International walkers experience Mayo island's beauty and charm

Up to 350 walkers from 20 countries descended on Achill Island today to experience its beauty and unique charm.

They were taking part in the 57th annual Castlebar International Four Days Walking Festival.

The organisers moved all of its events to the scenic location for its daily ramble and road walks.

It was the first time in the history of the festival that all activities were transferred out of the county town for a day.

And the participants loved every minute of it, thanks to the lovely weather and warm welcome.

From early morning buses assembled outside the festival HQ at the Ivy Tower Hotel in Castlebar to transport the walkers and ramblers to Achill over 40 miles away.

The 20K and 10K walks took place along the Great Western Greenway, the former starting at Achill Sound and ending at Nevin's in Tiernaur.

Despite worries to the contrary, there was not a drop of rain.

The ramblers are accustomed to regular visits to Achill over the years as the Slí Grainne Uaile is a very popular route.

So, all in all, a wonderful start to the 2024 festival.

The ramblers will be in Mulranny tomorrow (Friday) while the road walkers will be out and about in Turlough, Ross and Crimlin.

Yes, rain is more likely to fall.

But you just never know!