We received five entries in our Spring 2017 #HighPointIrelandPhoto on 20th February 2017. After a full week of voting on Twitter, the five entries received a combined total of 97 "likes". Of these, 47 were received by the winning photo of Carrauntoohil submitted by Anthony O'Donovan (@anthonyodonovan). Congratulations Anthony! Your photo will become the header image of the High Point Ireland homepage, blog page, Twitter account, Facebook page, and the High Point Ireland for Mountain Rescue Ireland and Million Metre Challenge fundraising pages during March, April and May 2017. In addition, your winning photo will appear during those months as the header image of The Ireland Walking Guide's Twitter account and Facebook page. It will be also displayed permanently as a winning photo at the bottom of the photo competition page.

 
Thanks to all five entrants for taking part, and to everyone who voted for their favourite in the Spring 2017 #HighPointIrelandPhoto competition.

If you would like to take part in the Summer 2017 #HighPointIrelandPhoto competition, please note that entries will be accepted on 20th May 2017.

The next phase of Tellus – a geological mapping project which collects geophysical and geochemical data on rocks, soil and water across Ireland – is set to ‘take off’ over counties Mayo and Donegal in early March.
This latest geophysical phase of the survey involves a low-flying plane, equipped with state-of-the art technology, traversing the skies across County Mayo and western County Donegal.  The aircraft, based at Sligo airport, will be in the air from March 2017 to late autumn 2017 (weather permitting).  During this time, it will traverse over 42 Gribbon locations (listed in full below) including Mweelrea, the highest point in the province of Connacht, and historic pilgrimage trail, Croagh Patrick.

 
The survey activity will help better identify and map variations in the rocks and soils, which will assist in understanding the local environment, soil management and natural resource potential for these counties.
Hillwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts are advised that the aircraft will fly at a level of 60 metres over rural areas (approximately eight times the height of a standard two storey house), rising to 240 metres over urban areas. The sound of the plane is similar to that of a passing lorry; however it may startle sensitive livestock such as horses, pedigree cattle, sheep-in-lamb and poultry flocks.
 

As it is vital to raise public awareness of the project, particularly amongst farmers and animal owners - the Tellus team is delivering an ongoing communications campaign across the regions. If you have any  concerns about the survey, particularly if you own sensitive livestock, or if you are interested in finding out more about the project,  you can contact the Tellus Freephone information line on 1800 303 516 or visit www.tellus.ie. You can also follow Tellus on Twitter, @TellusGSI.

 
The Tellus survey will be flying over/in close proximity to the following Gribbon locations in Co. Mayo and Co. Donegal during March –to late autumn 2017:

• No. 010 - Mweelrea (841m)
• No. 011 – Nephin (806m)
• No. 017 – Barrclashcame (772m)
• No. 019 – Croagh Patrick (764m)
• No. 021 – Errigal Mountain (751m)
• No. 024 – Slieve Carr (721m)
• No. 026 – Corranabinnia (716m)
• No. 030 – Birreencorragh (698m)
• No. 034 – Croaghaun (688m)
• No. 038 – Croaghgorm (674m)
• No. 039 – Slievemore, Achill Island (671m)
• No. 048 – Slieve Snaght (615m)
• No. 051 - Slieve League (595m)
• No. 059 – Knockalongy (544m) (in close proximity as the plane taxis to Sligo airport)
• No. 061 - Corraun Hill East Top (541m)
• No. 062 - Moylenanav (539m)
• No. 068 - Arroo (523m) (in close proximity as the plane taxis to Sligo airport)
• No. 072 - Raghtin More (502m)
• No. 074 - Bulbin (494m)
• No. 080 – Loughsalt Mountain (469m)
• No. 081 – Minaun (466m)
• No. 083 – Crockauns (463m) (in close proximity as the plane taxis to Sligo airport)
• No. 084 – Knockmore (462m)
• No. 089 – Barnesmore (451m)
• No. 091 – Croaghmoyle (430m)
• No. 092 – Tievealehid (429m)
• No. 100 – Croaghleheen (385m)
• No. 102 – Maumakeogh (379m)
• No. 107 – Culliagh Southeast Top (369m)
• No. 109 – Knockalla Mountain (363m)
• No. 118 – Tawnaghmore (340m)
• No. 121 – Gregory Hill (336m)
• No. 123 – Crocknasmug (328m)
• No. 137 – Crockalough (282m)
• No. 146 – Benwee Head (255m)
• No. 150 – Croaghnamaddy (252m)
• No. 152 – Croaghegly (245m)
• No. 153 – Knocknascollop Northwest Top (244m)
• No. 157 – Cluidaniller West Top (227m)
• No. 158 – Murren Hill (227m)
• No. 159 – Inch Top (222m)
• No. 164 – Inishturk (191m)
  

Five qualifying entries were tweeted on submission day (20th February 2017) of our Spring 2017 #HighPointIrelandPhoto competition, each one demonstrating the beauty of the Irish uplands. For the duration of the voting period, all five entries will be listed as our Twitter likes. The original tweets  can also be accessed via the clickable slideshow below. To vote for your favourite, all you need to do is give it a "like" on Twitter. Voting closes at midnight at the end of 27th February 2017, and the winning entry (the one with most “likes”) will be announced the following day.

The winning photo will also become the header image of the High Point Ireland Twitter account, Facebook page, and the High Point Ireland for Mountain Rescue Ireland and Million Metre Challenge fundraising pages during March, April and May 2017. In addition, the winning photo will appear as the header image of The Ireland Walking Guide's Twitter account and Facebook page. It will be also displayed permanently as a winning photo at the bottom of the photo competition page.

Good luck to our five entrants, and thanks to everyone for getting involved.

This year’s Killarney Walking Festival takes place from Friday 9th June to Sunday 11th June 2017. The organisers have included some new signature treks - The ‘Peaks of the Reeks’ including the iconic Carrauntoohil and Coomloughra Horseshoe treks, and Ross Castle and Innisfallen Island Tour. The Festival is a chance to enjoy a weekend of long relaxing guided walks and boat trips.

This year’s signature walk is a Tour of Ross Castle and Innisfallen Island. Visit two of Killarney’s most famous landmarks, starting with a guided tour of Ross Castle which is maintained and furnished as it was in the 15th Century. Built by the O’Donoghue Ross Chieftains in the 15th Century, it remained their defensive stronghold for over 100 years until it was taken by the armies of Oliver Cromwell under General Ludlow in the year 1652.

Following on from your visit to Ross Castle, enjoy a boat trip to the early Christian monastic site and oratory on Innisfallen Island where St. Fionán Lobhar founded his 6th century monastery. It was here that the world renowned Annals Innisfallen were compiled. The visit to Innisfallen Island will include a one-hour guided walk of the island with panoramic views of the surrounding Lough Leane.

Other Signature walks include, The Coomloughra Horseshoe trek along the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Summit of Carrauntoohil, Mangerton and Torc Mountain Paths, Gap of Dunloe Boat Trip, Tomies and Purple and the Old Kenmare Road,
 
This year’s Charity Walk in aid of Kerry Parents and Friends, is a Sun ‘SET’ on Strickeen, on Friday evening, June 9th, departing Kate Kearney’s Cottage at 7.30pm. Strickeen is part of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range, at 440m; it follows a path to the top until an ancient cairn/ritual greets the walker. Here is where the ‘craic’ begins - Walkers will be asked to dance an entire Kerry Polka on the summit, just bring a tin whistle and a bodhrán! The Charity Kerry Parent and Friends plays an enormous role in the lives of families in Kerry living with intellectual disability.

John O’Sullivan, Reeks Lodge and Guiding said “This festival is for everyone - families, walking clubs and anyone who loves the great outdoors. The schedule of walks has something for all ages and abilities, from strenuous category three hikes to easy low level category one walks. From the challenging MacGillycuddy’s Reeks hike to the leisurely wood trails and Innisfallen Island by boat. There are 10 guided walks to choose from in all”. Also guiding are the experienced Killarney Guides Ray and Mary Walsh of ‘Walk with Me’.

Dates for your diary:

• 9th, 10th & 11th June 2017

Event links:

• The official event website
  

Associated Gribbon locations:

• Carrauntoohil (1,039m)
• Mangerton Mountain (838m)
• Purple Mountain (832m)