Ireland’s National Walks Scheme is being expanded to 62 new trails in 17 counties, marking the largest increase ever and part of a plan to raise the total number of trails from 80 to 150 in the next two years.
The issued trails include locations on Inis Meáin, Oileán Chléire, as well as in Counties Monaghan and Wexford, enhancing rural tourism and outdoor recreation while supporting landholders through funding for trail maintenance.
The Walks Scheme initiative works in collaboration with Local Development Companies to provide resources to farmers and landholders for trail upkeep, with over €15m distributed since 2017 and an additional €1.4m spent on maintenance materials.
Expressions of Interest are now open for further new trails, with an annual investment of over €500,000 planned to benefit rural areas through the expansion.
Minister Humphreys aims to establish Ireland as a premier international walking and hiking destination, emphasizing the partnership with landowners to facilitate access to the country’s natural landscapes and hidden gems.
The call for expressions of interest for new trails is open until October 11, 2024, encouraging trail management committees, community groups, and local authorities to participate in expanding and improving Ireland’s outdoor recreation offerings. The expansion was praised by Liam Twomey, Chairperson of Comhairle na Tuaithe, highlighting the scheme’s economic and wellbeing benefits from sustainable development efforts since 2004.Feautes walks include:
- Cavan: Moyar Loop Trail
- Clare: Lissycasey Cascades loop
- Cork: Ladysbridge Loop Trail, Fastnet Knockaphuca Loop, Fastnet Goleen Harbour Loop, Fastnet Tormore Loop , Fastnet Gortyowen , Fastnet Gortdubh Loop Walk, Fastnet Lissigriffin Loop Walk
- Donegal: Leghowney Loop Walk
- Islands: Cnoicín Loop, Oileán Chléire, Co. Chorcaigh, Gleann Loop, Oileán Chléire, Co. Chorcaigh, Lúb Dún Chonchúir, Inis Meáin, Co. na Gaillimhe, Lúb Cill Cheannannach, Inis Meáin, Co. na Gaillimhe, Lúb Dún Fearbhaí, Inis Meáin, Co. na Gaillimhe
- Kerry : Siuloid na Cille, Kilgarven Village Loop Walk, Kilbanow Mountain Loop, Castlequin/Paddy Casey Loop Walk, Cullum’s Cup Kilbeg Loop – Valentia Island, Cullum’s Cup Main Loop – Valentia Island, Strickeen Mountain walk
- Kilkenny: Kilmacoliver Woodland Loop
- Laois: Carrigmeal Woodland Loop – Milos, Carrigmeal Woodlands Loops – Tir na nÓg, Carrigmeal Woodlands Loops – Sheep’s Walk Trail
- Leitrim: Keeldra Lake Walkway, Bóthar na Naomh, Crummy Loop, Mullaghgarve Mass Rock
- Limerick: Ballinvreena Loop Walk, Blackrock Loop, Moore Abbey Loop
- Mayo: The Nature Walk Kilmaine, Newtown Forest Trail
- Monaghan: The Monaghan Way
- Roscommon: Ballintubber Rambling Trail
- Sligo: Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird (Devil’s Chimney)
- Tipperary: Cosán Felim Inch Loop, Killoscully Mass Path Looped walk, Knockmealdown Trail, The Source of the Nore Walking Trail, Loop of Lahile and Laughaun
- Waterford: Rathgormack Boolas Loop Walk, Waterford Estuary Coastal Path: Dunmore East to Ballymacaw Cove Linear, Mount Melleray Pilgrim Paths: Byrnes Bridge, Mount Melleray Pilgrim Paths: The Cross, Mount Melleray Pilgrim Paths: The Grotto, Mount Melleray Pilgrim Paths: The Source, Mount Melleray Pilgrim Paths: The Well, The Nire Valley: Coumduala Loop Walk, The Nire Valley: Coumlara Loop Walk, The Nire Valley: Gap Walk, The Nire Valley: Sgilloges Walk, Ardmore Cliff Walk
- Wexford: Ballybrittas Dolmen Trail, Mt. Nebo Trail, Kilanerin Curragh Wood Loop, River Walk, Cullentra Trail
- Wicklow: Lacken Mass Path, Jubilee Loop
