Hit the trail this September at the first ever National Trails Day

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!
 
The first ever National Trails Day was launched today by Eamon O’Cuiv, T.D., Minister forCommunity, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs along with Shaun Quinn, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland and David Gunning, Chief Executive, Coillte accompanied by well known TV personality and recreation expert Kathryn Thomas.
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 treks and walks of different lengths in some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland.
 
Speaking at the launch Shaun Quinn, Chief Executive, Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority said: "Fáilte Ireland with support from the Department of Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs is investing heavily in developing and upgrading trails throughout the country, including national looped walks, waymarked ways, trails on Coillte owned sites and the development of new cycling routes and hubs. The National Trails Day is a great way to highlight the abundance of trails now available and accessible throughout the country and we are delighted to support this initiative.
There is considerable potential to attract further visitors to Ireland for activities such as walking and cycling and we will continue our investment in the leisure activity area.   Last year 488,000 overseas visitors engaged in hillwalking and hiking holidays and 110,000 participated in cycling holidays".
 

ENDS

 
For further information contact:
 
Daithi de Forge- National Trails Day Project Co-ordinator,
086 205 8873 or at daithi.deforge@coillte.ie
 
Mary Cosgrave – PR Manager, Fáilte Ireland
01 8847145 / mary.cosgrave@failteireland.ie
 
Ciara Scully- Walking & Cycling development officer- Fáilte Ireland
01 8847126/ ciara.scully@failteireland.ie
 

Notes to Editor:

Partners in the National Trials Day are Coillte, Fáilte Ireland, Comhairle na Tuaithe, The Department of Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs and the National Trails Office and they are calling on everyone to get involved. If you wish to take part please log on to www.nationaltrailsday.ie for information of events in your locality. If you are a walker or a biker and wish to organise an event please contact Daithi de Forge at Daithi.deforge@coillte.ie.
 
There will also be an advertising campaign in September in national and local press.
 

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