Fundraisers today embarked on a 14-day trek across Cork and Kerry to raise money for life-saving wells in Malawi.
The two-week journey on horse and cart is being organised by Christian Aid Ireland to fund vital water projects in the southern African nation which was hit by a severe drought in 2005.
The charity hopes to raise €10,000 (£6,742) as it travels along the coast of west Cork and the Ring of Kerry.
In Malawi it costs €2,000 (£1,348) to construct a bore hole and train local committees to maintain the wells for the whole village. Shallow wells can be built for €600 (£404).
Wells help provide clean water, reduce water borne diseases and ensure children don't have to walk miles to collect water.
Launching the fundraising carriage ride were head of Christian Aid Ireland Margaret Boden and visiting Christian Aid partner from Malawi Donald Manda.
Oscar winning actor Jeremy Irons who had been due to attend the launch was unable to, but leant his support to it from his west Cork home.
"Water is life and assisting people in Malawi to construct wells and water projects is incredibly important for a country where less than 50 per cent of the population has access to safe, clean water," he said.
"It's also quite a fun idea so I'm delighted to support this extraordinary fundraising initiative."
The journey will cover more than 300 miles and visit 20 historical sites on the way, including the holy well on the grounds of Jeremy Iron's pink castled estate in Kilcoe, before finishing in Killorglin, Co Kerry on September 1.
"Millions of Malawians have just faced the worst 'hungry season' in a decade. The rains failed in early 2005 and many families harvested nothing. This year's harvest is better, but it will take people years to recover," Mr Manda said.
The public can support the venture by attending one of the many Fairtrade Coffee Mornings along the way, by sponsoring part of the journey or by making a donation to Christian Aid on 01 611 0801.