THERE has been a tremendous upsurge of interest in the Camino of Santiago de Compostela, the 500-mile long network of ancient pilgrim routes in northern Spain but now you can do a camino without having to leave Ireland – and help the Irish language at the same time.
And it’s a good bit shorter!
The newly-opened Aonach Mhacha in Armagh city is looking for walkers to undertake a sponsored Camino from Tí Chulainn in Mullaghbane to Emain Macha/Navan Fort, at 22 miles, a mere hop, skip and a jump compared to it’s Spanish counterpart.
Walkers will follow in the footsteps of Cú Chulainn, the ancient Ulster boy hero who made his heroic return to the Red Branch Warriors at Eamhain Mhacha from Tí Chulainn with his new hero’s name, Cú Chulainn, the Hound of Culann.
He, of course, became the foremost warrior of the Red Branch Heroes and the legendary defender of Ulster.
Each Camino walker will raise much-needed funds for Aonach Mhacha, the brand new Irish language and cultural hub in historic Armagh City which opened in March 2020 – just before the Coronavirus lockdown hit.
When it re-opens, it will offer a range of services and attractions for those with an interest in the Irish language, arts and our cultural heritage.
This sponsored walk will start off at 10am on 1 August to coincide with the Lúnasa Festival.
Camino Mhacha will re-enact this ancient episode which forms part of our unique Gaelic heritage on an annual basis. Upon their return to Aonach Mhacha walkers will enjoy ‘The Heroes’ Feast’ with friends and supporters. For registration/further information contact Réamonn: rkieran31@gmail.com
:: It’s not all good news in Armagh though as the Pipers Club there has announced the cancellation of this year’s William Kennedy Piping Festival due to Coronavirus restrictions.
“We we couldn’t in good conscience continue planning for this year’s event under the current circumstances,” Club Director, Brian Vallely, said.
“We had already booked all of the artists for this year’s festival and the program was ready to launch when this virus took over.
“We will now turn our attention to making sure the 2021 event will be the best ever,” he promised.
