Posted on

A stroll through Ireland’s former capital, Killaloe

On Thursday last 35 walkers came along to take a stroll through Killaloe and learn a bit about it’s ancient history.

At Beal Ború

Starting at St. Flannan’s Catholic church at the top of the town, which was the former site of Brian Boru’s Royal Palace of Kincora, we walked down the historic main street, along the Canal boardwalk stopping at the Pier Head and Tobermurragh. It was at this Well that Brian Boru’s son Murrough was said to be baptized.

From here we continued to Beal Ború (Brian Boru’s Fort), the homestead of Brian Ború, who became High King of Ireland in 1002. Breaking with tradition he chose to rule the country from Killaloe, making it the capital of Ireland for a period of 12 years.

This 5km looped walk was held in association with the College of Further Education, Scariff – “Researching Sacred Sites along the East Clare Way”, a part-time course for adult learners was run through the College of Further Education in 2021 & 2022. Tobermurragh and Beal Ború were two sites that were researched during this course, the findings of which were presented at the sites on the day.

Thanks to Colette and Cora for the great photos from the day.

Posted on

Walking, history and scones in Whitegate

25 eager walkers joined us for a guided looped walk in Whitegate last Thursday, and although we got a little bit (or a lot) wet, it was an enjoyable morning.

This 7km looped walk was held in association with the College of Further Education, Scariff, to celebrate Heritage Week 2022, and we stopped Derrainy Cillín, a children’s burial ground, located in an extremely tranquil setting in Derrainy townland.
“Researching Sacred Sites along the East Clare Way” has been run through the College of Further Education, Scariff in 2021 & 2022 and Derrainy Cillín was one such site that was researched during this course, the findings of which were presented at the site on the day.

We were also lucky to have two very knowledgeable local historians with us to provide some fascinating information along the route – thanks to Tommy Holland and Michael Ryan.

Some curious donkeys and a pony came to say hello on our way back to the Half Barrell in Whitegate, where we got to enjoy fresh homemade scones and endless supplies of tea and coffee.


Posted on

Ramblers Guided Walks are back for 2020!

Clare Ramblers, Kilkishen, East Clare Way

We had a fabulous walk in Kilkishen yesterday with 32 walkers, and we were blessed with dry weather throughout our 5km loop.

We started at the Cultural Centre in Kilkishen and we would like to say a huge thanks to Mike and the committee for letting us use this stunning building as a base for the morning. For anyone that is interested in the history of the building and the story of it’s restoration, you can read all about it here!

The walk followed quite roads with a few hills, but they only made the cuppa taste even better when we got back to the Cultural Centre.

Thanks to all who walked with us on the day and contributed towards the future maintenance of the East Clare Way and the Mid Clare Way long distance walking routes.

In case you missed the walk, or you would like to do it again, check it our here! For best results, click on the walker icon and then satellite icon.

Our next Ramblers Guided Walk will take place in Flagmount on Thursday 27th February at 11am. See you then!

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Ramblers Guided Walk in Kilkishen

Welcome back!

Our January Ramblers guided walk takes place on Thursday 30th January at 11am from Kilkishen Cultural Centre, just outside the village of Kilkishen.
This walk is 5km and follows quite roads and footpath and is mostly flat.
We will finish at Kilkishen Cultural Centre for the customary tea and scones.

These walks are primarily for over 50’s but all are welcome.
All walks are free with an optional donation which goes towards the future maintenance of both the East and Mid Clare Ways.
Please wear suitable footwear and clothing.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.

For further information contact 065 6835912 or email info@clarewalks.ie.
For full route map, click here!

Posted on

A wonderful morning in Whitegate………..

Clare Ramblers, Whitegate, East Clare Way

We had a fabulous walk yesterday for the last Ramblers walk of 2019.
Twenty two walkers arrived in Whitegate to a beautiful bright morning  – perfect for a walk.


While we had initially planned a 6km looped walk, we decided that we couldn’t miss the opportunity to extend our walk a little and make our way to Williamstown Harbour.

On return to Whitegate village, we were welcomed in The Half Barrel Bar & Restaurant for beautiful homemade scones and numerous cups of tea and coffee.  We would like to thank the Half Barrel for looking after us so well.

We would also like to thank all our walkers and we hope you enjoyed it.

Our guided looped walks will start back again in January 2020 and we look forward to seeing you then!

Posted on

Dawn Walk on Ballycuggaran

Ballycuggaran, Killaloe East Clare Way

We couldn’t believe our luck last Sunday morning when we realised that it wasn’t raining……we were nearly ready to start building an Ark after Saturday’s downpour.

Huge thanks and congratulations to the 15 walkers who were at Two-Mile-Gate ready for road by 6:30am.
While we didn’t see the sun rise, it was still a beautiful morning to be out and it actually stayed dry for the entire walk!

We will take a bit of a break for the Winter but will be back walking in the Spring. We will continue with our monthly Ramblers Guided Walks on the last Thursday of the month.
If you would like to keep up to date on all our walks, check out our website or Follow us on Facebook.

Posted on

You can’t beat a bit of home baking……………

Clare Ramblers, Ogonnelloe, East Clare Way

Our recent “Ramblers” guided walk took place in Ogonnelloe in the stunning East Clare. Although the weather forecast was not looking good, 17 brave walkers (and 2 dogs) joined us for a 7km looped walk starting at the Piper’s Inn Bar & Restaurant. We headed uphill to St. Mary’s church, towards Ballylaughan with stunning views over Lough Derg, and returning via Ballyheefey to the Piper’s Inn, where some freshly baked scones and biscuits, just out of the oven,  were waiting for us, along with fresh made jam, and a very welcomes cuppa.
A huge thanks to Cian and Tess, and all at the Piper’s Inn for looking after us.
And thanks to all who walked with us on the day and contributed towards the future maintenance of the East Clare Way and the Mid Clare Way long distance walking routes.

In case you missed the walk, or you would like to do it again, check it our here!For best results, click on the walker icon and then satellite icon.

Our next Ramblers Guided Walk will take place in Quin on Thursday 31st October at 11am.
See you then!

Posted on

Beauty in Ballinruan

Clare Ramblers, Ballinruan, Mid Clare Way

Despite the weather being a bit wild, our Ramblers had a great walk in Ballinruan this morning.

This was an 8km looped walk following quiet roads, circling the scenic Doon Lough.  We started out from Ballinruan Community Hall and we would like to say a huge thanks to the Ballinruan Development Association for the use of this facility to start out from this morning. We also used the facilities in the hall at the end of the walk for our customary tea and scones. Special thanks to Johnny for looking after us today.
And to Bailey the dog who accompanied our walkers along the route.

If you missed this walk, or you would like to do it again, get the full route here.

Don’t forget to click on the walker icon!

Our next guided walk is on Thursday 26th September in Ogonnelloe – see full details here. We hope to see you then!

Posted on

Lunch at Bohatch Dolmen for Heritage Week

Bohatch Dolmen, Mountshannon, East Clare

15 walkers headed off from Mountshannon Harbour last Saturday for a 12km looped walk to Bohatch Portal Dolmen, said to be the burial place of local chieftains over 3,000 years ago.

We followed quiet roads with a upward climb to start but the views were well worth the climb – lough derg and over towards Tountinnna and Keeper Hill in Tipperary.

We had a lovely refeshment stop at the dolmen, sitting in lovely sunshine, admiring the views below.

For details of our upcoming walks, check out www.clarewalks.ie/events. We hope you will join us for a ramble some time soon.

 

 

 

Posted on

Walkers head to Whitegate

Dromaan Harbour, Whitegate, East Clare Way

38 “Ramblers” hit the trails recently in Whitegate for an 8km looped walk taking in Williamstown Harbour, Hollands Quay, Dromaan House and returning to Whitegate, and the good old reliable Half Barrel Bar & Restaurant for some fresh scones and a well earned cuppa!


Thanks to Tom Holland and Michael Ryan for providing us with some fascinating history and great local stories on route!

If you didn’t get to walk with us, or you would like to do this walk again, please see route map here. For best map results click walker icon and satellite.

Our next walk will take place on Thursday 29th August at 11am – check out route here. 

We hope to see you then!