The Ramblers 2024 Walking Festival ran from Friday 10 May to Sunday 12 May. The weather was beautiful on Friday evening for a walk around the magnificent gardens of Tullynally Castle near Castlepollard. Afterwards, tea and scones in the Castle Tea Shop were accompanied by music from Stephen Keary on keyboard.

      Tullynally Castle Walled Garden. 10.05.24.

The Pagoda, Tullynally Castle Gardens. 10.05.24.

      Tullynally Castle Walled Garden. 10.05.24.

   Lower Lake, Tullynally Castle Gardens. 10.05.24.       

   Upper Lake. Tullynally Castle Gardens. 10.05.24.

       Tullynally Castle after the walk. 10.05.24.

The Westmeath County Fleadh in Ballynacargy on Saturday was an excuse for an unofficial walk to the Hill of Laragh and back followed by music and relaxation near the gig-rig. 

                  In Coolnagun bog. 12.05.24.

Sunday’s 24km walk started at Boherquill then crossed some Coillte land and Coolnagun Bog to reach the road from Coole to Multyfarnham. An old green road took the walkers on to Coolure Harbour, the lunch stop.

          Lunch at Lough Derravaragh. 12.05.24.

                     Coolure Harbour. 12.05.24.

                      Coolure House. 12.05.24.

                 Coolure Demesne. 12.05.24.

The Huntsman’s House, Tullynally Estate. 12.05.24.

After lunch the route passed through Coolure Demesne and the grounds of Tullynally Castle before reaching Castlepollard and then on by minor roads to the end of the walk in Fore.

                       Fore Abbey. 12.05.24.

Dinner in the Castle Varagh Hotel in Castlepollard was a fitting end to the weekend for some members.

     Castle Varagh Hotel, Castlepollard. 12.05.24.

Many thanks to all the Club members who worked hard before and during the Festival to make it such a success. Thanks also to Jane O’Reilly of Fore Coffee Shop for the refreshments before and after Sunday’s walk, to Tullynally Castle Tea Shop and Stephen Keary on Friday night and to the Castle Varagh Hotel on Sunday evening. Thank you to Shane Salmon of Salmon’s coaches in Castlepollard who provided the bus on Sunday. Many thanks to Tullynally Castle and Coolure Demesne for permission to pass through their property. The assistance of John Connolly of Coillte and Damien McHugh of Bord na Mona was appreciated when planning the route.  Thanks to Raymond Quinn also for permission to cross property.