Tipp parish becomes hillwalking favourite

A Co Tipperary upland parish, without any tradition of outdoor recreation, has established itself as a renowned centre for hillwalking.

For decades local volunteers worked to make Upperchurch a byword for rural development.

Endeavours ranged from the renowned Ned-of-the-Hills Festival to a cutting-edge technology centre that introduced IT to rural North Tipperary.

Upperchurch Development Association also identified hillwalking as an engine for economic development. A network of walking trails was created, each offering a unique story of upland life. Much of the expertise came from locally-based mountaineers, skilled Alpine climbers Joan and Gerry Quinn, along with Tipperary rural recreation officer, Con Ryan.

In 2006, the community inaugurated a Walking Weekend event. Winter was then a no-go area for outdoor festivals but Upperchurch was farsighted enough to see the potential for an event in the off-season.

Handsome dividends were reaped with the November weekend blossoming to attract participants, not only from Co Tipperary, but from across Ireland.

Joint chairperson of the festival committee, Eileen Ryan attributes the success of the Upperchurch Walking Weekend to a deep commitment from the entire community.

“Many festivals are organised by a hillwalking club which limits the amount of volunteer effort.

“In Upperchurch, the festival is a genuine cross-community initiative. Virtually the entire population is involved with welcoming walkers and providing the wide logistical effort needed to deliver a festival on this scale,” she says.

Since its inauguration Regina Fitzsimons, a member of the Bogtrotters walking club, has been a consistent visitor to Upperchurch each November.

“I have been to many walking festivals across Ireland and Upperchurch is absolutely the best,” says Ms Fitzsimons.

The 11th Upperchurch Walking Weekend takes place from November 11-13 and offers outings varying from the tough Hills of Upperchurch day walk to easy family and nature rambles.

Then, at night the darkened hills will echo with music song and story from Kinnane’s traditional hostelry and Jim O’the Mills, internationally famous music pub. And, if weather is unkind, a “fringe” event has been organised.

Further information contact 0504 54284/086 0518934 or www.upperchurch.ie.