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CAMP, WEST KERRY - THE WALKERS PARADISE
West Kerry is an area of spectacular beauty nestled between mountain and sea with miles and miles of sandy beaches, winding country roads, hills, valleys and mountains. There are few areas so versatile for walkers, where one can intermingle high and low walks in exquisite surroundings. Archaeological and Historical sites, Local History and mythological tales abound in the Corca Dhuibhne folklore. Climb one of the high hills or mountains or walk low trails through the hills or by the sea, you will find peace and tranquility which ever walk you choose.
Mapped trails are now available, ask in local pubs and shops and they will point you in the right direction. Here also you will find experienced local walkers who will lead a walk if you or a group of friends would prefer to get a guided tour including a local history talk on the way.
Caherconree Climb
The majestic mountain Caherconree, once the seat of the High King of Munster Curoi Mac Daire, stands 2715 ft. above sea level. Cuchulainn of the Red Branch Knights of Ulster is said to have killed Curoi on the mountain slopes in a fight over the Welsh Princess Blaithnaid. At the top of the mountain the remains of one of Ireland's most striking inland promontory forts is still to be seen.
Caherconree Climb is for the hardy climber, but is not dangerous provided you follow the yellow posts and observe caution at the summit.
Sli Gleann-na-nGealt
The valley of Gleann-na-nGealt can be entered at 2 points - At Scrallagh, 2 miles west of Camp village you can walk into the valley and do a circle coming out at Maum na h-Altora, or indeed you can commence at Maum na h-Altora and do the opposite ring. You can also walk down into the valley through Foillatrisnigh and through Cappaclough and take the beach walk to lower or Upper Camp.
Tobar na nGealt ( Mad Well) is reputed to have a cure in its waters for madness. Gall the king of France is said to have lost his sanity at the battle of Ventry Harbour and was cured when he drank the waters of Tobar na nGealt.
Maum na hAltora - The pass of the altar, Mass was celebrated here in penals times. Here remains a cluster of megalithic tombs, which are some of the earliest stone structures in the region.
Sli an Fhionnglaise
Begin your walk at Camp Junction, climbing the high road up Knockglossmore and head west through Sli Corca Dhuibhne (Dingle Way) cross the road curradubh road, the Tralee/Dingle Railway bridge, scene of the great train crash of 1893 in on your right, follow on and cross the stepping stone at the Finglas River. Local folklore annals tell the tale of the rive running white when Blathnaid milked her cow at the top of Caherconree to give a sign to Cuchulainn that she was alone, hence the name Fionnglas.
Sli an Chama
A looped walk commencing at Camp village, you can complete a circuit taking in any of the roads, bohereens, along the seaside, your options are many and varied depending how long you want to make this walk.
Camp/An Cam meaning a gap in the mountains or a fortress is associated with the encampment of Cuchulainn, the Ulster hero of the Red Branch Knights. Along the way you can also visit the grave of the milesian Princess Fas, slain in the battle of Sliabh Mish, also named after Princess Mish also killed in the mammoth battle between the Milesian and Tuatha Danann tribes, who were among the first inhabitants of this island.
Gairdin Cu Roi
A ring walk through Curradubh to Beheenagh and Bothar na gCloch circling round the top of the road down through Kilteenbane and Coole to the beach and heading east to exit at Kealode, on the Tralee side of The Junction Bar. There are no signs of the remains of the Geraldine Castle or the Glandine Castle reputed to be built in medieval times in Upper Camp. Some local people will know the site of the Castle in Upper Camp where a farmer discovered a large underground cellar when ploughing the field over 50 years ago.
Camp Old School built in 1882 is on your route next to St. Marys Catholic Church built 1839, worth calling in to see.
GOLFING AND FISHING
Catlegregory Golf and Fishing Club boasts one of the finest 9 hole golf links in the country. Siuated on Stradbally beach, amid exquisite scenery, its hard to think of a better spot to play golf.
Glenteenasig is a forested area of exceptional beauty and with small lakes ideal for fishing. River fishing and shore angling is also popular in this area with miles and miles of shoreline.
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
Camp offers a unique holiday experience, whether you want to spend one night or longer, you will certainly want to come back to this
idyllic haven of peace and tranquility. Some people choose a place like Camp for their base and travel out to see the sites of the Dingle
peninsula by day returning to relax in the local country pubs in the village in the evening. No driving, no stress, talk to the locals or
enjoy the traditional music and impromptu sessions which happen all the time.
Alternatively you can stay in Camp and walk and swim in the
waters of Tralee Bay and enjoy the miles and miles of sandy beaches from Tralee to Brandon. Camp is a walkers paradise with Sli Corcha Dhuibhne,
the Dingle Way stretches the entire 33 miles of the Dingle Peninsula. Climb Catherconree, standing 2716 ft. above sea level or engage in
the many looped walks taking in hill and sea, your options are endless.
Camp Junction House is a recently opened B/B accommodation on the Dingle Way and directly across the road form 2 popular family run local pubs,
The Junction Bar and The Railway Tavern. Former Kerry footballer John Doyle is the proprietor and already people are praising the genial hosts
hearty breakfasts Camp Junction House can accommodate 20 people in beautifully decorated modern en suite and single rooms, amid exquisite views
of Tralee and Brandan Bay, with the Slieve Mish mountain at the back affording breathtaking nature trails. Just minutes away from Camp beach,
you can savour the clean and safe waters of Tralee bay in an unspoilt quiet environment. Telephone Number - 087/2430704.
You can access Camp Junction House on the internet at www.campjunctionhouse.com.
Kathleen Herlihy's Teac Te is a lovely family run B/B, convenient to beaches, mountain and local amenities, pubs and entertainment.
A stones throw from Camp Junction, here you also park your car and enjoy a drink in the local hostelries without fear of having to drive home.
Telephone Number 066/7130340
In Camp Village, Finglas House run by Kathleen Daly is a well established B/B adjoining Dalys Bar, where you can meet the locals and chat over
a drink at night. Kathleen has catered for walking groups down through the years and her excellent cuisine is well noted by the visitors.
Telephone Number 066/7130125 You can access Finglas House on the internet at www.finglashouse.com
Tralee Bay Cottages comprise of 9 hoiliday cottages on the Castlegregory road offers you an alternative type of self catering holiday.
Enquiries - 066/7139491. You can access through internet www.traleebaycottages@eircom.net
EATING OUT
Ashes Restaurant and Bar, Camp is renowned worldwide for its excellent cuisine. Bar Food is the speciality this year and you can expect
wholesome steaks, childrens menu reasonable priced in convivial olde world surroundings.
The Seven Hogs Bar and Restaurant at The Tralee bay Hotel and Cottages caters for all tastes. Sunday lunch, evening meals, snacks suitable for
all occasions. Exquisite setting looking out onto Tralee Bay.
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© 2004 Brigid O'Connor Web. All rights reserved.
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