First mountain bike trail officially opened in Dublin Mountains

A new 8km Mountain Bike Trail in Ticknock Forest near Sandyford, Dublin was officially opened today by Minister Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport. This flagship project of the Dublin Mountains Partnership (DMP) is the first official, purpose built mountain bike trail in the Dublin Mountains. The trails were designed by the Coillte Recreation Team on behalf of the Dublin Mountains Partnership.The new trails are a very exciting and important addition to the outdoor recreation infrastructure that is managed by the DMP and will provide a wonderful resource for the citizens of Dublin and tourists alike.

Speaking at the event Minister Varadkar said: "Activity tourism and outdoor recreation play a vital role in attracting visitors from abroad, and from across Ireland. Along with the other trails and facilities already developed in the forests of the Dublin mountains, this new trail is a major boost to Dublin as a destination. "Hiking and biking trails bring economic benefits to an area, but there are also considerable health benefits. This is a fantastic new recreational and tourism resource on the doorstep of our capital city."

Also speaking at the event DMP Chairman, Bill Murphy said: "Forests and public lands represent a huge resource for the people of Ireland delivering health benefits and enjoyment as well as supporting local jobs through tourism. Visits to forest sites such as Ticknock are estimated to deliver over €270 million to the tourism sector nationally each year. The DMP has worked hard over the last few years developing new trails such as the Dublin Mountains Way and now this new mountain bike trail all of which make the Dublin Mountains a great place to visit."