|
National Trails Day will take place on Sunday 3rd October. In its third year, it is getting bigger and events are planned all over the country, North and South, including walking, cycling, equestrian and water trails. This year's National Trails Day has been expanded from 120 events last year to 150 this year.
This year's events include a range of exciting outdoor events including canoe and kayaking, mountain biking, trail conservation work, nature and heritage walks, horse-riding on equestrian trails, family orienteering and family cycling. There will also be a bat walk, 'fungi and fruit' walks and cycle orienteering events.
National Trails Day is an all-Ireland event organised by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Coillte, the National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council and Fلilte Ireland along with the Countryside Access & Activities Network in Northern Ireland and is aimed at increasing awareness about the fantastic recreation opportunities in the Irish countryside and encourage people to experience a trail in their locality.
At the launch today Minister Pat Carey, TD, Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs encouraged everyone to get out on October 3rd and enjoy tracks and trails in some of the best countryside in Europe.
Minister Carey said: "A lot of work has been undertaken through the Walks Scheme by my own department over the last few years and Coillte, Fلilte Ireland and the Irish Sports Council have put in place an impressive network of high quality trails, which are a huge draw for walkers, cyclists and water enthusiasts at home and abroad. National Trails Day is an opportunity for everyone to get out and experience the trails for themselves."
Olive Loughnane, World Championship Race Walker silver medallist was on hand at the launch and echoed Minister Carey's call. "We have some of the best trails in the world right outside our back door in Ireland and National Trails Day is the perfect day to get out and experience them. No matter what your fitness level or interest - you'll find something in your area on 3rd October," she said.
A full listing of events is on www.nationaltrailsday.ie. Event organisers can still post events for the day by logging on to the website and completing the form.
|