In this section

Why become accredited?

  • Benefit from the brand

  • Reassure stakeholders

  • Support

  • Promotion and growth

  • Opportunities

  • Consistancy

Additional resources

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For additional Blueway resources, advisory notes and advice on best practice, visit the Sport Ireland website.

Find out more
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Get in touch with the Customer Support team to find out more

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Blueways

Blueways are a new tourism and outdoor recreation offering on the island of Ireland that aim to celebrate and promote our scenic inland waterways, lakes, rivers and coastal areas around the island of Ireland. Blueways also aim to encourage more people to experience and enjoy outdoor activities in water locations. 

The Blueway Partnership has developed a range of publications and useful resources to assist all Blueway Developers and keep you informed.

What is a Blueway?

A Blueway is defined as: “A network of approved and branded multi-activity recreational trails and sites, based on, and closely linked with the water, together with providers facilitating access to activities and experiences”

The Blueways Ireland brand represents:

  • Being active in nature

  • Exploration of waterscapes

  • Service providers enabling easy access for all

  • Multi-activity trail options

  • Set within the context of places to stay, eat and go

  • Enriched by local culture, heritage, arts and visitor attractions

  • Responsible recreation within the environment 

Introduction to the Blueways

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Learn more about Blueways and the benefits of getting involved.

Download the introduction to the Blueways [pdf, 8.6MB]

Blueway management & development guide

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Learn more about the Blueways project, the target audience and accreditation.

Download the Blueway development guide [pdf, 22MB]
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Suir Blueway Tipperary

Learn more about The Suir Blueway Tipperary - the route includes a 53km kayaking and canoe trail from Cahir to Carrick-on-Suir and a 21km river bank walking and cycling trail between Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir.

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Lough Derg Blueway

Learn more about the Lough Derg Blueway - the 160 km shoreline of the lake includes a number of lakeside communities such as Portumna, Mountshannon, Terryglass, Dromineer and Killaloe.

The Blueway Partnership

Fáilte Ireland sits on the Blueway Partnership alongside Waterways Ireland, Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland. The Blueway Partnership was established to provide strategic oversight and guidance over the development of Blueways on the island of Ireland.

Accreditation has been identified by the Blueway Partnership as fundamental to ensure a consistent high standard of Blueway development on the island. The Blueway Partnership has established an accreditation process for Blueways and the Partnership acts as an awarding body.