Killarney multi day walk (11-15/06/22)

Attendees: P Bridges, N Bridges, S Prestage, P Mitchell, M Simmonds, P Cotterill, D McDonnell, M Sadler, B Mullrennan, N Graham, H Thakur, G Jay, N Maguire, H Maguire and N Maguire.

Outward

An early start for the flight to Dublin. Most gathered at Wetherspoons for breakfast. On arrival at Dublin we meet up with Hema. We originally headed to the bus stop before the toing and froing started. We left the queue for the bus to join the taxi queue as the bus was 30mins away, after waiting while in the taxi queue 3 members went back to the bus and 4 went to order a taxi from their phone. Then finally after about 40 mins we got a minibus that took the remaining 8 of us to Heuston Railway station, beating the 3 who took the bus. Norah meet an old work colleague whilst we were in the Galway Hooker enjoying our first pints of Guinness. A relaxing train journey took us over to Killarney with a change at Mallow. Members ate in different venues before most met up in the Grand for some live Irish music.

Day 1

It was a 11o'clock start today. It is a Sunday after all. A walk from the town into the grounds of Killarney house and on to the National park. Our first point of interest was Killarney castle. A small break was taken here for people to explore the castle grounds and grab 11's at the cafe. On leaving here wooded paths took us to Governor's rock view point, on to the old copper mine workings and a small pebbled beach area where we had lunch. Back past the castle before branching left passing many Juanting cars ending up at St Mary's Church. A figure of 8 walk at 7 miles.

That evening we all meet up at Killarney brewery. They had put table's together for us upstairs. Were we enjoyed great beer and even better pizzas. (Starter). We surprised Phil M with a small cake, a rendition of happy birthday and a card signed by all for his 70th Birthday. On from there, we once again made our way to different venues for food (main) and finally, yes you guessed it. The Grand for some more Irish music and Guinness.

Day 2.

Toughest of the 3 walks with a 09.00 taxi ride to Derrcrunnihy Church. Five members down today who opted for different activities. The walk started with a few midge bites at the Church so we moved on quickly. A gentle start before a steady climb of a few 100 metres. Underfoot conditions varied from railway sleepers to rocky steps. After roughly 4 miles the group had the chance to walk up Torc mountain, 7 members took on this challenge leaving 3 to self guide themselves down to Torc waterfall and on to Muckross house. The 7 mountaineers were greeted with excellent 360° views of the National park and also Sue eating a cake at Muckross house. The seven made their way to Muckross house in two groups. Three of those decided to walk the 3.5 miles back into Killarney. The reminder enjoyed ice cream before taxis back into Killarney.

Once again different eateries and pubs were taken in on this evening.

Day 3

A 10.00 start today for a taxi ride to the end of the previous days walk at Muckross house. Back up to full strength with 15 walkers. This was a easy 7 mile walk around the lake. After a few hundred meters, there was an option of the small boat crossing Muckross lake to Dinas cottage that proved to lure in 5 members. The others took off, on the first half of the lake. At the the Cottage we met the others, who had gone into the Cafe for refreshments. They kept us waiting for 10 minutes. During this time we provided the midges with their 11's. Poor Mac coming the worse off with some lovely polka dot legs. The final section took us along the edge of the lake with some beautiful chances for pictures of the lake and Torc mountain. Lunch was taken at Muckross house, some members again walked back. Others enquired about a Jaunting car but at the cost of €100 the €12 taxi and €88 for the pubs was a far better option.

The evening brought us some great entertainment. It was a group gathering for the evening meal at Lauders. Which seemed to go down well. 3 members did go elsewhere but that's enough of them.

After this was finished we all met at Failte where myself Nicola & Mac had popped in the previous evening as they had live music. Again live music was playing and it wasn't long before a mother and daughter had got members of the group up and dancing. The daughter then got up and sang who was very impressive. By this time the evening was in full swing, Mr Jay was now fluent in Gaelic and Mark wouldn't let go of his water bottle. Others in the pub began singing, playing flutes at the bar Mac took his turn and Mr Jay doing his best at a duet which nearly got a him a friendly slap. Only the silly 4 went for more alcohol. But a fantastic night at the end of a fantastic few days.

Return

5 members left early on the 07.45 due to the tight timing at Dublin. The 10 took the chance on the booked 09.41. I had pre booked the Taxis which were waiting at Heuston Railway station. Arriving into the airport at 13.45 still giving us two hours to check in which went well amidst all the scaremongering around queues and baggage drops.

Good flight home, goodbye's given at the baggage collection for those that had bags to collect.

Another truly fantastic five days . Thanks for attending. We really enjoyed the trip Paul & Nicola Bridges 💞