“Sea Mist Spoilsport at Dunmore East”

An apology is owed to a neighbouring county. A number of retired teachers should have known better that Dunmore East (Dún Mór) is in Contae Phort Láirge and not Wexford! The two hours plus to drive there seems to have deprived us of numbers. Any deficiently was compensated by the excellent company of those who took on the challenge. Leading a walk always brings responsibility and challenge. Leading a walk far from home brings extra burdens. Denis McAuliffe, who led us, handled manfully everything that landed in his lap. When he did the recce for our walk- considered one of the best in Ireland- he saw the glories of the walk in splendid sunshine. We were less fortunate alas but there were other highlights. When Denis led us to the first of three bays a newborn seal pup greeted us while its mother kept an eye on us from deep water. Coming so soon in the walk one half expected to see a whale and calf at the second. With our picnic to happen at the third bay Ballymacaw tropical parrots were flying in the sky of some imaginations.

Thankfully we stayed dry and the wind from the sea, which was very strong at times, did not spoil the outing. The local hotel proved as good as its name, “The Haven”, and kept their kitchen open to serve us a late lunch with superior desserts. The walk had proved a worthy challenge. It was long (14km) and the terrain demanded close attention and effort in places. We did not need to fake our appetite as we tucked in.

It’s a special cliff walk experience tha t will repay a return visit hopefully with the sun to our backs.

Much thanks to Denis for leading..