Irish Peaks published - Mountaineering Ireland
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Autumn 2020 €3.95 UK£3.40 ISSN 0790 8008 Issue 135
HILLWALKING • CLIMBING • MOUNTAINEERING
Irish Peaks published
Large format guide to hundred highest mountains
Arderins mountain list
All Irish mountains over 500 metres: a lifetime challenge
www.mountaineering.ie
For more information visit
www.mountaineering.ie
or contact the office on (01) 625 1115
:LY]PUN[OLOPSS^HSRLYZHUK
JSPTILYZVM0YLSHUKZPUJL 
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
ISSUE 135
The Irish Mountain Log is the
membership magazine of
Mountaineering Ireland. The
Welcome
organisation promotes the interests
of hillwalkers and climbers in Ireland.
Mountaineering Ireland
❝
Mountaineering Ireland Ltd is a
company limited by guarantee and
C
éad míle fáilte! I hope that you registered in Dublin, No 199053.
have continued to stay safe Registered office: Irish Sport HQ,
over the summer. The Covid-19 National Sports Campus,
restrictions have been eased Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Ireland.
somewhat, allowing us to get
The Arderins list of Irish Tel: (+353 1) 625 1115
back to the hills, albeit in a mountains presents a lifetime Fax: (+353 1) 625 1116
info@mountaineering.ie
controlled way while ensuring social challenge to hillwalkers www.mountaineering.ie
distancing. As we go to print, the situation
has deteriorated and there are likely to be fabulous, beautifully produced guidebook Hot Rock Climbing Wall
increasing restrictions around the country and a fitting tribute to Joss Lynam, who
Tollymore Mountain Centre
on social contacts in an attempt to slow Bryansford, Newcastle
edited the original Irish Peaks book in 1982. County Down, BT33 0PT
the spread of the virus. Hearty congratulations are due to Alan and Tel: (+44 28) 4372 5354
While relevant news is fairly limited at Margaret Tees, who drove the project, and youth@mountaineering.ie
this time, we do still have a very full to Helen Lawless, who brought the book to
magazine. We have a short report on this publication. The book can still be Editor: Patrick O’Sullivan
year’s AGM, which was held virtually at the purchased at a member’s discounted price Tel: (+353 1) 837 8166 (pm, wknds)
end of June. This important meeting was through Mountaineering Ireland’s website.
iml-editor@mountaineering.ie
well attended virtually, with over fifty Literary Editor: Peter O’Neill
The other big news is the agreement iml-literaryeditor@mountaineering.ie
members logging in online. between Mountaineering Ireland and
The Annual Review for 2019, which would MountainViews to promote the Arderins The Irish Mountain Log is published by
normally have been circulated in hard copy list of Irish mountains 500 metres or higher Mountaineering Ireland four times a
at the AGM, is included in this issue of the as a “lifetime challenge akin to the Sottish year, in March, June, September,
Irish Mountain Log. Hopefully, that will give Munros.” This is a welcome development for December. The material published in
more members a chance to read this the Log by the voluntary editorial team
hillwalkers and will hopefully take some of
excellent review by the staff of the pressure off the usual honeypots,
and contributors must not be taken as
Mountaineering Ireland of their activities official Mountaineering Ireland policy
where the footfall pressure is unless specifically stated.
in 2019 “working for and representing environmentally unsustainable.
hillwalkers and climbers” on the island of Despite the lockdown, so far it has been Copy deadline for the Winter 2020
Ireland. As CEO Murrough McDonagh says an exciting year for Mountaineering Ireland, issue of the Irish Mountain Log is:
in the review, it was “an extremely busy and with several important events held Friday, October 30th 2020.
enjoyable year for Mountaineering Ireland.” successfully. Hopefully, we will be able to
It has continued to be busy for continue to get out into the uplands in
Advertising: info@mountaineering.ie
Mountaineering Ireland in 2020, with the some manner during the coming months.
long-awaited publication of Irish Peaks, a Keep safe!
Production: Cóilín MacLochlainn,
coilin@natureireland.ie
hillwalking guidebook to routes on Ireland’s
one hundred highest peaks. This is a Patrick O’Sullivan, Editor Printing: GPS Colour Graphics Ltd,
Alexander Road, Belfast BT6 9HP
Tel: +44 (0)28 9070 2020
Write for the Log PARTICIPATION AND RISK
Readers of the Irish Mountain Log are
reminded that hillwalking and climbing
are activities with a danger of personal
Contributions of features, news items and photographs for injury or death. Participants in these
the Irish Mountain Log are always welcome and should be activities should be aware of and
sent to the Editor at: iml-editor@mountaineering.ie. accept these risks, and be responsible
for their own actions and involvement.
Contributors’ guidelines can be downloaded from the Mountaineering Ireland publishes and
promotes safety and good practice
Mountaineering Ireland website, www.mountaineering.ie.
ON THE COVER advice and through the Mountain
Towards Tievummura (762m) and Training Board of Ireland administers a
To join Mountaineering Ireland and receive four issues of the Tievenabinnia in the Sheeffry Hills, range of training programmes for
Irish Mountain Log delivered to your door each year, please County Mayo. Photograph taken
walkers and climbers.
also go to the website, www.mountaineering.ie. from Irish Peaks.
PHOTOGRAPH
MARGARET TEES
Autumn 2020 Irish Mountain Log 3
Fleeting shadow highlights
Brassel Mountain, an Arderin
CONTENTS Autumn 2020 of 575m (50m prominence)
nestling under the main ridge
of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks
News 13 Dealing with call-outs during
the Covid-19 pandemic
5 Covid-19 advice Ruth Cunniffe reports
6 Cairn on Seahan 14 Celebrate walking!
mountain damaged Linda Sankey reports
Geraldine Stout reports 15 Walking and wellbeing
Linda Sankey reports
7 The Arderins list
Ruth Whelan reports 16 Mountaineering Ireland
8 Mountaineering Ireland Lynam Lecture 2020
holds virtual AGM
A report by Patrick O’Sullivan News Feature
9 A trailblazing climber’s 18 The Arderins
memoir is published By the Arderins Subcommittee
10 Be ‘AdventureSmart’!
Jane Carney reports Features
11 European Week of Sport: 20 Ancient monarch
September 23-30th By Don Baldwin
Ania Bakiewicz reports
24 Six favourites 29 ANNUAL REVIEW 2019
12 Covid-19 memories to By Richard Creagh
be collected 29 Annual Review 2019
Jane Maxwell reports
Photographs: Simon Stewart (Brassel), Cóilín MacLochlainn (Seahan)
42 Hiking in Crete 46 In the Schweizerland Alps
12 Crossword results By Aongus Ó hAonghusa By Harry Harbison
50 Climbing the Nose
By Paul Collins
55 Where cactus is king
By Kevin Higgins
Regulars
28 Crossword Competition
58 Club and Member
Support Meeting
Siobhan Quinn reports
60 Training
Jane Carney reports
62 Books
Reviews of recent books
6 SEAHAN MOUNTAIN CAIRN DAMAGED 66 The Last Word
Joe Brown (1930-2020)
4 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2020
Newsdesk
Staff & Board
General enquirieS
info@mountaineering.ie
Staff
Chief executive Officer
Murrough McDonagh,
murrough@mountaineering.ie
administration Officer
Siobhán Quinn, info@mountaineering.ie
Hillwalking Development Officer
Ruth Whelan, ruth@mountaineering.ie
access & Conservation Officer
Helen Lawless, helen@mountaineering.ie
Women in Sport Coordinator
Ania Bakiewicz, ania@mountaineering.ie
training Officer
Jane Carney, jane@mountaineering.ie
training & Membership
Support administrator
Laura Griffin, laura@mountaineering.ie
Climbing Officer
Damien O’Sullivan,
damien@mountaineering.ie
Youth Development Officer for
northern ireland
Covid-19 advice
Kevin Kilroy, kevin@mountaineering.ie
Our latest advice for hillwalkers and climbers in Ireland
Get irelanD WalkinG initiative
Programme Manager, Get ireland Walking to hillwalking and climbing. We have
Jason King, jason@getirelandwalking.ie produced specific advice to support
Communications & administrative Officer, hillwalkers and climbers in making a
Get ireland Walking return to activity in a safe and
Linda Sankey, linda@getirelandwalking.ie responsible manner in the continuing
presence of Covid-19. That advice is
MOuntaineerinG irelanD
BOarD OffiCerS available through our website,
With the easing of restrictions on www.mountaineering.ie.
President
Paul Kellagher movement and socialisation in July, we Underpinning that specific advice for
president@mountaineering.ie have been able to return to the hills and hillwalkers and climbers is the general
Chairperson crags of Ireland, albeit in a somewhat public health advice issued by the
Paul Barron restricted way, with the need to still government on reducing the
chairperson@mountaineering.ie maintain social distancing and with limits transmission of Covid-19 and any further
on group sizes. possibly local restrictions that the
BOarD MeMBerS The benefits to the environment of our
Imelda Buckley Department of Health feels are necessary
prolonged absence and the general
(Chair of Finance, Audit & Risk Committee) as the situation develops.
reduction in footfall in the uplands were
imelda-board@mountaineering.ie Mountaineering Ireland’s advice is
very evident, with the growth of the
David Pollard aimed at all hillwalkers and climbers. The
vegetation surrounding paths and on the
(Chair of Access & Conservation Committee) purpose of that specific advice for
paths themselves.
david-board@mountaineering.ie hillwalkers and climbers is to highlight
Trish Kane
We must always remember that Covid-
19 is still in our communities and that we any additional considerations that we
trish-board@mountaineering.ie should be aware of while engaging in our
Colette Mahon all need to continue to play our part in
keeping it under control. We have sport in the presence of Covid-19. It
colette-board@mountaineering.ie
changed the way we live and the builds on the good practice which is
Michael Maunsell
government is hoping that, as the already commonplace among
mike-board@mountaineering.ie
Gráinne McLaughlin restrictions are eased on our personal responsible hillwalkers and climbers,
(Chair of Hillwalking Committee) and social lives, we will maintain those checking the weather forecast, checking
grainne-board@mountaineering.ie changes in terms of increased hand access arrangements, selecting routes
Clare O’Connor hygiene, improved cough etiquette, that are appropriate for the fitness, skill
clare-board@mountaineering.ie adequate social distancing and restricted and experience of the people you are
Dawson Stelfox socialisation. hiking or climbing with, environmental
(Chair of Mountain Training Board Ireland) This is where personal responsibility awareness, and so on.
dawson-board@mountaineering.ie has to come to the fore. We must all do Mountaineering Ireland is continually
Geoff Thomas our best to reduce the spread of this reviewing our Covid-19 Advice for
(Chair of Climbing Committee) virus, particularly as we head into the Hillwalkers and Climbers document and
geoff-board@mountaineering.ie winter months and probably until we the summary sheet. The most recent
Noel Caffrey
have a safe and effective vaccine. versions of these resources can be
noel-board@mountaineering.ie
Mountaineering Ireland continues to accessed via the website,
encourage a safe and responsible return www.mountaineering.ie ■
Autumn 2020 Irish Mountain Log 5
NEWSL0G
Large grass-covered prehistoric cairn on the summit of Seahan in the Dublin Mountains, showing where stones were recently removed
(right) to build a drystone shelter (centre foreground). An Ordnance Survey trig-point is located on top of the cairn
Cairn on Seahan mountain damaged
Hillwalkers are urged to report any damage they find to prehistoric monuments in the hills
By Geraldine Stout (National Monuments
Service)
Within the south Dublin and north Wicklow
uplands, the cairns of prehistoric passage
tombs crown the western and northern
summits of the mountains, forming a
coherent territory (see map). These cairns
(artificial hills of loose stones) contain the
funerary remains of the earliest farming
communities in the region.
Cairns are legally protected by the State
under the National Monuments Acts.
However, in the last year the National
Monuments Service has received several
concerning reports from the public about
damage to one particular cairn, on Seahan
mountain, County Dublin (Recorded
Monument DU024-047----). Intrusive, dry-
stone shelters have been built on the
periphery of the monument, using the stone
from the cairn.
Dry-stone shelter on the cairn Originally, cairns were placed over the burial chamber to
protect the human remains, so removal of these stones can
result in remains being exposed. The shelters have since
been dismantled under archaeological supervision by
National Monuments Service staff.
We know that the vast majority of visitors to these
Photographs: Chris Corlett
mountains are respectful of these monuments. We would
ask that, if mountaineers notice any damage to any of these
cairns, they report it to the National Monuments Service by
phoning 01 888 2000 or emailing
nationalmonuments@chg.gov.ie as soon as possible ■
6 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2020
The Arderins list
We announce an official list of Irish summits for hillwalkers on the island of Ireland
By Ruth Whelan (for the Arderins
Subcommittee)
Mountaineering Ireland and
MountainViews have collaborated to
develop an all-island list of Irish
mountains capable of acquiring the
status and recognition of the Scottish
Munro list.
A working group comprised of
members of Mountaineering Ireland’s
Hillwalking Committee and members of
MountainViews was set up to develop
an official list of Irish summits. Both
organisations were concerned to avoid
encouraging any development which
could be detrimental to the unspoilt
nature of Irish hills or to the
environment. They were also conscious
that the uplands in Ireland are used by Aghla More (581m) above Lough Feane in the Derryveagh Mountains, Co Donegal
hillwalkers in a very patchy way. The
Wicklow area, the Mournes and the
Reeks are arguably overused, while
equally exciting hills in many other areas expressed and understood. The term ■ Rural development Enhances the
are virtually unused. An accepted list ‘Arderin’ is symbolic, meaning ‘the height viability of more remote communities
might encourage a more evenly spread of Ireland’ in Irish, as well as being the by bringing visitors. Helps raise
usage. name of a hill located close to the interest in the archaeological and
geographical centre of the island. cultural heritage of the area, and
The vision stimulates the development of the
The vision was to arrive at an agreed list
The value of the list very rudimentary support facilities
required for this activity.
of Irish hills, defined according to certain ■ Environment Spreads the
criteria, which would encourage environmental impact of hillwalking
hillwalkers to explore upland areas over a greater number of areas.
Challenge yourself:
throughout the island, without Certain areas bear a walk the Arderins
compromising the wildness, uniqueness disproportionate amount of Hillwalkers can log Arderins as they
and environment which give Ireland its hillwalking activity in Ireland and are complete them on the Mountaineering
character. consequently the most Ireland or the MountainViews websites.
The members of the Working Group environmentally impacted. The list is There will be recognition of successful
were mindful of the success of projects geographically wide-ranging on the completion of the Arderins on an
such as the Munros in Scotland and the island, with twenty-six of the thirty- ongoing basis. To date (as of August
Highpointers lists in the US. They saw two counties represented, and it 2020), nine hillwalkers have completed
the Arderins as being the premier list, includes many challenging peaks. all 406.
the extent and nature of which, and the ■ Hillwalking as a sport Supports, Generally, responsible hillwalkers enjoy
effort which it took to complete, increases awareness of and unhindered access to Ireland’s
providing hillwalkers and clubs with a promotes the further development mountains and upland areas, due to the
serious challenge usually undertaken of the sport of hillwalking. goodwill and tolerance of the
over a lifetime of walking. It was Encourages young people to see landowners. Maintaining access and
therefore agreed that the Arderins list hillwalking as a challenge. Develops good relations with landowners and
was the most appropriate for Ireland’s
Photograph: Simon Stewart
skills of fitness, navigation, self- local communities is a shared
official mountain list. reliance and route-finding. A list of responsibility among hillwalkers. Even
mountains provides a framework for though some routes are well-
Arderins discussion of routes, summit established, this does not confer a legal
The Arderins is a list of 406 mountains advantages and disadvantages, right of entry.
access issues and culture. For further information please go to
that are 500m or greater in height with a
prominence of at least 30m, which is ■ Health Supports the development mountainviews.ie or mountaineering.ie
objective and capable of being easily of walking as a wellness activity. ■
Autumn 2020 Irish Mountain Log 7
NEWSL0G
Mountaineering Ireland holds virtual AGM
Mountaineering Ireland’s first ever virtual Annual General Meeting was held online on June 24th, 2020
Almost fifty members participated in The Standing Orders were adopted by
the meeting, including delegates from the meeting, as were the minutes of the
the following clubs: last AGM, held on March 30th, 2019, in
Sport HQ in happier times.
■ Arklow and Wicklow Hillwalkers The President, Paul Kellagher, was
■ Beanna Beola Hillwalking Club unable to join the meeting and his
■ Blarney Walking Group report was taken as read. CEO Murrough
■ Blayney Ramblers McDonagh presented the Company
By Patrick O’Sullivan Secretary’s report, which demonstrated
■ Clare Outdoor Club
that the Company had observed good
Given the difficulties presented by the ■ Cumann Siúil Cois Coiribe
governance during 2019.
Covid-19 pandemic in terms of ensuring ■ Cork Youth Climbing Club The main business of the meeting was
social distancing, etc, the 2020 Annual ■ Dublin Cliffhangers Youth Climbing the approval of the company’s audited
General Meeting (AGM) of Club Financial Statements for 2019 by the
Mountaineering Ireland was held online
■ Galtee Walking Club members, so that Mountaineering
via Zoom at 7.00pm on June 24th, 2020.
■ Galway Walking Club Ireland could be seen to be accountable
It was chaired by the Chairperson of the
to its members and also meet the
Board, Paul Barron. ■ Glencree Walkers
requirements of the funding bodies and
■ Glenwalk the Charities Commission.
Agenda ■ Irish Mountaineering Club The audited accounts for the year
■ Adoption of Standing Orders ■ Irish Ramblers Club were presented by Imelda Buckley,
■ Adoption of Minutes of the 2019 ■ Kick Ass Adventures Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk
AGM Committee. They showed that, despite
■ Mid Tipp Hillwalkers
■ President’s Address the challenging times we are going
■ Midleton Hillwalking Club
■ Election to Full Membership of through, Mountaineering Ireland had
■ Na Sléibhte Hillwalking Club encouragingly ended the year with a
Aspirant Clubs
■ New Ross Ramblers small surplus of just over €3,000,
■ Company Secretary’s Report
■ Peaks Mountaineering Club undoubtedly as a result of careful
■ Approval of Financial Statements for
■ Queen’s University Belfast budgetary control throughout the year
2019
Mountaineering Club by the CEO and his staff. The full audited
■ Appointment of Auditor for 2020 accounts can be seen on
■ Rosway Walkers
■ Statements regarding Safeguarding www.mountaineering.ie.
and Anti-doping ■ Skerries Walking Club Mountaineering Ireland’s statements
■ Nominations for election to the ■ Swilly Hiking Club on safeguarding and anti-doping were
Board of Mountaineering Ireland ■ The Trekkers Mountaineering Club approved by the meeting. The meeting
8 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2020
also elected Noel Caffrey, a long- ■ South East Climbing Club The Board of Mountaineering
standing member of the Irish ■ Red Cow Mountaineering Club Ireland extended its thanks to the
Mountaineering Club, to be a member of ■ Trekking NI members who participated in the
the Board of Directors of the Company. AGM and to those who watched it
■ Queen’s University Belfast
The AGM agreed to grant full live on YouTube. Thanks were also
Mountaineering Club
membership to the following eight given to the staff team, who
clubs: ■ Knocklyon Hillwalking Club organised the logistics for
■ Valeo Hiking Club Mountaineering Ireland’s first ever
■ NCIC Community Climbers ■ New Ross Ramblers virtual AGM ■
A trailblazing climber’s memoir is published
few people ventured into the
hills, unless they were out
searching for sheep.
In the decades since then,
Clare has been a very active
climber, both in Ireland and
abroad (in the Alps, the
Himalayas and the Americas)
and her experiences, along with
those of her husband Calvin
Torrans, give a unique
perspective on many of the
achievements, trends and
debates that have shaped the
Clare Sheridan’s new book,
development of Irish climbing.
Uncoiling the Ropes: The Memoir
The book is available from
of a Trailblazing Irish Climber, has
the Mountaineering Ireland’s
recently been published by
online store at
Mweelrea Press. It will be of
www.mountaineering.ie/shop
great interest to many
Mountaineering Ireland and from The Dublin Climbing
Photograph: Calvin Torrans
members as Clare’s story spans Centre at
over half a century of Irish info@dublinclimbingcentre.ie.
mountaineering history. Uncoiling the Ropes will be
As a child, Clare fell under the reviewed in the Winter 2020
spell of wild Irish landscapes issue of the Irish Mountain Log.
and went on to become a And Clare still really values a
Clare Sheridan on Orpierre in the Hautes-Alpes, France
regular hillwalker at a time when day out in the Irish hills! ■
Autumn 2020 Irish Mountain Log 9
NEWSL0G
Be ‘AdventureSmart’!
Get the skills and be safe on your mountain adventures
By Jane Carney prevent potentially
(Training Officer) avoidable incidents in
upland areas here.
As announced in the Spring One way for people
2020 issue of the Irish Mountain who are returning to the
Log (IML 133, page 6), Irish upland areas after
Mountaineering Ireland and the lockdown (or maybe
Mountain Training Board Ireland just going there for the
have recently become partners first time) to be sure that
of AdventureSmart.UK. People they can answer the
enjoying the coast and questions posed by
countryside across the island of AdventureSmart is to
Ireland will now be encouraged spend time in the hills
to be ‘AdventureSmart,’ with the with a registered training
launch of this new Ireland and provider, a
UK outdoor safety campaign. Mountaineering
The aim of AdventureSmart is Instructor.
to reduce the number of Irish providers have all
avoidable incidents which the prepared for instructing
rescue and emergency services Mountain Skills training in Wicklow Mountains with Wayne Jenkins clients in the new
have to respond to each year ‘normal’ that has
through the development and promotion of a comprehensive followed the end of that initial lockdown. Below is a positive
set of safety messages. This is an innovative approach to account of one such interaction.
communicating safety to the many people who are exploring
the outdoors in Ireland.
Whatever the activity, being AdventureSmart is about
A few words about my experience
considering a few simple things to help your day stay great and training for Mountain Skills
to ensure that you return safely and looking forward to your
next adventure. Experts from leading safety and sporting By Simon Holmes
organisations have developed these messages to provide the
I did Mountain Skills 1 and 2 courses with Wayne Jenkins and
essential information needed for people to get outdoors,
it was a great opportunity to refresh and adapt my
confident that they have prepared for a great day.
navigation skills (I’m a PADI divemaster) and to learn and
People are prompted to ask three questions before they
build confidence in the mountains.
set off:
As an enthusiastic outdoor photographer, I was keen to
learn some new skills to help with this, and Wayne’s classes
■ Do I have the right GEAR? and on-the-mountain training were great in that respect. His
■ Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? years of experience in the hills and with mountain rescue are
very clear in his training sessions. His down-to-earth
■ Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS for approach also ensures that everyone can follow the syllabus
the day? and pick up lots of practical tips along the way.
As well as having a great time in the classes and on the
A new website, www.adventuresmart.uk, is now linked to mountains, the training courses provided a nice mix of
the Mountaineering Ireland website, www.mountaineering.ie, learning and socialising to ensure that the whole experience
and provides all the information that people need to answer was both educational and enjoyable.
these questions. I would highly recommend taking a Mountain Skills course
As a new partner organisation, we have joined forces with the with a registered training provider to make sure you have the
existing partners to ensure that the AdventureSmart messages appropriate knowledge and skills for your safe return to, or
are spread far and wide on the island of Ireland, to try to for your safe first visits to, the hills ■
Photograph: Simon Holmes
10 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2020European Week of Sport: September 23-30th
Celebrating women in hillwalking, rock climbing and trail running
By Ania Bakiewicz (Women in Sport even the stars. Deepen your knowledge locations nationwide, so there is no
Coordinator) about the environment and heritage in need to travel too far.
your local area. Discover the proper All activities are run by female
Mountaineering Ireland and Women In technique for footwork while running outdoor instructors, the experts from
Sport are inviting women of all ages and the trails. Learn how to move on the your local areas.
abilities to take part in the European rock and what gear to use. Learn about
Photograph: Helen Lawless
Week of Sport. Join us on the hills and the weather. FIND OUT MORE Places are FREE but
mountains nationwide and celebrate All activities are at an entry-level, so limited! To find out more about the
the stunning outdoors on your doorstep. do not worry: you are well able for it! events being held during the week, visit
Challenge yourself to hill or trail Bring your daughter or your mother www.mountaineering.ie/EWOS.
walking, scrambling, trail running or rock along. Make new ‘outdoorsy’ friends and TICKETS For free tickets, apply on
climbing. Learn new skills like landscape get the taste for the outdoor adventure Eventbrite ■
photography and the basics of and healthy lifestyle locally.
navigation using a compass, map or Twenty events are running in twenty
Autumn 2020 Irish Mountain Log 11NEWSL0G
Covid-19 memories to be collected
Trinity College Dublin library is seeking memories from Mountaineering Ireland members
What formats are and the Digital Repository of
welcome? Ireland. The records would be
We welcome stories in any shared between the two
format and any length. It bodies and stored in our
could be a photograph with a digital repositories, so that
little bit of commentary, or a
they can be easily used in the
recording made on your
phone. Ideally, you would let future.
us interview you. This would
involve a preparatory call or How do I find out more?
email to discuss what you The project leader is Dr Jane
want to talk about and to give Maxwell, Assistant Librarian,
you the terms and conditions, Manuscripts & Archives
followed by a virtual interview.
Research Collections, Trinity
What will happen to my College Library, Dublin, and
record? she will be happy to answer
This is a joint project between any questions you might care
the Library of Trinity College to send to mscripts@tcd.ie ■
Joss Lynam
crossword results
By Jane Maxwell capture a snapshot of sports
(Trinity College Library) people’s lives in Ireland in The winner of our crossword in IML 134 was James McBrearty, of Feeny,
2020. The resulting records will Co Derry, who won an outfit comprising a jacket, short-sleeved t-shirt and
Trinity College Library, Dublin, be preserved into the future to convertible pants, a prize worth up to €250, from our crossword sponsor,
Basecamp. The solution to the crossword is shown below. Mountaineering
has been collecting “Covid-19 become available for
Ireland will contact the winner to arrange collection of his prize.
memories” from the researchers interested in life in
university’s community since early 21st-century Ireland. 1 2 3 4 5
the lockdown. The library is G R O U S E S K Y E
6
the custodian of the archives What kind of records or O W A I A
of Joss Lynam, a founding stories are welcome? 7
R U N N I N
8
G
9
P U G
member of the Irish The memory doesn’t have to
Mountaineering Club (IMC) be about the pandemic. It can S C E P L
10 11 12 13
and, in his memory, it is be a story about sport in your E A S T E R P U R E
proposed to extend an own life or in the life of
invitation to members of someone in your family. It can E I R
14 15 16 17
Mountaineering Ireland to get be about your parish or your T R E K A S C E
N D
involved in the project. club. You might have a story 18
R F A K W
The project has gone about an object – a medal or a 19 20 21
beyond being only about pair of boots. You might even A M I C A I R N Y
Covid-related experiences. The like to record your thoughts I N T O E
wider purpose now is to about sports generally. 22 23
L I N G D O D D E R
Man’s outfit
Rain Scape Jacket Triple Canyon Convertible Pants Zero Rules Short Sleeve T-shirt
12 Irish Mountain LogMOUNTAIN RESCUE
DEALING WITH CALL-OUTS
DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
A mid-year report from Ruth Cunniffe, Public Relations Officer for Mountain Rescue Ireland
M
ountain Rescue Ireland First and second quarter incidents combined
teams responded to 61
incidents in the first
quarter (Q1) and 57
incidents in the second
quarter (Q2) of 2020. In comparison to
the same quarters in 2019, when Q1 saw
75 incidents and Q2 saw 95, there were
approximately one-third fewer call-outs
in the first half of 2020. This decrease
can be directly related to the impact of
the Covid-19 pandemic on activity in the
hills and elsewhere.
Ireland went into lockdown at the end
of March but, even prior to that, people
had been requested by the government
to restrict their movements, which
reduced call-outs in Q1.
In Q2, during the lockdown, the
number of call-outs was also reduced. As
soon as the restrictions were lifted in
June, however, and people returned to
the hills and mountainous areas again,
the number of incidents increased. The
full details of that increase will be
reported in our third quarter statistics.
Apart from the impact on the number
of call-outs, the pandemic also affected
the way in which mountain rescue teams
had to work. Updated guidelines were the restrictions have been lifted, increased steadily through June and July.
introduced for teams in the first half of there has been an increase in road DWMRT responded to 25 incidents in
2020, with new personal protective traffic in scenic hotspots, for August alone, in stark contrast to Covid-
equipment (PPE) recommended to be example, at entrances to 19’s quiet entrance.
used and revised risk assessments to be mountainous areas and national “Operationally, our procedures are also
undertaken for each incident. parks. This has caused delay in quite different now. We restrict the
The response to call-outs now involves responding to incidents. number of rescuers at an incident, which
more preparatory work than ever before: makes the jobs of those who are there
Here is a view from one team on the more difficult. Initial contact with a
• Assessment of the patient now
includes a Covid-19 questionnaire;
direct impact of Covid-19 on their work:
John Kavanagh, Dublin Wicklow
patient is dominated by PPE,
temperature readings and taking the
Mountain Rescue Team (DWMRT),
• Assessment of the responders, now
with added Covid-19 questionnaire;
reports:
time to ascertain if they pose a COVID-
19 risk. Rescuers are now required to
• Multi-layered PPE to be used by both
responders and potentially the
“DWMRT has been impacted significantly
by Covid-19. During lockdown, it was
wear face masks and eye protection, as
well as the helmets and gloves that
patient, based on circumstances; noticeably quiet. DWMRT responded to comprise our normal stretcher-carrying
PPE. Carrying a stretcher is a difficult
• Decontamination of all mountain
rescue kit used in call-outs –
three incidents in the month of April, a
significant decrease from the norm. That task; doing it on a warm summer’s day,
lack of activity proved beneficial, as it wearing full PPE, with restricted numbers
enhanced regime of
gave time for the difficult task of of rescuers, is one memory of COVID-19
decontamination cleaning;
that will stay with our team members.
• The enhanced decontamination
process can potentially make
sourcing personal protective equipment
(PPE). We also developed Covid-19 “A call-out is not complete now until
operating procedures, and trained our all of our team members have sanitised
response times longer, if there are
team members, during that time. appropriately, our equipment has been
multiple incidents in the one day;
“Restrictions were eased in late May thoroughly cleaned and dried, and the
• Delayed access to incidents –since and, following that, our activity level PPE has been properly disposed of” ■
Autumn 2020 Irish Mountain Log 13NEWSL0G
Celebrate walking!
National Walking Day, September 27th, 2020
By Linda Sankey I would encourage everyone
(Get Ireland Walking) to take part with their family
and friends.”
We are calling on people all The Chief Executive of Sport
across the country to join our Ireland, John Treacy,
National Walking Day on encouraged as many people
September 27th, 2020, when as possible to take part in the
we will be celebrating walking day:
as part of European Week of “Sport Ireland has
Sport. conducted research
Get Ireland Walking is throughout the period of
supported by Healthy Ireland Covid-19 restrictions which
and Sport Ireland and hosted shows that an unprecedented
by Mountaineering Ireland. number of people are now
To find out more about the walking regularly,” he said.
day, visit “What is really encouraging into our ‘new normal,’ we can We are asking everyone to walk
www.getirelandwalking.ie/ is the number of young people all agree that one of the most in celebration of the power of
nationalwalkingday2020. taking part in recreational important tools for all of us to walking and because we can!
Welcoming the launch of walking, in particular in the sustain and facilitate living in “Our National Walking Day
this event, the Minister of State 15-24 age group where a pandemic has been regular encourages everyone to walk
with responsibility for Public participation has jumped walking. We’re asking people within their own community at
Health, Wellbeing and the from 51% to 89% during the a time and place that suits
to explore the #HiddenGems
National Drugs Strategy, Frank restrictions. them. We are working with the
in their community and
Feighan, TD, said: “National Walking Day is a network of Local Sports
#WalkyourArea.”
“As a nation, we are all fantastic initiative and I Partnerships to help you walk
“Sport Ireland’s ongoing
consciously aware of the great encourage everyone, no locally on September 27th.
Covid-19 research initially
difficulties which our country is matter what your age or Local Sports Partnerships will
facing at the moment, due to ability, to get out and be showed that an additional
also provide advice on where
the outbreak of the Covid-19 active on September 27th.” 500,000 people were walking
to walk in your local area. You
pandemic. This prolonged Get Ireland Walking’s in Ireland. The second phase will be able to use Coillte
period of national emergency Programme Manager, Jason of the research has shown amenities, Waterways Ireland’s
has at times often had a King, said: that the number of adults waterways and blueways, Sport
negative impact on our overall “We’re encouraging walking for recreation has Ireland’s outdoor trails, and
wellbeing. During this time, everyone in Ireland to increased throughout the national parks across Ireland.
walking has been one of the celebrate walking on crisis and is now equivalent to
simplest and yet most September 27th! Five months over 3.1 million regular walkers. How to participate
beneficial exercises that To find out how to participate,
thankfully has remained simply visit
available to us. Sometimes in www.getirelandwalking.ie/
life it’s the simplest things that nationalwalkingday2020.
make the biggest difference.
“Our research has shown Celebrate and share
that people have been deriving Share a photo or video of your
great benefit from walking walk with us on social media.
during this time. As a result, I Tag @GetIreWalking on
am encouraging people of all Facebook, Twitter and
ages and fitness levels to Instagram, your Local Sports
continue with the great strides Partnership, and don’t forget to
they’ve been making towards a use the hashtags #BeActive,
Photograph: Get Ireland Walking
healthier Ireland. I want to #NWD2020, #WalkYourTown,
thank Get Ireland Walking for #WalkYourArea and
organising this great event and #HiddenGems ■
14 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2020Be Active and Take Notice!
National Walking Day 2020 provides an opportunity for many to improve their mental health
AN ADDITIONAL 500,000 ARE WALKING
REGULARLY AS A RESULT OF COVID-19
RESTRICTIONS.
Walking has changed for people own thoughts and feelings
during the Covid-19 pandemic, and in relation to the world
in line with the need to comply around us. It can also help us
with the necessary social- to appreciate the simpler
distancing recommendations. things in life. This can also
Those who were self-isolating help us to focus our minds on
were even unable to walk one thing at a time.
outside their homes. Self-awareness and
Indeed, the commonest knowing what makes us
request from those who were happy, sad, angry or excited
self-isolating was to be able to National Walking Day 2020 depression and anxiety. are very important in being
walk locally. The simple ability is promoting two of the Five Physical activity in general can able to look after ourselves
to get out and walk has been a Ways: Be active and Take help change chemicals in our during good, and not so good,
panacea for all. notice. We are asking brains, which can result in a times. Awareness of feelings
Sport Ireland’s ongoing participants to take a walk also helps us to more easily
positive mood change. There is
Covid-19 research showed us and be mindful on National notice signs of stress or
also evidence to suggest that
initially that an amazing Walking Day. anxiety in ourselves and helps
exercise can bring about a
additional 500,000 people us to develop better coping
sense of greater self-esteem,
were walking. The second Why walking? self-control and the ability to mechanisms.
phase of the research has Positive mental health helps us
shown that the number of rise to a challenge.
to cope with daily life and ● Take a mindful walk and
adults walking for recreation contributes to our overall
Take notice notice one thing you have
has increased throughout the wellbeing. It is experienced
It is easy to rush through daily never noticed before.
crisis and is now equivalent to when we can realise our own
life without stopping to notice ● Notice your breath in
over 3.1 million regular walkers. abilities, cope with the normal
the world around us. Walking your body.
The report also shows a stresses of life, work
regularly can help us to ● Notice the sounds
strong uptake in recreational productively and fruitfully, and
around you.
walking amongst those under contribute to our communities. maintain an equilibrium in our
● Notice nature around you:
the age of 35. In the 15 to 24
age group, participation focus on colours and the
jumped from 51% to 89% feeling of plants and grass.
during the restrictions. ● Use your different senses.
Mental Health Ireland, one
of the partners of Get Ireland When you walk on National
Walking in National Walking Walking Day, or indeed any
Day 2020, promotes Five Ways time you go walking,
to Wellbeing as simple actions remember to walk with self-
we can all take each day to awareness and mindfully ■
better maintain and improve
Images: Carlow Sports Partnership
our mental health and
wellbeing. The Five Ways to Being active is good for our AUTHOR: Linda Sankey is Communications
physical and mental wellbeing. Officer with Get Ireland Walking. Get Ireland
Wellbeing are:
Walking has been shown to Walking is an initiative of Sport Ireland,
supported by Healthy Ireland and hosted
● Connect help maintain better mental
and delivered by Mountaineering Ireland.
● Be active health and to improve our
FIND OUT MORE: To find out more about Get
sense of wellbeing. Regular
● Take notice Ireland Walking, visit the website
physical activity is associated www.getirelandwalking.ie, contact us on
● Keep learning with a greater sense of (01) 625 1109 or email Linda Sankey at
● Give wellbeing and lower rates of info@getirelandwalking.ie.
Autumn 2020 Irish Mountain Log 15NEWSL0G
Mountaineering Ireland Lynam Lecture 2020
This year’s Lynam Lecture will be virtual
Mountaineering Ireland is delighted to Log for more than twenty years. Joss
announce that, despite the uncertainties continued as the Literary Editor of the
related to the Covid-19 pandemic, plans magazine up to the time of his death.
are afoot for the 2020 Mountaineering Since it was inaugurated in 2011, the
Ireland Lynam Lecture to go ahead, Lynam Lecture has been delivered by
albeit in a virtual format. The date has leading national and international
not been settled yet, but the planning is mountaineers: 2011, Harish Kapadia;
in an advanced stage, with a leading Irish 2012, Dawson Stelfox; 2013, Stephen
mountaineer the likely recipient of this Venables; 2014, Clare Sheridan; 2015, Ines
year’s Lynam Medal (pictured). Papert; 2016, Paul Swail and John
Joss Lynam, who was one of Ireland’s McCune; 2017, Frank Nugent; 2018,
best-known mountaineers, passed away Paddy O’Leary; and most recently, in
in 2011. The Mountaineering Ireland 2019, by Sir Chris Bonington. All of these
Lynam Lecture was inaugurated later mountaineers in Ireland. During his have been outstanding lectures that
that year in recognition of the enormous have reflected on the development of
Photograph: Patrick O’Sullivan
lifetime, Joss also initiated any number
contribution he had made to the of developments in all aspects of our various aspects of our sport and how it
development of our sport on the island sport and he was an inspiration to might progress in coming years.
of Ireland. several generations of Irish Further information about the
Joss’ own achievements in hillwalking, mountaineers. forthcoming virtual Mountaineering
climbing and mountaineering over some Joss was known to many Irish and Ireland Lynam Lecture will be put on the
sixty years, including his participation in international walking enthusiasts for his website, www.mountaineering.ie, in the
many expeditions to the Greater Ranges, many Irish hillwalking guidebooks. He ezine, and on other social media
made him one of the best-known was also the editor of the Irish Mountain platforms in the next month or so ■
VENTILATED COMFORTABLE VERSATILE
Featuring all-new, patented FormKnit™ technology, the AirZone
Trek’s iconic carry system offers world-class comfort and ventilation.
Whether you’re feeling the heat on dusty tracks or picking up the
pace hut-to-hut, the AirZone Trek helps you keep your cool.
#MOVEYOURWORLD
16808006_Mountain
Irish Mountain
808006_Mountain log ad_SS20Log
AirZone 187x133.indd 1 Autumn
13/03/2020
13/03/2020 2020
09:26:54SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE
MICROLIGHT ALPINE
Taking our passion for performance, technology and the environment,
the new Microlight Alpine blends recycled materials with body-mapped
b affle technol ogy to e n h a n c e p e r f o r m a n c e a n d re d u c e o u r f o o t p r i n t .
#WeAreRab
WW W .RA B .EQ U IPMENTMOUNTAIN LISTS
Corraun Hill (524m) on the
Corraun peninsula, Achill, Co Mayo.
THE ARDERINS
What are the Arderins? And what is their significance? A special report by the Arderins Subcommittee (members
of Mountaineering Ireland’s Hillwalking Committee and MountainViews)
M
ountaineering such mountains scattered The outcome is the Arderins remoter mountain areas, for
Ireland and the around Ireland, with only six list with 406 peaks of 500m. example in Connemara or
hillwalkers’ counties not having at least Like the Munros, the idea is north-west Donegal? A bit of
website one. The name Arderins was that these peaks should planning can change routes
MountainViews.ie are jointly chosen as it is the name of a provide a lifetime personal or to ensure reaching all of the
promoting the Arderins, a list mountain in the middle of club challenge. local Arderins. Nothing worse
of the 500m mountains on Ireland, whose name origin There are a variety of than leaving that one place
the island of Ireland, as a means ‘the height of Ireland.’ strategies for attempting a you will have to make a
lifetime challenge for The list was defined by list like the Arderins. For special trip to get to later!
hillwalkers. (The official MountainViews in 2009 to many, it can start with Is the total of 406 summits
announcement of this news develop the earlier Vandeleur- visiting local summits and still a bit daunting? Well, it
is on page 7 of this issue.) Lynam list of mountains as a finishing all in the nearest depends on how you look at
So, how much do you know lifetime challenge spread to mountain area, such as the it. We have already
about these mountains, more mountain areas. The Mournes, the mentioned intermediate
which are located all over the greater prominence ‘Dublin/Wicklows’ or the challenges like the Highest
island of Ireland? Do you requirement of 30m removes Knockmealdowns, and then Hundred, which are all
know how many you may some places from the list moving onto another area. worthwhile in their own right
have climbed? No? Well, which don’t really look like For others, it is to walk your and which can act as
that’s a good reason to have separate mountains. way up a shorter list such as stepping stones, if you want
some form of official list of Another driver for the the Highest Hundred, as to go further. Then again, the
these mountains, so you can development of this list was featured in the recently Arderins are deliberately
see your progress. to have a list of Irish published, splendid Irish meant as a lifetime challenge
Enter the Arderins list! The mountains approximately Peaks book from like the Munros.
mountains included on the similar in difficulty to Mountaineering Ireland. All of In 2014, a MountainViews
Photograph: Declan Murphy
list are all 500 metres or more Scotland’s Munro list, which these are Arderins and, if you member and strong walker,
in height and have a has 282 peaks based on a are visiting them, you quickly Simon Byrne, visited all the
prominence or drop of 30 minimum height of 3,000ft learn that a bit of route- Arderins (plus a few more). He
metres. In other words, you (914m). Ireland has around tweaking will also get you to did it in 101 day-trips (not
have to go down at least 30 fourteen summits of this neighbouring Arderins not on consecutively). Spread over,
metres from one mountain in height and so, to make a the Highest Hundred list. say, twenty-five years (1,303
order to go up the nearest comparable list, more peaks Perhaps you or your club weeks) and allowing that not
higher summit. There are 406 of a lower height are needed. already visit some of the everyone walks quite the way
18 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2020Awe-inspiring north face of Slievenashaska South Top (Sliabh na Seasca, Mullach Theas) (566m) in the Dunkerron Mountains, Co Kerry
he did, that means is localised to a few, small, range of places you need to and groups, which is always
something like five well- well-known areas. With the visit and places you may desirable and relieves the
chosen routes a year. (For recent reduction in use of base yourself in. It’s a win-win pressure on our overworked
route ideas you can view the hills during the lockdown, situation for both hikers and mountain rescue teams.
every one of Simon Byrne’s it has been possible to see accommodation suppliers, as Developing these skills is also
trips recorded as a track at evidence of improvement in well as the environment. one of the aims of hiking
MountainViews.ie: he is paths and tracks, and the re- clubs, so the benefits are
known as simoburn and all establishment of growth, Try the Arderins there for all – clubs, individual
his tracks are prefaced with which is unparallelled in members or just the casual
‘PMG.’) recent times. Maybe there is
for a lifetime walker.
Environmentally, spreading an upside to Covid-19 from challenge! As with all hillwalking, follow
hillwalking over a greater the point of view of nature! both commonsense and the
number of areas will relieve A specific benefit of the Lists such as the Arderins rules for access, environment
the pressure on the higher Arderins on an island like provide a framework for and land management.
honey-pots, as a Ireland is that their extensive discussion of areas to select, Specifically for the Arderins,
disproportionate amount of spread to forty-three routes, access issues and many have multiple ways up
hillwalking activity in Ireland mountain areas widens the culture. As you or your club and choosing the less well-
seeks to visit mountains in an known can be more
optimum ‘summiteering’ interesting and less likely to
fashion, you will find that cause path erosion.
your navigational skills and The Arderins Subcommittee
knowledge of compass and is made up of members of
GPS work will improve to the Mountaineering Ireland’s
betterment of both self and
Hillwalking Committee –
club. Funnily enough, once
Margaret Collins, Grainne
you have visited several
McLaughlin, Declan Murphy,
Photographs: Simon Stewart
places in a mountain area,
Louise Nolan and Ruth
getting to the remainder
Whelan – and members of
efficiently can become an
MountainViews – David
interesting route challenge,
Owens, Simon Stewart and
which has been likened to
Peter Walker.
putting pieces in a jigsaw. It
You can view the list by
all fosters independence and
searching for ‘Arderins list’ on
Keadeen (653m), an Arderin and Vandeleur-Lynam in the Wicklow Mountains self-reliance in individuals
the websites ■
Autumn 2020 Irish Mountain Log 19MOUNT LEINSTER
ANCIENT MONARCH
Don Baldwin goes for a ramble on Mount Leinster
T
all and sombre, like an ancient monarch Above: Smooth, you towards the Corrabut Gap (Carroll’s Crossroads).
surveying his fertile kingdom, Mount tarmacadammed This scenic route will provide you with excellent views
Leinster (Stua Laighean) has long looked ascent to the of the well-tended countryside and give you a real
out upon the rich land of south-east summit of Mount taste of the Ancient East.
Ireland, watching impassively as each new Leinster. After eight undulating kilometres you will arrive at
wave of settlers came to claim this Carroll’s Crossroads. Turn left there onto a well
verdant land, before they, too, were swept away by Below: Cairn of elevated mountain road, which forms part of The
the passage of time. an unknown king Leinster Way. Another three kilometres will then take
This is a lush land of gentle hills and generous on the summit, you to your final destination, the spacious Nine
valleys, a territory steeped in ancient history. Blessed complete with Stones car park (GR 817 546, OSI Discovery Series
by temperate climes, it is a land worth having, a place latter-day trig Sheet 68), where you can enjoy the stunning
worth fighting for, and many powerful kings have vied point. landscape which stretches out below, a mere fifteen-
for ownership of this coveted prize, all under the minute drive from Bunclody.
steady gaze of Stua Laighean, the ‘Arch of Leinster.’ The origin of the Nine Stones is uncertain; one
Wexford and Carlow’s highest mountain can easily legend connects the monument to nine shepherds
be approached from several suitable locations.
Bunclody is perhaps one of the nearest, situated
eleven kilometres north-east of the mountain. If you
take a third-class road off the N80, heading west out
of Bunclody and marked ‘Mount Leinster,’ it will take
➤ Don Baldwin started
mountaineering with the Irish
Permanent Defence Forces, as a
member of the 27th Battalion in
Dundalk, Co Louth, training in the
Photographs: Don Baldwin
Cooley and Wicklow Mountains. He
also served with the 46th IRISHBATT
in the mountains of South Lebanon.
Since then, he has completed several
mountaineering courses in Tollymore
National Outdoor Centre, including
the WGL. Don is also an avid scuba-
diver, writer and Advanced
Adventure Sport Instructor.
20 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2020who were killed on the mountain during a storm. Above View of sure is nice to get the odd one. Smooth road or
Whatever their true purpose actually was, only these the Blackstairs rugged trail, for me, ‘going to the mountains is going
nine stone sentinels can truly say, as they continue to Mountains from home,’ as John Muir wrote. It’s a matter of head down
quietly guard their secret by the valley side of the the summit of and work those legs on this section as labouring
road, a little further on from the actual car park. Mount Leinster. lungs do their best to keep up. The incline is fairly
Beside the car park is a substantial metal gate, unrelenting but, with sumptuous scenery to distract
usually closed, blocking off access to the tarmac you, the hour to the summit passes in no time at all.
road which leads up to the large telecommunications The mast and compound fairly dominate the
mast clearly visible in the distance. Do not be summit. Although the incongruous structures look
tempted to drive up the narrow road, if the gate is completely out of place in their natural surroundings,
open: public access is on foot only. Walkers can use the mast does appear to be an impressive piece of
the ample space between the boulders to the right of engineering. ➤
the gate.
A ‘No dogs’ sign often seems
Map: Cóilín MacLochlainn
to be ignored by dog owners,
who seem unaware that N80
lurking just beneath the fur of Corrabut Gap
every domestic dog is the wild
Carroll’s Crossroads
blood of its not too distant
ancestor, the wolf.
In fact, the last BUNCLODY
authenticated case of a wolf Nine Stones
being killed in Ireland was on car park
P
46
Mount Leinster in 1786, by
R7
John Watson from Black Banks
Ballydarton, near Fennagh in
County Carlow. The Watson
family were landlords who had
founded the Tullow Hunt. ▲ Mt Leinster
Watson, a sheep farmer who
was Master of the Hunt, was
so enraged by the killing of his
sheep by a lone wolf, which
CARL RD
had its den on Mount Leinster,
OW
O
that he tracked the animal
F
WEX
down with a pack of
wolfhounds and brutally
Photograph: Don Baldwin
dispatched the sorry creature,
thus ending Ireland’s long
association with the ‘Son of
the Countryside’ (Mac Tíre, the MOUNT LEINSTER
Irish for wolf). 5 km
It wouldn’t do to tarmac Kiltealy
R7
02
every mountain road, but it
Autumn 2020 Irish Mountain Log 21MOUNT LEINSTER
The summit is surmounted by a cairn and a trig Above: Crest of twenty-five children died in terror after the Dublin
point that sit off to the north of the compound in the the Black Banks. Vikings tried to smoke them out during a slave raid in
shadow of the mast. The cairn itself is tumbled down 928 AD.
and neglected now, its owner a Leinster king who fell Below: Descent Towards the south, beyond the sleek outline of the
in battle at the foot of the mountain, his name long from the Black Blackstairs Mountains (Na Staighrí Dubha) stands
forgotten. Banks. Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operational lighthouse in
The adjacent compound does occupy a large the world. It guides mariners past the perilous Hook
section of the mountain top, so you do have to do a peninsula and into the sheltered waters of Waterford
bit of a ‘shimmy’ around it to fully appreciate the Harbour. Yet long before the old lighthouse stood
overall view, but it is well worth the effort. guard, back in the dawn of time, Cesair, a
Straddling the Wexford/Carlow border at a lofty granddaughter of Noah, led a small group of fifty
795m, and strategically overlooking Ireland’s south- women to this deserted inlet, along with her father
eastern approaches, Mount Leinster has witnessed Bith and her husband Fintan. Bith’s heather-draped
many seminal moments in Irish history. If mountains barrow lies on the bleak summit of Slieve Beagh in
could talk, what a tale this one could tell. Off to the County Monaghan, the cairn all that now remains to
north-east lie the tentative foothills of the Wicklow mark the brief passing of these sorry exiles.
Mountains, with the Wicklow massif emerging Of course, the Hook peninsula also staged a more
beyond. To the north-west in Leighlinbridge, County ominous landing, that of the Anglo-Normans who
Carlow, buried beneath layers of history, lies made their first military landfall on the small headland
Dinnrighe, the ancient royal seat of Leinster, nestled of Baginbun in 1170; hence that sorry lament:
by the sleepy banks of the River Barrow. Dinnrighe
had been founded by
Sláinge, son of Parthelón,
leader of the ancient
Parthelonians. Sláinge’s
cairn still rests on Slieve
Donard, previously named
Sliabh Sláinge before the
occupant in the adjacent
cairn, Saint Dónairt, a
disciple of Saint Patrick’s,
later went on to lend his
name to Ulster’s highest
mountain.
To the west, near
Ballyfoyle in County
Photographs: Don Baldwin
Kilkenny, and hidden
underground is the old
Celtic otherworld, the ‘Cave
of Alders.’ It is better known
today as the infamous
Dunmore Cave, where
nineteen women and
22 Irish Mountain Log Autumn 2020You can also read
