Festival puts parish on top of its game

THE hills come alive next weekend for a small Tipperary parish that a decade ago had no tradition of hill-walking but has now established itself as a national hub for trail walking and outdoor pursuits.

For decades a voluntary committee worked tirelessly to make Upperchurch a byword for successful rural development. It inaugurated everything from the Ned-of-the-Hills Festival to a cutting edge information technology centre.

Some years ago, the community adopted hill-walking as another way of revitalising the area and now boasts four excellent walking trails.

Much of the initial expertise came from locals Joan and Gerry Quinn, who had previously ascended some of the highest peaks in Europe.

Upperchurch Walking Weekend kicks off on Friday night with a slideshow presented by Ms Quinn showcasing ascents by the community’s mountaineers and rockclimbers to the likes of Ben Nevis, Mont Blanc, the Pyrenees and the Italian Dolomites.

The festival also offers walks such as the hills of Upperchurch day trek, easy nature trail rambles as well as a 25km cycle.

* Information from 0504 54284, 086 0518934 or upperchurch.ie.