2007 Achill Walks Festival / Féile Siúlóidí Acla17 - 19 March 2007A walking festival with a difference
Programme of Events:
Saturday 17 March 2007
A: Siúl Cuan An Fhóid Duibh
This walk starts in the historic village of Dugort and makes its way around the small rounded hill, Cruinneoc (214 metres), which dominates the village to the East. On the way you will pass the bogs that provided the fuel to heat Achill homes for centuries. Passing through an elevated scenic village you descend to the first of Achill's Blue Flag beaches, The Golden Strand, which is aptly named. On then to the Silver Strand, Achill's second Blue Flag beach, dominated by the ramparts and sheer rock outcrops of Achill's second highest mountain Slievemore (671 metres).
Meet: Strand Hotel car park, Dugort. 10.00am sharp.
Distance: 10km (approx.)
Time: 3 hours
Grade: Easy
Fee: €5 / £4
B: Siúl Píobairí Acla
Walk with the local pipe bands through the villages of Keel and Dooagh. Hear the highland pipes and drums reverberate of the Achill hills as you step in time.
Time: 2pm-6pm
FREE!
Sunday 18th March 2007
A: Siúl an tAigéan Atlantach
Walk the spectacular Atlantic Drive and feel the fresh Atlantic breeze on your face as you enjoy the breathtaking vistas.
Meet: Pattens Bar, Derreens. 10.00am sharp.
Time: 4 hours
Distance 13.1 km.
Grade: Easy
Fee: €5 / £4
B: Walk Croaghaun Mountain
Climb Croaghaun mountain (688 metres), the highest hill on Achill Island. From Keem Bay we climb on to the western ridges of Croaghaun which gives unsurpassed views of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. This climb will be led by International Mountain Leader Tomás Mac Lochlainn, who will provide a series of talks about the landscape, geology, flora and fauna, along with local history, folklore and placenames. Surefootedness and a head for heights are essential on this strenuous hillwalk.
Pre-registration is necessary - closing date 9th March. (Limited places).
Meet: Keem Bay upper car park. 10.00am
Distance: 8km
Height gain: 700m (approx.)
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Grade: Strenuous
Fee: €30 / £24
Monday 19 March 2007
Traverse of Slievemore Mountain (671m)
From Dugort village this guided walk will climb up the sharp eastern ridge to the mountain top (height gain: 670m). From the summit, the views to the south (Clew Bay and beyond) and the north (Belmullet peninsula and Blacksod Bay) have to be seen to be believed. From the top, the walk will proceed in a westerly direction and descend past the Deserted Village. This walk will be led by International Mountain Leader Tomás Mac Lochlainn, who will provide a series of talks about the landscape, geology, flora and fauna, along with local history, folklore and placenames.
Pre-registration is necessary - closing date 9th March.
Meet: Deserted Village car park. 10.00am
(Transport will be provided to walk start)
Distance: 10km
Height gain: 671m (approx.)
Time: 4 hours
Grade: Strenuous
Fee: €20 / £16
Ceol Agus Craic
A number of venues are hosting music and entertainment over the weekend of the Walks Festival. Among the events planned are:
Strand Hotel, Dugort:
17th March - Music in the bar with Peter Dever
Achill Head Hotel, Pollagh
16th, 17th, 18th March - Club Zamba Nightclub
16th, 17th, 18th March - Live music in Shark's Head Bar
Óstán Oileán Acla, Achill Sound
17th March - Traditional music in the Harbour Bar
For further details of the Achill Walks Festival, please contact Achill Tourism.
A number of our members have supplied Special Offers on accommodation for the Walks Festival. For a comprehensive list of accommodation providers in Achill, please select from the following options: For travel information on getting to Achill Island, please see our Maps & Travel section.
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