Pilgrims' paths published: Seven years ago, the Heritage Council set out to develop a network of walking routes along medieval pilgrimage paths in Ireland.
Now, guide books for three of these walking routes have been published. These routes are Cosán na Naomh on the Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry, St Kevin's Way from Hollywood to Glendalough in Co Wicklow and Lough Derg in Co Donegal. The guides are available in bookshops or from Wordwell, priced between €6.25 and €7. Tel: 01-2765221 or click on www.wordwellbooks.com. The other routes for which guide books have yet to be produced are St Declan's Way, from Ardmore to Lismore, Co Waterford; Slí Mór, from Ballycumber to Clonmacnoise, Co Offaly; Tóchar Phádraig, from Ballintubber to the foot of Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo, and Turas, in the valley of Glencolmcille, Co Donegal. The pilgrim paths follow quiet roads, country paths or tracks and are generally not difficult for walkers.
However, as always, walkers should be prepared for the changeable Irish weather and dogs are not allowed on any sections of the routes that cross farmland. See www.mountaineering.ie for more information on safe and sustainable walking.
Atlantic islands symposium
Researchers from Iceland to the Cape Verde islands south of the Azores and from Britain to Bermuda will share their experiences of the island ecosystems in the Atlantic Ocean at a conference in Dublin from August 24th to 27th. The 6th International Symposium on Fauna and Flora of Atlantic Islands in University College Dublin, will give Irish delegates an opportunity to learn about the common natural heritage between this disparate group of islands.
Though isolated, many Atlantic islands share migratory whales, dolphins, turtles, bird and fish species and are linked by historical patterns of plant and animal dispersal and colonisation. Ideas for sustainable tourism will also be explored at the conference. For registration, see www.ucd.ie/ffais5/ffais5.html or e-mail ffais5@ucd.ie
Models on show
Anyone with a model steam engine or other portable locomotives or ships can bring them along to exhibit at an open day in the Straffan Steam Museum in Straffan, Co Kildare, tomorrow. The museum contains steam engines dating to the 1830s. Visitors can enjoy refreshments at the Steaming Kettle tearooms or bring their own picnic. Admission is €5 for adults, and free for children under 12. The museum is open from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and exhibitors can arrive from 11 a.m. Tel: 01-6288412.
Eco-day in Westmeath
The Daly family, owners of Rockfield House, Rathaspic, Rathowen, Co Westmeath, are holding an environmental awareness day at their organic farm and gardens tomorrow. Deeply involved in restoring courtyard buildings and developing farming practices that follow environmental principles, the Dalys are keen to spread the eco-message. Experts on eco-toilets, eco-clothing, permaculture, solar energy and organic herbs will be on hand. Gates open at noon. Admission free. Tel: 043-76024. e-mail rockfieldhouse@hotmail.com