July got off to a flying start, with a group of Galtee Walking Club members heading to the Iveragh Peninsula in Kerry for joint walks with the Cork Backpackers Club in the Dunkerron mountain range. The “A” walk involved the 6-peak Mullaghanattin horseshoe, which contains 2 of the highest 100 peaks in Ireland, and was led by Fiona Shanahan and Pat Dineen of the Cork Backpackers. A group of 25, spanning both clubs, walked the approximate 14km 1200m route, with the good visibility providing excellent views of the nearby Macgillycuddy Reeks, numerous other peaks on the Iveragh Peninsula as well as the neighbouring peninsulas of Dingle and Beara. The Galtee Club is appreciative of the Cork Backpackers for hosting and leading the walk. It was great to get the opportunity to walk a route that was completely new for most of the group, and that contained the peak of Mullaghanattin, the Matterhorn of Kerry and Ireland. As well as the Mullaghanattin horseshoe, a “B” walk in the Dunkerron range was also open to Galtee members. The 3-peak hike from Trout lake was equally captivating.

Closer to home, the Wednesday evening series of walks continued strongly throughout the month. James Bourke led a “B” group to Knockmealdown, the highest peak in Waterford, early in July, with Breege Doherty taking some “C” walkers to Bay Lough and surrounding forestry on the same evening. The following 2 Wednesday evening walks were in the Galtee range – Lough Curra, led by James Cunningham and the Dolmen Loop, led by Joe Lonergan. The last walk of the month involved the Blackrock Loop in the Ballyhoura Mountains, including the highest peak of the range, Seefin (Suí Finn). The weather didn’t cooperate in terms of providing a sunset, but Joe O’Brien, who led the walk, has promised a moonlit version of this hike in the near future!

The Wednesday evening walks will continue in August and our normal walking schedule will resume in September. August will also see several members of the club taking part in the Fei Sheehy Challenge, which is now in its 10th year. The Challenge involves crossings of the Comeragh, Galtee and Knockmealdown mountain ranges over 3 days (August 11th-13th). Best of luck to everyone taking part and to our own members for flying the flag for the Galtee Club!

By Emily Gleeson, PRO Galtee Walking Club