Fermoy Multiple Sclerosis Society Annual Galtee Walk
Every year, on the 3rd Sunday of June ( Father's Day), Fermoy MS host the Galtee Walk, this is our main fundraiser, so having your support means we can reach out to more members of our community and offer the support and services they need. You are also helping to provide scientific research into the causes of, cure for and management of MS

Join us for a fun day out in the countryside

Below is a link to our dedicated Facebook page, so please feel free to have a look, see what were up to:  https://www.facebook.com/Fermoy-Multiple-Sclerosis-Society-Annual-Galtee-Walk-146262412220600/

We are looking for people with hill walking experience to join our stewarding group; this is split into two shifts (8am-12.30 & 12.30-5pm) If this is something you are interested in please contact Mary on 087-6682834 asap for more information.
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Looking forward to meeting you all on the mountain.

This May is the 8th year of the Leenane Mountain Walking Festival and it takes place on from the 30th April – 1st May bank Holiday.

The festival has been designed to suit all levels of walkers from casual low level walks to the more experienced! Each day there is a choice of at least 3 walks from Strenuous to low level plus geology & archaeology fieldtrip. This year the programme includes the firm favourite Mweelrea as well as the Maamtrasna and the Sheeffry Hills. Michael Gibbons is back by popular demand with another fascinating archaeological walk.

Each walk is guided by qualified, experienced guides and covered by public insurance. Another unique element of the festival is that the local farmers get involved with guiding the walks and share their vast knowledge, folklore and history of the land. With the farmers involvement in the event, they kindly grant the participants permission to cross their lands and visit areas that are not normally open to the public. Transport to and from starting and finishing points will be provided as well as tea/coffee & scones at various local businesses at the end of each day.

The festival will kick of with a talk from Mary Young on her recent trek in Nepal on the Friday night, with the finale been the much loved Ceili on the Sunday to finish the weekend off with a bang. Keep an eye on their facebook page for more details.

The committee would like to thank all the landowners for giving us permission to use their land for the weekend. Leenane Mountain Walking Festival is organised by a group of locals who want to help make this amazing part of the country accessible to everyone, give people a chance to see what the West of Ireland has to offer and also help bring business to the local community.

Book online at www.leenanevillage.com

This year's festival includes a Historical Walk of Bantry Town on Friday evening and family friendly walks available each day!

​Check out www.bantrywalkingfestival.com for details and bookings!

​Join Peter McVerry Trust on our one day Long Walk Home challenge as we take on part of The Wicklow Way.
Beginning in Marlay Park we will wander through the delightful surroundings of the park before beginning the walk’s first ascent towards the Dublin Hills. Passing Kilmashogue, Fairy Castle and Tibradden Mountains the trail descends to reach the Glencullen Road. On crossing the Glencullen River our hike then ascends towards Prince Williams Seat followed by a descent to the Enniskerry Road, directly north of Knockree Hill. After the walk we will head to Johnnie Fox’s Pub for a bite to eat and a chance to relax before heading back to Marlay Park (by bus!).
Costs
Registration Fee: €50
Fundraising Target: €100
Includes: Transport from Knockree to Marlay Park and a guide for the walk followed by soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee.
Fact File
Distance: 21km
Time: 7 hrs
Ascent: 600m
Difficulty: Strenuous
If you are interested in joining us on these walks to help raise funds for Peter McVerry Trust, please contact our fundraising office on 01 823 0776 or email fundraising@pmvtrust.ie to get further information.

Part of the European E8 Walking route, this year Peter McVerry will take on the South Leinster Way. We will travel along the banks of the River Nore, across country roads and through several hills. Crossing the slopes of Mount Brandon, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery, the Long Walk Home will see you discovering the majestic countryside of Kilkenny. Beginning at Mullinavat and finishing in Graiguenamanagh, this 46km trail is the perfect challenge for a seasoned walker.

Day 1 (Saturday 30th April 2016) – Mullinavat to Inistioge (30km Approx.)
Our journey will begin in Mullinavat and we will travel over several hills through the forest roads until we reach the banks of the River Nore. Following the river as it curves through the land, we will make our way to the beautiful and historic village of Inistioge with sites including the Augustinian Priory and St. Columcille’s Well. In recent years, Inistioge has also witnessed the development of the film making industry in Ireland. Famous films shot here include Widow’s Peak and Circle of Friends. Tonight we will stay at Brandon House Hotel, Co. Wexford.

Day 2 (Sunday 1st April 2016) – Inistioge to Graiguenamanagh (16km Approx.)
Our adventure continues as we leave Inistioge and make our way to Graiguenamagh, crossing through the slopes of Mount Brandon by a series of forest walks, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. We make our way down and into the town of Graiguenamagh where the Cistercian Duiske Abbey in Ireland can be found and Crushendale woollen mills which is one of Ireland’s oldest woollen mills still operating today.

Accommodation:
Brandon House Hotel is a beautiful Manor House situated in Co. Wexford. Renowned for its spa, Solas Croí Spa, Brandon House Hotel offers the perfect location for a night of relaxation after a challenging day. You will arrive at the hotel by bus. After dinner the evening is free for you to have a drink in the residence bar or unwind in your room. Breakfast will be served in the restaurant before we check out and resume our journey.

Costs:
Deposit: €50
Fundraising Target €400
Includes: Coach transfers, lunches and a one night stay with dinner, bed and breakfast at Brandon House Hotel.
Fact File
Distance: 46km
Time: 2 days
Difficulty: Moderate

If you are interested in joining us on these walks to help raise funds for Peter McVerry Trust, please contact our fundraising office on 01 823 0776 or email fundraising@pmvtrust.ie to get further information

The second annual Dublin Walking Festival takes place this Easter weekend the 25th to the 27th March.
The festival takes in a selection of routes across the Dublin Mountains, and with walks categorised as easy, moderate or strenuous, there should be something for almost everyone.
“This walking festival has been designed for cater for almost everyone, be they young, old, novice or experienced”, said Terry Lambert of Hilltop Treks, the organiser of the festival. “We are using great trails in the Dublin Mountains such as the Dublin Mountains Way, and our friends at Trails and Tales will guide the walk at Bohernabreena and its beautiful reservoir. And with the kind support of South Dublin County Council we have been able to provide family friendly routes for young children too.”
Highlights of the festival include a hike to Seahan Mountain for the experienced walker, a Full Moon Walk overlooking the lights of Dublin and the Irish coastline, a photography walk, and the historical walks of the Hell Fire Club and Massy’s Woods with local historian Frank Tracy. “Dublin is blessed to have such great walking areas and access routes on its doorstep”, said Terry. “It’s great fun for everyone and a great excuse to enjoy the great outdoors that Dublin has to offer.”
Whilst registration takes place at the location of some of the walks, other walks such as the Bohernabreena reservoir walk or the Dublin Mountains Way Trail 1 & 2 start at the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght where buses will be provided to get walkers to the walk and back.
Walkers are advised to bring walking boots/ shoes, rain gear, packed lunch, water, sun cream and camera. Those interested in taking part can pay for walks separately or avail of the weekend walk pass, and prices are related to the grade rating of each walk. There is also a 50% discount for family walks.
For further details and prices visit http://www.hilltoptreks.com/walking-holidays/dublin-walking-festival

This February, Sarah Good, a Firefighter/Paramedic and Personal Trainer aims to hike The Spink Walk in Glendalough every day, for a month, in aid of Laura Lynn, Ireland's Children's Hospice.

For more information, please contact Sarah directly on 086-1700190 or through Facebook at the "Walk the Glendalough Way Every Day, for Laura Lynn" facebook page.

You can sponsor Sarah online by following the steps detailed in the link below, or you can join her for one of the day's walks and donate €10 or whatever you can, on the day.
The more the merrier! 
https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/sarah-6

Oughterard Trails Festival - €25 Per Adult / €30 per Family for the Weekend Festival - Covers all walks
Walks can be paid for individually on the day:

See www.discoveroughterard.com/oughterard-trails-festival.html for more details of all the walks or check them out on facebook here ​