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THE Burren Ramble, which has become one of the major fundraisers for the RNLI Lifeboat fleet, will take place on Sunday, September 23.
THE Burren Ramble, which has become one of the major fundraisers for the RNLI Lifeboat fleet, will take place on Sunday, September 23.
The ramble was launched in the Burren on Monday by Tom Doherty from Doolin Rescue and the Irish Coast Guard. The RNLI Lifeboat Burren Ramble is a joint effort by the Ennis and Lahinch branches. The route for this year’s ramble will take people through the magical landscape of one of the finest walking trails in the world.
Joe Queally, walk organiser, explained, “The ramble will leave the shores of Galway Bay at the car park in Fanore Beach and wind its way to the foot of Sliabh Elva, taking in spectacular views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. There will be a stop-off at the blessed well, which lies just at the foot of Sliabh Elva mountain.
“The ramble will then go on by the green road to head into the beautiful Caher Valley. There will be a stop-off at one of the oldest shibeen pubs now in ruins at the top of the Caher Valley, where people can sit and have their lunch as they gaze down to the deserted village and the beauty of the valley and Blackhead Mountains.
“As people make their way down the valley, they will pass one of the oldest penal churches in the country, which is situated at the end of the green road leading down the valley. The Caher River will bring people back down the valley past St Patrick’s Church in Fanore and back to base camp at the beach car park.”
Mr Queally believes the walk will give “some people who may have suffered tragedy in their own lives, maybe through someone lost at sea, the opportunity to take the peaceful journey through the Burren.
“Maybe they will be able to connect in some way with people who walk the journey with them or just be at peace with themselves on their own journey.”
The ramble is at a relaxed pace and is approximately seven miles long, with stops along the way to saviour the beauty of the landscape.
It also gives an opportunity to people to help out the lifeboats in the work they do in saving lives at sea.
“All the lifeboat crews of men and women are volunteers and answer the call every single day of the year to go to someone in distress. It is a time to give something back to the lifeboats but it’s not all about money and giving.
“People who may not be in a position to contribute are asked most sincerely to come out and support the lifeboats by just being there and going on the journey through the Burren,” Mr Queally commented.
Anyone taking part is asked to bring with them a packed lunch and suitable walking and weather gear. Registration is at the car park at Fanore beach at midday for a 1pm start.
“If you can fill a sponsorship card it would be greatly appreciated or make a donation on the day. Your help in helping the lifeboats is greatly appreciated by our lifeboat crews,” said Mr Queally.
Information is available from Joe Queally on 087 6260301.
