If you would like to begin with your walks coming oven ready and fully basted without need for such chores as poring over maps, try one of the organised walking festivals listed below. Go along, choose the outing to suit your fitness, enjoy great sociability and leave the route finding to the leader.
Ballyhoura International Hillwalking Festival, Co Limerick. April 29th to May 2nd
Three-day event organised in conjunction with the Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club. Graded walks to suit all levels and ages. there is a choice of challenging walks in the Galtee Mountains (Ireland's highest inland range) or a selection of easier family and nature walks. Contact Catherine Lynch, Ballyhoura Country Holidays, Kilfinane, Co Limerick. Tel: 063-91300. E-mail info@ballyhoura.org or see www.ballyhouracountry.com
Kenmare Walking Festival, Co Kerry. May 28th to June 5th
Sitting on the cusp between the deeply alluring mountains of west Cork and the wonders of the Iveragh peninsula, Kenmare is a fine location for a walking festival. This long-established festival offers a choice of walks, including an ascent of Carrauntouhill and special interest walks. Contact John Skilling, Killaha East, Kenmare, Co Kerry. Tel: 064-42639, e-mail skilling@eircom.net
Castlebar International Four Days' Walks, Co Mayo. June 30th to July 3rd
This festival is the daddy of them all and has continued to attract walkers from around the world since 1967, which isn't surprising since Mayo is surely "God's own country" for walking. To sample the best of the west, contact Castlebar International Four Days' Walks festival at New Antrim Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Tel: 094-9024102. E-mail 4dayswalks@eircom.net or see www.castlebar4dayswalks.com
Western Way Marathon, Connemara, Co Galway. August 13th
It's an early start (8am) for this 26-mile walk, but the mutating colours of Connemara will surely compensate. Walk from Killary Harbour to Maum and see the Inagh valley, the Maumturks and the Twelve Bens. Contact Tom Rea, Galway Walking Club, Bridge Street, Headford, Co Galway. Tel: 093-35523, e-mail tomrea@eircom.net or see www.galwaywalkingclub.homestead.com
Sliabh-an-Iarainn Hillwalking Festival, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. June 4th to 6th
A chance to sample the delights of Ireland's most unpopulated and arguably unspoiled county. Guided walks on Slieve-an-Iarainn along with easier bog and forest treks. Walking and entertainment organised by local hillwalkers' club. Contact Jackie Lee, Aghnacashel, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. Tel: 071-9641569 or e-mail: leesaughnacashel@eircom.net
Wee Binnians Walking Festival, Newry, Co Down. September 10th to 11th
Guided walks to suit all fitness levels amid the unmatched splendour of the Mourne Mountains, along with the historic Cooleys and solitary Slieve Gullion. Climb Donard, Ulster's highest mountain. Contact David Sloan. Tel: 042-9334116, e-mail daithi2004@yahoo.com or see www.weebinnians.com