Ardara Walking Festival

Ardara Walking Festival Féile Siúlóide Ard a’Rátha 14th 15th 16th 17th March 2003

We look forward to meeting you all again in the heritage town of Ardara in the Gaeltacht of South West Donegal for the extended St. Patrick’s Weekend Walking Festival. Once again some of the best walks in Donegal will be featured during the Festival. This year, because of the anticipated numbers, and so that transport can be co-ordinated, it is essential to book early as places will be limited. Ardara is an area rich in folklore and archaeology, home of hand-woven tweed and knitwear. For the keen angler, facilities for lake, river and sea fishing are readily available. Above all, a friendly hospitable people ever ready to make the visitor feel at home. This is a community run festival and all the proceeds are used for various community projects.We regret no dogs are allowed. May we offer you "A Céad Míle Fáilte"

REGISTRATION FEES ARE AS FOLLOWS: €25 per day for Strenuous Walks or €60 for the weekend. €15 per day for Moderate Walks or €40 for the weekend. €5 per day for Short Walks Children under 12 FREE OF CHARGE when accompanied by an adult. Above charges includes transportation to and from the walks, and parking is provided at the Community Centre. Further information from: Terence and Patricia Tel: +353 75 41830 E-mail: sloweyt@eircom.net Donal and Marie Therese Tel: +353 75 41518 E-mail: dhaughey@eircom.net







Friday 14th March 2003

Registration 9pm - 11pm Doherty’s Bar Front Street, Ardara.	Meet your guides and discuss the weekend's walks. Experienced local guides will accompany all walks. Direction of leaders must be strictly followed. In the best interests of the Festival and personal safety the organisers may alter walks and routes. Do choose the walk most suitable to your level of fitness. Proper footwear and clothing is a minimum requirement. Additional advice may be given at registration. AS NUMBERS WILL BE LIMITED FINAL REGISTRATION FOR ALL STRENUOUS WALKS IS MARCH 7TH 2003.

Evening Entertainment	Music in Doherty’s Bar



Saturday 15th March 2003

Strenuous Walk Sliabh Liag Assemble at Community Centre between 09:15 and 09:45 a.m. Depart 10.00 a.m	A circular walk from Teelin taking in the "one man's pass" and pilgrim's path. For the experienced walker only. "As the Pièce de Resistance of the North-west coast and one of the finest marine cliffs in Europe. Sliabh Liag cannot be equalled" Walks Guides - 1979. Time: 5 - 6 hours. Height Gain 790 metres



Moderate Walk Sl. na Finne. Doochary to Fintown Late Registration at Community Centre10.30 a.m. Depart 11.00 a.m.	This is part of the Way Marked Walk - Bealach na Gaeltacht. Good moderate walk. This walk has everything, from native woodland, rivers, and a host of lakes. Beautiful countryside. This walk in on path, road and across peatland. The walk will end along the restored single gauge railway line along the shores of Lough Finn. Time 4.5 hours. Height Gain 350 metres.



Easy Walk Narin Late Registration at Community Centre11.30 a.m. Depart 12 noon	Visit the Dolmen Centre at Kilclooney and the Dolmen. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach at Narin. Take in the splendid views. Time: 2 hours



Evening Entertainment Campfire Cráic Venue - Central Bar	Programme - 8.00p.m. - 9.30p.m. : Buffet / Barbeque Campfire Music : Local Musicians 10.00p.m. - Late: Live Music: The Fat B**'s Admission* - Buffet/Barbeque Ticket €20.00 The Fat B***'s Ticket €10.00





Sunday 16th March 2003

Strenuous Walk Port to Maghera Assemble at Community Centre between 09:15 and 09:45 a.m. Depart from the Community Centre 10 a.m.	The most popular walk in the Ardara Festival Calendars. One of the most beautiful and remote coastlines in these islands. Under the dominant Sliabh Tooey. This is an outstanding area known to a few shepherds and the more adventurous walkers. Time: 7 - 7.5 hours Height Gain 880 m



Moderate Walk Glenhead Late Registration 10.30 a.m. Depart from the Community Centre 11 a.m.	This is a spectacular circular walk from Glencolmcille via the magnificent cliffs of Glenhead and the Signal Tower to the deserted village of Port and returning to Glencolmcille along the Way Marked Path of Bealach na Gaeltachta. A good moderate walk bordering on the strenuous. Well worth the effort. Time: 4 - 5 hours Height Gain 480 m



Easy Walk Liskeeraghan Late Registration 11.30 a.m. Depart from the Community Centre 12.00 noon	From Liskeeraghan strand to the newly formed sand dunes. Transport will take you to the starting point and walk back to Ardara. Time 2 hours



Evening Entertainment	Nesbitt Arms Hotel




Monday 17th March 2003

Strenuous Walk Sliabh Sneachta Assemble at Community Centre between 09:15 and 09:45 a.m. Depart from the Community Centre 10 a.m.	Your chance to walk in part of the Glenveagh National Park. Enjoy the magnificent views in this part of the Derryveagh mountains. Numbers are strictly limited for this walk. Time 6.5 hours Height Gain 750 metres



Moderate Walk Rosbeg/Sandfield	Rosbeg/Sandfield is a place apart with its tranquil surroundings and stunning views of the Bluestack Mountains. See the magnificent Ballinreavy sand banks which can be seen from Ard an Amharc on the Donegal Town approach to Ardara. Enjoy a complete system of sand dunes, marsh grassland and lagoon. Visit Tramore, Kiltourish Castle and graveyard. Time: 4 Hours Height Gain 20 metres






For details on accommodation and other details please visit

www.ardara.ie www.irishadventure.com or Accommodation Listings on this site



How to get to Ardara

From Dublin McGeehan’s Coaches Direct Daily Service +353 75 46150 or +353 75 46101 www.mgbus.com Timetable Bús Éireann 0353 1 8366111 www.buseireann.ie From London/Manchester/Glasgow: Ryanair to City of Derry Airport www.ryanair.com



OTHER FESTIVALS

FESTIVALS OF ARDARA 2003 An Cupán Tae Traditional Music Festival May Bank Holiday Weekend Ceile Dance Festival October Bank Holiday Weekend Further information on www.ardara.ie www.irishadventure.com SCOTTISH BORDERS FESTIVAL OF WALKING Proposed dates 29th August 2003 to 6th September 2003 Further information from www.scots-borders.co.uk/walkingbreaks/festival E-mail address is: info@scot-borders.co.uk


Féile Siúlóide Ard a Rátha and Ardara Parish Council acknowledges the support of the community, landowners and our sponsors for their continued generosity especially all at Donegal County Tourism and North West Tourism.