Dublin to Galway Walk

benb

Hi there, I'm thinking of planning a charity walk with a few friends this summer from Dublin Bay to Galway Bay. Has anyone ever done this kind of walk? any information would be greatly appreciated. None of us have ever organised or taken part in these sort of events so I'm just looking to get some information on the idea...nice routes, length of time, places to stay etc
thanks

Pure Sound

It has definately been done before for charity a quick search shows that it was done for haiti recently, according to google maps it would take almost 2 days solid walking, would you be fit enough, it would be a very difficult task, not trying to put you off but if you can do it fair play thats a very honourable thing to do

Judge

Michael Fewer wrote a book proposing a coast-to-coast walk from Dublin to Galway a few years ago:

Walking Across Ireland: From Dublin Bay to Galway Bay. Collins Press. 2003.

It's out of print but you might be able to track down a copy in your library. Or look for a second hand copy in a bookstore or on Abebooks or Amazon. Should be good for working out a route.

Pure Sound

Judge wrote: »

Michael Fewer wrote a book proposing a coast-to-coast walk from Dublin to Galway a few years ago:

Walking Across Ireland: From Dublin Bay to Galway Bay. Collins Press. 2003.

It's out of print but you might be able to track down a copy in your library. Or look for a second hand copy in a bookstore or on Abebooks or Amazon. Should be good for working out a route.

There is actually one available here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Across-Ireland-Dublin-Galway/dp/1903464390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297897708&sr=8-1

Donny5

At 220-odd km, you could probably do it in 5 days, walking 8.5 hours at an easy 5km/h each day. A week would bring you down 6.5 hours per day at the same pace. It would also give you more leeway about having longer and shorter days to fit in with suitable accommodation and the like.

I'd also say that this challenge would require more determination than fitness, unless you plan to run it. I'm certain almost anyone could physically walk it in a week, but most people would give up when it got tough. A good few days walking the distances you expect to be covering daily in the footwear you're going to use would be wise, along with a very detailed route plan.

hmmm

I wouldn't fancy walking along the side of a main road for that distance.

Judge

hmmm wrote: »

I wouldn't fancy walking along the side of a main road for that distance.

You shouldn't have to be on the side of the road: following the towpath of the Grand Canal should get you a good deal of the way. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it navigable as far as Ballinasloe?

a148pro

I was interested in running this until my friend pointed out how boring a route it would be. Could be the worst route to walk in Ireland in that sense, whereas walking around the coast, albeit it would take much longer, would be much more beautiful.

That said Galway to Dublin is the natural charity walk, and as suggested, the canal would be nice. Either way good luck with it!

Lapin

Judge wrote: »

You shouldn't have to be on the side of the road: following the towpath of the Grand Canal should get you a good deal of the way. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it navigable as far as Ballinasloe?

Alas, the section between Shannon Harbour and Ballinasloe is no longer navigable and is now mostly overgrown.
It would have made for a great walk though.

benb wrote: »

Hi there, I'm thinking of planning a charity walk with a few friends this summer from Dublin Bay to Galway Bay. Has anyone ever done this kind of walk? any information would be greatly appreciated. None of us have ever organised or taken part in these sort of events so I'm just looking to get some information on the idea...nice routes, length of time, places to stay etc
thanks

Whats the charity OP ?
Sounds like something I'd love to do myself.

benb

not too sure on the charity yet. i tried getting in contact with the guy who did the walk last year for Haiti but the only email address i could find was a fundraising email which i doubt he uses anymore. i think it took him 6 days.
I'd be relatively fit but not all my group would be. I go jogging a few times a week and walk in and out of college everyday and play some sports, obviously i would have to up the fitness closer to the time.
its early stages yet in terms of planning.
http://original.justgiving.com/galway2dublin4haiti
this is the guy who did the walk last year, John fitzgerald is his name