sunday January 15th, 2017

Report on A Walk, River Shannon, from Sea to Source
A group of endurance walkers began their journey of the River Shannon from Limerick to Killaloe. We began our walk from the old Tourist Office at Arthur's Quay Limerick, continuing onto Cloonlara on the Lough Derg way, where we also enjoyed our lunch break under a rare tree on the banks of the Shannon. We then continued on to O'Briens Bridge, and on up to the Parteen Weir, where we had another short break taking in this impressive build of the late 1920s.
We continued the last of a great days walk into the lovely town of Killaloe, totalling 26k in pleasant weather conditions. Breda had a minibus booked and returned us to our cars in Limerick with some interesting history and facts from our bus driver.
Thanks to Pat for navigating us along our first journey of the river Shannon and to great company that made it another great days club walk.
Our second stage of the River Shannon walk will continue on Sunday 22nd (weather permitting) from the Church in Killaloe, where we will continue to follow the Lough Derg way, climbing high to the Arra Mountains 457m and on to the graves of the Leinster Men, dropping down to continue along the banks of the river Shannon to Garrykennedy.
Breda has got a momentum log book done up for everyone that walks the Shannon, every section that is walked is logged.

Sunday January 22nd, 2017

Report on A Walk, River Shannon, from Sea to Source
Ballina/Killaloe church was the meeting for the second journey of the River Shannon walk. The group set off on the Lough Derg Way in the direction of Tountinna 457m, the high point of the Arra Mountains, in glorious sunshine. We desended to the Graves of the Leinster men, where we lunched and had some homemade cake and buns from Doreen and Breda. We then continued on to Garrykennedy, surrounded by splendid scenery, views of Lough Derg, old derelict houses of times past, snowdrops, friendly donkeys and swans on the way into Garrykennedy. We enjoyed a cup of tea and refreshments after a 19k walk in the popular pub, Larkins, in Garrykennedy while we waited for our bus driver, Brendan, to collect us and bring us back to our cars in Ballina. Breda stamped the groups "Shannon river log book".
Our next walk of the Shannon will be scheduled for Sunday 5th of February, (weather permitting) from Garrykennedy to Dromineer.

19 out on Catherine Sharpe's B walk to Lough Curra and home by the Galtee stile.

Glen of Aherlow Winter Walking Festival, January 28th and 29th, 2017

The Glen of Aherlow Winter Walking Festival took place over the weekend of January 28th and 29th, 2017, with three grades of walks on each day. The festival base was at Aherlow House Hotel and buses were provided to take participants to and from walks. Thanks to Helen and the Aherlow Failte Society, the leaders and stewards from the Club, Aherlow House Hotel, Hillwalking Radio Group, Noel Browne and his bus drivers, Mountain Rescue and Coillte and the local landowners. Thanks also to the many walkers who came from far and wide to participate.
Festival Brochure All Festival photos

Sunday February 5th, 2017

The third stage of The Shannon walk, sea to source, started in the lovely little picturesque village of Garrykennedy in good sunshine. The group began their journey along the Lough Derg Way, through fields, paths and forest tracks where we discovered a holy well, where some of the group sampled the holy water. We continued our walk, but as a rainbow came into view, it meant we had to find shelter for our lunch break and this was had in a barn that appreared at the right time, (prayers at holy well, answered!!!). Thanks to Doreen, Peig and Breda for the lovely buns and cake that we enjoyed on our lunch break. We then continued our walk on the banks of Lough Derg to Dromineer, with beautiful views of the Lake. Today's walk covered a distance of 20k. Thanks to Trish, who was waiting for us in the village to transfer us back to our cars in Garrykennedy.
Stage four will start in Dromineer and go to Terryglass.

Sunday February 12th, 2017

Thanks to Joe Browne for his ‘A’ walk on the snowy Galtees on Sunday last, visiting Lake Diheen and Cush Mountain and also to the Wednesday Walkers for their circuit of the Dolmen Loop from Lisvernane.

Sunday February 19th, 2017

Sunday March 5th, 2017

Sunday March 12th, 2017

Sunday March 19th, 2017

Shannon River Walk. Report by Breda Ryan
The 4th,5th and 6th stage of "The River Shannon Walk"resumed on St Patrick's Weekend..
Friday 17th,the group gathered at the Quey in Dromineer to begin our 27k walk to Terryglass .
Heavy mist continued throughout the day but didn't dampen the groups spirits ,of this most enjoyable walk of the Shannon.We passed through some lovely little village such as Puckaun,which is home to a number of thatched traditional style cottages,with familiar Irish names on them,Peg and Pat!!!.
We arrived into Terryglass,and made our way to Paddys Bar,to a lovely ,much deserved, St Patrick's Day,meal.
Trish ,our lovely and obliging taxi transfer lady,brought the drivers back to Dromineer to collect cars ,and drive back to Terryglass,,thanks Trish,,The rest of group ,got picked up and then continued onto Ballycrossaun Portumna and the lovey ,comfortable traditional heritage Selfcatering Cottages owned by Lena Cummins.
Lena had the fire lighting and a welcome food pack for our arrival which was so appreciated.
Saturday 18th,was a much improved weather start to our 19k journey ,from Terryglass to Ballycrossaun Portumna .We car pooled back to Terryglass .We continued onto Portumna .We lunched at a lovely little cafe in The Gala petrol Station,which set us up for our final leg of our walk.We crossed the bridge in Portumna,which also brings you into Co Galway,as we approached the Marina on the right of the Bridge,a path brings you onto the Hymany Way,which is also the O Sullivan Beara route,This path ,hugs a lot of the river Shannon,giving way to lovely views of the river.We continued this path very close to our Cottage Accomodation.The evening was finished off with a look at the rugby Match,Up Ireland!!!great food and chat.
Sunday 19th, began with dry morning to start our 20k walk to Banagher.Because of the perfect location of Cummin,s Cottages,all we needed to do was walk out of the cottages,turn right and within a short distance we were back on the Hymany Way Track.We met a local man walking his dogs who gave us many interesting stories of life on the Shannon banks.One such story is the elderly gentleman ,whose little cottage we could see,how in 2015 his home could only be accessed by boat,because of the severe flooding ,this was a story the made the national news.He still remains in his cottage,saying,"once he has his Wellingtons and a dry bed,he is staying,"we also heard he is very well looked after,maybe more so than if he moved!!! We continued onto Banagher ,where our minibus transfer,Kieran Madden collected us and brought us back to the Cottages.We freshened up and had a quick bite to eat before we packed up and made our return trip home.Thanks Lena for allowing us to have this before we departed and your hospitality was much appreciated by all the group.
May bank holiday will see the return River Shannon walk,details will be on Club Schedule .
See all the Shannon River photos.

Sunday March 26th, 2017

Sunday April 2nd, 2017

Report by Aidan Dilworth
We were out today with Rody and company and completed the first half of the marathon loop in fabulous sunshine, see two photos attached from an old church ruins near Kilshane. Not sure of the name of the location (grid ref. R938329)

Report by Eddie McGrath
15 walkers had the privilege to be on it. What a walk. It had everything, sunshine, wind and snow, the farmer opening the gate for us, dogs herding the sheep. We did Galtee Beag and Galteemore. The walk was led by Brigid and Olive with Larry. A marvellous walk.

Slievenamuck Marathon and Half Marathon, April 9th, 2017

This very successful walking Marathon and Half Marathon, held annually on Palm Sunday since 2009, is over for another year and the 2017 event was a great success with over 120 runners and walkers taking part. The weather was ideal, being cool and dry, and visibility was also good. Thanks and well done to all who took part. Thanks also to all who worked so hard to make the event possible and everyone who contributed to its success in any way. We hope to be back on Slievenamuck for the same again on Palm Sunday next year. All Photos

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Starting from Clydagh Bridge we walked in the road, then out on to open mountain and climbed up the grassy knoll. We then descended for a short distance, until we came to the start of the stream which led us to Lake Curra, where a short break was enjoyed. Around the side of the lake and down a steep slope we descended and headed for forest track, by which some walkers returned to starting point. Four remaining walkers, two new members walked across low terrain until we reached the back of Cush for our next climb. A five minute break on top, with good views all round, and the diary signed in, we descended for Clydagh. Thanks Eddie and Mary for sweeping today. Eleven walkers out today and welcome to the new comers, hope all enjoyed the day. Regards Peig.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

The starting point was Harney's Cross, then along the old drover road and up to Lake Mohra. Then a steep climb above the lake to reach the ridge and the trig point at Knocksheegowna with great views in all directions. The descent was a straight walk back to the start taking in the smaller summit of Shauneenabreaga.

Our C Walk today on the Lazy Dog Trail was jointly led by Denny O'Dwyer and Mary Murphy. This trail begins at Ballintubber wood on the Kilfinane road two miles west of Ballylanders. Twelve members of the Club enjoyed a gentle forestry track before climbing the Pinnacle at the top of Sliabh Ri. We enjoyed good scenic views way up north into the Devil's Bit, south as far as the Kilworth mountains and west towards Aughnish with J.P. McManus's home and stables visible in the distance. Our treat on the way back was a stop off at the Lazy Dog Shooting range where a full clay pigeon shoot was taking place. Denny O'Dwyer

Wednesday Evening Walk

River Shannon Walks, May Bank Holiday Weekend, 2017

Report by Breda Ryan.
May Bank Holiday was the return journey of the "River Shannon walk from sea to source"
The group met in Banagher,on Saturday morning. in perfect weather conditions, where we enjoyed tea and scones in "Vinehouse Kitchen " before our journey of 22k to Clonmacnoise ,Clonfert was our first stop,where we visited the medieval cathedral ,which dates back to the mid-sixth centuary,founded by St Brendan the navigator ,who is also buried here.After a lunch break in the village we continued along road ,track and old Industrial railway line ,through bog lands to Shannon Bridge and onto Our B/B,Kajon House.
The owners ,Kate and John,warmingly welcomed us into there lovely home and had lovely fresh homemade scones and tea ready on our arrival .Kate ,kindly drove the drivers back to Banagher to collect the cars,
Dinner was had in Lukers restaurant in Shannon Bridge,overlooking the River Shannon,what a perfect endto our first days walk.
Sunday was our journey to Athlone,Kate and John set us up for our 22k walk,with a lovely breakfast and Kate made some fresh scones for our lunch,
We first visited Clonmacnoise, ,which is an early Christian site ,founded by St Ciaran in the Mid 6th centuary on the Eastern Bank of the Shannon river.We walked around the site to see ruins of a cathedral ,seven churches,two round towers,three high crosses and the largest collection of early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe .We continued our Journey to Athlone ,some on old pilgrim paths and road.
Hennessy's minibus was there to pick us up and bring us back to Kajan House.
We again dined in Lukars in Shannon Bridge before taking a stroll around Shannon Bridge watching the boats docking .
Monday was our final day walking,.After, our again ,wholesome breakfast and homemade scones freshly cooked early by Kate for our walk,we said our goodbyes to John,Kate and their lovely dog Carra.We drove to Athlone ,parked our cars and started our walk to Lecarrow/Rindoon.25k
We walked through Athlone Town,crossing over the bridge,with views of Athlone Castle.
Our walk out of Athlone was by the new Shannon path way walk
and then onto the N61 to Rindoon which is a Anglo Norman Settlement jutting out into the picturesque Lough Ree.Here we had our lunch and walked around the site in Glorious sunshine .The remains of a church,castle,mill,hospital ,harbour and turreted town wall can be seen.This site is described as "a storybook in stone"which very few people know about.John Creedon was filming there on Saturday for a program that will be seen on our screens in 2018,on his journey of the river Shannon by boat,he is taking the easier option!,!,,but ours is more enjoyable ,,,
Our day and indeed our 3 days walking ended with our taxi back to Athlone to our cars,where we had a lovely meal before heading home.
The next journey ,on the Shannon,is planned for The June Bank Holiday ,Lecarrow to aprox Carrickonshannon.
All Shannon Walks photos

Wednesday Evening Walk

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Tuesday Evening Cycle

Cyclists completed a 33km loop on Tuesday, May 9, starting in Tipperary Town and taking in Donohill, Cappagh White and Solohead.

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Gerry Ryan's report on the A/B Walk .
16 walkers set out from Clydagh bridge consisting of A & B lead group with Thos O Neill (A) and Gerry Ryan (B). The group ascended Cush and after descending towards lake Borheen they parted company when the A group continued up the Geisha steps and onto Greenane and the B group continued along the river bank through Bula valley, crossed the river and returned to Clydagh bridge via Cush forest tracks. A great days adventurous walking was enjoyed by all and thankfully only dampened by one quick rain shower, on the 16km, moderately paced hike.

Vincent Normoyle's C walk on Sunday, May 14, was a 3 hour loop on forest tracks, south-east of Clogheen covering 9.3km and going as far as Bay Lough, taking in parts of the East Munster Way, the Blackwater (Avondhu) Way and the Tipperary Heritage Way. Refreshments were enjoyed in Nedeens Bar in Clogheen afterwards.

Wednesday Evening Walk, May 17, 2017

Sunday May 21, 2017

Peig McGrath's report on her B walk.
Starting from King's Yard twenty walkers set off on forest track in very mild but damp conditions, a break was enjoyed before reaching open mountain, with a gentle breeze and the sunshine breaking through. We headed for the Black Road, and from there up a cul de sac and through Hylands farmland who so kindly allowed us access, which led us back on to some lovely country lanes and to complete our walk back to King's yard with an over-all distance of 17.2 km...
Thanks also to Brian McSherry for his A walk on Sunday last.

Tuesday Evening Cycle

Cyclists completed a 39km loop on Tuesday, May 23, starting in Tipperary Town and going to Athassel Abbey, Golden, Knockavilla and Dundrum.

Wednesday Evening Walk, May 24, 2017

Sunday May 28, 2017

Wednesday Evening Walk, May 31, 2017

Glen of Aherlow Summer Walking and Cycling Festival, June 3rd and 4th, 2017

Hike & Bike in the Glen
The Glen of Aherlow Walking Festival, Tipperary held a new and exciting festival this year in conjunction with Tipperary Wheelers Cycling & Triathlon Club on the June Bank Holiday weekend. June 3rd & 4th 2017. There were 4 Guided Walks on Saturday June 3rd and the Aherlow Cycle Sportive which was a 83Km cycle taking a scenic route around the Glen of Aherlow and east Limerick on Sunday June 4th.

Sunday June 4, 2017

River Shannon Walks, June Bank Holiday Weekend, 2017

Report by Breda Ryan
June Bank Holiday weekend was the return journey of "THE RIVER SHANNON WALK FROM SOURCE TO SEA"
The 3 days walk was enjoyed in,surprisingly,very good weather,which made for walking 73k more enjoyable.
The Group met in Athlone for breakfast and then onto LeCarrow/Rindoon where we parked up and began our walk to Lanesborough,25k.This route was mostly on quite country roads by the shores of Lough Ree.On the walk we came upon the Well of St Faithleachs ,St Faithleach was a brother of St Brendan the navigator,The well is known for its healing powers for stomach ulcers,thankfully no one in the group needing to drink from the well!,
On crossing the bridge into Lanesborough,is the border of Longford & Roscommon.
Lanesborough was our base for the weekend.We had a lovely selfcatering house,thanks Garreth.
Sunday,s walk was from Lanesborough to Roosky,25k.We walked along an industrial railway through peat bogs,a workers hut was a welcome stop for our lunch break.The railway line ends at a link path along The Royal canal,that took us into lovely village of Cloondara.From here we crossed the bridge into Termonbarry and walked into Roosky Harbour.While waiting for our transfer back to Lanesborough,we enjoyed an ice cream in the sunshine and company of people on their boats at the harbour.
Monday was from Roosky to Carrick-on-Shannon,23k,after an early breakfast we packed up and drove to Roosky.The route was along quite country road with the Shannon river in view.Jamestown village was on our route,this is an fortified village steeped in history and so well kept.We then made the final leg of our weekend journey to the lovely town Carrick-on Shannon,where a festival was in full swing.We enjoyed a meal here before our journey home.
Just 42k left to the Shannon pot,(source of the Shannon river)Return date to be decided on soon.
Shannon photos

Wednesday Evening Walk, June 7, 2017

Sunday June 11, 2017

Wednesday Evening Walks, June 14, 2017

Sunday June 18, 2017

Mike Moroney's report on his A walk.
Sunday's A walk started at Cush carpark taking in the soldier’s hole, Saunder’s Lodge, the grassey Knol, ice road. Lough Curra Mtn. Dan Breen’s Cave, Slievecushnabinna, Galtymore, Galty Beg, Geocaching, Cush Mtn. in beautiful weather.

Wednesday Evening Walks, June 21, 2017

Galtee Challenge/Crossing, Sunday, June 25th, 2017

Congratulations and well done to everyone who took part in and completed the 2017 Galtee Challenge and Crossing on Sunday last. It's no small achievement. A total of 121 people took part. A big thanks to all who helped to make the event happen, whether on the mountain or at the base in Anglesborough or during the weeks and months before. Congratulations to Ann Donohoe on completing her tenth Crossing. Ann was presented with a special jacket to mark the occasion in Aherlow House on Sunday night. A presentation of bouquets of flowers was also made to Breda Ryan, Anne O'Donnell and Mary Ryan who are retiring after thirteen years of service to the organisation and running of the event.

More photos from the Challenge/Crossing.

Hillwalking Radio Group's video of the Crossing.

Wednesday Evening Walk, June 28, 2017

Wednesday Evening Walks, July 5, 2017

Wednesday Evening Walk, July 12, 2017

Sunday July 16, 2017

Wednesday Evening Walk, July 19, 2017

Wednesday Evening Walk, July 26, 2017

Saturday July 29, 2017

River Shannon from Sea to Source, Final Stages July 29th and 30th 2017

Report by Breda Ryan
July 29th and 30th was the final stage of our walk of the "River Shannon from sea to Source"
The group travelled back to Carrick on Shannon, on Friday evening, to continue on from our last trip in June. We had a lovely comfortable nights rest and lovely breakfast at Clenahoo B/B. This B/B also hosted Daniel and Majella on their B/B T.V. Program last year.
Saturdays weather was lovely for our 31k walk to Dowra. We walked first to Letrim village and then to Drumshanbo. In Drumshanbo we lunched at the lovely selfcatering traditional cottage village, on the banks of the picturesque Lough Allen.
We then proceeded on the Leitrim Way to Dowra, passing Famine graveyards, holy wells and various little old bridges that gave us glimpses of the now narrowing river Shannon as it is nearing its journey to the source.
We arrived in Dowra and crossed another bridge that is the border of Cavan and Leitrim.
Mrs Keegan supplied us with our transfer back to Carrick on Shannon, and to our B/B, The Gables near Dowra.
Sunday's weather started off well for our final 12k journey to the Shannon Pot, so after our breakfast we drove back to Dowra and linked onto the Cavan Way. Heavy showers came and went, but nothing could dampen our spirits and as we shared the stories of our adventure from the January day we started our walk in Limerick.
The sign to the Shannon Pot finally emerged directed to "Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark"
From here the Cavan Way continues to Marble Arch Caves and the Cavan Burren, but our mission was to get to the Shannon Pot,source of the River Shannon.With just about 200m to walk in, we arrived at The Shannon Pot, we took many pictures and toasted with our hot beverages and home made buns! As we got ready to leave, we noticed a information plaque, as we began to read it, we now discovered that in recent times it has been discovered, after various water tracking experiments, that the Shannon rises some 10k away up in Co Fermanagh in the Cuilcagh Mountains!!!!!!
Well nothing for it only some time, make a return trip to find the TRUE SOURCE, probably will have moved again!!! but for now, THE SHANNON POT, it will be, and it looks good to be the Birth place of the Longest River in Ireland.
We returned to Carrick on Shannon for a lovely celebratory meal in Cryans Hotel.On our journey home we made a return visit to Shannon Bridge to Killeens Pub to meet up with Oscar the celeb on John Creedons River Shannon!,
Breda and Pat would like to thank all the group that travelled with us on this Shannon river adventure.
Photos from the weekend.

Wednesday Evening Walk, August 2, 2017

Saturday August 5, 2017

Wednesday Evening Walk, August 9, 2017

Wednesday Evening Walk, August 23, 2017

Tour du Mont Blanc, August 26 to September 2, 2017

Photos from the trip. video

Sunday September 3, 2017

Fundraising Walk for Hillwalking Radio Group

Members of Galtee Walking Club, The Boro Walkers, Peaks, Suil Eile, Cahir Meet and Train and Bogtrotters at the Fundraising Walk for the Hillwalking Radio Group on Sat 9th September, 2017

Sunday September 10, 2017

Sunday September 17, 2017

Sunday September 24, 2017

Skibbereen Walking Group visit to the Galtees and the Glen of Aherlow, September 30 and October 1

The Skibbereen Walking Group from West Cork visited the Galtees and the Glen of Aherlow area over the weekend of September 30 and October 1.
On Saturday, September 30, all three walks met at Clydagh Bridge at 10:30am and started out together. A walkers climbed to Galtymore while B and C walkers went as far as Lake Curra.
The Skibbereen club members attended a dinner in Aherlow House Hotel on Saturday night in the company of some Galtee members.
On Sunday, October 1, the A and B walks met at Rossadrehid Waterworks at 10:30am and visited Lake Muskry with the A walkers taking in Knockastackeen on the way. There weas also a C walk from Aherlow House Hotel to Rock an Thorabh on forest tracks.
The Skibbereen club have invited the Galtee Walking Club to visit West Cork at some time in the future, probably in the spring or early summer of 2018. We hope they all enjoyed their visit here.

Sunday October 8, 2017

Sunday October 15, 2017

UCC Radio Broadcast on the Galtees featuring GWC Members

University College Cork radio station produced a one hour programme on the Galtee Mountains which featured club members Tom Lyons, Pat Ryan and Mike Moroney and also Helen Morrissey of Aherlow Failte and Jimmy Barry of South East Mountain Rescue. The programme covered the beauty, the views, the history, myths and legends associated with the mountain.
You can listen to the programme or download the mp3 file (82MB) through the links below.

Play

Download mp3 file