DESCRIPTION: On this walk you will be taken along the banks
of the scenic Lough Foyle and given an opportunity to absorb
the rich history of Greencastle along the way. This walk will
begin at the Inishowen Maritime Museum with an introduction
to Colmcille and the Foyle by former Irish Ambassador James
Sharkey. We will then make our way towards Northburg Castle
and the Fort where local historians will give a brief history
of the sites. We will continue to Kilblaney Burial Ground and
then onwards to Shroove Lighthouse and beach. Throughout
the walk there will be a host of locals and experts to provide
information on a range of topics – ranging from prehistoric
times to Lough Foyle’s significance during WW1and WW2. The
pinnacle of the journey will see people brought by shuttle bus
up to Port Cille at Inishowen Head where archaeologist and
Colmcille specialist Dr. Brian Lacey will talk about Colmcille’s
leaving Ireland and going to Iona. At the end people will
be brought by shuttle bus back to the Inishowen Maritime
Museum.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Good walking shoes or boots, suitable clothing,
WHAT TO BRING:
Walking poles (optional), water. Face masks for bus journeys.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WALKERS: 50
REQUIRED: Couple of buses from shroove up to Inishowen –
Budget

DESCRIPTION: This sunset walk on World Suicide Prevention
Day organised by local charity Insight Inishowen in partnership
with The Exchange is an opportunity to remember loved ones
who have died by suicide, to recognise the importance of
mental health and wellbeing and to commit ourselves anew
to preventing suicide. Walking together symbolises the
connection we have and reminds us of the value of physical
health for our mental wellbeing. We will share the stunning
views across Lough Swilly as we walk along the shore path to
Porthaw Beach and back, with opportunities along the way to
pause and reflect creatively.
WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable footwear and waterproof coat or
umbrella in case of rain.
WHAT TO BRING: Water/drink
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WALKERS: 60

DESCRIPTION: The walk begins at the Carrowmenagh
Community Centre. As we leave the centre, we make our way
through the picturesque village of Carrowmenagh taking us
through the Townlands of Drumaville and Ballyharry, then
onto Tremone Bay where a commemorative plaque to Thomas
D`Arcy Mc Gee is situated. During your walk, you will have an
uninterrupted view of the North Atlantic. You can also see a
standing stone at the site of an early monastic settlement. We
will return to the community Centre
WHAT TO WEAR: Good walking / hiking boots, waterproof
clothing, sunscreen
WHAT TO BRING: Water, A Walking Pole (optional), camera,
binoculars (optional)etc.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WALKERS: 40

DESCRIPTION: During this short walk uphill, we will come to
a place where we can see the land of Cill Ard, where recently
the West Inishowen History and Heritage Society engaged
archaeological geophysics organisation, Earthsound, to
undertake an electromagnetic survey of the site. For decades,
the site has been known locally as having a settlement,
possibly monastic or Viking. This exploration has uncovered
strong evidence that the site was indeed once the location of
a medieval monastery. Artist, Sarah Duffy, has acquired the
electromagnetic data and transformed it into sound to reveal
something of the hidden history that lies below the soil. During
this short wander, we will listen to this newly created sound
artwork for the first time, with the land and surrounding areas
in view.
WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable shoes, waterproof clothing,
sunscreen
WHAT TO BRING: Smartphone and headphones, water.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WALKERS: 15

DESCRIPTION: This family friendly nature walk will be guided
by local artist, historian and environmentalist Terry Tedstone
who previously worked on site and established Fort Dunree
Wildlife and Nature group. Terry has a wealth of experience
and knowledge on wildlife and knows the site like the back of
his hand. This will be a fun and engaging walk that celebrates
the beautiful wildlife right here on our doorstep.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Comfortable shoes, waterproof clothing, sunscreen
WHAT TO BRING: Water, camera
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WALKERS: 15

DESCRIPTION: Ecotherapist Michaela McDaid, will guide us on this mindful
wander around the majestic site at Fort Dunree. Meeting in
Amach Anseo Community Garden for tea first, then a gentle
walk where we will come to settle in a ‘sit pot’ for a sunset
meditation around 7.30-7.40pm. After the guided communal
meditation participants will be invited to a solitary reflection.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Comfortable shoes, waterproof clothing
WHAT TO BRING:
Maybe a cushion/something to sit on, a cup for tea
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WALKERS: 15

DESCRIPTION: Glór Inis Eoghain is a community group formed
to promote the use of Irish in the Inishowen peninsula. Glór will
accompany participants on a walk and talk as Gaeilge for all
those interested in hearing and using Irish. Starting at Dunree
Beach going on the hillside walk to Mamore gap road, then to
the well of St Colmcille/St Eigne and back via the Pinch Road.
The route is all on road but there is a steep uphill climb.
WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable shoes or walking
boots,waterproof clothing
WHAT TO BRING: Water, camera, snacks
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WALKERS: 15

DESCRIPTION: Get away from it all with a local on this 12 km
route steeped in cultural heritage with extensive views of the
Urris Hills, Bulbin, Inishowen and West Donegal. There will
be plenty to talk about as we ramble along this varied route
including an old monastic site, turf cutting, windmills, a lough
and the flora and fauna of the bogland. Our lunch stop will
be on the summit of Aghaweel Hill giving panoramic views of
Lough Swilly and West Donegal. Hear the Amazing Grace story
and other tales as we take in the stunning vistas and chill-out
above the Lake of Shadows. This walk is over mixed terrain
including track, bog and hill ground which may be boggy,
slippery and rocky underfoot. A good level of fitness is required
for this walk with up-hill sections and a total ascent of 220
metres.
WHAT TO WEAR: Waterproof coat and trousers, hat and gloves,
walking boots, lunch and lots to drink (2L), warm clothing, No
jeans, please.
WHAT TO BRING:
Sun cream, midge repellent, face mask and hand sanitiser and
a rucksack to carry it all in. Don’t forget your camera!
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WALKERS: 15

DESCRIPTION: This walk leaves from Shroove Head car-park
past Port Cille where St Columcille last stopped to bid a final
farewell to his beloved Derry before departing for Iona. We
then turn right to ascend the hill where spectacular views can
be had of the Antrim coast. This area is rich in biodiversity and
you will get an opportunity to stop along the way to explore the
flora and fauna.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Comfortable shoes and waterproof clothing
WHAT TO BRING:
Water/juice; Sandwiches; Flask; camera/phone
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WALKERS: 15

DESCRIPTION: This walk leaves from Greencastle
Community Centre along the upper road towards Moville,
passing the Cairn Theatre and St Mary’s Chapel at
Ballybrack before turning towards Greencastle on the lower
road. We take a detour down Murdock’s lane onto the
shore path along the banks of the Foyle, beside the Piper’s
cave and across the beach towards Greencastle before
joining the lower road again, through the Village via the
Maritime Museum and Ferry and returning to the Centre up
Poundtown road.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Comfortable shoes and waterproof clothing.
WHAT TO BRING: Water/juice; camera.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WALKERS: 15

DESCRIPTION: The Carndonagh Heritage Walk is based on
the Carndonagh Heritage Trail. The trail was developed by the
Colgan Heritage Group & has 13 points of interest, however this
walk has some added treats in store! Carndonagh is situated
at the ‘heart’ of Inishowen peninsula & is the main market &
shopping town in North Inishowen. ‘Carn’, as the locals call
it, has a population of approx. 2500. The town is laid out
around a central square, the ‘Diamond’, & is dominated by its
Romanesque Revival Catholic chapel. It is a thriving centre for
gatherings, entertainment, & culture. Our walk will bring you on
a meandering guided tour of our town, stopping off along the
way to hear & learn about our unique history & culture.
Amongst other things, we will hear about Carndonagh’s history
as a town known far & wide for its textile factories, which were
so important to the local economy, helping put food on many
tables throughout the peninsula. We will visit the Barrack Hill,
a newly created community area & park & hear about its rich
biodiversity & Donegal’s only ‘Green Flag’ Award. We will
also stop off at the Donagh Cross, a unique 7th century cross,
one of the oldest free-standing crosses in Ireland, which is
decorated with Celtic & Christian symbols depicting the OldINISHOWEN WALKING FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Know your walk level:
Pink = Multi-access
Blue = Easy
Green = Moderate
Light red = Strenuous
Multi-access:
These walks are suitable for all users including wheelchair users, those with reduced mobility, and
children in buggies etc. Typical outdoor footwear is suitable for these walks. Please check all walk
descriptions to find out the distance of each walk, and judge their suitability according to your own
level of fitness.
Easy:
Mostly flat trails along paths or roads. These shorter walks are suitable for family groups and
the elderly. Please check all walk descriptions to find out the distance of each walk, and judge
accordingly to your own level of fitness.
Moderate:
These walks can go off road, through fields, beaches or other uneven surfaces. The distance tends
to be greater than easy and may include some uphill. These routes are suitable for walkers with a
moderate level of fitness. Specific hiking/walking footwear is recommended for these routes.
Strenuous:
These walks tend to be more physically demanding, either through greater distance, steep climbs or
uneven surfaces. Suitable for regular walkers comfortable with hiking long distances and with a high
level of fitness. Specific hiking/walking footwear is required for these routes, with hiking poles, and
hiking clothing highly recommended.

 Inishowen Walking Festival