Category: Walks

Doneraile Park

The first of our walks for the month of May, was a very popular guided walk through the grounds of Doneraile Park. This walk was organised by Mary Fitzgerald, and took place on Thursday 10th May. Once again, we were blessed with a fine day. Mary had engaged Mr. Michael O’Sullivan to be our local guide.  It was a fascinating outing with a  superbly informed and good-humoured guide who delighted in calling ‘ciúnas!’ and invited us later to visit his own historic home, Creagh House, formerly the abode of the estate agent for the St. Leger estate at Doneraile. The sun shone too and we enjoyed a tasty lunch. Thanks to Mary for an excellent outing, enjoyed by all.

Thanks to Joe Carroll and Elizabeth O’Connell for the photos below:

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Glenshelane Woods

On Wednesday 16th May, the hillwalkers gathered in Cappoquin, Co. Waterford,  on a beautiful sunny morning. We were being taken to nearby Glenshelane Woods, ably led by Helen and Dick Waide. The walk followed the course of the Glenshelane river, through dappled forest paths, under the canopy of new leaves, and bordered by bluebells and wild garlic.

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Luckily our guides knew the forest well. When we came to a spot on the path where a man was employing some machinery, we had no option but to turn back and find an alternative path. No bother to Helen and Dick!

This is a beautiful forest path, not too difficult a walk. It crosses the river at various points on well-maintained bridges. There’s a scouting centre too, in a perfect clearing.

We stopped for sustenance (corporal and spiritual) at the grotto near Mount Mellaray. After that we returned through the forest, to Cappoquin, where we had a delicious lunch in Barrons Bakery. Many of the group members took the opportunity to buy some of the freshly baked goods to take home.

Thanks to Elizabeth O’Connell and Mags McCarthy for the photos.

On Thursday 5th April, a group of 16 hillwalkers took to the Galtees, ably led by Joan McCann.

We met for carpooling and coffee at the Firgrove Hotel, and then drove a few kilometres to the trailhead, near Anglesboro.

Our walk was through Com Baun wood, skirting the western side of Temple Hill. We were fortunate that the day remained dry, although it was windy at times. There were wonderful views across to the Ballyhouras and back to Corrin. The effect of the recent storms was evident in a few places, where we came across fallen trees and banks of snow. All the better to help us appreciate the beauty and power of nature. All credit to Joan, who had done numerous “recces” in advance. We had no obstacle on our path.

Later, we returned to the Firgrove for a very welcome tasty lunch and convivial chat.

Our May hillwalk is planned for Glenshillane, near Capoquin, on 16th May, when we will be in the capable hands of Helen and Dick Waide.

The fallen tree wasn’t an obstacle

Taking in the view

On 8th February a group of about 20 amblers had a pleasant walk along the banks of the Curraheen River, behind the old Tennis Village to the Mardyke, via the Lee Fields. Leader Mags McCarthy regaled the group with memories of childhood escapades in the area. The walk passed the point at which the River Lee divides into its north and south channels, just west of the Mardyke. Some of the group climbed up on the Shaky Bridge, to experience the “shake” for possibly the last time before its refurbishment.

We returned to the Tennis Village, now known as The Model Farm, for a very tasty lunch.