The February Hill walk of the RTAI took place at Mt. Hillary in Banteer North Cork, and twenty nine hearty souls participated. Mt Hillary is known locally as ‘Cnoc an Iolar’, the Hill of the Eagle, although there have been no sightings of the golden eagle here in the last century. Mt. Hillary is part of the Boggeragh Mountains which lie between the River Lee and the Blackwater.

As there is limited parking at the trailhead most walkers met at The Wild Goose Restaurant between Dromahane and Mallow and carpooled from there.

The walk was ably led by Norah Farrissey. We set off from the carpark at the entrance to forestry in Knightfield on the northern slopes of Mt. Hillary at about 11.15 am and we followed the red arrows. This looped walk ascends gently through forestry roads and woodland trails. Swathes of spruce, pine and fir trees surrounded us as well as open ground with gorse and boggy terrain. We frequently had to pick our way around watery pools deposited by the rains of the night before in particular. Indeed, we were blessed with the mostly dry day and occasional glimpses of sunshine.

The summit is 391m or 1,283 ft high. We picnicked, finding slabs of concrete here and there to rest on, among the four telecommunications masts at the top. Oh, the peace and the freedom of it all to be out in the wide open spaces enjoying spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. In the plains below us the River Blackwater could be seen meandering its way through Duhallow. Farther away we glimpsed the mountains of Kerry, Tipperary and Limerick. Ancient and mystic names like the Mullaghareirk, Galtee and Derrynasaggart as well as the hills and countryside of Ballyhoura.

After a short rest we began our descent enjoying good company in the peace of the countryside. We reached the car park at around half past two and then set off for a spot of lunch at the Wild Goose, famished after the 10k hike.

Thanks to Kathleen Flynn for the report

On September 12th, 2019 a group of 32 RTAI members travelled to Glengarriff to visit the renowned and beautiful island commonly  known as Garnish or Illnacullen (Island of Holly).

Garnish Island is located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff  It is a small island of 15 hectares (37 acres) known to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island garden of rare beauty. The gardens of Ilnacullin owe their existence to the creative partnership, some seventy years ago, of Annan Bryce, then owner of the island and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. The island was bequeathed to the Irish people in 1953, and was subsequently entrusted to the care of the Commissioners of Public Works. To-day management of the island is in the hands of the Office of Public Works.

Ilnacullin is renowned for its richness of plant form and colour, changing continuously with the seasons. The vivid colours of Rhododendrons and Azaleas reach their peak during May and June, whilst the hundreds of cultivars of climbing plants, herbaceous perennials and choice shrubs dominate the midsummer period from June to August. Autumn colour, particularly on the magnificent heather bank, is rich during the usually mild early autumn months of September and October. Because of its sheltered situation and the warming oceanic influence of the Gulf Stream the climate is in some respect almost subtropical.

Gardeners, nature lovers and historians among our group really enjoyed the visit. Leo Lowney acted as guide and MC for the trip and shared his local knowledge throughout the day. He pointed out landmarks of interest while sailing across on the ferry and we were very lucky to be treated to a spectacular close up view of the seals which were preening themselves on the rocks.

The group split into a number of groups on the island. Walkers enjoyed the magnificent walled gardens and  a trip up to the Martello Tower while smaller groups visited the house which has been beautifully restored to its former beauty. We learnt of Maggie O Sullivan from Glengarriff who worked as a housekeeper there from her early teenage years  until her death about 20 years ago. She was known locally as “Maggie the Island”. Of particular interest was her recipe book where she meticulously recorded her recipes in beautiful handwriting.

Particular thanks to Brendan O Sullivan and his crew for their help in organising a wonderful trip. The group enjoyed a delicious lunch in the famous Casey’s Hotel afterwards.

Don’t Pay the Ferry Man!