Walking in Ireland

Walking in Ireland changed the rhythm of my ways over the 12 days. Ireland sure has its Irish scenes from its friendly musical culture and people to the green green pasture that lay before your eyes in bogs, sprawling mountains, and tucked-away waterfalls.

In 2016, Eimear Flanagan from Belfast, Northern Ireland reached out to walking groups. Forest Hill Walk Club was on her list! Was there any interest in a walking holiday across the big blue sea? Let me see…when the group was asked about it, a dozen plus hands went up every week for three weeks. The journey began and we would be walking in Ireland in June 2018 with 18 people plus Eimear and the driver. Let me tell you, the driver was a lovely man and our gratitude was showered upon him as we had our final departure from our second home, the luxurious coach bus.

The Mooney Name

Prior to 2016, walking in Ireland never crossed my mind, other than, I had a grandmother with the Irish surname ‘Mooney.’

When walking in Ireland is upon you, one has the choice to do some reading and research. I must say, I asked everyone who was going or wishing to go to Ireland a question. “Why do you want to go to Ireland?” The answers were quite surprising. One lady discovered that she had some Irish ancestry in her blood when she thought she was 100% Scandinavian. DNA test anyone? Another, felt the pull to visit there a long time ago. And so on. So now, you may ask what did I discover in my research?

Mooney is a family name, which is probably predominantly derived from the Irish Ó Maonaigh, pronounced Om-weeneey. According to Irish lore, the Mooney family comes from one of the largest and most noble Irish lines. They are said to be descendants of the ancient Irish King Heremon, who, along with his brother Herber, conquered Ireland. Wikipedia

Does my head get big? No. With some further digging, I was taken down a trail and across the sea to an area now called Spain where King Heremon grew up and his father was a King (making him a prince). The victory came when my ancestor’s family took a liking to the Irish island and won the war over another family for possession. We are speaking about thousands of years ago when the country names we know today didn’t exist but the Gaels apparently did. The Gaels/Gauls were all over Europe. Ireland sure does have a wild hi-story of gold and ferries…the victors write the stories. Conquering was and still is a reality only holding a different weapon.

Eire land became Ireland…and before that its name was Hibernia in ancient geography as mentioned by the Greeks and Roman writers. Vikings who once upon a time controlled the key ports (Dublin) called Ireland Vestmann (Westmen in English). Further back, the Sidhe (pronounced “shee”) – mystical fairy-like people supposedly inhabited Ireland prior to the arrival of the Celts (the Milesians).

Let me end with my great uncle Jimmy Mooney. James Mooney was a famous boxer (1940-1960.) Mooney was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame in 1982. Over the years my mom spoke of him and enjoyed watching boxing…was it because of her uncle? Good chance.

Let’s swim the ocean blue back to walking in Ireland.

Irish Landscape and Ancient Sites

The winding roads take us through different landscapes from sheep-studded hills to breathtaking vistas of cliffs skirting the seas. The landscapes vary from the different corners of Ireland. One minute you may spot a castle upon a hill enjoying the full view of the area surrounding it and of its enemies in the times of old. Most castles were fortresses and not of the royal kind. Another minute, you are driving the narrow streets of a small village with brilliant houses of all colours butted up against the sidewalk. In other moments, you are gazing across lakes, small and large taking in the old architecture of castles (Ashford Castle) and thatched houses. If you take a deep breath, you may find yourself admiring the ancient mounds (stone age passage tombs such as Newgrange) near the city of Drogheda, Republic of Ireland, next to the Boyne River. What happened to these people? And what happened in 2018 that was exciting? It was a dry year and someone’s air-flying drone discovered a new tomb. From the article, it seems like two mounds were found within a week of each other. Another story…a standing stone located in a pub and its message.

A walking in Ireland we will go! Check out the upcoming Ireland’s Hidden North Walking Holiday in June 2023! Share this link with others to earn a reward. Both couples and singles are welcome. Sharing a room is being offered. Age range 55-75…some people who are in their 80’s are in amazing shape while others have an old soul.

Enjoy these photos taken in 2018: