Excitement builds ahead of Killeshandra camino

Hundreds are expected to take part in what's hoped to become an annual event.

Killeshandra is to welcome 400 walkers next weekend as the first Killeshandra camino takes place.

Saturday, June 18, will see those taking part set off on the 35.5km walk around the village and surrounding parts of west Cavan.

The local community have been working on the plan for the Camino for the past number of years in a bid to attract walkers to the area and bring a boost to local businesses and groups.

Officially launched earlier this year, there are just a handful of places remaining for the inaugural event.

Eileen Gormley, from the organising committee says the Killeshandra Camino stands with the best of them across the world:

“I have walked Caminos all over the world and Killeshandra has as much to offer as any one of them. Our walk will take people through Killykeen Forest Park, along country lanes, over stone bridges, along rivers and streams and through some of the most beautiful, peaceful landscapes in the country. We are very much looking forward to welcoming 400 people to the town on the 18th June’ and are confident the Camino will be a huge success.”

Support for the project has been given by Cavan County Council through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), which funded the physical infrastructure for the project.

Delivered through the Department of Rural and Community Development, the ORIS prioritises projects with a strong community involvement.

Created in Cavan, the local food and drinks brand, is also supporting the Camino and local food producers will be on hand to provide much needed sustenance along the route.

Killeshandra Camino has the potential to become an annual event which can showcase the area to visitors, provide a much-needed injection into the local economy and become a flagship event the community can be very proud of.

For more information visit www.killeshandracamino.ie or follow Killeshandra Camino Calling on facebook.