The dates for the 2007 Kenmare Walking Festival are Saturday 26 May to Sunday 3 June, 2007
Each summer,the Kenmare Walking Club organises a Walking Festival, usually held from the English holiday weekend at the end of May to the Irish Whit holiday at the beginning of June. The Festival has a variety of guided walks of different grades, from gentle "C" strolls to substantial "B" walks and yet more strenuous "A" walks over the hilltops and mountains. We select these to show the visitor something of the variety of hill and water scenery around Kenmare, with local points of interest.
Highlights of the week are ascents of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain at 1039m: successful climbers are presented with certificates to hang on the wall. Festival information gives the distance, height climbed, and duration (not including transport) of each walk, as well as the relevant Ordnance Survey Ireland map.
Most walks last several hours, and visitors should bring drink and packed lunch. Please note that walking in Ireland is permissive, not by right. Much of the Festival depends upon the traditional goodwill of local landowners, and we ask visitors to respect that, and to follow the country code and do no damage. In particular, dogs and other pets are not allowed on any walk.
Register for walks at the Festival Office in The Square, Kenmare, 30 minutes before each walk. There is a charge for each walk, based on transport and insurance costs. We are able to keep charges moderate because of welcome local sponsorship and because the guides and organisers are volunteers. There are limits on numbers, based on safety and transport, and in the unlikely event of these being reached, we will then close the registration.
There is no pre-booking for walks. Transport leaves from The Square.
CAUTION! Do not underestimate the Irish hills! The ground can be steep and rough, and often lacks any defined track. Walkers must be properly prepared for Ireland's changeable weather. Weather can be glorious, but always remember that on high ground temperatures are lower, winds are stronger, and mist and rain are more likely. The Kenmare Walking Club takes safety training, equipment, and attitude seriously, and the Festival has a duty of reasonable care towards you. Even so, you are ultimately responsible for looking after yourself, and must come properly equipped. Walkers attend at their own risk.
Walks are divided into two main categories:
| A Walks | B Walks |
|---|---|
| A high level of fitness is required for all "A walks". You must have the following, whatever the forecast weather: | A moderate level of fitness is required for all "B walks". You need to have the following: |
| Good hill walking boots | Good walking boots |
| Wind and water proof outer jacket and leggings | Wind and water proof outer jacket |
| Warm layered clothing with hat and gloves | Warm clothing with hat and gloves |
| Hot and cold drinks — at least 2 litres | Hot and cold drinks |
| High energy food | |
| Sunblock — if sun forecast | Sunblock — if sun forecast |
| Insect repellent — if midges bother you | Insect repellent — if midges bother you |
| Medication — if you need it | |
| Rucksack — no hand luggage | Rucksack — no hand luggage |