Saturday June 30th: We start our weekend with a walk around the charming heritage town of Borris. This is a town of granite buildings, victorian shop fronts, wonderful pubs and it is dominated by the estate walls of Borris House. We will walk the spectacular sixteen arch viaduct built by the McMurrough Kavanaghs of Borris House to carry the defunct Great Southern and Western Railway. We will then pick up the Barrow Way through the Golf Course and from here it is approximately 10 kilometres to the lively town of Graignamanagh where we will pause for a rest, having eaten our sandwiches at some point on the walk. Anyone who feels they don’t want to do the remaining 8 km to St Mullins can avail of the bus/cars planted here.
St Mullins is a fascinating little village with what was a very important monastery and a Norman Motte – it’s worth a visit while we are waiting for the bus to ferry drivers back to collect walkers – the downside of a linear walk!
We then head to New Ross for the glamorous surroundings of Brandon House Hotel, a four star hotel on the outskirts of the town. Here, those that are “under walked” can work out in the gym and swim in the pool, while those who need pampering can book themselves in for a spa (up to you to organise that!). We will have our dinner here and no doubt can raise a glass or two to our day.
On Sunday July 1st:Those who fancy knocking off a “county top” can join us on a lively walk up Brandon Hill – 515 m and truly a “gentle slope” if ever there was one! For those who have had enough of walking, you can visit the Dunbrody replica ship, moored down at the quay in New Ross, visit the wonderful Ros tapestry, or even venture to the Kennedy homestead in nearby Dunganstown, and admissions are at your own cost.
We aim to return to Dublin/Wicklow in the early/mid afternoon.