Castlebar 4 Days Walks moving to new base

THE Castlebar International 4 Days Walks will have a new headquarters next year – Lough Lannagh Holiday Village.

The move was confirmed by Elaine Devereaux in a presentation on behalf of the walks committee to councillors of the Castlebar Municipal District.

With preparations well underway for the 53rd annual walks festival, the committee are working on a new database, and a new website is nearing completion.

They sought some support from the council for the transfer of operations to Lough Lannagh – a beautiful area, she noted, for the walks to be based in.

The boxing club has rowed in behind the festival with their premises, and they were looking at putting on a good photographic display, getting more flags, and having afternoon music when the walkers return.

Lough Lannagh, explained Ms. Devereaux, is 'our natural home' and it was important to make a success of it for the sustainability of the event.

The Castlebar International 4 Days Walks started back in 1967 when organised walking in Ireland was virtually unknown, and there were no runners, boots or walking gear.

It attracts walkers from all around the world and has especially enjoyed strong Dutch participation, and is 'top of the pile' for walking festivals in Ireland.

Councillors were supportive of the committee, with Councillor Michael Kilcoyne noting it was probably one of the greatest events in the town and was known throughout the world.