Grab your boots for walking fest
THE 2016 Wexford Walking Trail Festival is due to take place in the heart of the county from Friday, September 23 to Sunday, September 25, through some of the most scenic locations the Ancient East is able to offer as well as making connections with local history.
The festival kicks off on Friday at 5.30 p.m. with a 1916 Songs and Stories Ramble in Enniscorthy.
Led by Aileen Lambert and Michael Fortune, the ramble will be punctuated with songs old new, and accounts of journeys undertaken during Easter 1916.
Registration at 5.15 p.m. - Meet at car park adjacent to Riverside Hotel.
At 7.15 p.m. there will be a welcome reception in the newly-refurbished Enniscorthy Castle which played a crucial part in the 1916 Easter Rising in Enniscorthy.
Saturday will see the Trail move to St Brigid’s Loop in Askamore at 11 a.m.
This guided three-hour scenic walk along the foothills of Sliabh Bhuí’s forested slopes is accompanied by tales of locals involved directly in the 1916 Easter Rising.
It is the newest addition to the three existing local walks.
Graded moderate, registration is at 10.30 a.m. at the Community Centre in Askamore village. Complimentary light lunch provided by Askamore Community Council.
At the same time a strenuous seven hour walk for regular hillwalkers is due to take place from Bunclody.
The Horse Shoe Walk is not recommended for novice walkers and it is essential to bring appropriate clothing, footwear and sufficient food and water. Registration is at 10.30 am at St. Mary’s Day Centre, Ryland Rd. Car-pooling will operate. Transport to and from start/finish of walk is provided.
At 4.30 p.m. on Saturday, the Kilbranish Trail from Bunclody will reward walkers with stunning views with those over Mount Leinster the highlight of this 1.5 hour looped walk.
This year the walk will be in association with Bunclody Day Care Centre. Graded moderate, registration at 4 p.m. at St. Mary’s Day Center, Ryland Rd. Car-pooling will operate. Light refreshments afterwards provided by St. Mary’s Day Centre.
At 7 p.m. there will be a dinner at Bunclody Golf Club, with a special rate of €15.95 for two course meal with tea/coffee is available to walkers.
Book by emailing wexfordwalking@gmail.com Entertainment afterwards will be provided by Kilmyshall Set Dancing Group.
On Sunday, there will be walking by (and boating on) the River Slaney from Enniscorthy at 1 p.m. This two-hour scenic walk along the western bank of the River Slaney starts on the promenade, through a semi-wild meadow which is part of an extensive Special Area of Conservation.
Afterwards, to make the most of this wonderful natural resource, Edermine Rowing Club will provide complimentary rowing trips (adults and children) - getting the best from the River Slaney.
Registration is at 12.30 p.m. Meet at car park adjacent to Riverside Hotel. To facilitate catering arrangements, register online: www.wexfordwalkingtrail.ie/festival-2016/