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Walk
with the World at Castlebar in the first week of July each year. Well over a
thousand walkers, from thirty different nationalities, will be taking part
again this year in the Portwest Castlebar International Four Days' Walks. For
more than thirty years this has been the largest walking event in the
country, introducing thousands of walkers to the joys of walking in Ireland.
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| Premier International Festival |
From
humble beginnings in 1967, when only a handful of walkers launched the event,
the walks have developed into the premier international walk in Ireland. Even
from the start there was good support from Dutch walkers, and this has
increased over the years. The Dutch have been joined by other walkers from
nearly every country in Europe and from America, Japan and Australia. Walkers
from all parts of Ireland walk a Castlebar, and membership of the International
Marching League ensures that the walks are known throughout the world.
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| From the Netherlands to the Falklands |
There
are staunch supporters of the walks who appear year after year in Castlebar,
from the Netherlands, Britain and even far-flung Japan, collecting bronze,
silver and gold medals for their attendances. There are others who appear quite
by chance, are amazed at the variety and friendliness of the gathering, and vow
to return again and again. There is always a surprise when walkers turn up from
countries such as the Falkland Islands, Korea, Finland or Turkey.
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| International Marching League |
There
are around 20 countries in the International Marching League, of which
Castlebar was a founder member, encouraging walkers around the world to take
part at events in all the member countries. An award system leads to European
Walker, International Walker and International Master Walker titles. The walks
are also included in the calendar of the Internationaler Volkssportverband, or
IVV, which also operates a world-wide system of walking awards.
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| Groups and Individuals |
The
walks appeal to both groups and individuals. Walking clubs from around Ireland
and from overseas are regular attenders. Tour groups from a number of countries
are always present. Military marchers in uniform come from a variety of
countries. To see the flags of many nations being carried along bog roads and
over wild moorlands is a spectacle to savour, bringing a sudden flash of colour
across the canvas of the landscape. Individuals rapidly make contact with other
walkers, forging friendships around the world. Walking and talking go hand in
hand when such an amazing variety of people take to the hills.
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| The Long and the Short of it - Walks and rambles from 10 km to 40 km |
A
wide choice of walking routes are offered to suit all ages and abilities, there
are simple 10 km (6 mile) road walks suitable for youngsters or those with
limited walking experience. Longer road walks stretch of 20 to 40 km (12 to 15
miles) in enormous loops ranging far from Castlebar. An immensely popular
series of cross-country rambles lead over broad bogs and mountainsides to the
north of Castlebar, covering up to 30 km (18 miles). On all the walks, there is
the chance to move from the town to the countryside enjoying the wide vistas in
this part of Co. Mayo, where clear air and vibrant colours constantly amaze and
surprise visitors.
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| From Start to Finish |
All
the walks start and finish at the Welcome Inn, Castlebar which is located near
the town centre and there is no need for further transport if accommodation has
been arranged in the town. Walkers are free to complete most of the walks at
their own pace, though the first stage of the cross-country rambles are guided
by leaders who have an intimate knowledge of the terrain. Walkers are asked to
reach the final checkpoint at the Welcome Inn Hotel by 1700 hours each day.
Certificates are available for collection at the end of Sunday's walks.
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| Entertainment friendship and even romance |
Evening
social events and festivities are centred on the Walking Club at the Welcome
Inn, though there are numerous pubs and restaurants to visit elsewhere in
Castlebar. Traditional Irish set dancing, jazz and other music sessions are
organised with a popular "Blister Ball" on the Sunday night after the award
presentation ceremony. Friendships are forged between walkers around he word at
Castlebar, sometimes resulting in romances and marriages!
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| Information Office |
In
order to deal with the current level of interest, there is a permanently
staffed office in Castlebar dealing exclusively with the four Days' Walks.
Staff at the office aim to deal with any enquiry form any part of the world as
quickly and efficiently as possible. They are waiting to deal with your enquire
now!
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| Sponsorship |
Sponsorship
for the event has been provided by Portwest - a leading outdoor clothing
company based in Westport, Co. Mayo.
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