East Clare Walking Club
The East Clare Walking Club was originally formed to cater for walkers from the East Clare area. Today the club has members from many parts of the county as well as from counties Limerick, Tipperary and Galway.
There's no better way to explore Ireland's Shannon Region than on foot and walking is truly the best way to explore and fully absorb the beauty of this place. There are a number of different types of walks in Mountshannon including waymarked ways, loop walks, treks, eco walks and scenic and historical walks.
A walk is held every second Sunday throughout most of the year, many routes incorporating various stages of the East Clare Way as well as further afield in The Burren, Galtees, Slieve Aughty, Slieve Bloom and Slieve Felim and the occasional riverside, lakeside or coastal walk.
Each route is given a star grading, "gentle", "moderate" or "tough" and more information can be obtained from the contact person for each walk as detailed on the club's current schedule. Waterproof clothing and stout boots are essential for "moderate" or "tough" routes. Bring a packed lunch as most walks begin at ll am.
Two or three times a year the club organises a weekend away, staying in self-catering accommodation from the Friday evening. With a main walk on Saturday and a gentle walk on Sunday morning (very gentle for those who have overdone the ''craic" Saturday night!) These weekends have proved very successful and good value. Previous locations have included the Dingle Peninsular, Killarney, Connemara, the Comeraghs, Mountains of Mourne, the Belgian Ardennes, Innishboffin, Knockmealdown Mountains and Slieve Bloom. On-going ideas for 2008 include The Black Forest, Tuscany and Mount Leinster area.
Fees collected go towards the cost of insurance, postage and stationary. Full members can avail of a discount on purchases at several outdoor pursuits’ stores on production of their membership card.
Maps and guide books are available from:
Mid/East Clare Way,
Unit 1, Tulla Business Centre,
Tulla, Co. Clare
Tel: 065 683 5912 or E-mail: walks.ennis@eircom.net