Garretstown Amble led by Angela

Thursday, March 19th was the warmest day of the year so far, here in Ireland. The skies above Garretstown were deep blue.

There were probably a few snowbound holidaymakers in Tenerife that day who would have gladly traded places with the twenty eager walkers who gathered at the car park of the Speckled Door, to be met by Angela, our able amble leader.

We set off at a good pace but the gradual gradient proved no challenge to our fit walkers, who ambled along, chatting and admiring the ever-changing view, the deep blue sea a fairly consistent backdrop to the walk. The soundtrack to our walk that of buzzing bumble bees and the odd barking dog. One canine friend in particular seemed to be torn between barking at faraway cows or nearby retired teachers. The latter wisely chose to pay heed to the ominous sign on the gate of his abode.

A “comfort stop” at the Old Head Signal Tower gave the amblers a chance to admire the views and pose for a photo by the Lusitania Memorial Garden. Then it was full steam ahead to the long sandy beach of Garretstown followed by a short walk back to the carpark. The amble concluded with a very welcome lunch at Hurley’s Bar and Restaurant in Ballinspittle.

Over lunch, Angela told us the background to the nearby Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance, and recommended a stop off on our homeward bound journey, if time permitted. The garden is a fitting tribute to the brave firefighters of the New York City Fire Department and their chaplain, Fr. Mychal Judge who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. Suaimhneas síoraí orthu.

Míle Buíochas do Angela for a wonderful amble in Garretstown