Walking an Irish Heritage Trail for Vaccinaid
As an Irish woman, living in Amsterdam, I recently found myself back in Ireland supporting my Mum. The Covid vaccine allowed me to safely be with her but alas this is not the case for all families. When I chanced upon the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail, I saw a way to raise funds for vaccinaid and so a challenge was born.
I started the trail at my hometown of Balla (1 on the map below) on a soft wet Irish morning and I was joined by friends along the way. On day 1 we walked through fields, bogs and heritage sites until we reached Aughagower (8).Â
Never let the weather dictate your movement in Ireland, and this was never truer than on our first day. Sun can turn to rain but sometimes the impossible happens and the rain turns to sun. By midday the clouds were parting and off came the rain gear. The wet feet alas stayed with me all day.Â
https://ammo196843-blog.tumblr.com/post/659258858129276928/day-1-of-the-cpht-challenge-for-vaccinaid
Here are a few images from Day 1, including a VERY friendly Irish donkey.Â
We would not have surprised to see a few fairies jump in front of us as the light caught the moss through the trees. We were also pretty tired at this stage so maybe a bit delusional.
Proof that the sun did come out.
And a pint of Guinness after 47KM never did taste so good.
https://ammo196843-blog.tumblr.com/post/659259631306194944/day-1-done-and-dusted-and-off-for-a-pint
After a good nights body and soul rest, day 2 began. Only 20KM to go but it was going to be a steep one.Â
https://ammo196843-blog.tumblr.com/post/659260035683287040/starting-day-2-of-the-croagh-patrick-heritage
Stopping to say hello to the curious animals along the way helped. You may have to look for the slightly shyer animal in the second photo below.
There was Irish music blasting out of this ‘off the beaten track’ house and we very nearly invited ourselves in for a spot of dancing.
The end was in sight, the majestic Croagh Patrick was within reach
Just some climbing to do first...
And then some more climbing...
And finally, the last climb down to the finish line.
Once we reached the most famous heritage site in Mayo, the mountain where St. Patrick the patron saint of Ireland is believed to have fasted for 40 days, there was time for a last photo and a celebratory pint of Guinness (again!)
Typically this trail is walked over 3 days but we wanted to make it more challenging. The support I received from friends, colleagues, friends of my Mum’s and neighbours has been phenomenal and it all goes towards helping people who are still waiting for a vaccine, still hoping that they and their families will be safe.Â
Fund-raising ended on 17th August 2021 and thanks to 59 supporters, we raised £1,986. Elsevier BV matched the donation.  Â
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