UPCOMING EVENT: Killarney Walking Festival 2017

Discover the hidden valleys, mountains, reeks, lake shores and all that is beautiful and untamed about Kerry and Killarney National Park.

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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.

Ross Castle

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.

Ascending Carrauntoohil

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.

Relaxing on Carrauntoohil

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)

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This article was contributed by the Killarney Walking Festival event organisers

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