A round-up of upcoming events
Walking festival:The Castlebar International Four Days' Walks festival, which runs from Thursday until tomorrow week, has a wide choice of routes to suit all levels of fitness. Each of the four days features a 10km, 20km and 40km road walk and a guided cross-country ramble that takes about six hours to complete. On Wednesday evening, just before the start of the festival, which has attracted walkers from more than 20 countries, there'll be an informal get-together where walkers can register and attend a short briefing. www.castlebar4dayswalks.com, 094-9024102.
Charity cycle:The sixth annual West Cork Emergency Services and Friends sponsored cycle takes place on Saturday, July 11th. The cycle will begin and end in Skibbereen, passing through Drimoleague, Dunmanway, Ballygurteen, Clonakilty, Leap and Rosscarbery, where the journey will be broken with a brief stop for refreshments. Over the past five years the 80km cycle has raised more than €230,000 for charities and other organisations. Participants must raise €120. To register contact Garry Minihane on 086-8328394 or at garryminihane@gmail.com.
Heritage walks:An ideal way to explore Kinsale and learn its history is to participate in one of the heritage walks that leave from the tourist office each day at 10.30am and 4.30pm. Guided by Dermot Ryan, a founding member of Kinsale History Society, the walk takes about 90 minutes and costs €5 per adult; children are free. You can contact Ryan at 021-4772729, 086-8267656 or dermotryankinsale@gmail.com.