The Ballyhoura Bears spent 3 days walking in Connemara over the Easter weekend. There was a choice of walks on each day.

On Friday some walkers did a linear route from the Tawnyard Lough road along the Glendavock valley to climb Ben Creggan and across the Ridge to Ben Gorm with a long but very enjoyable descent along the Lugharry ridge to finally arrive down at Ashley falls. This was a spectacular walk with wonderful views once the fog lifted. Others walked on the western way from Tawnyard Lough. They followed the trail through Tawnyard forest before meeting the salmon rich river Erriff which they walked beside overshadowed by The Devil’s Mother to reach Ashley falls.

On Saturday a group of 13 did the Glencorbert route in reverse due to wind conditions. For some it was a first time on the Beanna Bella. Once the cloud drifted away our view of the Connemara and Mayo mountains. Another large group of Ballyhoura Bears enjoyed walking the western way from just north of Tobar an Bhallain (a place of pilgrimage) at Mam Ean back to Lennane. This is a very scenic walk along walk along the foothills of the Maumturks overlooking Lough Inagh. It then loops through some forest along the old coach road.. The weather was ideal for walking.

On Sunday in very showery weather some walkers tackled the Sheeffry Hilld Ridge. Some views were had between the showers. The majority of the Ballyhoura Bears joined with the Maumturks walking club did a loop up Leenane Hill. This involved a climb to the boggy but spectacular summit from where there are wonderful views of Killary Harbour. Even though weather conditions were bad everyone was very happy and alln were back at the hotel to see the Cork Limerick match.

The hotel was very comfortable and we were all well fed. It was a great weekend to catch up after two years of Covid and there was much “craic”. A big thank you to Deirdre Fitzpatrick our social secretary and to all our walk leaders especially Padraic Costello our local guide.