Hikers explore the legend of Oisin in Tir na nÓg
By Aura McMenamin
ONE OF South Dublin County’s best-known Irish legends was recreated on Sunday (January 21), as a group of people hiked from Tallaght to the foot of the Dublin mountains, reports Aura McMenamin.
The Rua Red Arts Centre in Tallaght invited people to explore the legend of Oisín in Tir na nÓg, who, according to legend, lifted a large boulder out of the ground in Glenasmole Valley as he rode on his fairy horse.
A group of 36 people travelled from Rua Red on Sunday morning up to Glenasmole, at the foot of Kippure Mountain, braving the cold and rain and each carrying a piece of granite boulder to the top.
A cairn, or stack of boulders, is being creating at the journey’s end point.
The project, which began in June 2017, held its eighth walk on Sunday, saw poet Ian Kilroy read from his Three Rock Sonnets along the way, with new activities planned for each walk.
The walk guided by the Dublin Mountains Partnership Rangers, was also in association with youth hostel association, An Óige.
Speaking to The Echo in September, Rua Red artist Ciaran Taylor, who is leading the project said: “There will be wildlife experts and historians accompanying the community on some of the journeys who will be detailing interesting folklore and wildlife facts along the way.”
The next walk is due to take place on February 11. According to Mr Taylor, they hope to finish the project by mid-summer 2018.
“I think it will take approximately one year to complete the project depending on the efforts of community members in making it a success.”
According to Mr Taylor, the project aims to connect Tallaght people together and city life with the nearby mountains.
The meeting point is the Rua Red Arts Centre at 10.30am with a return time of 5pm. The meeting point for the shorter, 15km walk is the Bohernabreena Reservoir Car Park at 11:30am. The Civic Theatre provides free parking.
Walkers are being asked to bring food and water and to wear walking boots and warm, waterproof clothes for the moderate hike.
