This September will see the first ever event of its kind taking place across the country with everyone being encouraged to be a part of it - get out and hit the trail!
Sunday 28th September 2008 is the first National Trails Day to be organised in Ireland and everyone is being encouraged to get out and enjoy the huge range of trails available across the country. Ireland has a wealth of trails of many types from multi access trails for all users to more challenging trails for the serious hill walker or mountain biker. From walking to mountain biking, a casual stroll to a vigorous hike, Ireland is open for business and National Trails Day will see events being organised around the country to suit all ages, abilities and interests. The event is being organised to create an awareness of the trail network that is provided by many organisations free for all to enjoy.
National Trails Day events will cover all trail activities - guided nature walks, mountain biking for beginners, trails maintenance days, Leave No Trace awareness walks and walks and treks of different lengths in some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. You don’t have to attend an event to just get out and enjoy our nations trails.
This first ever event of its kind was launched today by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, along with David Gunning, Chief Executive of Coillte, Shaun Quinn Chief Executive of Failte Ireland, and Cormac Mac Donnell of the National Trails Office, accompanied by well known TV personality and recreation expert Kathryn Thomas.
The partners in National Trails Day are Coillte, Failte Ireland, Comhairle na Tuaithe, The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the National Trails Office and they are calling on everyone to get involved. If you want to take part, log on to www.nationaltrailsday.ie for information of events in your locality. If you are a walker or a biker and want to organise an event contact Daithi de Forge at Daithi.deforge@coillte.ie.
There will be an advertising campaign in September in national and local press.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Ó Cuív said:
“National Trails Day gives everyone an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the rural recreation facilities that we have available. I would hope that National Trails Day would draw the entire community’s attention to the benefits of rural recreation, social and health benefits amongst them. With the developments that are underway through partnership between the state agencies, with the members of Comhairle na Tuaithe and the local communities, trails are being made available to attract visitors from our own country and from abroad to rural areas. For the local communities, there are economic advantages from this and I hope also that the local communities themselves will make use of the facilities in their own areas.”
For further information on events contact:
National Trails Day Project Co-ordinator,
Daithi de Forge at 086 205 8873 or at daithi.deforge@coillte.ie