Let your feet do the talking on trails day

GO IRELAND: With fine weather forecast make the most of National Trails Day tomorrow. Pack a picnic and enjoy a greatly improved Irish walking experience, writes JOHN G O'DWYER

HAVE YOU experienced trail walking in the Irish countryside? If the answer’s yes, then you’ll remember the process.

First, you spend a couple of months working out on a treadmill and completing a navigation course so you won’t get lost when the waymarkers inexplicably disappear on a trackless moor. Next, you kennel the dog, cancel the milk and pack a 20kg day sack with “hi-vis” strips to avoid getting knocked down on the “main road” sections. Finally, you leave a note for your boss: “Gone walking in the Irish countryside, back in about a week (angry landowners, barbed wire fences and blisters allowing).”

Okay, I exaggerate. But there was a time, not very long ago, when accessing the Irish countryside was fraught with difficulty. For the first 25 years of their existence, Ireland’s trails suffered chronic neglect along with acute access problems that forced many diversions onto busy public roads.

Initially billed as the salvation of Irish tourism, it was soon clear that little investment would be provided for trail upkeep and marketing. Furthermore, the trails consisted of linear, multi-day excursions suited to a minority – the time-rich and committed long distance walker. The trails were a spectacular flop for attracting casual strollers wishing to explore the rich diversity of our countryside.

Economic downturns, however, father innovation and major efforts have combined to extend and improve Ireland’s trails as a cost-effective healthy lifestyle promotion and a tourism income generator. Working from the maxim “never waste a crisis”, Fáilte Ireland has been busy developing a series of nationwide, themed walks that can be comfortably completed in a half day while returning walkers to their starting point.

Angry landowners have also abated with farmers co-operating under an innovative walk scheme, which offers annual payment for maintenance of walkways routed through private land.

The result is that the Irish countryside has never been more accessible and walkers have responded with their feet. Last year, almost 700,000 overseas visitors participated on hiking or outdoor walking holidays, while Coillte welcomed 18 million leisure seekers to its forests and recreational areas.

And rambling the Irish countryside is no longer just about putting one foot in front of the other. National Trails Day, which takes place tomorrow at more than 200 venues across 32 counties, celebrates Ireland’s wonderfully varied landscape of forests, mountains, rivers and lakes. With a huge variety of experiences on offer, the event proves the old adage that every trail tells a different story and offers a unique experience.

On the day, your only problem is likely to be the tyranny of choice as there is kayaking, mountain biking, trail conservation work, nature and heritage walks, horse-riding, orienteering and cycling on offer. There are also less demanding ghost walks, fancy dress paddles, coastal trails and a “high nelly” bike ride. To prove that the countryside can be at its most evocative where it once worked hard for a living, there is canal heritage hiking in Antrim, canal canoeing in Newry, railway rambling in Limerick and trail maintenance in Dublin.

Remember, National Trails Day is all about involvement. So opt for one of the outings listed below or see nationaltrailsday.ie where you can search by county, theme or suitability to find the right event. Then the multi- layered sagas of Ireland’s most captivating trails are yours for the taking.

Hillwalkers

Dander around Donard

Ascend the twin peaks of Comedagh and Slieve Donard in Co Down from Donard car park, Newcastle. You’ll pass ice houses and eagles’ lairs as you climb Slieve Donard – Ulster’s highest peak.

From its summit on a clear day you will be rewarded with views to the Isle of Man, Wicklow and Donegal along with the outline of the Scottish and Welsh coasts misting the eastern and northern horizons.

* Contact David Thompson on 028-43751467

Myths and legends

Climb Donegal’s evocative and lonesome Bluestack Mountains while you are told the local sagas of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna in an area deeply associated with St Colmcille.

Then sign your name in the only record book in the Bluestacks and enjoy wonderful views over the Donegal highlands.

* Contact Anne Leonard on 087-7844803

Families

Ghosts of the past

Dublin’s Montpelier Hill is the site of a prehistoric passage grave and is also associated with paranormal activity at the notorious Hell Fire Club which was reputedly a haunt for hedonism.

This walk starts from the Hell Fire Club car park and takes in some of the most panoramic views of Dublin. There is also a treasure hunt included for small children.

* Contact Karen Woods on 087-0507022

Donkey sanctuary

A great day out for all the family is guaranteed on Cork’s Donkey Sanctuary loop walk. On offer is a stroll through the Donkey Sanctuary, Liscarroll, where children can meet and greet some of the sanctuary’s most adorable residents.

You will be met on arrival by guide Paddy Barrrett who will walk and talk you through the wonderful story of the Donkey Sanctuary and its residents. The terrain is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs with donkey encounters guaranteed.

* Contact 086-3895931

Walk the line

Recall the age of steam for adults and children alike as you ramble the 10km between the towns of Abbeyfeale and Templeglantine while following the route of the long abandoned West Limerick Railway with scenic views and woodland walking as a bonus. Refreshments provided at journey’s end, along with return transport.

* Contact Liam O’Mahony on 069-61171

Explore green Dublin

Once it was “dear old dirty Dublin” but today the city is proud of its increasingly green credentials. To celebrate, the National Trails Office is organising an exploration of Dublin’s “Green Loop”. This trail, which is being opened for the day, links some of the most scenic parks and green spaces in greater Dublin by way of the Grand and Royal Canal towpaths. It will be fully waymarked and is ideal for walkers, cyclists and runners.

A cycle leaves from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, with registration beginning at 11am. Cyclists can ride the trail themselves or join with National Trails Office-led groups.

* Contact Lynne Chen on 01-8608856

A walk in the park

Love walking, but tired of pounding pavements? You next step is the countryside but how do you discover the right walk and then find your way around it?

If this is your predicament an introductory workshop and trail walk in the Phoenix Park may be just for you. Designed to assist participants in planning safe and enjoyable walks, the workshop covers the benefits of exercise, walking technique, proper posture, planning an outing to the countryside and walking safely.

Tips on footwear, clothing, extra gear, warming up and clearing up will also be provided.

* Contact Pamela Cullen on 01-4632800

Newcomers

Choose to cruise

Newcomers to wilderness walking have a chance to sample the low-level charms of Tipperary’s Lough Derg Way on a ramble from the biscuit box prettiness of Garrykennedy to the equally captivating lakeside setting of Dromineer.

The route follows a mix of riverbanks, canals, forest tracks and old roadway, and is around 20km long.

You don’t have to walk back, however, as you can cruise on the lough in style to Garrykennedy for just €5.

* Contact Denis Collison on 0872264138

Gaeilge agus fáilte

Enjoy a guided walk beneath the towering cliffs that encircle dramatic Gougane Barra Forest Park in Co Cork.

Ramble through natural woodlands to reach the highly scenic source of the River Lee and also visit the ancient monastic cells of St Finbarr, which are set in one of the country’s most breathtaking sites. And for an extra challenge, you can do the entire walk as Gaeilge.

* Contact Joan O’Connor on 087-1345097

Non-walkers

The Goul challenge

Not a ghost hunt but a flat water family kayaking event covering an 8km route along the River Goul from Galmoy, Co Kilkenny, to Cullahil, Co Laois.

The trail passes ancient passage tombs and disused water mills while paddlers are likely to encounter herons, kingfishers and swans that make a home on the river.

This event is suitable for canoeists of all levels.

* Contact Michael G Phelan on 087 2395357

Riding high

Bel-Air Hotel and Equestrian Centre in Ashford, Co Wicklow is set on 200 acres of farm and parkland with memorable coastal views. To celebrate national trails day the centre is offering a one-hour ride-out through the beautiful Carrig Forest with or without jumping.

This event is for experienced riders only who are comfortable in a canter.

* Contact Noni Law on 086-2794392

Canoe the canal

Here is a great opportunity to experience canoeing while enjoying views of Newry, Co Down, from the water.

Experienced guides will take you along the trail, teaching the basics of kayaking along the way. Whatever your skill level or ability you can come along to enjoy a memorable day on the water, while taking in some beautiful scenery.

No experience with canoeing is necessary, making this event perfect for beginners and those who simply want to have a go. All equipment, including life jackets and canoes, is provided free of charge.

Places are limited and advance registration is required.

* Contact Michelle McKeown on 028-41752256

Trails day

Details of all National Trails Day events are listed on nationaltrailsday.ie