Details have been announced of a Midsummer Walking Festival on Achill Island, to take place from 23rd to 25th June 2023.
The event kicks off on the evening of Friday 23rd June with a gentle (5km in total, 2.5km each way) stroll along the newly extended Great Western Greenway from Achill Sound towards Saula. This free guided walk will include an introduction to the folklore of the traditional St. John’s Night celebrations taking place in Achill and across the west of Ireland this night.
On Saturday and Sunday there is a choice of three looped walks. A guided walk of the Slí Grainne Mhaol loop at Dereens; a guided walk of the Dooega Loop; and a guided walk of the Dooagh Loop Walk. Each walk offers a different level of difficulty and an introduction to different aspects of local history and folklore in each of the three locations. The walks in Dereens and Dooega are graded moderate and moderate/strenuous, and are only open to adults (over 18 years of age) at this event. The Dooagh walk is a gentle 5km walk and suitable for families, with your guide placing a particular focus on ecology and biodiversity.
Walkers can enjoy a social event on the night of Saturday 24th June, with a ‘blister ball’ taking place at Patten’s Bar in Dereens. This event will feature live music and traditional boxty.
More details, and booking links, can be found here.
