Tracing Red Hugh's footsteps
Sixteen brave hearts took to the Wicklow hills on Sunday last and sampled the kind of conditions that Red Hugh O'Donnell and Art O'Neill suffered after their escape from Dublin Castle in that bitter winter of 1592. The walk was organised by the Dublin former republican prisoners group, Tar Isteach. Unlike poor Art O'Neill, who died of his injuries and exposure in this bleak place, all 16 of our walkers survived a fairly tough time slogging it across heather and in places frozen bog.
After assembling in Blessington village we used our own transport to Oakwood, which is beside the King's river and from there on foot we followed alomost in the footsteps of the escapees as they traced the Glenreemore brook up between two forests and then back up into the wild high moorland. As the group approached the plaque marking the spot where Art is believed to be buried, a fine red stag gave a bellow from the high ground above and kept a close eye on us while the gaeilgeóirí in the group read the inscription.
After a little meditation (and lunch) in this fairly sheltered spot our mountain goat types headed off up the steep rocky ground to `Arts Cross', which is above the 2,000 ft mark to enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-covered mountain tops in this West Wicklow region. The view was great but the breeze was bitter with a hint of snow in it so we didn't linger too long and headed back down to the shelter of a forest and followed a different track back to our transport beside the singing King's river.
The outing was enjoyed by all and later, in a well-known hostelry, there were many suggestions as to how this type of outdoor activity van be developed and expanded in the future.
BY GAY CLERY
Tar Isteach welcomes anyone interested in joining any future walks. Contact the office at (01) 874 9990
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