On the weekend of the 14th - 16th of September 2007, Aran Direct ran a special timetable to facilitate a fundraising challenge being held on the Aran Islands by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding on the weekend. Here is the report and photos from Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind:
With their sponsorship money already raised, our 24-strong group headed west from Rossaveel to begin our three day, three island challenge.
Our first stop was Inis Oirr, the smallest of the three islands and, with the sun shining sweetly upon us, the walking began. Ruairi Conneely from Inis Meáin joined us for the day’s walking with his Guide Dog Geoff. Stopping for lunch at Tigh Ruairi’s, we headed back to the Ferry to take us to Inis Meáin where our walking resumed to Synge’s Chair overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and back past Synge’s Cottage where playwright and poet, John Millington Synge lived and learned the Irish language.Our ferry collected us and brought us back to base where there were warm baths and comfortable beds.
On Saturday morning we set out with local guide Cyril and had a historical journey through the Island with lunch at the foot of Dun Aonghasa. After a guided tour, took the coast road home. The local branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind on Inis Mór, headed up by Eileen Mulkerrins, held a raffle in the hotel on Saturday and we received great support from the local community.
Sunday morning saw a change in the weather and those brave enough headed out to the far end of Inis Mór for the final lap of the island and back to base to catch a bumpy ferry ride back to terra firma.
