AN EXCITING collaboration has taken place in East Clare bringing together the natural beauty of the landscape and the rich heritage of the Irish design and craft sector, writes Fiona McGarry.
With the support of the Design and Craft Council of Ireland’s #MadeLcoal 2021 campaign, the 12 O’Clock Hills Project has teamed up with a locally-based designer and maker to celebrate their achievements to-date in developing the region as a destination for walkers and hikers.
The group has commissioned a limited collection of unique baseball caps hats and beanies produced by skilled artisan Ailish McElroy at her design studio in Bodyke.
The aim of this collaboration is to celebrate and support Irish makers and their work, calling on consumers to shop local and consider the breadth of Irish-crafted, high-quality products available here.
It also promotes the hiking and walking amenity and celebrates the achievements of the 12 O’Clock Hills Project to-date which has developed three walking and hiking trails for all levels of fitness.
“Working with Irish milliner Ailish McElroy we are now offering a limited collection of baseball and beanie caps with new 12 O’Clock Hills branding that are perfect for a hike in our wild outdoors,” said Pat Neville, Chairperson on the 12 O’Clock Hills Project.
“These new designs in headgear feature an embroidered 12 O’Clock Hills logo giving a sense of pride in support of this local facility as you engage in outdoor adventure.
“Each purchase contributes to the development of the 12 O’Clock Hills Project and they make beautiful gifts at any time of the year. These baseball caps and beanies can pack down in your day pack and can be busted out when you need it.
“Although it’s a one size fits all deal, the snug and secure fit makes them ideal for men, women and children. The baseball and beanies feature an embroidered 12 O’Clock Hills logo and are available in a range of attractive colours,” he added.
Experienced walkers and hikers will know that headgear is often-overlooked, but are as important as the boots on your feet. A cap protect the face from the sun in hot weather and is comfortable and lightweight enough to be worn all day.
A beanie provides a soft comfortable feel and make a great for winter hikes in cold weather, helping reduce body heat loss when exposed to cold weather.
“I was delighted to be approached to design this range of hats for a project that is very close to my heart,” Ailish said.
“I am very passionate about our beauty and heritage here in East Clare. In fact, as a keen hiker myself, when I’m not making hats I can be regularly found hiking the 12 O’Clock Hills.
“I travel all over Ireland to hike, but I absolutely love the beauty of the hills on my own doorstep and count myself very lucky to have such an amazing local amenity with spectacular views for miles and trails that are well marked and maintained by the 12 O’Clock Hills Project.
“There are trails there for every level of fitness. They have really helped develop a sense of pride in our community for our local amenities and have brought people together, not only from the community, but from all over Ireland who come to hike and walk our beautiful East Clare hills.
“It’s an amazing achievement and I hugely admire the passion and dedication of the team of volunteers behind the 12 O’Clock Hills Project.
“We are very lucky to have this team of volunteers promoting and protecting the wild outdoors of East Clare. Hiking the 12 O’Clock Hills in all seasons fuels my imagination and is a constant source of inspiration for my handcrafted designs. I feel honoured to be involved in this collaboration.”
Ailish has also just launched a brand new website this week (Ailishmcelroymillinery.com) which showcases her complete range of uniquely handcrafted accessories, and this is where these 12 O’Clock Hills hats can be purchased.
“Choosing Irish Design means selecting gifts with integrity while supporting local makers.” said Pat. “We can all play our part to back our local design and craft makers and keep this uniquely Irish industry alive.”
The 12 O’Clock Hills are situated about 5km south east of the Kilkishen Village and accessible from two Trailheads at Belvoir and Snaty on the L3016 road between Sixmilebridge and Broadford. There are three looped walks to choose from. The facility consists of a 5km red marked moderate looped walk taking in mostly heritage sites, Fairyland and a Kindness Rocks trail with a mental health theme.
The 8.5km blue marked looped walk is a more strenuous hike taking in the 12 O’Clock Hills and returning via the Sunyata Buddhist Centre and the Fairyland facility.
The 13km purple marked looped walk is a new offering and specifically for the more energetic hikers. It takes in the 12 O’Clock Hills at 309m, an additional hill at 252m known as Loughavarra, plus all the other facilities mentioned.
The purple route also takes in the local Famine Road and Brohan’s heritage site which is planned for restoration when funding allows. The 12 O’Clock Hills website is being upgraded to include detailed information on all of these amenities.