Connemara Wild at heart Dec Festival Report
Connemara Four Seasons Walking Festival
28th – 30th December 2011
All roads led west this December, with the third installment of the Connemara Wild at Heart Walking Festival. Over 85 participants took part, and enjoyed some of the most spectacular scenery the west of Ireland has to offer. Lead by Michael Gibbons and Gerry McCluskey, two of the finest guides in the West.
Day 1 saw us take on Errisbeg, a beautiful peat covered mountain wedged between the wild lakelands of Roundstone Bog and the Atlantic Ocean. The walking was at times challenging, but all were rewarded with three peaks to climb offering views that were second to none. We ended our first days walking on the beautiful beaches of Dogs Bay and Gurteen.
Day 2 saw us head to Omey Island, home to less than 20 people now, but steeped in history mirroring the many waves of change throughout the millennia. The walking was easier than the previous day, allowing the 80 plus participants plenty of time to take in the true uniqueness of this spiritual place. As the group rounded the island, an unexpected sight awaited on the shores ahead, an enormous whale has been washed up in the preceding hours. We left Omey just in time to beat the tide that has a habit of catching you unawares, and hit for home.
This was a very special few days for all that took part, and many are already planning their return visit for the Spring Festival that takes place over St. Patrick’s weekend. For event details and booking information log onto www.discoverireland.com/connemara
