Ballinamore Camino draws nearly 500 walkers in blistering heat

Ballinamore’s first-ever Camino walk was declared a “massive success” by organisers, after 470 people completed the 25km and 35km routes in 27-degree heat on Saturday, July 12th. The scenic trek, a fundraiser for the Island Theatre, drew participants from across Ireland and showcased the wild beauty of Leitrim’s hills, trails and heritage sites.

The event had originally been planned with modest expectations. “When we started planning this eight months ago, we were hoping for a couple of hundred,” said Michael McTague, chairperson of the organising committee and director of the Island Theatre. “Instead, we had 491 register and 470 take part. We’re absolutely delighted — it was a huge day for the town.”

Walkers set out from the Island Theatre from 7am, choosing between a 25km and 35km loop through upland trails, ancient sweathouses, coal mines, and the heights of Bencroy Mountain. The route also passed landmarks like Pól an Eas waterfall and Duck’s Cross, with Camino-style stamps collected at various checkpoints.

Despite the searing heat, all participants returned safely, with only minor injuries reported. “Everyone got home safe and sound,” McTague said. “Just a few sprains and blisters — nothing serious. The weather was glorious, maybe too glorious! We prayed for sun and got about 30 degrees, so we had to work extra hard to keep water stations topped up.”

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In total, 80 volunteers supported the walk, including stewards, water station teams, and community members who opened their homes along the route. “We got incredible support,” McTague said. “Locals came out with water stalls, opened their toilets — even the Civil Defence and Gardaí were with us from early morning.”

The event, designed to appeal to all fitness levels, took most participants between six and nine hours to complete. The final walker returned to the Island Theatre just after 5pm.

Funds raised will go toward paying down the Island Theatre’s €1.4 million development debt — a cost largely shouldered by the local community. “We wanted to move away from endless ticket raffles and create something people could really experience,” said McTague. “For their donation, they got a t-shirt, a medal, a hot meal, and a sense of achievement.”

Participants praised the route’s natural beauty and friendly atmosphere. “It was a slower pace than a race — people talked to each other, and there was a lovely spirit,” said one first-time walker.

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The Camino also proved a boost for local businesses, with visitors arriving from Cork, Mayo and beyond. “It did more to promote Leitrim than anything I’ve seen in years,” McTague said. “The hills, the views. That’s what we should be selling, and I'd love to see Leitrim County Council get behind us in the future.”

Local sponsors, including councillors Ita Reynolds Flynn and Gay Pryor, helped make the day possible, alongside support from walking groups, scouts and Ballinamore Tidy Towns.

Plans are already underway for next year’s event, which has been confirmed for Friday, July 11, 2026.

Drone footage and highlights from the day, captured by Ballinamore Photographs and Beyond, are available on YouTube and social media