This is the press release that I sent out this morning....
The third Culdaff Climbfest was a huge success with people flocking to Donegal's Inishowen peninsula from all over Europe. Most visitors were from Northern Ireland and Dublin, but there were Poles, Germans, Dutchmen, Welshmen and Scots to name just a few of the other nationalities represented.Ninety tents were pitched behind the pier at Bunagee and local guest houses also reported extra trade. There were an estimated 200 visitors over the Climbfest weekend and no one went home disappointed.
The fun started on Friday night with a bonfire and a party for the early arrivals followed by a dry night and an early breakfast at McGrory's. Saturday dawned bright and sunny and people were arriving all day with tents being added to the "village" at Bunagee. Climbing took place at Dunowen, Malin Head, Port-a-Doris and Kinnego Bay, and with unprecedented crowds at the popular Dunmore Head. Beginners were made welcome and several Colmcille Club members gave up the opportunity to climb in order to assist new climbers and children on some of the crag's easier routes.
The evening saw rain coming in and the long spell of good weather was broken as the barbeque and party got under way back at the campsite. This didn't deter our hardy crowd, but the scheduled fireworks show was in jeopardy of succumbing to the weather. Luckily, Valli Schafer, our club pyrotechnician, deemed the conditions safe and the 9 foot fire drawing was lit at about 11pm followed by an awesome display of fireworks.
Sunday was showery and breezy, but climbing was done between rainfalls and the wind kept the rock drying. Some people left, but many opted to stay down till the Bank Holiday and see the whole weekend through.
Grateful thanks must go to Alan Tees for his tireless organisational efforts - he single-handedly makes this annual event happen; to McGrory's for sponsoring the t-shirts; to Valli Schafer for the fireworks; to Margaret Tees for registering climbers as they arrived; to the people of Culdaff for their welcome and their patience; and to all the enthusiastic climbers who travel so far to enjoy this celebration of Irish climbing.
