Burren Peaks Challenge to bring €250,000 windfall

MORE than 500 people are expected in Ballyvaughan at the end of the month, bringing with them an expected €250,000 windfall to the local economy. The second Burren Peaks Walking Festival takes place from September 23 to 25 and is organised by the Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club, with support from Fáilte Ireland and the local community.
“Our club is delighted to host this second Burren Peaks walking festival, which promises to boost the North Clare economy by over €250,000. Our first festival in 2009 proved to be a great success with walkers describing the Burren area and terrain as a walker’s haven,” said Gerry Reidy, festival manager.
This festival weekend offers guided hill and coastal walks varying in distance and grade catering for all levels of walkers. There will be five walks each day, graded easy, moderate and difficult.
“Walkers can enjoy an intrepid ramble on Mullach Mór, taking in a visit to Caherconnell Stone Fort, ramble along the Wood loop and enjoy an adventure at Aillwee Cave, the Burren Birds of Prey, join a four to five-hour coast to ridge walk, or experience the challenge of a Wild Burren Peaks walk. All walks do incur a fee but included in the walk fee is an invitation to the opening reception at An Féar Gorta, transport to/from walks, local experienced guides, Peaks t-shirt, certificate of participation, tea, coffee and cake after each walk. The local attraction fee is included in the C or family walks,” Mr Reidy outlined.
The festival, he said, could not go ahead were it not for the support of local farmers and landowners.
“The foundation for the festival is built on the goodwill of the landowners in the area and the support of the local community. It is with their goodwill and support that this festival and these walks are possible. We ask all walkers to respect the Burren terrain, the farmland, and adhere to the ‘Leave No Trace Policy’, a practise our club endorses and promotes. The funding secured from Fáilte Ireland is very welcome and will aid the promotion of the festival. All walkers are invited to our opening reception evening taking place at An Féar Gorta, Tea and Garden Rooms, The Pier, Ballyvaughan on Friday, September 23 at 8pm. This gives walkers an opportunity to discuss their chosen walk with walk leaders and they will also be given a talk on the Burren by our guest speaker, Dr Brendan Dunford,” he commented.
“The Burren was one of five areas chosen to become part of the Walkers’ Welcome Initiative in 2009, which raised the standard of service walkers can expect from their walking holiday in Ireland. The festival is a great opportunity to highlight the attractions of this area to both local people and walking visitors,” Mr Reidy concluded.
For further information on the festival, log on to www.burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com or phone 087 7779714 or 087 7911700.