On Sunday 7 September 2009, some 21 Trekkers set out for Clifden for a five night stay in Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. As we headed west, weather conditions detoriated, driving rain and heavy mist together with navigating the pot holes (lakes) and road works made the journey down one to remember. However afternoon tea and the All-Ireland hurling final soothed & relaxed the weary travellers!

On Monday, with improved weather conditions, the C walkers, led by Kevin Beegan set off for a walk along Killary Harbour estuary – The Famine Relief Road. Whilst not reaching The Famine Village (due to threat of rain) some derelict buildings could be seen along the track reminding us of the exodus of people who left the area during the 1840’s & ‘50’s. On our right we could see the mussel & fish farms in the harbour and on our left was our NBF (new best friend) the wire fence which some of us clung to in an effort to navigate the muddy stretches. Whilst we came away with dry feet – I am sure the farmer’s fence may be somewhat lopsided!

The B walkers (all four of them) led by John Murphy set off to climb Tully Mountain (375m). This is an important landmark on the Neolithic map of Ireland, with two portal tombs, several stone alignments and other Neolithic monuments confirming human life on the peninsula more that five millennia ago. On a clear day the views are spectacular, with the Twelve Bens rising to the southeast, Mweelrea across Killary to the northeast, in the distance Croagh Patrick and Achill Island to the north, the coastline of Connemara in the south and Inisbofin in the west. The Trekkers first climbed this mountain in 1985 on their first “away” trip, that group consisted of Shaun Trant, Kieran Trant, Charlie Ryan, Paddy O’Duffy and Bill Hannon.

Monday night brought heavy rain and gales, and the proposed trip to Inisboffin was rescheduled for Thursday. It was agreed that the group would meet at 1p.m. on Tuesday for Monty’s Plan B. The Trekkers enjoyed the free morning, spending the time pottering around the shops in Clifden, relaxing in the hotel, visiting old friends or walking/driving along the Sky road. 1p.m saw some 12 Trekkers driving to Claddaghduff church and walking across 1 km of tidal sands to the road on Omey Island. This route is impassable for two hours each side of high tide. In 7th century St Feichin founded a monastic settlement on the island and we visited the ruins of Teampaill Feichin, one of the gables being of an older structure and dates probably from the 10th century. A clear sky offered spectacular views of the island and the sea and the strong winds made the walk invigorating. The Trekkers had an opportunity to practice belly dancing skills when they shimmied under a barbed wire fence. (no damage to island fences….)

Wednesday morning brought blue skies and sunshine. The Trekkers were collected by coach and headed for the Inagh Valley aand walks along the Western Way. Monty and the B walkers joined the Western Way in the middle of the Inagh Valley and headed north with Maamturk Mountains on the left. The C group, led by John Furey, joined the Western Way further on. Whilst the C group kept ahead of the B group during the walk, both groups survived the mud and met in Leenane for a welcome drink/cuppa.

Thursday saw the Trekkers heading for Cleggan and the ferry to Inishbofin. With Monty acting as our island guide, we spent a happy few hours walking around the island in sparkling sunshine. The first documented history of the island dates back to the 7th century during the life of St. Colman. The present church on the island was built in 1910 and serves the population of about 200 souls. Whilst we didn’t encounter the mythical white cow or Grainualie, we did meet a friendly islander who went out of his way to direct us to the Poll Tolladh (the bore hole).

Thursday night after dinner, the singsong in the hotel was in full swing. With the Trekkers taking it in turns with the Clontarf Golfers, the party of French Fishermen were suitably impressed, although I think the 3 pretty female musicians may have had something to do with it!

Unfortunately all good things come to an end. However it was a wonderful trip, the good weather, the hotel with its friendly staff, lovely food and lively entertainment will make it one to remember. A big Thank You to Monty for all the organisation and planning that went into it and to the other leaders, Kevin Beegan, John Murphy and John Furey for leading the walks.