Leader: Tom DowlingIreland - Kerry Way6 June to 17 June 2019An 80 leaders walkPhotos Tom Dowling and Gerry Enright
Participants:Tom Dowling, Tim Dabbs, Libby Dabbs, Anne Butler, Jill Giles, Rob Gibson, Jayne Gibson, Linda Pracy, Betty Chow, Tony Hickson, Jacqui Hickson, Jenny Kelso, Katherine Gloor, Gerry Enright (Guide) Walk description:The walk starts in County Wicklow on the east coast of Ireland where you discover the beauty of the Wicklow Mountains. The tour then transfers south west to Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. Some of the highlights - Boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney - Muckross House & gardens - Black Valley - Sneem village - 12km boat trip to Skellig Michael to climb 220 metres to the peak where early christian monks lived and lately of Star Wars fame - Knocknadobar (Cnoc na dTobar in gaelic) is a national pilgrim path following the 'Stations of the Cross' to the mountain peak where a cross and altar stands. Map: Wicklow & Kerry Report:Going HomeDay 8 June 13: Glenbeigh to CaherciveenWe left the Glenbeigh Hotel to start our walk to my home town of Caherciveen. At the end of Glenbeigh village Gerry and I stopped the traffic to allow the group cross the busy road. The first car travelling south rolled their window down to talk to me. It was my brother-in-law Jack. What a coincidence. I knew then that I wasn’t far from home. After passing the little house near Rossbeigh Strand we headed up through the forest track towards Mountain Stage. As we crossed the ridge at top of Mountain Stage we had stunning views of the Dingle Peninsula down below. The excitement was building as we approached another of our Windy Gaps at the top of the ridge. I knew that my hometown of Caherciveen and the Iveragh Peninsula was through the Windy Gap. Gerry and I entertained the group with a rendition of the Rose of Tralee. We reached the Windy Gap and there ahead was Caherciveen splendid in a clear blue sky. We made our way down from the ridge and approached Foilmore Church which was our arranged bus pick-up spot. It was also the church in which I married Bridie forty-three years ago. On the bus journey to Caherciveen we stopped for a moment outside the house where I was raised. I had arrived home. It was a very special and nostalgic day. Day 9 June 14: Skellig RockWhether boat trips to the Skelligs take place are totally dependent on the sea swell. After a 7am breakfast we could only wait for the all important phone call. At 7.40 am I got a call to say no landings permitted. There was disappointment all round. At 7.45 I received another call to say a late landing may be permitted. Jubilation and smiles filled the room. After a frantic phone call to re-arrange the bus transfer to Portmagee we were on our way. It was a fast and bumpy journey. After another agonising wait in Portmagee we set sail for the Skelligs. The sea swell was indeed high. Will we be able to land or not ?? No one dared ask the question. After some skilful boatmanship we landed on Skellig Michael. We began our climb to the summit (618 steps). On our climb to the monastic site there were Puffins everywhere to be seen. The monastic site is a special place steeped in history with stunning views far out into the Atlantic Ocean. After over two hours at the summit we commenced the precarious descent to the base of the rock. After boarding our boat we passed Little Skellig and the world renowned breeding ground for Gannets. The boat journey back to Portmagee was ‘interesting’. The wind was in our face and the sea swell was high. Thanks to a great boat crew we made it back safely to Portmagee and our bus back to Caherciveen. A wonderful day on the Skelligs. Day 10 June 15: Cnoc na dTobarYou need a clear day for the 780m climb to Cnoc na dTobar (Mountain of the Well). After the early low lying cloud lifted nine of us set off for our climb. Day 10 was a rest day for the others. We zig zagged our way to the summit. With a clear skyline there were wonderful views across the Iveragh Peninsula. I pointed out my homestead and Bridie’s homestead in the distance. Gerry encouraged us to continue across to the next ridge with more wonderful views of Rhodes and Kells Bay. As we descended from the summit Gerry promised us some tea & scones in the Old Barracks. True to his word we alighted from our bus at the Old Barracks and enjoyed afternoon tea & scones. It was very much appreciated by us all. Sadly our guide Gerry passed away while walking / holidaying in Spain with his wife Mary on the 8th July. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam (May he rest in peace) Gerry's photos of the whole trip can be viewed here. This is a poem written by Gerry about the Bush Club's trip Morning Tay the Gerry Way We started out in Killarney when we crossed the river Flesk We went up along the Old Kenmare Road to the Waterfall at Coars We crested our final hill the first of many hard slogs A low fog cleared early to a bright and sunny day By some standing stones through a cracked rock on we go To cross to our final valley and as we cross the ridge The Kilometres are clocking up today had an extra few The next day takes us up again to the flanks of Drung Hill There are calls about the Skellig will the trip be off or on Another early morning and we depart from Tom's Town We make our way above the lake and cross the final hill And now our final day has dawned and on we go on to Sneem Gerry Enright 16/06/19 You can download or read the pdf of this poem here. |
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