The Duhallow Way Challenge Begins

By ALANNAH O’CALLAGHAN

On the border of Cork and Kerry stand two distinctive mountains that form part of the Derrynansaggart range. These peaks, notable due to their breast like shape, are called the Paps of Anu (Dá Chích Annan) and have obvious fertility connotations. The mountains are named after Anu or Annan who is known in Celtic mythology as the mother goddess of Tuath Dé Danann, a legendary group of divine invaders who ruled Ireland until their final defeat at the hand of the Milesians.

To the base of the Easterly Pap is the first section of the glorious Duhallow Way, a 76km waymarked trails that starts in the Clydagh, comes through the Slyguddal pass, crosses the Derrynasaggart mountain range, continues to follow parallel to the River Blackwater until Bweeng. From here you have the option to continue along the Avondhu Way to complete the full 168km of Blackwater Way. The Duhallow Way section of this trail is richly varied and offers spectacular vistas while traversing untamed bog, forestry, open mountainside and quiet roads. Over the coming months, IRD’s Walking group is going to be walking sections of this trail and will have completed it by the end of Summer 2023. We’re calling it the Duhallow Way Challenge.

To start off the challenge, the group walked the Slyguddal section of the trail on Saturday March 11th. We met at Shrone Church under a threatening grey sky and carpooled to the start of the walk at the top of the Slyguddal. As we started walking, it starting raining, and though it continued for the duration of the walk, we can confirm that the valley is equally as beautiful in the rain as it on a clear day. The mist which covered the tips of the Paps at the start of the walk started rolling down the hillside towards Gleannafreaghaun (Shrone) lake made the valley even more magical. We stopped several times along the way to take in the view and to hear about the flora, fauna, folklore, and history of the area that Nuala and others in the group had to share.

Over the pass and to the Clydagh, we went to see the misty view, and after a quick chat with a local farmer we turned back on ourselves. Again, we were blown away by the view (not the wind!) with the lake to our left this time. The return was mostly downhill, and the company and the promise of a hot drink and biscuits made it much easier.

The walk is perfect for those who want to admire the Paps close up without going to the top - the upgrade to the first section of the Pass that IRD completed over the past year has made the path more accessible, and far less muddy and wet.

Starting from where you park your car at the start of the Slyguddal Pass and walking over and back to the Clydagh Valley is 6.5km, and take approx. 1h45 – 2hrs. For those who want a longer walk, there are a variety of options in the area and each as breath-taking as the last.

If anyone is interested in joining us on our next walk, we will be walking the Claragh Loop on Saturday April 8th @ 12pm. The walk is free, but registration is essential. To register please call Nuala or Alannah on 029 60633 or 086 0849 955. Everyone is welcome and there will be tea and coffee after the walk as usual. The Duhallow Way joins onto the Claragh Loop and is part of our Duhallow Way Challenge. All walks we do go up on our website, Facebook page and out in the monthly newsletter so keep you can keep an eye out for walks throughout the year.

Enjoying a hot cuppa after the walk

Nuala Riordan telling the group about the history of the area.