The annual Clare Island Walk takes place next month for the Western Care Association (WCA) services.

The event, to date, has raised over €100,000 for the Mayo based charity that currently supports 850 people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism.

The walk on Saturday, July 8th offers three separate walks of 5km, 8km and 12km to cater for different levels of fitness. It brings participants by ferry from Roonagh Pier to Clare Island, where they can use a route map to enjoy the breath-taking views along the way. The morning will conclude with a goody bag and lunch for all the walkers at Clare Island Community Hall.

The Clare Island Walk for WCA was started in 2015 by Pat Conneely along with a group of volunteers, Willie Murphy and Tom Cusack who are still involved to date. Since then, it has raised funds for vital equipment in Western Care facilities, such as ceiling hoists, wet room renovations, improved flooring, as well as providing memorable experiences such as day trips for residents.

Booking and payment in advance is essential to ensure adequate places are available on buses and the ferry. To book your place please contact Mary Farrell on 087 2881217 or Helen Gibbons 094 9029100.

On the day, registration will also be available at Roonagh Pier at 10.15am. Transfers to and from Roonagh Pier will be available from Newport, Castlebar and Westport. The entry fee for the walk is €60 per person, €100 per couple and €5 per child, or minimum donation of €60 via sponsorship card and/or online donation at https://www.idonate.ie/event/theclareislandwalk2023.