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During the summer months CHA has monthly “canal” walks. This year we are tackling the Grand Canal, in 12/13k sections. Starting in Robertstown in May, then Ticknevin in June and in July we walked from Trimblestown Bridge to Daingean. These walks are a very welcome addition and great contrast to our Saturday walks. Typically we travel by train to the nearest station and arrange a bus or cars from there to the start point. Thanks to our members who put a lot of work into organising the logistics.

Eithne Gallagher

Saturday 7th June was the date for our annual “Joint Ramble” with our sister club CHA Belfast. We travelled from Dublin by coach to the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle, Co Down where we were treated to coffee and scones. From there we set off for Tollymore Forest Park where we had a choice of 2 levels of walk. I chose the more difficult walk, led by Conor from Belfast. The weather was mixed but we managed to have a nice walk and a dry lunch! Tollymore Forest Park is definitely worth another visit. We returned to the Burrendale Hotel for dinner and left for home at 7pm. A good day was had by all, many thanks to the organisers from Belfast.

Eithne Gallagher

Sunday 4th May we set off to Bundoran, most of us by coach with some members travelling by car. We arrived at the hotel about 5 pm, and were taken aback to see we were joining a “holy retreat”, but in fact they were a separate group. With Deirdre and Brendan Heneghan masterminding operations we were in very capable hands. Added to which we had stunning weather for the whole week.

Day 1, our A walkers tackled Eagle’s Rock and Truskmore while the rest of us took a more sedate route around the Gleniff Horseshoe with stunning views of the Dartry Mountains and Diarmuid and Gráinne’s cave.

Day 2, the coach brought us to Cuilcagh Mountain where we climbed the Stairway to Heaven. Those not in the humour to ascend visited Florence Court, and our intrepid A walkers set off for the Blue Stacks.

Day 3, was our “rest day”. Travelling to Slieve League by coach and shuttle bus, some walked, some sat and watched the rest of us. The views from Slieve League are absolutely stunning. We paid a visit to Donegal Town before returning to the hotel. Donegal Castle is right in the centre of the town and well worth a visit. Meanwhile the A walkers set off for Glencolumbkille.

Day 4, We set off on the Creevy Coastal Path finishing at the 12th Century Kilbarron Castle – well nearly at the castle, it proved somewhat inaccessible. The A walkers went to Slieve League, not quite a rest day for them.

A brilliant holiday enjoyed by one and all.  If you’d like to see some photos from the holiday, visit our Gallery page on the website.

Eithne Gallagher