Ardara International Walking Festival

Fri 15th March - Mon 18th March 2024

Various Times

REGISTRATION

Registration takes place in Ardara Heritage Centre on Friday the 15th March from 7 -8.30 pm (This is optional as walks can be paid for on the day of).

FEE

Fees are €25 for one day and €40 for two days.

DAY 1 WALKS

There are two walks on Day 1: one being Easy to moderate, and one being moderate to difficult. Meeting point is at Sliabh Liag Visitors Centre car park on Saturday the 16th March at 10am sharp.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dhr8BiGrovtSm3gx9

Both groups will be bussed to Bunglas Viewing Point which is where we shall start from. From there, we will set off together, taking in the beauty and awe of the cliffs with their spectacular geology, flora and fauna. Quoted from National Geographic magazine: “How has the brutal splendour of Sliabh Liag has escaped the world’s notice. I can’t imagine a better spot.”

The first group (Easy to moderate) will break off nearing the Eagles Nest and return to the lower car park, taking it all in from another angle and passing a Napoleonic Signal tower on the descent.

The second group will continue on, making their way across more difficult terrain, towards the infamous One Man’s Pass. This will be both optional and weather permitting, enabling us to cross to Sliabh Liag’s spot height of 595 metres, and returning by way of the Pilgrim’s Path back to the visitors centre. (Which may allow us to pass the famous Rusty Mackeral Pub…).

Both walks will vary in time and distance but approximate time are;

First walk: 3 hrs approx.

Second walk: 5hrs approx.

We will have various breaks and time to chat and take in our surroundings, so please take an ample supply of food and hot drinks.

DAY 2 WALK (Wind-down walk)

One easy to moderate walk on Day 2. Meeting point is Tramore car park at 10.30am sharp.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YsXz7DQyMU9saSZ18

This will be a relaxing 10-12km coastal walk from Tramore beach towards the beautiful Ballinreavy Strand, passing by the Sheshkimore Nature Reserve with an abundance of flora and fauna. Flora being a little scarce in March, but nevertheless plentiful to the trained eye. The scenery here is always changing, but always beautiful no matter the time of year or weather. Again, please take an ample supply of food and hot drinks for our breaks.

HOUSEKEEPING

Please arrive on time for any start times.

Distances for moderate to difficult hikes may vary on the day. (Saturday)

Moderate to difficult hike for experienced hikers only.

Children are welcome on the easy to moderate walk (Sunday) as long as they are accompanied by an adult and are capable of the distance, but no children are allowed on either of the walks on Saturday due to terrain.