OUTDOORS Gearing up for Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Festival

Festival takes a walk through heritage


Spring is in the air, the sun is starting to make a very welcome return, and thoughts are turning to getting out and about in the fresh air. Walking is a wonderful way to keep fit and admire some spectacular scenery along the way while you are at it.
One of the most beautiful walks in the county is the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail. This 61km trail extends from the village of Balla in central Mayo to the beautiful village of Murrisk, which is nestled at the foot of Croagh Patrick. The trail, which is an accredited National Way Marked Way, passes through deciduous woodland and across rolling fields and raised bog.
This year, the three-day Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival takes place from Friday, March 22, to Sunday, March 24. The organisers have linked up with local heart and stroke charity Croí to create awareness of the importance of exercise and help raise vital funds for the cause. Croí is entirely self-funded and works in the areas of cardiovascular disease prevention; screening; research and education; CPR and defibrillation training; and patient and family support.
Paddy McGuinness, chairperson of the Western Development Commission and walking enthusiast, will launch the festival. Local boxing legend Ray Moylette will join the walkers on the Saturday, while well-known musician Joe Byrne will be lending his support to this worthy cause on the Sunday.
The walkers will cover about 20km each day, while experienced local guides will offer insights into the many heritage sites along the way. Day one covers the trail from Balla to Killawalla (24.5km); day two covers Killawalla to Aghagower (17km); while day three covers Aghagower to Murrisk (19km) – and the majestic Croagh Patrick will be firmly in the walkers’ sights.
The walking trail is classified as moderate to hard, and does not include the ascent of Croagh Patrick. As well as walking the trail, there will be daily organised local loop walks at Clogher, Tourmeakady and Murrisk.
Transport will be provided each morning to ferry walkers from the meeting points to the start points. This means that the walker’s personal transport will be at the end of their destination on arrival each day. With the help of the great communities along the trail, refreshments will be provided at the start and finish of each day and along the route. Festival sponsors Fior Uisce of Tourmeakady will supply fresh water along the trail too.

Entry for the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival is €15 per day, or €40 for the weekend. Walkers can register through Croí’s website, www.croi.ie. All entries will receive a sponsorship pack. For more information, contact MΡiréad or Pat at Clogher Office at 094 9360891, email info@croaghpatrickheritagetrail.com, or visit www.croaghpatrickheritagetrail.com or www.facebook.com/CroaghPatrickHeritageTrail.
An information evening will be held at the Westport Plaza Hotel at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 21.