The Inishowen Walking Festival was a collaborative project in partnership with Inishowen Social Enterprise Network, celebrating the outdoors, with a focus on health, wellbeing and culture. It combined community and cultural experiences with fitness and shared learning opportunities engaging with local experts. The walks focused on specific places of interest across the Inishowen Peninsula. Artlink organised three walks around Dunree.
The festival involved Sarah Duffy, who served as artist in residence in 2021, and her efforts to unveil the historical and geological significance of the long-forgotten Cill Ard monastic site. To this end, she led a walk to the site, where she launched a sound piece, a musical composition that brings to life the hidden archaeological and geological world of the area. During the walk, Duffy also introduced new signage and a map/card containing information on the sound piece. The map/card featured a QR code that the public can use to listen to the audio work virtually. The artist’s primary objective was to explore how we can detect and
uncover the hidden and complex histories of the spaces we inhabit. Furthermore, Duffy premiered her performance film, titled The House Always Wins, which she developed during her residency.
Glór Inis Eoghain is a community group formed to promote the use of Irish in the Inishowen peninsula. Glór accompanied participants on a walk and talk as Gaeilge for all those interested in hearing and using Irish. The walk took in the Bulba Way and Fox’s Rock Trail.
The most strenuous walk in Artlink’s programme was a 12 km hike led by walking expert Sharon Porter. This varied route included an old monastic site, turf cutting, windmills, a lough and the flora and fauna of the bogland, stopping on the summit of Aghaweel Hill
giving panoramic views of Lough Swilly and West Donegal. Throughout the walk Sharon shared her extensive knowledge of local lore.
- September 25, 2022
