Community 'Summer Picnic & Cycle in the Park' - Starting a New Tradition in Galway City?

Photo is from the last 'Picnic in the Park' in May 2005

Plus Bike Tour of Terryland Forest Park!
On Sunday June 17th commencing at Bóthar an Choiste,  a bicycle tour organised by the ‘Conservation Volunteers Terryland Forest Park & environs’ will take participants along the entire length of the Terryland Forest Park, heralded as Ireland’s most ambitious urban forest project when it was started in 2000.

Three 1950s era High Nelly  bicycles, lovingly restored by Cumann na bhFear members, will led the group along the route.

Michael T, Tom & Michael with one of the 'High Nelly' bikes they are restoring for the Cycle Tour

Cycling through forgotten botharíns, past farmlands and along forest trails, participants will enjoy an area rich in natural and social heritage. This fascinating tour of a Hidden Galway will encompass the ruins of medieval castles, rustic spring wells, abandoned farms, lost villages, dykes, Famine relief works, the sites of ancient battles and Victorian railways.

Stops along the journey will include a visit to the thriving Ballinfoile Mór Community Organic Garden to view the orchards, vegetable beds, and rockeries being developed by local residents and the Cumann na bhFear workshop where visitors can see the anvil, hammers and tongs of a blacksmith’s forge in action.

The tour will culminate with a mass picnic in the parklands adjacent to  a 12 year old community-planted woodland located at the Quincentennial Bridge entrance of the Terryland Forest Park where circus performers and musicians will entertain the attendees.

 Tiernan McCusker of An Taisce will provide a giant Snakes and Ladders for the children's enjoyment.

Latino Fiesta in the Park!

The main act will be a group of  Latin Musicians and Dancers, aka Latin Fiesta performing Brazilian, Cuban and other South American styles!
 
The event is free and open to all. Participants should bring along their bicycles and food. 

Enthusiastic Volunteers with an array of skills are still needed to help this unique extravaganza become a success and maybe even a regular event in the social calendar of Galway city. So if you are an artist, musician, cycle guide, eco-enthusiast or an ideas person, please come contact us soon!

Beginning of a new Tradition for the people of Galway city?
If this event goes well, it is hoped that this cycle and picnic fest will become part of the annual social calander of Galway city and a nice family and fun way to celebrate Father's Day!