Cape Clear Island in West Cork will host its second annual Walking Talking Weekend during the forthcoming May Bank Holiday Weekend, Friday 29th April to Monday 2 May 2011. Loosely based on last year’s event which was spearheaded by renowned walker, poet and raconteur Damien Enright this year’s programme offers something for everyone. The Island provides superb walking in a pristine marine environment and in a unique natural, historical and archaeological setting. The various walks are themed, history, wildlife and general island lore and the guides are all local personalities who have a deep knowledge in their areas of interest. The walks include terrain and trails not normally accessible to visitors with as much emphasis on good conversation, anecdotes and general banter as the walking itself. Various other complimentary activities are also arranged such as whale watching and a circumnavigation of the Island in the new ferry Dún an Óir II. Evening activities include a recommended evening meal, hosted by the guides and traditional music by local musicians where everyone is encouraged to join in. Bring your whistle, guitar or bodhrán. This year’s weekend is to be spearheaded by Chuck Kruger, local Author, Walker, Poet and founder of the Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival. On Sunday, 1 May the Island will welcome Tom Mc Sweeney, former Marine Correspondent with RTE to launch Chucks latest book, Cape Clear Island, A Visual Tour with photographs and excerpts from some of Chucks contributions to Sunday Miscellany over the years. Cape Clear’s Walking Talking Festival is a low key event for those seeking the great outdoors at a leisurely pace, good company and pleasant evenings in congenial surroundings. For more details see out website www.walkingtalking.info Séamus Ó Drisceoil, 353-28-41923 Program – Cape Clear Island Walking talking Weekend 2011 Friday 29 April 6.30 pm – Welcome – Registration 6pm – 7pm – Tourist Office open for registrations/ 7.00- 8.00 pm – Lake Walk with Chuck Kruger – A short walk to the Lake with local anecdote’s from local author and founder of Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival , Chuck Kruger. 8.30 pm – Recommended Evening Meal €15 Hosted by Chuck Kruger 10.00 pm – Session with local musicians Saturday 30 April 11.30 am – 12. 30 am & 2pm - 4 pm Tourist Office open for registrations & information 12.00 am – 2.00 pm – ‘Trees and Trails Walk with Séamus Ó Drisceoil – Meander across the Island by various trails, visiting the Heritage Centre and Goat Farm before returning to North Harbour 2.30 pm – 5pm – Explore Cnoch Caraintín, the Islands highest peak with Chuck Kruger. 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm – Whalewatching with Micheál Ó Ceadagáin on board the Gaisceannán. 8.30pm – Recommended Evening Meal €15 hosted by 10pm – Session with local musicians Sunday 1 May 11 am to 1 pm – ‘History of North Harbour’, a short exploration of the Islands Harbour area. 2pm to 4pm – Discover Cape Clear Islands Flowers and Local Wildlife with Island Ecologist, Geoff Oliver 3pm to 4pm – Discover Cape Clear Island from the Sea – Circumnavigate Cape Clear in the Dún an Óir 11 with local Guide Niamh Ní Drisceoil 4 pm – Club Cléire – Launch of new Book – ‘ Cape Clear Island, A Visual Tour’ by Chuck Kruger - Signed copies available 7pm – Short Evening Walk – To be decided 10.00 am – Evening Entertainment Monday 2 May 1 pm to 3.30 pm – Birdwatching walk – An insight into seabirds and spring migration’s with Island Ornithologist, Stephen Wing. Bring binoculars if available.