Hiking funny stories
Do you have any funny stories from the trip?
We stopped for a break on our first day of our walk and took our packs
off. Beth changed Madison's nappy and then hopped over a rock fence to
relieve herself. After our break, we all continued walking. About 50 yards
up the trail, I asked Beth where her backpack was. She actually forgot
to put it back on and left it lying along the road. It was a good thing
she wasn't carrying Madison!
What did you learn from the trip? 
Walking across Ireland with my family was a priceless adventure that
we will cherish. This was our first long-distance hike with our daughter
and she had fun. Family and hiking are my two biggest passions and having
Madison with me brought this all together.
Was carrying your daughter in a backpack physically demanding?
I trained for months before the hike so the physical aspect was more
like a routine workout. This was mainly to get Madison used to riding
in a child carrier. Most of the trail is hard-packed gravel, which made
it possible to push a stroller along large segments.
Could you do the walk with a child if you are not an
experienced hiker?
I would rate this walk as easy and family-friendly. The main reason
I chose the Burren Way was its close proximity to B&Bs and other amenities.
If you are not inclined to carry a 40lb backpack you could get away with
pushing a stroller for sections of the Burren Way, but you would have
difficulty in some areas and your child would need to walk.
Guided walks are another option. A Google search pulls up several guided
walking options with a Burren Way expert. Some of these guided hikes will
make all the lodging arrangements for you as well as guide your group.
Did you need any special equipment?
We used the Kelty Kids Pathfinder backpack to carry Madison in and Kelty
Kids nappy bag. These are available from camping shops.
Places to stay
The Rocky
View Farmhouse B&B in Fanore
 This
was voted among our group as the most personable and friendly. The owner,
Ita, was like an aunt to us. She invited us to her family's summer solstice
bonfire and drove us to town for dinner, which took three trips in her
small car It struck me as very inviting to let complete strangers enter
the inner circle of your family. This kind of trusting gesture is rare
in modern society. She also carted our dirty laundry to the cleaners the
next day.
It cost 30 euros per adult, children under-threes were free, over-threes
cost 15 euros.
Rockyview Farmhouse, Coast Road, Fanore, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, Ireland
Telephone: + 353 65 7076103 or + 353 65 7076213
E-mail: info@rockyviewfarmhouse.com
The Glenomra
House in Ennis
 Our
hostess, Mary, made this visit so memorable that we booked the last night
of the holiday with her. She made us feel right at home. She had a fun
personality and we felt like family members sharing her house.
Five minutes into our visit, Mary had us settled in and laughing at her
jokes. She gave Madison an Irish doll and suggested places to dine based
on quality and price, not just on helping her friends out.
It cost 35 euro per adult, children under three free.
Mary Earle, Glenomra House, Limerack Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Ireland
Telephone: + 353 65-6820531
E-mail: glenomra@hotmail.com
The
Slieve Elva Farmhouse in Lisdoonvarna
 This
was voted among the group as the classiest and most romantic. It was the
only B&B that offered dinner - partly due to the fact it was beyond walking
distance to town. We spent most of our time lounging in the dining room
which had a stunning view of the countryside with donkeys staring in at
us.
Our hosts, Michael and Justine, were newlyweds from England who fell in
love with the B&B on their honeymoon, bought it, and set up shop. They
were very hospitable and great cooks. The chocolate cake smothered in
dripping caramel was outstanding. Michael and Justine had the group out
back petting the donkeys and later in the night they drove a few of us
into town for some beers at the pub.
It cost 36 euros per adult, children under 12 half price, group discounts.
Slieve Elva Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast, Kilmoon, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare,
Ireland
Telephone & Fax: +353 65 7074318
Email: slieveelva@eircom.net
The Twin
Peaks in Doolin
 This
was the best B&B aesthetically. It was also within shuffling distance
of the town centre. The house was brand new and decorated in natural pine.
The beds had goose-down pillows and were very spacious.
The owner, Noel O'Connor, drove me up into the Burren to get a feel of
the terrain and determine if our group could make the walk with the stroller.
It cost 35 euro per adult, children free, and discount for teenagers.
Noel O'Connor, Twin Peaks Bed & Breakfast, Doolin, Co. Clare Ireland
Tel: + 353 65 7075777
email: info@doolin-accommodations.com
Tips for parents who want to take their child hiking?
Train with your child
Six weeks before leaving on our trek, I carried Madison around the
neighborhood a few miles a week. This helped me adjust to carrying her
and it helped Madison acclimate to the routine of riding in a pack. Take
your older children (4 and up) on weekly walks. Talk to them about the
journey. Have the older kids carry their own fun adventure pack filled
with a few toys.
Choose a trail that offers easy access to domesticated amenities
Check out transportation options. You should have a plan if you need
to get off the trail. Every B&B we stayed at shuttled our gear ahead for
free.
Research the area you plan to trek
Obtain maps and guidebooks of the area and check with the local travel
experts about hiking.
Be prepared for trail emergencies
Carry a first aid kit and brush up on your children first aid and
CPR.
Keep the journey fun
Make your journey a child-directed event. Whatever animal or rock
your child takes an interest in stop and let them play. Talk to your child
about what you're seeing. Label the animals, rocks, trees and flowers.
Bring along some trail toys such as a harmonica, flute, bells, books and
a teddy bear.
About Jeff
Jeff Alt, author of the award-winning books A Hike For Mike and A Walk
For Sunshine, has been hiking since he was a teenager. In 1998 he walked
the entire 2,160 mile Appalachian Trail which extends from Maine to Georgia
in the USA. In 2003 he trekked the 218 mile John Muir Trail across the
mountains in California. He works as a speech therapist for seven to nine-year-olds.
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