The Rossendale Rambler

Those of you who came with me to Roy Bridge in May enjoyed their holiday and others who have read about our adventures have expressed an interest in ‘the next trip’.

OK - I’ve bowed to your pressure and have organised another holiday for 1999. This time we will go to Ireland.

I’ll take you to County Kerry. You thought Scotland was wild and rugged ? - You ain’t seen nothing yet ! Most people have heard of Macgillicuddy’s Reeks (Ireland’s highest mountains – Carrauntoohil, 3414 ft. and Caher, 3250 ft.) Yes, we must visit their spectacular arêtes and crag-rimmed corries. But further to the west in the Kerry Peninsular lie some less explored mountains like Knocknagantee, Mullaghanattin and Finnararagh where we’ll explore their lonely lake-filled coums and some of the wildest places in Ireland. Mostly pathless country with rough going: When the mist comes down we’ll have plenty of map reading and route-finding problems. But don’t be put off. It will be magic. We will have some good walks !

Some Details:-

Accommodation: At Mortimer’s Hostel (a bunkhouse) in Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry.

Cost: £7 per night - £49 per week. + share of ferry costs from Holyhead and share of petrol expenses.

Local Facilities: Self-catering in the hostel but numerous places in the small town of Cahirciveen to buy meals and drinks.

I have been in contact with the warden by letter and ‘phone and have made a provisional booking for a group of about twelve. If our group is 14 or more, then we can have the hostel to ourselves for the week. I’ve promised to let him know this autumn. There are rooms with four and six beds, I think, so you’ll have to share with others. The place holds 20 so that’s going to be the maximum number we can take. Most of you who came to Roy Bridge have said they would like to come again this time - so if you missed that one and want to be included for Ireland 1999, please give me your firm commitment very soon. I’m excited already !

. This scenic peninsula has numerous Christian and prehistoric remains which can be visited. The Slieve Mish Mountains form its backbone, and at the end are the Blasket Islands, the nearest point in Europe to America.

Iveragh Peninsula has perhaps the finer scenery with Macgillicuddy's Reeks extending to the Lakes of Killarney district. A coast road called 'The Ring of Kerry', circles the peninsula and links the resorts of Kenmare, Parknasilla, and Waterville. Between Parknasilla and Waterville is Staigue Fort, Ireland's best preserved prehistoric fort. The town of Killarney in the district of the same name is mainly a tourist centre for the surrounding district. The third peninsula, Beara, has the Slieve Miskish and Caba Moun-tains forming its backbone, is shared with County Cork.

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