Dungarvan Hillwalking Club was founded in February 1995 when the first meeting was held in Lawlors hotel. The idea for a walking club came from Gay Morrissey of Ballinroad.
In the first few months the club struggled to find suitable and interesting walks but this changed when George Harney joined. Having worked with Coillte, he brought a great knowledge of the hills along with navigational skills so that very quickly the club extended the variety of walks to include hiking in the Comeraghs, Knockmealdowns and Galtee mountains.
It was George who suggested a Comeragh Crossing but sadly he became ill and died before the first Crossing took place in July 1996. This event continues to take place every year in July, attracting participants from within the club and from walkers throughout Ireland. It is organised as a fundraising event from which our three local charities have benefitted over the years.
Another club highlight is the annual Cunnigar Crossing from Dungarvan harbour to Helvic pier. This was originally led by John Browne. The crossing is only possible during a very low tide and again, all funds raised go to our three charities.
The club also organises two walking trips each year: one in Ireland and one abroad. Ireland trips have included the mountains of West Cork, Kerry, Connemara, Sligo, Wicklow while international trips have included Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Slovenia and Canada.
In the early years of the club, monthly members’ meetings were held in Lawlors hotel and later in Bean A’ Leanna, with the upcoming walks being posted on the window there. Now these meetings take place in the Tudor House with the walk lists being published on the web site.
The club is nearly 30 years old, hosts 4 walks per week and has a membership of about 180. Over those years of walking and planning walks, many conversations have taken place, many friendships have developed and many wonderful memories have been created.