FRANCIS BRADLEYrounds up forthcoming walking events
Kerry Charity ChallengeThe 14th annual Kerry Charity Challenge, in aid of visually impaired people, takes place from Friday, March 27th, to Sunday, March 29th. Based at Brandon Hotel, in Tralee, it costs €195 to take part, including hotel bed and breakfast on Friday and Saturday, along with a gala dinner and entertainment on Saturday evening. Participants can climb Carrauntoohil in the company of an experienced guide, complete a challenging walk on Mount Brandon or choose from easier, low-level walks. Contact Michael Sutton on 086-4009989 or michaelsutton1949 @gmail.com.
Achill IslandSt Patrick's Day Hillwalking Festival,on Achill Island, in Co Mayo, from next Friday until Paddy's Day, offers a chance to explore the island's peaks and hanging valleys, as well as its coves and cliff scenery (below) from 250m above sea level. Events are organised by Óstán Oileán Acla and Tomás Mac Lochláinn, a professional mountain leader. All hillwalks will be guided by Mac Lochláinn and his team, free of charge. Contact him at siul@eircom.net or 098-45085, or see www.achillislandhotel.com.
Guided family nature walksCounty Cork Local Sports Partnership has organised nature walks suitable for families with children from five years of age. All are on Sundays, beginning at 2.30pm at on-site car parks. They will last for about 90 minutes and are free of charge. The walks are led by Pádraig O'Donoghue; you can get more details from www.cclsp.com or by contacting him on 021-4665082 or 086-8532470.