Donegal Adventure for Corrib Ramblers 2004

By Mary Kyne

“Friendship is like money- easier made than kept”

This was a phrase I came across recently in a church leaflet in Kilclooney in the parish of Ardara, Donegal.  The Corrib Rambler’s group nurtured their friendship while participating in the Ardara Walking Festival in March. The festival challenges and exhilarates the experienced walker and encourages and satisfies the not so experienced walker. All levels of walks are expertly catered for.

We walked in the moderate category (12miles), it took us through the western end of Glenveagh National Park, through spectacular scenery and panoramic views of mountain, lake, waterfall, rock and raised bogs all closely merged together in a unit that allowed every turn of the pathway reveal new combinations of all these delightful elements. 

This is an area devoid of human habitation.  It is a total wilderness, quiet, peaceful, enchanting – a unique landscape. At Gartan, over the hills from Glenveagh we came to the birth place of St Colmcille one of our famous Irish saints.

At night we enjoyed an evening meal in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel in Ardara.  Ardara is nestled underneath Sliabh Aduaidh (The Northern Mountain).  The centre of the town is known as “The Diamond”. This was the old market place.

On Fair Day the first of every month, buyers and sellers gathered and sheep, cattle, eggs and tweed were traded. Dealers came from as far away as London to purchase the famous Donegal tweed. Members bought this tweed from Mr. Doherty, a frequent visitor to Henry Keogh’s shop in Oughterard. To day the fair is celebrated on Whit Weekend.

This walk was very successful. We were very grateful to Una O Halloran, Mary Gallagher, Ardara and Roland Wirsching who organised the trip Thank you to the members who travelled to Donegal.

Go mbeirmid beo aran am seo arís.

This page was added on 29/02/2012.

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