This weekend will see the launch of a new guide to the best walking routes in Connemara and Mayo.
The book, Connemara and Mayo - A Walking Guide, which was written by Paul Phelan with mentoring by Michael Gibbons, will be launched at the Alcock and Brown Hotel in Clifden on Saturday at 6.30pm.
Connemara and Mayo form an area known for stunning scenery and this guidebook describes some of the region’s best and most spectacular walks. A wide variety of walks and terrains are covered: easy two-hour walks on surfaced paths; two- to three-hour flat island and coastal walks; two- to four-hour gentle hill and mountain hikes; and four- to seven-hour strenuous hill walks. This will appeal to walkers, locals, visitors and tourists as well as naturalists and local history buffs.
Detailed instructions, in an easy-to-use, practical format, are provided along with information regarding archaeology, history, landscape, flora and wildlife. Maps are included for each walk while photographs illustrate the routes and give a sense of the striking landscape. This is the most comprehensive walking guide to the area published for some time.
The Mayo walks highlighted in the book have been separated into the north and south of the county. In south Mayo the author details walks in the Silver and White Strands, Inishturk, Clare Island, Croagh Patrick, The Three Lugas, Sheeffry Hills, Ben Gorm and Ben Creggan and Mweelrea. In the north of the county Castleaffy, Inishnakillew and Inishcottle, Benwee Head, Bengorm (Nephin Beg Range ), Slievemore and Achill Head and Croaghaun are included.
Paul Phelan worked in research and marketing in Ireland and overseas before starting his own business consultancy. He lives and works in Connemara, enjoys taking people on walks on the hills and islands, and also provides guiding services.
