Solas Ireland Walks & Hikes

28/11/2024

06/10/2024

A moody autumn hike in Donegal this morning.

30/09/2024

It was great fun hiking with Diane from the U.S.A and Gillian from Canada over the weekend. First up was our very unique Bog Safari Hike experience in Inishowen. The following morning saw us Walk Through Time at Fort Dunree, which was made extra special by a pod of playful porpoises just below us.

25/09/2024

Happy Day from the top of Inishowen. Share the love!

23/09/2024

Glenveagh National Park was the office this morning for a bespoke hike with Barney and Ann from Texas, U.S.A. It was a pleasure to share some of our favourite parts of the Park with them on their first trip to Ireland. Best wishes for the rest of your trip.

22/09/2024

It was a pleasure to guide another Inishowen Walking Festival on behalf of Artlink Fort Dunree. The wind and rain didn't diminish the spirits of a lovely bunch of walkers. Thanks for coming out folks!

17/08/2024

It was an absolute delight to have Stacy from New Mexico, U.S.A. on our Bog Safari Hike today. She had quite the experience with several locals bringing their turf home. And of course, there's always time for a chat.

21/07/2024

Coming soon.....

A small hill with a huge role in map-making history
A walk with Karen Rann and Sharon Porter
Sunday 28th July
12-2pm

Just east of Dunree is a small hill called Mullagharry. This wee hill played a pivotal role in the history of map-making. It was here, in 1839, that the Ordnance Survey made their first ever (anywhere in the world) trial of contouring. Until then, OS hill-sketchers had drawn the hills for maps by eye. From Mullagharry’s 120m summit, Lough Swilly and many of Inshowen’s and Fanad’s hills are visible, even as far as Muckish, earning it the name ‘hill summit of the look out’ (Mullach an Airí).

Meeting at Green Hill, with a good view of Mullagharry, we will survey the rolling hills of Desertegny through mapmaker’s eyes. The walk will explore and place the hill within its local heritage and natural environment including features from neolithic times, such as the megalithic tomb at Mullagharry’s summit.

Karen Rann and Sharon Porter will lead the walk. Karen has been fascinated by Mullagharry since discovering its pivotal role in mapping. She first walked it in 2021 during field research for her PhD. On the walk she will share some of her findings on the ways in which hills have been flattened onto paper maps though the ages. Sharon is a local walking guide with a love of nature and the cultural heritage of the area. Over the years, she has climbed all of the hills and mountains visible from Mullagharry. Sharon will share some local stories and knowledge of the local flora and landscape en route.

The walk will be on small country roads, track and bogland which can be wet and slippery in places. There will also be some up hill sections. Please wear sturdy walking shoes/boots, rain gear and bring some water.

find out more here https://www.artlink.ie/whats-on/drawing_with_altitude_symposium/

26/06/2024

The Wild Atlantic Way was looking gorgeous this morning as we explored Ireland's most northerly coastline on a bespoke hike for visitors from the U.S.A. We found lots of beautiful wild orchids and bog asphodel en route, such a treat. Enjoy the rest of your vacation folks, it was a pleasure hiking with you!

08/06/2024

We're so excited, it's Love Inishowen Day! Spread the 💚 💚

04/06/2024

Talking about the benefits of hiking, skill development and climate change for the European funded HCSD Project with Transition Year students from Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana and project partners from Slovenia, Holland, Italy and Ireland. Inishowen was looking beautiful ❤️

26/05/2024

It was an absolute pleasure to have Caoimhe and Peter from Belfast on our Bog Safari over the weekend. Here's a wee snapshot of some of the wonderful views and flora we found en route. Happy Biodiversity Week 🥳

26/05/2024

It's time to dust off the hiking boots and head to Inishowen, Co. Donegal 😉