Kevin O’Neill, a member of the IPS Committee, invites anyone who is interested in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by hiking on the Slemish Mountain to join him on Sunday, March 17th. Slemish Mountain has a strong association with St. Patrick and around the 17th of March, large crowds walk to the top of the mountain as a pilgrimage. According to legend, Slemish Mountain was the site of the saint’s slavery, where he spent six years (age 16-22) working as a shepherd for the local chieftain. During this time he turned to frequent prayer as his only consolation in his loneliness. In a vision he was encouraged to escape and return home. He did this, then became a priest and returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary.
Meeting Place: Come off at Junction 11 of the M2 by-pass of Ballymena and take the Direction of the A42 towards Broughshane. Kevin will be at the Michelin Tyre Depot at 12:00 . (It’s about 1KM from Junction 11). There might be a shuttle bus in operation from the Michelin Tyre Depot to Slemish Car Park (8KM away).
In looking at the Times of the Shuttle Bus on 17/03/2019, we could still aim to meet about 12:00 with a plan to be transported to the Slemish Car Park in order to commence the walk around 13:00.
The last Bus leaves the Slemish Car Park at 16:00 so that should give us plenty of Time to do the Hike, all being well.
What to wear: Top Quality Outdoor and Weatherproof Clothing plus Mountain Boots.
This is NOT a terrain for jeans or tracksuits & trainers! Bring water, bananas and apples and a packed lunch. Also Mars Bars, Lucozade or energy drink(s).
