My favourite maxi skirt travels round the world with me, always ready for night out, be it socializing or singing at the bar in Renville, flouncing at a ceilidh on Inis Siar, clubbing with the ‘girls’ in Temple Bar or indeed flapping round my legs in more clement weather on a mountain side. So it was for its all round probabilities of its usage that is was carefully washed, ironed and folded and packed for the big event the South West Walking holiday Summer 2006.

This was no ordinary piece of clothing... It was of the deepest shade of indigo blue, possibly a touch of the denim, hanging delicately in several tiers each section attached with finest webbing of similar crochet type lacing. This interlacing, though subtle in its texture, suggested a glimpse of skin and so added to its mystery and elegance. This garment had graced many social events and by clever accessorising always appeared different and unique. Naturally on arrival at my various destinations it was carefully taken from its folded position and hung up to ensure it would be ready for any sudden demands. That July, what glorious week we had treading on magnificent mountain paths, followed by gourmet meals and rapturous sing-songs into the night.

On the last day of the holiday we took the ferry to Baltimore and bade our final farewells.
As I had the pleasure of staying overnight in Baltimore, one last wearing of the skirt was inevitable. Can you imagine my horror, when not a sign of the beloved garment was to be seen in the folded crevices of the bag? Immediately I contacted the Sherkin Hotel and having given them my room number, they kindly informed me that a search would take place and I would be contacted in due course. The joy of the call, yes! Skirt found and would be on the next ferry at 6 pm. I had the afternoon to savour the anticipation of the reunion and so sauntered round Baltimore taking the walk to the Tower as the kindly SouthWestWalks Ireland guide had suggested followed by a pint at the quay on that balmy summer evening.

At 5.50pm, the dot on the foamy horizon became the familiar ferry and I immediately left my new found friends at the quayside to re claim the ‘skirt’. The twinkly eyed captain handed me a large brown parcel for which I thanked him and also conveyed my good wishes to the miraculous manager of the Sherkin hotel.
As this parcel seemed a little heavy I ordered to investigate the contents, I tore away a little of the brown paper , then more, slowly revealing not what was familiar, not what was dear to me, but a large black velvet curtain.! Oh the disappointment, Oh the grief! The ferry captain was perplexed as I thrust the now untidy parcel into his cabin requesting immediate return of same to the Sherkin Hotel.

Frenzied phone calls followed but neither the whereabouts of the ‘skirt’ or the’ black curtain parcel’ could be solved. I returned to Dublin feeling skirt-less and senseless, vowing to continue to hack the mystery of the brown parcel.

During the months of August to December I happily viewed pictures of splendid walking trips did normal family things but deep in my soul there was the great sadness of the missing skirt.
Many e-mails to Sherkin Hotel were sent where the kindly but baffled manager endeavoured to get to the bottom of the mystery and even the kindly intervention of John Ahern, well known entrepreneur and walker did not alleviate the situation.
On December 21st 2006 on answering my door a white padded package was delivered containing the ‘skirt’! It had no sender’s name but I sent my Christmas thanks to the Sherkin hotel.
Mary Kelly, USA

In 2005 Bob and I discovered South West Walks Ireland. Wow, what an exciting discovery. In 2009 we signed up for our 4th walk. We have walked The Ring of Kerry, The Dingle Peninsula, The Glens of Antrim and The Giant’s Causeway and this year The Mayo Coast and Achill Island.

Green, green, green, many shades----absolutely loved the views everywhere we went.
Fields neatly defined by old stone fences or hedgerows, sheep wandering and carrying on conversations. Dirty ones, snow white ones, wearing black and white leotards, Baa,Baa.
We walked on stone paths lined by hedges, passed ruins of famine villages and stone bee huts. Walked on long beaches, climbed up mountain paths, up, up, over large rocks.

The views from the hills we climbed were incredible, it was hard to believe we had walked that far or climbed that high to look down at waves crashing against the cliffs.
We walked over farmer’s fields, climbed over styles and we experienced bogs, we enjoyed great accommodations, picnic lunches that we prepared each morning, delicious Irish meals and fun pub experiences.

South West Walks Ireland owners Linda and John and their guides are well organized, lots of fun and are very knowledgeable about their country and the areas they are guiding. The office staff is very efficient, friendly and helpful.

Don’t miss an opportunity to explore and enjoy your trip to Ireland with South West Walks because who knows you may even see a rainbow with a pot of gold, a four leaf clover or have an opportunity to meet a leprechaun.”
Jo-Mary Hunter, Canada

Testimonials

I will always have wonderful memories of my trip to Ireland. From every point of view it was memorable - our guide was excellent, very kind and always helped with our ‘little problems’; the B&B’s were very well chosen, very comfortable and with welcoming and charming hosts. We enjoyed our evening meals very much both in the local restaurants and also in the B&B’s. The music and dancing in the local pubs made for a very special experience! Now there is only one thing left to do - tell all my friends about your great company! Well done!
Josette, France


Jeder Tag der Wanderwoche war mal wieder ein Höhepunkt! Land und Leute, Essen, Musik und die hervorragende Wanderleitung machten den Urlaub zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis!
Ingrid, Germany


SouthWestWalks Ireland est a recommender pour son sérieux et son organization parfaite. J’en suis enchantée. Tous les B&B’s étaient très propres accueillants et chalereux aussi que la nourriture excellente et diverse. S’il m’était permis de revenir, il est évident que je souhaiterais retrouver le meme guide. Il a été un ‘bon pâtre’ pour son petit troupeau … accommodant, discret et attentfif a l’égard de chacune. J’ai passé un merveilleux séjour rempli de bons souvenirs. Merci encore.
Genevieve, France


De hele dag te voet in de ongeremd mooie natuur; spannend, inspannend en ontspannend. Thuiskomen in
gastvrije B&B’s, aanschuiven aan de avondmaaltijd, plezier in de pub. Dit is nog eens comfortabel afzien!
Duizendmaal dank SWWI, we komen zeker terug!
Frans en Els, Nederland


The documents and maps worked perfectly and the extra tags for the bag transfer seemed a great idea.
Andrew, USA


Accommodation was great. The places were clean, people really friendly, food outstanding.
Ward, USA


Walking through forests and bogs, jumping over little streams - we experienced far more than we ever
dreamed we would. The accommodations were great. They dried us out and prepared us for another day
of fun and laughter again.
Janet, The Netherlands


Lovely walks! It surpassed our expectations. The weather helped as well!
Karen, The Netherlands


The accommodation was very good. The people are very friendly and helpful. They make you feel like
at home. Good showers, tea and coffee. We felt very welcome. Also the luggage transport was
very, very good.
Paulus, The Netherlands


The B&B accommodation facilities provided ample variety of food and catered for our vegetarian diet.
Mary, Malta


Excellente organization. Tout est ok. Le choix des promenades même pour ceux qui ont plus de difficultés … Le choix des B&B’s très bien, bonne situation et endroits bien choisis. La nourriture irlandaise très bonne. Ambience excellente. Je recommande cette organization á tous ceux qui veulent découvrir l’Irlande.
Jacqueline, France


Holiday organisation was very well taken care of. Detailed information much appreciated. Jacoba,
The Netherlands


The organisation was good, all the hostesses knew that we were coming and the luggage was always there.
Margaretha, The Netherlands


The information was complete and easy to understand. All the luggage transfers were perfectly organised.
Marlous, The Netherlands


I am indeed very pleased with the very good standard of the rooms. A standard as good as a 4 or 5 star hotel. To find everything that I would need and no problems in drying my clothes and shoes.
Ingmar, Finland


The walks, views and landscapes were splendid. We never had any pr oblems.
Wilhelmus, The Netherlands


It was good to meet you and the rest of your team at SWW in Tralee on our first day. The walk you organized went very well, with good weather and an interesting time along the route. It was well organized and the B&B’s were great, with some wonderful people who welcomed us. Thank you for organizing the holiday just the way we wanted it.
Dave, Canada


We certainly appreciated all of your help prior to departure, and want to send thanks to you and John for helping us build a personalized trip that gave us memories to last a lifetime. Many, many thanks!
Robin, Canada

Press:

For an outdoor adventure, I flew to Dublin and joined up with SouthWestWalks Ireland, a company that has been leading small groups of eager hikers over the glorious, green landscape for some 16 years. Following our trusty guide, Liam Murphy, our international group of eight -- consisting of Irish, Dutch, American and me -- followed some of the famous Wicklow Way that begins on the outskirts of Dublin.

On this six-day "ramble" we trekked 12 to 18 km a day gaining elevation of between 600 to 900 metres on trails that crisscross forests, bogs and alpine regions before slipping down into picturesque villages in this area known as the Garden of Ireland. The highlights and challenges were many, including the weather which ever-cheerful Liam described as "soft" -- read "rain." However, even thought the idiosyncratic Irish weather toyed with us, we all thrived on the sights.

You can't visit Ireland without being enchanted by the history. One day we walked into Glendalough where, in the 6th century, St. Kevin founded a monastery. Today visitors stroll remnants of the 10th and 12th centuries -- a superb, round tower, stone churches, and faded Celtic crosses and gravestones, amid tangles of greenery and wild rhododendrons.

Once we explored the monastic site, we headed uphill to Lugduff Mountain. We climbed 1 1/2 hours, past waterfalls and through forest to emerge above the tree line and follow a ridge that looked out upon the ruins and two brilliant blue lakes far, far below. In the hiking world, it doesn't get much better than this.

Judi Lees, Special to The Vancouver Sun

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Solo+travel+works+best+have+focus/938293/story.html

Senior Living Magazine is a Canadian publication for 50+ Active Lifestyles, with wide distribution in Victoria and Vancouver Island as well as in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. When you reach the site below, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the magazine cover image.

http://www.seniorlivingmag.com/article?articleid=1705